ATLANTIC CITY - Our community received high praise from one of New Jersey's top elected officials Friday, as U.S. Sen. Cory Booker declared Atlantic City has more growth and development potential than any other low-income city in America.
The Democratic senator spent Friday, August 28, 2026, touring small-scale development projects in and around the Orange Loop neighborhood as part of the final day of his annual tour through all 21 New Jersey counties. The visit showcased how federal tax incentives are helping transform previously distressed areas of the resort city.
Booker, who previously served as Newark's mayor before joining the Senate, met with Mayor Marty Small Sr. and officials from the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority during his visit. The group toured several development projects that have taken advantage of federal Opportunity Zone legislation—a program Booker helped craft that offers tax breaks for construction in economically distressed communities.
Among the projects highlighted during the tour were the Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, Container Park, The Residences at Orange Loop, and The Top Hat. Each represents the kind of grassroots development that supporters say can revitalize neighborhoods while creating jobs and amenities for local residents.
The senator's visit also included a stop at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, underscoring the importance of healthcare infrastructure to the city's ongoing recovery and growth.
The Opportunity Zone program has become a key tool for Atlantic City's redevelopment efforts, particularly in neighborhoods that have struggled economically for decades. By providing tax incentives to investors who fund projects in designated zones, the legislation aims to channel private capital into communities that traditional financing often overlooks.
Booker's optimistic assessment of Atlantic City's prospects comes as the resort community continues working to diversify its economy beyond casino gaming and attract new residents and businesses to its neighborhoods. The senator's statewide tour, which he conducts annually, allows him to connect with constituents and assess conditions across New Jersey's diverse communities.
About the Author
Karen Johnson
With over 30 years of news experience in major markets like Los Angeles, Denver, and Columbus, Karen now covers our area for South Jersey NewsBeat. She also brings her articulate and conversational news delivery to WOND radio listeners every weekday. Her background includes work with the NBC Radio Network, and she thrives in fast-paced news environments.
