Garden State Times

On Tuesday, Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen, alongside the Board of Commissioners, the Camden County Police Department, and community stakeholders, highlighted significant progress in Camden over the past 12 years. The city recorded its lowest number of homicides since 1985 in 2024.

"Camden is witnessing generational change, and this tangible progress is taking place citywide," said Mayor Carstarphen. He credited Chief Rodriguez and the community policing efforts for improving public safety, which he described as a catalyst for broader transformation in economic growth and education.

Since the formation of the Camden County Police Department on May 1, 2013, crime rates have reached a 55-year low. The Uniform Crime Report shows substantial decreases in violent crimes from January 2012 to November 2024: total violent crime down by 50%, homicide by 75%, robbery by 76%, rape by 28%, non-violent crime by 46%, burglary by 72%, arson by 61%, and larceny by 48%.

Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. remarked on the city's transformation through community policing efforts: "Each year, Camden is becoming a safer place to live, work and visit."

Education has also improved significantly. According to a Progressive Policy Institute report, Camden leads in narrowing the achievement gap for students living in poverty. New schools are being built with $615 million invested in K-12 education. Graduation rates have increased from 49% to 70% over the last twelve years.

"Camden is home to one of the most innovative school systems in the country," said Giana Campbell, CEO of the Camden Education Fund.

The Hopeworks program has played a crucial role in improving student outcomes with a high retention rate for their program participants. "Camden young adults are showing through this programming that they aren’t part of the problem but part of the solution," said Hopeworks CEO Dan Rhoton.

Economic development has been robust with job market growth nearly reaching a 30% increase since 2017. Approximately $6 billion has been invested or announced since 2012.

Congressman Donald Norcross emphasized improvements across jobs, education, and security: "By focusing on my three priorities... we’ve created a brighter future for Camden City families."

The Buy Camden First initiative aims to promote local business growth through an online directory supporting small businesses' visibility and procurement opportunities.

Private companies have contributed $1.3 billion toward expanding facilities within Camden. Cooper University Health Care plans a $3 billion campus expansion alongside job training partnerships.

Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez praised recent developments: "This progress is the direct result of our investments on a local county and statewide level."

Efforts to improve public spaces have seen over $100 million invested into park projects including Cramer Hill Waterfront Park and Whitman Park Athletic Complex.

Commissioner Jeffrey Nash stated: "Access and opportunity to quality public greenspaces throughout Camden County should be a basic amenity."

Healthcare access has expanded significantly due to contributions from institutions like Cooper University Health Care resulting in decreased uninsured rates among residents.

Housing improvements include over $366 million invested into new construction or rehabilitation projects while infrastructure investments address neglected roads across more than four years under Mayor Carstarphen's leadership amounting up-to-date roadwork exceeding any period since at least early seventies

Governor Phil Murphy announced plans for redeveloping Walter Rand Transportation Center creating major transit hub within South Jersey funded through public-private partnership estimated at around one billion dollars

"The progress is undeniable," said City Council President Angel Fuentes commending police department efforts towards enhancing safety quality life throughout neighborhoods

For first time decades city achieved balanced budget earning positive rating S&P Global highest mark fifty years according careful fiscal management pursued elected officials elevating status previously classified junk bonds decade ago

Pastor Steven Mack summarized ongoing achievements stating “Safer streets thriving students revitalized spaces remind us that progress isn’t destination—it’s journey achieve together.”