City of Atlantic City's Planning & Development

The Department of Planning and Development plays a vital role in the preservation of the City’s unique assets while shaping its future development through a comprehensive policy of JEDI (justice, environment diversity and inclusion) principles. As steward of the City’s Master Plan, its policies and recommendations, including the enforcement of land use ordinances, the department is complemented by various purpose specific entities, including the Planning Board, Zoning Board, Green Team, Historic Preservation Commission and the Shade Tree Committee. Collectively, they engage and encourage stakeholder empowerment to advance redevelopment, environmental stewardship, economic and community development. The department also includes the Office of Job Readiness and the US HUD, Community Development Block Grant Program, with its comprehensive program initiatives to further engage and create sustainable opportunities in Atlantic City’s culturally and economically diverse neighborhoods and communities.

Key Projects under the Department of Planning and Development include:

Sustainability

Green Coalition

Shade Tree Coalition

Community Forestry Management Plan

Tree City Designation

Historic Preservation

Northside Survey

Kennedy Pavilion

Redevelopment Projects

Belfield Avenue Redevelopment

K Hovnanian

Weekes Park

North East Inlet Project

Atlantic Loft

Ridley lofts

lighthouse Row

Housing Lottery Phase One

Genesis Revitalization Group

Foya Redevelopment

Micro Loan

Small Business Academy

Mayor Small's scholarship program

Work Force Development

Transit village

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Within the Department of Planning and Development:

Community Development Block Grant

Program Description:

In 1974, the federal government enacted the Federal Housing and Community Development Act. Title I of the Act combined several funding programs into a single program called "Community Development Block Grant" (CDBG). Congress designed the CDBG program to enhance and maintain the viability of urban communities. The CDBG program accomplishes these goals by providing decent housing, suitable living environments and expanded economic opportunities; principally for low-and moderate-income persons. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers the CDBG program through state and local governments.

Communities receiving CDBG block grants are free to develop their own programs and funding priorities based on local community development needs. However, these "entitlement communities" must promote the national CDBG objectives by giving the highest funding priority to activities which benefit low-and moderate-income persons, or which aid in the elimination and prevention of slums and blight. Under certain circumstances, CDBG funds may be used as urgent need to address an immediate threat to public health and safety. CDBG activities must adhere to federal eligibility requirements to ensure consistency with the national objectives.

Program Goals:

The City of Atlantic City funds organizations who exemplify the capacity to provide benefits to low- and moderate-income persons within the City, to eliminate and prevent slums and blight, to deliver services in times of emergencies, and to address urgent needs for the City.

CDBG, plays an important role in ensuring that the city meets the planning and development needs of all members within the community, through the administration of a plethora of community economic development programs and projects.

As CDBG, we empower organizations to foster collaborative thinking to further drive community innovation. By closing the loop and leveraging frameworks, we help organizations grow organically and foster a community-first mindset.  We promote safe, affordable homes and vibrant, inclusive, sustainable communities for all residents of Atlantic City.

Collectively, our goal is Empowering our community to drive sustainable growth, create jobs, and the enhance quality of life for our residents.  This approach aims to strengthen local economies and improve the well-being of communities. Additionally, it emphasizes the active involvement and participation of community members in shaping the economic development initiatives and decisions that affect their lives.

Community Economic Development is not just about attracting outside investments; it is about nurturing local entrepreneurship, fostering innovation, and promoting equitable economic development that benefits everyone. CED offers numerous sustainable benefits within the community, ensuring that communities shape their local economic future.