 Booker 's mayoralty and personal celebrity drew much media attention to Newark . While he enjoyed high ratings from city residents , his legacy has received mixed reviews . Since his election there has been millions of dollars of investment in downtown development , but persistent underemployment and high murder rates continue to characterize many of the city 's neighborhoods . Despite legal challenges initiated during his term , Newark Public Schools has remained under control of the state for nearly twenty years . Newark received $ 32 million in emergency state aid in 2011 and 2012 , requiring a memorandum of understanding between Newark and the state that obligates the city to request and the state to approve appointments to city hall administrative positions . 
