TRENTON - Governor Murphy today signed an executive order establishing the Atlantic City Coordinating Council. The Council will develop coordinated state initiatives on economic development, jobs, public safety, public health and other key issues referenced in Special Counsel Jim Johnson’s report, Atlantic City: Building a Foundation for a Shared Prosperity.

“Atlantic City has a partner in my administration and we are committed to ensuring that the city and its residents have access to the resources and expertise of our state agencies,” said Governor Murphy. “The Atlantic City Coordinating Council will bring together state agencies to collaborate on efforts to reinvigorate Atlantic City and help it rise once again on the path to local control.”

“Governor Murphy’s newly established Atlantic City Coordinating Council is carrying out our Administration’s mission and promise to bring together crucial partners to ensure the alignment of state efforts in the City of Atlantic City,” said Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “This strategic alignment of experts and resources will increase efficiency while providing Atlantic City the undivided attention it needs to move toward revitalization and prosperity.”

“Today’s executive order is a critical step forward in Atlantic City’s continuing recovery,” said Jim Johnson, Special Counsel in the Governor’s Counsel’s Office, who is helping lead the State’s effort to return Atlantic City to local control. “The coordinating council will catalyze collaboration between state agencies and foster a spirit of partnership aimed at addressing the difficult challenges that remain in Atlantic City. By sharing information and ideas, the coordinating council can ensure initiatives are aligned and resources are being effectively utilized.”

In addition to developing coordinated initiatives, the Atlantic City Coordinating Council will identify available experts and resources to assist in these initiatives, as well as ensure the alignment of state efforts across those areas.

The Council will be comprised of at least 19 members including the Lieutenant Governor, the Commissioners of the Departments of Agriculture, Children and Families, Corrections, Education, Health, Human Services, Labor and Workforce Development, and Transportation, the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs, the Director of the Division of Local Government Services, the Attorney General, the Treasurer, the Secretary of Higher Education, the Executive Director of the NJ Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, the Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, the Executive Director of NJ Transit, the Director of the Authorities Unit, and the Chair of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.  Any of these named members have the option of appointing a designee to serve in their place, with the exception of the Lieutenant Governor, who will serve as Chair of the Council.

The Council will report its recommendations to the Governor at least once every six months.

Copy of Executive Order #46