Chamber Advocacy
2025 Legislative Priorities & Policy Agenda
The Greater Atlantic City Chamber represents businesses throughout Atlantic County, New Jersey, advocating for policies that strengthen our regional economy, support our workforce, and enhance the quality of our place. The Chamber recognizes that Atlantic County and Atlantic City, while interconnected, face distinct challenges and opportunities that require focused, separate approaches. Our 2025 agenda acknowledges this reality by presenting two targeted policy frameworks.
Atlantic County Agenda
Our 2025 county priorities focus on developing diverse industry sectors beyond gaming, strengthening regional transportation networks, and expanding workforce training programs across our suburban and rural communities.
Atlantic City Agenda
For Atlantic City specifically, we prioritize gaming industry innovation, tourism infrastructure modernization, and urban revitalization initiatives that will reinforce the city’s position as a premier resort destination.
Areas of Advocacy
GOOD GOVERNANCE & STATE OVERSIGHT IN ATLANTIC CITY
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & BUSINESS CLIMATE
INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
HEALTHCARE & HUMAN SERVICES
TOURISM, GAMING, & ARTS
MILITARY & VETERAN AFFAIRS
2026 NEW JERSEY STATE BUDGET
The state’s oversight authority through the Municipal Stabilization and Recovery Act (MSRA) has not achieved its intended outcomes for Atlantic City. While recognizing the state’s role, we advocate for more effective governance that empowers local stakeholders:
Taxes
- Establish quarterly performance metrics and public reporting requirements for state oversight activities
- Create a formal feedback mechanism between state monitors and local stakeholders
- Require transparent reporting on state intervention outcomes
- Institute regular public hearings on oversight effectiveness
FUNDING
- Develop clear guidelines for private sector engagement
- Establish dedicated liaison office for business community interaction
- Create streamlined approval process for public-private initiatives
GOOD GOVERNANCE & STATE OVERSIGHT IN ATLANTIC CITY
The state’s oversight authority through the Municipal Stabilization and Recovery Act (MSRA) has not achieved its intended outcomes for Atlantic City. While recognizing the state’s role, we advocate for more effective governance that empowers local stakeholders:
Reform State Oversight Implementation
- Establish quarterly performance metrics and public reporting requirements for state oversight activities
- Create a formal feedback mechanism between state monitors and local stakeholders
- Require transparent reporting on state intervention outcomes
- Institute regular public hearings on oversight effectiveness
Strengthen Local Decision-Making Authority
- Implement a 30-day maximum review period for all development projects with an expedited fast-track process for projects under $10 million
- Establish clear, comprehensive guidelines delineating local vs. state decision-making authority with specific thresholds and accountability metrics
- Reestablish the Atlantic City Executive Committee with enhanced powers, balanced representation from all sectors (casino, non-casino business, community, education, healthcare), and local government seats
- Require binding documentation for all Committee recommendations with mandatory 21-day response times from the state oversight team and formal bi-directional communication protocols
- Mandate monthly public meetings with published agendas, progress reports, and a dedicated transparency portal for tracking project approvals and Committee performance
Enhance Public-Private Partnership Capabilities
- Develop clear guidelines for private sector engagement
- Establish dedicated liaison office for business community interaction
- Create streamlined approval process for public-private initiatives
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & BUSINESS CLIMATE
Gaming & Tourism Industry Support
- Advocate for policies supporting casino industry modernization and growth
- Support measures to extend gaming options through online platforms
- Promote year-round tourism initiatives to reduce seasonal economic fluctuations
- Champion tax policies that keep Atlantic City competitive with neighboring gaming markets
Small Business Growth
- Push for streamlined business licensing and permit processes
- Support tax incentives for small businesses establishing or expanding in Atlantic County
- Advocate for reduced regulatory burden on local businesses
- Promote programs supporting minority and women-owned businesses
INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION
Regional Connectivity
- Prioritize Atlantic City International Airport expansion and route development
- Support NJ Transit rail service improvements between Atlantic City and Philadelphia
- Advocate for Route 40/322 corridor improvements
- Champion broadband infrastructure expansion throughout the county
Coastal Resilience
- Support funding for beach replenishment and coastal protection projects
- Advocate for infrastructure improvements to prevent flooding
- Promote sustainable development practices in coastal areas
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Education & Training
- Partner with Stockton University and Atlantic Cape Community College for targeted workforce programs
- Support vocational training initiatives aligned with casino industry needs
- Advocate for expanded STEM education programs in K-12 schools
- Champion apprenticeship programs in emerging industries
Healthcare & Life Sciences
- Support expansion of AtlantiCare’s medical education programs
- Promote development of life sciences cluster near Stockton University
- Advocate for healthcare workforce training programs
HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Affordable Housing
- Support policies promoting workforce housing development
- Advocate for mixed-income development incentives
- Champion reforms to increase housing stock accessibility
Quality of Place
- Promote arts and cultural development initiatives
- Support public safety enhancement programs
- Advocate for expanded public transportation options
