Councilman Kaleem Shabazz says four city officials attended a housing seminar featuring congressional leaders and plan to examine how new federal legislation could benefit Atlantic City.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Four Atlantic City council members are exploring potential opportunities to address the city's housing needs following discussions with congressional leaders in Washington, D.C., about newly enacted federal housing legislation.
Councilman Kaleem Shabazz, speaking Friday on Off The Press with Scott Cronick on News Talk 1400 and 92.3 WOND, said he and three fellow council members attended an affordable housing seminar during the Congressional Black Caucus gathering.
The group included Shabazz, Councilman Aaron "Sporty" Randolph and Councilwomen Stephanie Marshall and Patricia Bailey.
Shabazz said the council members attended a session featuring U.S. Reps. Maxine Waters of California and Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri, both of whom have been involved in developing federal housing legislation.
"We're going to look at that when we get back to Atlantic City," Shabazz said, referring to the bipartisan housing measure discussed during the seminar.
The legislation Shabazz appears to have been referring to is the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a federal housing measure that became law July 11.
The legislation seeks to increase housing supply, reduce barriers to residential construction, expand housing opportunities and improve several existing federal housing programs.
It was approved by both houses of Congress with bipartisan support and became law without President Donald Trump's signature after he declined to sign or veto it within the constitutionally prescribed period.
Shabazz did not identify the legislation by name during the interview, and the specific provisions Atlantic City officials intend to examine have not been announced.
What the New Housing Law Could Mean for Atlantic City
The federal legislation contains several provisions that could be relevant to municipalities seeking to expand affordable housing or improve existing housing programs.
Among them are reforms to the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which provides federal funding to support affordable housing for low-income households.
The legislation also includes changes intended to encourage private landlords to participate in the federal Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program and improve access to housing for voucher holders.
Another provision establishes a framework for a competitive grant program supporting innovative local approaches to increasing housing supply.
The measures could provide avenues for Atlantic City officials to explore as they consider future housing initiatives.
However, the legislation does not automatically award new housing funds to Atlantic City, and the council members have not announced an application, funding request or specific project tied to the new law.
The city would need to determine which programs apply to its housing needs, what funding is available and whether any proposed initiatives meet federal eligibility requirements.
Atlantic City Already Using Federal Housing Funds
The city is already pursuing affordable housing projects through federal programs addressed in the new legislation.
In a Sept. 1 public notice, Atlantic City identified a proposed partnership with Habitat for Humanity to develop two affordable housing units on vacant city-owned lots at 110 and 113 N. Maryland Ave.
The city proposed using $471,958.63 in HOME funding for the project.
Atlantic City's 2026 housing plans also identify a proposed rehabilitation project at 26 N. Kentucky Ave., involving $153,982.50 in HOME funding toward an estimated $358,199 project to create an affordable housing unit.
These projects were proposed before Shabazz's Washington visit and have not been identified as beneficiaries of the new federal legislation.
They do, however, demonstrate that Atlantic City already participates in federal housing programs that could be affected by changes to housing policy.
New Federal Programs Could Create Additional Opportunities
One provision of the new law establishes a framework for an Innovation Fund intended to support communities that demonstrate progress in increasing their housing supply.
The legislation authorizes $200 million annually for the program from fiscal years 2027 through 2031, with individual competitive grants ranging from $250,000 to $10 million.
Eligible activities could include housing-related infrastructure and initiatives that support additional residential development.
However, the law does not itself appropriate funding for the program. Federal implementation, funding availability and eligibility requirements will determine whether Atlantic City can pursue an award.
Another provision authorizes a pilot program to help convert vacant and abandoned buildings into housing, potentially providing an additional avenue for communities pursuing redevelopment.
Shabazz did not say whether Atlantic City officials are considering either program.
Four Council Members Bring Housing Discussions Back to Atlantic City
Shabazz said the Washington gathering provided opportunities for the council members to meet federal lawmakers, attend workshops and learn about initiatives that could inform their work in Atlantic City.
In addition to the housing seminar, he described discussions involving environmental justice, climate change and chronic disease prevention.
He said the council members were using the gathering to make connections and gather information that could help them serve Atlantic City residents.
For now, the next step is determining whether the federal housing legislation offers opportunities that align with Atlantic City's existing affordable housing and redevelopment efforts.
Shabazz did not announce a timetable for presenting recommendations to the City Council or identify a particular housing project that could result from the Washington discussions.
The council members' return could provide an opportunity for Atlantic City to examine how the new federal housing law might support its existing programs and future development plans.
Councilman Kaleem Shabazz appeared on Off The Press with Scott Cronick on News Talk 1400 and 92.3 WOND. The program airs Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m.
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Peter Killeen
A 25-year radio news veteran, Peter covers South Jersey for NewsTalk 1400 & 92.3 WOND radio. Known for his concise and impactful delivery, he ensures listeners and readers stay informed without unnecessary filler.
