Paterson One Square Mile
A hyper-local initiative to improve health, education, and economic opportunity for 35,000 residents of Paterson, New Jersey — in partnership with Montclair State University and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.
Begun in 2021, the One Square Mile initiative, a shared vision between Montclair University and Paterson city advocates and leaders, aims to revitalize a concentrated area of Paterson, New Jersey’s third-largest city and one of its poorest. In partnership with the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Montclair adminsters this hyper-local initiative improving health, education, and economic opportunity for 35,000 residents.
The One Square Mile project endeavors to find community-driven solutions to the city’s crises.
The City of Paterson
Paterson, New Jersey, known for its Great Falls, was founded in 1792 by Alexander Hamilton as America's first planned industrial city.
Paterson remained a bustling commercial center up through World War II. After the war, Paterson saw its factories close, resulting in the current economic conditions, particularly limited job opportunities for residents and a high risk for crime.
Today, Paterson is a diverse, densely populated urban center working to reinvent itself, with the Great Falls, designated as a National Historical Park in 2011, serving as a cultural anchor.
Approximately 35,000 residents across nine census tracts — 22% of Paterson's total population — live within the One Square Mile boundary. The area has grown 11% since 2015, more than four times faster than the rest of Passaic County (2.4%). The boundary spans portions of the 1st, 4th, and 5th Wards, beginning at the intersection of Lafayette Street and Straight Street.
Phase 1: Listening to the Residents
Phase 1 (2021-2023) of the Paterson One Square Mile initiative involved in-depth interviews with hundreds of Paterson residents, listening to concerns and needs. From these “Gathering Voices” sessions, Montclair University and an advisory committee of local leaders from numerous organizations developed a plan to address pressing issues for long-term benefit to the community.
Read the findings
- Housing Research Report Data collected on housing conditions, affordability challenges, and resident needs in Paterson, N.J.
- Community Data and Feedback Summary Key findings from U.S. Census data and direct resident feedback sessions, covering demographics, housing, health, education, and economic indicators within the OSM boundary.
- Housing Strategic Action Plan Proposed strategies to increase educational opportunities, train the workforce, and advance the health and wealth of residents.
- Paterson OSM Housing Dashboard This companion to the strategic action plan includes a page key data points for each housing goal.
- OSM Ethics Guidelines Guidance and accountability standards for how the OSM team conducts community-informed research, strategic planning, and implementation.
Phase 2: Housing Action Plan
Launched in November 2024, Phase 2 of One Square Mile is a five-year plan to create housing solutions for residents in the 1st, 4th, and 5th Wards. The plan was developed with input from more than 500 Paterson residents and the One Square Mile Advisory Committee.
Five Goals
A key milestone in the project was the selection of a lead “backbone” organization to oversee and coordinate the work. After a structured and impartial review process, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) New Jersey was chosen for this role. Montclair State University supported a thoughtful handoff, positioning LISC to begin convening the Steering Committee and leading implementation efforts.
1. Expand Housing Affordability Require 20% affordable units in new developments; 60% two- or three-bedroom units for families. | 2. Increase Supply & Stability Convert abandoned buildings to affordable housing; create eviction protection programs. |
3. Improve Housing & Equity Increase energy efficiency and create safe, quality housing across the OSM area. | 4. Create Housing & Safe Neighborhoods Expand wrap-around services; develop community leadership programming for next-generation leaders. |
5. Build Assets & Wealth Educate residents on homeownership benefits and generational wealth-building strategies versus renting. | |
Current Programs
These programs, managed by Montclair University, are currently operating in the One Square Mile area.
Eastside High School, University-Assisted Community School
Through a partnership between Montclair State University and Paterson Public Schools, Eastside High School is being developed as a full-service community school. Eastside provides wrap-around services including free healthy meals, healthcare, academic support, tutoring, mentoring, mental health counseling, and referral services, before, during, and after school for students and families.
Read more:
Early College Program
High school juniors and seniors in the One Square Mile area can participate in college readiness workshops/activities at the Montclair campus. The goal is to increase access to higher education for underserved communities by removing financial barriers and fostering academic success.
Paterson Adult ESL Community Program
A 10-week program led by an ESL-certified instructor, designed to address a pressing community need. Sessions are held on Saturdays for two hours, allowing working adults to participate without conflict with weekday commitments.
Paterson Harm Reduction Initiative
Paterson has one of the nation's highest rates of opioid and substance misuse and overdose fatality. With support from the Open Society Foundations and Vital Strategies, Montclair harnesses its Social Work and Justice Studies programs to provide harm reduction awareness, education, and training to community and faith-based leaders.
Paterson Anchor Collaborative
Hosted by Montclair State University, the Paterson Impact Collaborative brings together Paterson's hospitals, universities, K–12 schools, local government, and community organizations to work toward a shared goal: creating more jobs, supporting local workers, investing in neighborhoods, and helping Paterson thrive.
Through regular meetings and ongoing collaboration, these partners align their resources and expertise around the community's priorities — from workforce development to housing, public safety, and community programming — turning shared commitments into real, lasting benefits for Paterson residents.
Breaking the Cycle Initiative
A hiring pipeline offering transitional job training for court-involved and formerly incarcerated individuals, building a pathway back into meaningful employment within the community.
Paterson’s Own Field of Dreams
The Charles J. Muth Museum of Hinchliffe Stadium, under the auspices of Montclair State University, is dedicated to preserving and honoring the legacy of Hinchliffe Stadium—one of the last remaining Negro League stadiums and the hometown field of trailblazer Larry Doby.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paterson One Square Mile?
A hyper-local, community-led collective impact initiative focused on a defined area of Paterson, NJ, to improve equitable outcomes in health, education, and economic opportunity.
Who funds the initiative?
Primarily funded by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. Montclair State University serves as the backbone institution, providing staff time through its Community Action Nexus. Staff includes a full-time program manager.
How were the boundaries defined?
Montclair State University initially proposed the 4th Ward. The Advisory Committee expanded this to include portions of the 1st and 5th Wards. A map was created, presented at community events, and refined based on resident feedback.
How can I get involved?
- We invite community members, organizations, and partners to participate:
Share information with community members - Volunteer at programs and events
- Attend community sessions and giving feedback
- Contact us: patersonosm@montclair.edu
Office: Susan A. Cole Hall 348, Montclair State University
Progress updates are shared by email and through partner social media channels.