NJ Department of Community Affairs

Community at the Core Podcast

Government EN ↓ 6 episodes

Community at the Core is the official podcast of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), where we explore the heart of what makes our neighborhoods thrive—people. Each episode highlights voices from across the state who are making an impact in big and small ways, from every background and walk of life. Whether they’re public servants, advocates, volunteers, or everyday residents, our guests share personal stories, professional insights, and powerful reflections on what community means to them. Join us as we celebrate the work being done to build stronger, more connected communiti...

Author

NJ Department of Community Affairs

Episodes

Episode 6 - Empowering Choice through NJHOMES 04.03.2026 55:40

In this episode, host Kia King is joined by Janel Winter, Assistant Commissioner and Director of our Division of Housing & Community Resources, and Diane Riley, Manager of Special Projects of the Division of Housing & Community Resources, to discuss how DCA is strengthening housing and community development across New Jersey. They share how NJHOMES, the first program of its kind in the sta...

DCA Podcast Episode 5: Shared Services: Local Assistance Bureau 27.11.2025 47:58

In this episode, Kia King sits down with DCA Local Assistance Bureau Chief Rick Richardella and DCA Local Assistance Bureau Municipal Technical Advisor Eileen Brennen to discuss the successes and importance of municipal Shared Services. For more information you can visit: Shared Services at: https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/sharedservices.shtml Email Questions to: sharedservices@dca.nj.gov Municipaliti...

Episode 4 - Bringing Veterans Home 11.11.2025 50:55

In this episode, DCA Chief of Staff Kia King sits down with DCA Assistant Commissioner Janel Winter, DCA Office of Homelessness Prevention Director Michael Callahan, and New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Deputy Commissioner Vincent Solomeno for a powerful discussion about “Bringing Veterans Home,” a new program dedicated to ending veteran homelessness — and why this initiative...

Episode 3 - Fire Prevention Week 10.10.2025 39:34

In this episode, Kia King sits down with Director and New Jersey State Fire Marshal Richard Mikutski and Charles Lavin from the Division of Fire Safety for an important conversation on fire prevention. They dive into the critical steps being taken to protect communities and highlight the progress New Jersey has made to keep all residents safe.

Episode 2 - Data for Action 29.09.2025 52:28

In this episode, Kia King welcomes three of DCA’s leading voices in the data space: Dr. Christopher Wheeler, Chief Data Officer; John Harrison, Director of Information Technology; and Gavin Rozzi, Director of Data Center Administration. They discuss the vital role that data-driven insights play in decision-making across the department, and share some of the exciting new tools we’ve introduced to c...

Episode 1 - Eviction Prevention In Action 25.08.2025 50:06

Kia King sits down with Dean Dafis, Director of the Office of Eviction Protection at DCA, to discuss eviction protections in New Jersey and highlight some of the department’s new, helpful tools for tenants and landlords.