Abt Associates was retained in 1999 by Newark Housing Authority (NHA) to develop and prepare a HOPE VI application for Stella Wright Homes, a traditional high-rise public housing family development. Abt Associates guided the NHA and other stakeholders through a strategic planning process that resulted in a comprehensive HOPE VI application. Abt Associates and its team researched existing neighborhood conditions, explored redevelopment options, provided resident training, and coordinated and conducted community meetings to develop broad and informed support for the plan. Abt Associates worked closely with the NHA, residents, city officials, and key stakeholders to develop a HOPE VI plan that leveraged public and private funding to develop $137 million mixed-income rental and homeownership community with new streets and utilities and two new community centers. This effort resulted in the award of a $35 million grant to NHA.