Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Economic Development Authority CEO Tim Sullivan visited Camden, joining business, community, and faith leaders to discuss the city’s economic landscape. The meeting took place at American Water’s national headquarters and included representatives from local government, education, healthcare, labor unions, and major businesses.
Among those present were Mark McDonough of New Jersey American Water; Dr. Ali Houshmand of Rowan University; Leo Holt of Holt Logistics; Bishop Joseph Williams of the Diocese of Camden; Lara Price of the Philadelphia 76ers; Kevin O’Dowd of Cooper University Health Care; Gil Medina of CBRE Inc.; Richard Smith of the state NAACP; Christina Renna of the Southern New Jersey Chamber of Commerce; Antonio Tillis from Rutgers University; Raymond Lamboy from the Latin American Economic Development Association; State Senators Michael Testa and Nilsa Cruz Perez; Matthew Pestronk from Post Brothers; Dr. John Mastinger from Virtua Health; William Sproles from the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters; Commissioner Jonathan Young; Vincent Guest, Senior Pastor at Sacred Heart Church; and Stephen Mack, Senior Pastor at Little Rock Baptist Church.
Dana Redd, President and CEO of Camden Community Partnership (CCP), commented on the significance of such gatherings. “Today’s dialogue was a powerful demonstration of what’s possible when public and private leaders come together with a shared commitment to Camden’s continued progress,” said Dana L. Redd. “Governor Murphy’s willingness to engage directly with our business community reinforces the importance of Camden’s role in driving economic growth across South Jersey. The insights and collaboration exchanged today will help shape the next chapter of investment, innovation, and opportunity in our city.”
Over $2.5 billion in private and public investment has been made in Camden during the past decade. Job opportunities have increased significantly as well.
Governor Murphy highlighted improvements achieved during his administration: “I’m incredibly proud of the tremendous progress the City of Camden has made over the course of our Administration,” said Governor Murphy. “From catalyzing economic development across sectors to driving down crime to historic lows to strengthening our school system, we have worked together to improve quality of life citywide. Throughout the past seven and a half years, we’ve worked closely with community members and leaders from both the private and public sectors, faith community, labor, higher education, and more to realize Camden’s true potential. I would like to thank Camden Community Partnership President and CEO Dana Redd, Mayor Carstarphen, Commissioner Director Cappelli, Chairman of Cooper University Health Care George Norcross, New Jersey American Water President Mark McDonough, Congressman Norcross, and others for convening today’s discussion and continuing to advance a shared vision of prosperity for the city.”
Mayor Victor Carstarphen addressed how direct engagement with policymakers is key for future development: “Camden was once defined by the negative, but now our community stands as a beacon of hope, growth, and resilience,” City of Camden Mayor Victor G. Carstarphen said. “Thanks to the transformative power of collaboration and Governor Murphy’s commitment, Camden is witnessing real gains. We are realizing rising home values, significant investment in infrastructure, game changing development by our Eds & Meds community, breakthroughs in workforce development, and an overall improved quality of life citywide. Our city is a place where people want to live, to work,to enjoy,and a place to invest.I am confident our community is prime for even more new developmentandthe economic tools offered byour partners atthe NJEDA will help takeCamden tothe next level.”
Federal data showed that over ten years Camden became one https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/camdencitynewjersey of the fastest growing job markets nationwide as reported in 2017 figures.Last year,the unemployment rate fellto6.7%,its lowest pointin more than three decades accordingtostate labor statistics.Wage growth also outpaced previous years.
George E.Norcross III—ChairmanofCooperUniversityHealthCareandMDAndersonCancerCareCamdenaswellasaCCPboardmember—spoke about resources neededfor urban improvement.“We had a substantial conversation today aboutthetools distressed citiesinthestate needandthe abilitytoaccess those resourcestomove forward beginningwithimprovedpublic safety betterschoolsandjobtrainingandinvestment,”Norcrosssaid.“AsChairmanoftheBoardofthelargestemployerinCamdenCountywithover1 000cityresidentsemployedatCooperIhaveseenfirsthandwhatcanandneedstobedonetobringacityback.IthoughtthegroupgavetheGovernorsomegoodpointstokeep themomentumgoinghereinCamdenandurbanareasthroughoutthestate.”
Since 2013,the operationalizationoftheCamdenCountyPoliceDepartmenthasresultedina nearly70%reductioninmurdersandaviolentcrime ratecutbyhalfcomparedto2012.Thedepartment’scommunitypolicingmodelwasrecognizednationallybyPresidentBarackObama.
Commissioner Jeffrey Nash emphasized ongoing efforts: “If you look at where we’ve come from there is a demonstrable difference in the city today from 10 years ago,but we cannot become complacentandforgetaboutthepromiseswe’vemadetothepeopleofCamden,”Nashsaid.“WeneedtokeeppushingtoimprovethecityanddeliveronthoseimportantobjectivesandgoalsthathavenotbeenattainedyetandIbelievethisconversationwasanimportantonetomoveclosertofulfillingthosepromisestothecommunity.”
Congressman Donald Norcross also commented on recent advancements:“Camden’s revitalization should serve as a national model for growth and resilience.This progress would not be possible withoutthededicationofourbusinessleadersandlocal,state,andfederalofficialswhoseeffortshavecreatedgood-payingjobsandnewopportunities,”saidCongressmanDonaldNorcross.“FromtheredevelopmentofEastsideHighSchooltothefederalfundingforthenewLINKtrail,CamdenCityandourlocalleadershavemuchtobeproudof.Duringtoday’ssummitwithGovernorMurphywediscussedtheneedtoexpandbusinessandeducationopportunitiesthroughoutSouthJersey,andI’mconfidentthatunderhisleadership,Camdenwillcontinuetothrive.”
The event was organized by local officials including Mayor Carstarphen,the chairmanofCooperUniversityHealthCareGeorgeE.NorcrossIII,CongressmanNorcross,andCommissionerNash,inpartnershipwiththeCamdenCommunityPartnership.CCPworkswithgovernment,businesses,andotherpartnerstopromoteinvestmentandredevelopmentinthecity.Moreinformationcanbefoundat www.camdencommunitypartnership.com .
