Governor Phil Murphy

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Governor Murphy Takes Steps to Reduce Outsourcing of Atlantic City Operations

04/16/2018

Trenton - Governor Phil Murphy today announced measures his administration is taking to reduce the outsourcing of certain Atlantic City operations. The next steps are part of a review and recommendation process undertaken in February. 

“The economic revitalization of Atlantic City is critical to advancing our overall state economy,” Governor Murphy said. “The actions we are taking today will ensure we are working in full partnership with the city to ensure economic growth and empowerment for all Atlantic City residents.”

“DCA will continue to play an active role in Atlantic City to build upon the significant gains the City and State have made over the last 18 months in stabilizing Atlantic City’s finances,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, commissioner of DCA. “This ongoing partnership between DCA’s knowledgeable local government experts and the City’s governing body and its professionals will keep Atlantic City moving in the right direction for its residents and businesses and the surrounding region.”

The Murphy Administration will implement the following changes:

  • Government functions will begin to revert back to the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) with the goal of ending the designee within the next 30 days;
  • Some litigation matters will remain with Chiesa, Shahinian and Giantomasi PC. All others will be handled either by the Attorney General’s office or, where appropriate, by new outside counsel;
  • Business development efforts will be handled by state agencies. 

In February, Governor Murphy appointed attorney Jim Johnson to serve as special counsel in the Governor’s Counsel’s Office, with the specific task of conducting, in close coordination with the Attorney General, an intensive review of ongoing litigation in Atlantic City and providing recommendations for the process of returning the city to local control.