New Jersey Taking Steps to Takeover Atlantic City

The state of New Jersey rejected a financial plan for Atlantic City, clearing the stage for a new, larger battle over control of the city.

1 minute read

November 4, 2016, 10:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Atlantic City

f11photo / Shutterstock

Wayne Perry from the Associated Press reports on the latest developments in the saga of Atlantic City, which could pave the way for the state of New Jersey to take over the city's assets and decision-making power.

According to the article, the New Jersey Department of Cultural Affairs rejected a five-year financial plan designed to turn the city around. The plan would have laid off 100 workers, cut spending, and sold city-owned land to help the city pay down $500 million in debt.

Mayor Don Guardian promised before the decision to appeal a negative result in court. The article includes more details about the political implications of the decision, as well as the potential for a state takeover of the city. Planetizen has been tracking Atlantic City's financial turmoil, and its attempts at a comeback, since a wave of casino closures in 2014.

Tuesday, November 1, 2016 in AP via ABC News

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 23, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

An Airo train driving towards the camera on a track. There is a forest behind it.

Northwest rail fans eager for Sept. 30 debut of Amtrak’s Airo fleet

Get ready for that new train smell and more seats. But they won’t go faster or run more frequently on the Cascades route in Washington and Oregon.

September 22, 2026 - Washington State Standard

The outside of a brightline transit hub with many windows on a sunny day.

Brightline Florida files for bankruptcy

The transit company is over $5 billion in debt.

September 26 - Financial Times

A blue Metrolink train with two cars drives toward the camera.

St. Louis Metro to test if single-car trains can reduce operating costs, maintain rider satisfaction

The pilot program will run from October to spring 2027, and begin with one single-car train operating on Metrolink’s Red and Blue lines.

September 25 - Mass Transit

An abandoned mine in Pennsylvania. The ceiling is low, the walls and floors are gray, and mine cart tracks run along the bottom.

Pennsylvania is building data centers in abandoned mines

Housing data centers in mines provides an alternative to destroying local forests and may spare residents from data centers’ noise and air pollution.

September 25 - Inside Climate News

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.

Senior Planner

City of Thousand Oaks

Community Development Director

City of Wisconsin Rapids

Professor of Urban Planning

Harvard University Graduate School of Design