At the end of each calendar year, City of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. and city leadership update the Small Administration’s progress through a Year-End Review news conference. In 2025, Mayor Small reports that 118 of 139 goals set at the start of the year were completed, for an 85 percent success rate. The annual review is designed to promote transparency and accountability.

Mayor Small points out the 2025 goal list was the largest and most ambitious undertaken during his tenure to date. While the overall completion percentage was slightly lower than in previous years, the administration completed more total goals than ever before. Mayor Small credits his department directors and city staff for maintaining momentum while tackling a broader agenda, emphasizing that the scope of work completed in 2025 lays a foundation for continued progress in the new year.

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Clean and Safe Initiatives Strengthen Public Safety

As is always the case, public safety was a central theme of the Year-End Review, with significant investments made to enhance policing, emergency response, and neighborhood safety.

The Atlantic City Police Department increased patrols along major corridors such as Atlantic Avenue, and Pacific Avenue, and at Renaissance Plaza, supported in part by a $3 million grant from the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA). These enhanced patrols were aimed at reducing crime, increasing visibility, and improving the sense of safety for residents, workers, and visitors. The department also modernized its equipment by issuing optimized handguns to all officers and adding five Polaris vehicles for beach and Boardwalk patrols, improving mobility in harder-to-access areas.

The Atlantic City Fire Department focused on preparedness and modernization, expanding firefighter training throughout the year with Rope Rescue Competencies and Bailout recertification, and acquiring a new Ladder truck and Mini Pumper. Once placed into service, these vehicles are expected to strengthen emergency response times and firefighting capabilities across the city.

The Department of Public Works upgraded and replaced the city’s snow emergency fleet, a move officials said will improve reliability during severe winter weather. The department also installed signage for the visually impaired in front of all Atlantic City elementary schools, enhancing pedestrian safety for students and families.

Cybersecurity and building safety were also addressed. The city’s Information Technology (IT) Office redesigned internal systems and replaced aging hardware to better protect city data from cyber threats. In addition, a new ordinance now allows the Department of Licensing and Inspections (L&I) to require property owners and landlords to remove low-voltage wires and satellite dishes from buildings, reducing hazards and improving the city’s visual landscape.

Economic and Residential Development Gains

Economic growth and housing development were highlighted as major accomplishments of the Small Administration in 2025.

The city launched its first-ever “Keep It Local” campaign, a marketing initiative aimed at encouraging residents and visitors to support Atlantic City-based small businesses. The Small Business Academy continued to provide entrepreneurs with training and resources on starting and running a business, while the city hosted its first Black Business Expo and created a Black Business Directory to promote minority-owned businesses. Altogether, $500,000 in grant funding was allocated to support small businesses, an investment city leaders say strengthens the local economy and creates jobs.

On the housing front, the Planning and Development Department helped secure more than 200 new residential developments, expanding housing options and supporting neighborhood revitalization. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Office also contributed an additional $469,000 to the Atlantic City First-Time Homebuyer Lottery Program, which helps more residents achieve homeownership and long-term stability. Many vacant and abandoned properties have been reclaimed through several Planning & Development programs.

Additional opportunities for local vendors were created through new permissions for food trucks at Gardner’s Basin and O’Donnell Memorial Park, adding amenities for residents and visitors. The city’s Workforce Development program added additional workshops and resources for residents throughout 2025.

Fiscal Responsibility and Stability

Mayor Small always says it’s taxpayers first in Atlantic City, and fiscal management remained a priority in 2025, with Atlantic City announcing its sixth consecutive tax decrease. The reduction was achieved while continuing to generate revenue through strategic investments.

The City Solicitor’s Office plays a key role in protecting taxpayer dollars, saving significant funds through successful litigation and liability defense. City leaders also expressed optimism about potential additional credit rating upgrades, which could further reduce borrowing costs and strengthen Atlantic City’s financial standing.

L&I, one of the city’s biggest revenue generators, also instituted upgrades to its parking enforcement system by purchasing two license plate readers for police vehicles to more efficiently determine if a parked car is in violation.

Community Engagement and Quality of Life

Community-focused initiatives also highlighted the administration’s accomplishments. The Public Information Office launched the Great Day Atlantic City platform, which has grown into a central hub for city news, events, and resources for residents, businesses, and investors. The Great Day App was created for more convenient access to the platform.

The Health and Human Services Department expanded its lineup of free programs for youth (Mini Hoops, Pickleball, Martial Arts) and seniors (Senior en Blanc, Mr. and Ms. Senior Services Pageant). The Anti-Violence Division hosted the city’s first Anti-Violence Conference (Pullup 4 Peace), attracting participants from across the country and highlighting Atlantic City’s commitment to violence prevention. Health and Human Services also created a Mental Health Advisory Committee to implement programs to assist the unhoused population, along with other Atlantic City residents. The Multicultural Services office expanded Intro to Language classes offered free to residents.

Public Works installed water filling stations at five locations along the Boardwalk after high demand from residents, with more to come throughout city parks. Public Works also added ‘Little Free Libraries’ in each Atlantic City park.

Atlantic City Municipal Court also broadened its community outreach with a “Put Your Life Back on Track” event, during which hundreds of bench warrants were lifted, helping residents resolve outstanding issues and re-engage with the community.

Mayor Small is scheduled to deliver his 2026 State of the City Address on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Golden Nugget Atlantic City.

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