Rutgers University Students Explored Atlantic City’s Growth and Sustainability

Students from Rutgers University recently explored Atlantic City through a guided bus tour that highlighted the city’s ongoing development projects, environmental challenges, and opportunities for innovation. The immersive experience allowed participants to see firsthand how urban planning and sustainability intersect in a city known for its rich history and evolving landscape.

The tour, organized by the City of Atlantic City’s Planning & Development Department, aimed to inspire students to think critically about practical, long-term solutions that support the city’s revitalization.

During the visit, students focused on key urban challenges, including vacant lots and abandoned buildings, underutilized mega-structures, limited water access, and environmental vulnerabilities. These areas served as inspiration for their upcoming studio projects, where they will propose innovative strategies to enhance city life and promote resilience.

Stops on the tour included Bader Field, Gardner’s Basin, the Orange Loop, and several other notable sites that represent both the city’s potential and the work still to be done. Each location offered students an opportunity to assess how design, policy, and community engagement can come together to shape a sustainable urban future.

City officials and planners also shared insights about recent redevelopment initiatives, community partnerships, and efforts to balance growth with environmental responsibility.

For many students, this experience served as a real-world classroom, offering a deeper understanding of how planning decisions can impact local economies, ecosystems, and residents’ quality of life.

The collaboration between the City of Atlantic City and Rutgers University showcased how education and municipal innovation can work hand in hand to prepare the next generation of urban planners.

Through this initiative, Atlantic City continues to position itself as a living laboratory for sustainable urban transformation, providing valuable learning opportunities while welcoming fresh perspectives from emerging professionals.