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Mayor Armstead Launches Opioid Eradication Initiative and “Safe Haven” Kickoff

Mayor Derek Armstead today announced the launch of the Linden Opioid Eradication and Abatement Initiative, a proactive, citywide effort to address substance use, alcohol misuse, and mental health challenges through education, prevention, and localized support.

To launch the initiative, Mayor Armstead invites residents, healthcare professionals, faith leaders, and local advocates to the Safe Haven Community Kickoff on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 10am until 12pm at the First Baptist Church of Linden, located at 929 Dill Avenue. This free, collaborative forum will connect attendees with life-saving resources and build vital community partnerships.

“Addressing the opioid crisis and mental health challenges requires a compassionate and aggressive community response,” said Mayor Armstead. “This initiative is about saving lives, erasing the stigma of addiction, and ensuring every resident has access to the resources they need to heal. I urge our neighbors and leaders to join us at the Safe Haven Kickoff so we can
build a healthier, safer Linden together.”

The new initiative builds upon the city’s established Mayor’s Wellness Campaign and reinforces Linden’s official “Stigma-Free” designation, established by city resolution in Spring 2026. This designation ensures those facing mental health and substance use disorders can seek help with dignity and without judgment. In alignment with this mission, Linden proudly champions the
green ribbon – the international symbol for mental health awareness – to show visible support for individuals in recovery.

The Safe Haven Community Kickoff is free and open to the public. For more information about the event contact the Mayor’s Office at 908-474-8493. Click here to learn more about the Linden Opioid Eradication and Abatement Initiative.

Linden 2026 Watch Party World Cup Finals

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, Uptown Linden, and the ‘Linden Welcomes the World’ Committee present the Linden 2026 Watch Party World Cup Finals. Join us for an outdoor fan-fest World Cup Finals Watch Party!

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event.

  • Who: Must be 21 and older to attend the event.
  • What: outdoor fan-fest World Cup Finals Watch Party! Food vendors and alcohol will be available.
  • When: July 19, 2026 at 3pm. Doors open at 1:30pm.
  • Where: Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, which is located at 400 North Wood Avenue.
  • How: Free public admittance with ticket. Scan the QR Code on the flyer, or click here to sign in and register to obtain your ticket – one (1) per person. Must be 21 or older to attend the event.

Extreme Heat Warning & Air Quality Safety Advisory

The City of Linden is advising residents to prepare for several challenging days of extreme heat and potential air quality concerns. Please take these conditions seriously, make a plan to remain cool and limit unnecessary outdoor activity.
Residents are encouraged to follow these important safety precautions:

  • Drink plenty of water, even before you feel thirsty.
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day.
  • Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing.
  • Check on older adults, neighbors, family members and anyone who may not have access to air conditioning.
  • Never leave children, individuals with disabilities or pets inside a parked vehicle.
  • Pay attention to signs of heat-related illness, including dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, weakness, confusion or an unusually high body temperature.
  • Monitor local air quality conditions and reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity when air quality is poor, especially if you have asthma or another heart or lung condition.

The City of Linden’s cooling centers are open to the public during their normal operating hours:

John T. Gregorio Recreation Center
330 Helen Street
Linden, NJ 07036

Linden Multi-Purpose Center
1025 John Street
Linden, NJ 07036

Residents should review the New Jersey Department of Health Heat Safety Precautions Advisory and visit the New Jersey Heat Safety and Resources page for additional information and guidance. Please be careful, have a plan and stay safe. Anyone with questions or concerns may contact the Linden Board of Health at (908) 474-8409 and ask to speak with one of the City’s public health nurses.

In an emergency or when someone is unresponsive, unconscious or showing signs of heatstroke, call 911 immediately.

Linden 8th Ward Reunion and Community Festival 2026

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation in conjunction with Kyle “Small” Smith and family present the Linden 8th Ward Reunion and Community Festival!

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event.

  • What: Linden 8th Ward Reunion and Community Festival, featuring special guests and performers Chill X, Frankie Vibe Barry B, and Ras Wiggins. Food trucks, game trucks, vendors! Bring your lawn chairs, and good energy!
  • Where: St. Marks (Dorothy Ford Park) which is located at 1298 Hussa Street, entrance also at Essex Avenue and Chandler Avenue.
  • When: Saturday, August 8, from 3pm until 9pm.
  • How: For more information, contact the Department of Parks & Recreation at 908-474-8600.

City of Linden Cooling Centers 2026

With temperatures soaring over the next few days, staying cool isn’t just about comfort; it’s about safety. If you or someone you know does not have access to air conditioning, please utilize the city’s designated cooling centers to beat the heat safely.

Linden Cooling Center Locations:

Who should use them? Everyone is welcome, especially high-risk individuals including seniors, families with young children, and anyone without a reliable way to cool down at home.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for the 2026 City of Linden Cooling Centers.

The Linden Fire Department Recruitment Fair

Do you have what it takes to be a Linden firefighter? Join us for the Linden Fire Department Recruitment Fair; an exciting opportunity to learn about a career dedicated to servicing your community. Our recruitment fair is your chance to explore the rewarding world of firefighting and emergency response.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event.

  • Who: Eligibility Requirements:
    • Must be between the ages of 18 and 34, a resident of Linden, U.S. Citizen, high school diploma or G.E.D., and valid NJ Driver License.
  • What: The Linden Fire Department Recruitment Fair; an exciting opportunity to learn about a career dedicated to servicing your community. Why choose us? The Linden Fire Department is all about servicing your community, competitive salary and benefits, ongoing training, advancement opportunities, and education reimbursement.
  • When: Wednesday, July 15, 2026 and Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 6pm.
  • Where: Linden Fire House No. 3, which is located at 1201 East Elizabeth Avenue.
  • How: Click here* to apply and to access registration and exam information. Deadline to apply is August 31, 2026 at 4pm.

* External Link Notice– Clicking any external link will cause you to leave the City of Linden website and access a site not maintained or controlled by the City. The City of Linden is not responsible for, and cannot guarantee the accuracy of, the content, security, availability, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of information on external websites, nor does it endorse any views, products, or services they may offer.

Live on Wood Avenue

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, the Department of Parks & Recreation, and Uptown Linden Inc.*, invite you to attend Live on Wood Avenue.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event.

  • What: Live on Wood Avenue at City Hall. Outdoor live band.
  • When: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 from 6pm until 8:30pm.
  • Where: Linden City Hall, which is located at 301 North Wood Avenue.
  • How: Free event. For more information, contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-474-8600.

* External Link Notice– Clicking any external link will cause you to leave the City of Linden website and access a site not maintained or controlled by the City. The City of Linden is not responsible for, and cannot guarantee the accuracy of, the content, security, availability, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of information on external websites, nor does it endorse any views, products, or services they may offer.

Community News – Zero Municipal Tax Increase

This year, Linden residents will see no increase in municipal taxes. While residents write one tax check, those tax dollars are distributed among several branches of government, each with its own budget and taxing authority. The municipal tax rate represents only the portion levied by the City of Linden. Linden was the only municipality in New Jersey to reduce municipal taxes in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 (during the COVID-19 pandemic), 2019, and 2018.

  • Linden has demonstrated responsible fiscal management by delivering six consecutive years of municipal tax reductions and holding the line on taxes. However, municipalities cannot continue to shoulder escalating state-mandated costs without relief. Click here to fight for Linden taxpayers by signing this petition for affordable healthcare.