Neighborhoods
Neighborhood Revitalization: Moving New Brunswick’s People Forward
Esperanza Neighborhood
Esperanza Neighborhood
A Neighborhood Initiative
At New Brunswick Tomorrow (NBT), we believe that meaningful progress starts in the neighborhoods where people live. That’s why we focus on improving conditions in communities experiencing higher levels of distress and instability—ensuring every resident has the opportunity to thrive.
NBT has a proud history of supporting neighborhood improvement efforts across the city. Today, we lead two major revitalization initiatives in the adjacent neighborhoods of Esperanza and Livingston Avenue South. These vibrant, majority-Latino communities represent approximately 13% of New Brunswick’s land area and 20% of its population. While they face challenges such as financial hardship and health disparities, they are also home to incredible resilience, energy, and hope for the future.
Designated NRTC Neighborhoods
- Esperanza Neighborhood Project
Launched in 2013, this initiative became a designated Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit (NRTC) neighborhood in 2020, unlocking new resources and partnerships to support long-term transformation. - Livingston Avenue South Neighborhood Project
Following a comprehensive planning process led by NBT and the community, Livingston Avenue South received its NRTC designation in 2025, marking a new chapter of investment and opportunity.
Community-Led Planning and Action
Each project is guided by a dedicated committee of local residents, business owners, and institutional partners who bring deep knowledge, passion, and commitment to the work. Their leadership ensures that revitalization strategies are rooted in community priorities and lived experience.
Our Strategic Focus Areas
NBT’s neighborhood revitalization efforts are built around three core pillars:
- ✓ Housing – Expanding access to safe, affordable, and quality homes.
- ✓ Economic Development – Supporting local entrepreneurship and workforce growth.
- ✓ Community Building – Fostering connection, leadership, and civic engagement.
Investing in a Brighter Future
By combining grassroots engagement, proven and innovative strategies, and critical public and private investments, NBT is making a tangible difference in the lives of those who live and work in Esperanza and Livingston Avenue South. Together, we’re building stronger, healthier, and more vibrant neighborhoods—and moving New Brunswick’s people forward.
OUR IMPACT
volunteer residents participating
hours performed in community improvement activities
community clean-ups
residents satisfied with neighborhood
Citywide impacts due to resident advocacy:
workers gaining mandatory paid sick time
Municipal IDs issued
vacant properties rehabilitated
local ordinances passed with resident advocacy
residents trained and activated as outreach ambassadors
residents engaging in neighborhood improvement activities annually
new community murals or public art installations
community celebrations & festivals hosted
neighborhood parks developed or improved
families graduated from Family Leadership Academy
saved by Family Leadership Academy families
Together with our partners, we’re making measurable progress:
first-time homebuyers supported
families received down payment & closing cost assistance
in assistance grants awarded
affordable housing units developed
distressed homes rehabbed and sold
households receive pre-homeownership counseling annually
households receive pre-homeownership education annually
tenant households counseled annually
tenants engaged in the Tenant Association annually
NBT and its partners will have contributed to the growth of local entrepreneurs and small businesses by:
business grant funds awarded
small business grant recipients
small businesses participating in neighborhood activities
neighborhood businesses featured in new district website
entrepreneurs received business education training
emerging entrepreneurs provided sales opportunities annually
new storefront food businesses opened
culinary scholarships awarded
people reached with financial education annually
KEY ISSUES
PROGRAM
Partners
NBT partners with the following organizations to make this program available to the people of New Brunswick: NJCC, PRAB and Rising Tide Capital.