Published on: December 18, 2025, 10:39h.
Updated on: December 18, 2025, 10:39h.
- New Jersey legislators are set to discuss the potential state takeover of Atlantic City in 2026
- The majority of Atlantic City’s governance has been under state control since 2012
The authority of Atlantic City officials, including Mayor Marty Small Sr. (D), is considerably reduced as the state’s takeover, initiated in 2011 under Governor Chris Christie’s (R) administration, continues.
The state takeover commenced with the Senate Bill 11 in 2011, which expanded the authority and responsibilities of the state-operated Casino Reinvestment and Development Authority (CRDA). This initiative was later broadened in 2016 under the Municipal Stabilization and Recovery Act (MSRA).
As a result of the takeover, most governance, including planning and zoning powers, have been transferred from the Atlantic City Council to state officials. Trenton lawmakers are anticipated to propose a bill to prolong the state’s jurisdiction over the nine-casino city when the New Jersey Legislature reconvenes in January.
State Senator John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester) is planning to introduce legislation that would extend the state takeover of Atlantic City by an additional six years, until 2031. This proposal aims to maintain the current structure of the takeover.
This week, members of Atlantic County’s Republican delegation, Senator Vince Polistina and Assemblyman Don Guardian, confirmed their intention to present legislation in January seeking a decade-long extension of the takeover while also attempting to restore some authority back to the Atlantic City Council.
Potential Republican Compromise?
Polistina and Guardian argue that now is the time to permit the city’s elected officials to make essential decisions regarding planning and zoning.
“Planning and zoning are fundamental responsibilities of local governance,” Guardian remarked. “The state has invested substantial resources in Atlantic City to spur private investment. Developers are eager to proceed, and their plans should be assessed by local residents, who deserve to be re-engaged in decision-making.”
Polistina asserted that the main purpose of the state’s takeover was to “assist Atlantic City in navigating its financial obstacles and prevent the recurrence of prior mishaps, while fostering the capacity for local governance.”
“We cannot contemplate extending the takeover without a defined strategy to restore essential municipal roles, especially in planning and zoning,” Polistina emphasized.
Republican lawmakers aim to redirect the CRDA back to its core function of supporting economic and community growth rather than managing the zoning and planning responsibilities currently assigned during the takeover.
County Executive Calls for Governance Reinstatement
Dennis Levinson, the long-serving Atlantic County Executive, advocates for a swift return of governance to Atlantic City. In a recent call, Levinson shared with Casino.org that the state has fallen short of its commitments to enhance the casino city.
“I do not endorse the takeover,” Levinson stated.
Despite advocating for the immediate return of local planning and zoning powers to Atlantic City, Levinson expressed support for Burzichelli’s proposal due to its shorter duration compared to the Republican’s 10-year plan.
Levinson has characterized the takeover as unsuccessful.
“The state has overseen Atlantic City since 2012 but there has been no improvement under its governance,” Levinson asserted.
Levinson recently reached out to Polistina after the senator remarked that Levinson needed to “enhance efforts for Atlantic City.” Levinson resisted financing upgrades for Pacific Avenue, a project estimated at $5.3 million. The state ultimately agreed to fund the necessary infrastructure improvements.
“Clearly, the state has recognized the absurdity of asking county government to manage municipal road repairs, as they have now allocated $5.3 million for paving Pacific Avenue. Why was our state senator unable to secure funds for Pacific Avenue instead of expecting county taxpayers to shoulder that burden?” Levinson questioned Polistina in his October correspondence.