Since 1973, NEWSED has served as a community-controlled economic development corporation. Its primary goal has been to develop projects and programs that solve long-term economic problems in impacted communities by creating jobs, developing needed shopping areas and services, fostering minority business ownership, revitalizing the neighborhood, providing employment and training services, and promoting the beauty of the Latino culture through the arts. NEWSED advocates for social and economic improvements and builds partnerships and collaborations to encourage empowerment of individuals, agencies, and business owners.