Atlantic City Planning & Development

Atlantic City's renaissance doesn't happen by chance. Behind every new neighborhood, housing development and economic opportunity is thoughtful planning and a vision for the future.

The City of Atlantic City's Department of Planning and Development serves as the driving force behind that vision, guiding responsible growth while preserving the city's unique character and ensuring development benefits every neighborhood.

As steward of Atlantic City's Master Plan, the department works to promote redevelopment, environmental sustainability, economic opportunity and equitable growth. Working alongside the Planning Board, Zoning Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Green Team and Shade Tree Committee, the department helps shape a city that is both forward-thinking and community-focused.

Its impact can be seen throughout Atlantic City.

The department has helped advance dozens of transformative redevelopment projects that are bringing new housing, revitalizing neighborhoods and attracting private investment. From developments by nationally recognized builders like K. Hovnanian Homes to projects including Lighthouse Row, Atlantic Lofts, Ridley Lofts, the Northeast Inlet, Belfield Avenue Redevelopment and the city's growing Orange Loop, Planning and Development is helping position Atlantic City as one of New Jersey's fastest-growing development markets.

At the same time, the department remains committed to protecting what makes Atlantic City special.

Through sustainability initiatives, community forestry programs, Tree City designation efforts and the Shade Tree Committee, Atlantic City continues expanding its tree canopy while promoting environmental stewardship. Historic preservation initiatives protect the city's rich architectural history while ensuring these treasured assets remain part of Atlantic City's future.

Planning and Development also recognizes that successful redevelopment is about creating opportunities.

Through its Workforce Development initiatives and the Office of Job Readiness, the department helps connect residents with meaningful employment opportunities. Regular resume-building workshops, interview preparation sessions, job readiness training, career counseling and hiring events equip residents with the tools and confidence needed to enter or re-enter the workforce. By partnering with employers and workforce organizations, the department helps ensure Atlantic City residents are prepared to fill jobs created by the city's continued growth.

The department also administers the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, an essential resource that invests directly in Atlantic City's neighborhoods and residents. CDBG funding supports a wide range of initiatives that improve quality of life, including neighborhood revitalization projects, housing assistance, public infrastructure improvements, community services and nonprofit organizations that provide critical assistance to residents. The program also helps fund initiatives that expand educational opportunities, support economic development and strengthen underserved neighborhoods, ensuring redevelopment benefits every corner of the city.

Planning and Development's Economic Development division has also launched programs that create pathways to long-term success, including the Small Business Academy, microloan initiatives and the Small Business Academy for credit repair and financial literacy. The division also created the Black Business Expo celebrating and supporting minority-owned businesses by connecting entrepreneurs with customers, business resources and networking opportunities, while showcasing Atlantic City's thriving small business community. These initiatives help residents build careers, launch businesses and invest in their own futures, further strengthening the city's economy.

Together, these efforts are building a stronger Atlantic City from the ground up.

By balancing preservation with progress, the Planning & Development Department continues creating opportunities that improve lives, strengthen neighborhoods and fuel long-term prosperity.

Learn more:

‍Website: www.acnj.gov/Departments/planning-and-development

‍