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Sustainability Efforts of Atlantic City

Sustainability in Atlantic City means meeting the needs of today while protecting the well-being of future generations. It is a shared commitment to strengthening our community through environmental stewardship, economic opportunity, and social equity. By balancing these priorities, Atlantic City is building a more resilient, inclusive, and thriving future for all residents.

The foundation of sustainability, also called the “Triple Bottom Line”, includes these three pillars:

• Social (People): Supporting a high quality of life for all residents by expanding access to essential resources, education, and opportunities
• Environment (Planet): Protecting and restoring natural systems through green infrastructure, conservation, and climate-conscious practices
• Economic (Profit): Fostering long-term economic growth that benefits the community without compromising environmental health or social equity

Pillars of Sustainability

Below are helpful links for each pillar of sustainability.
 

SOCIAL

Food Systems

Food Distributions - Access to fresh, healthy food is essential to community well-being.
Atlantic City offers a variety of resources to support residents:

Gardens - Community gardens create spaces for learning, connection, and fresh food production:
Farmers Markets – CROPS Fisherman’s Park Summer Farmer’s Market
 Youth Services Garden Club – the Youth Services Department provides a gardening program for
elementary schools in Atlantic City. Please email nhathaway@acnj.gov for more information
or click the hyperlink above

 Education or Workshop - Educational programs empower residents with knowledge to live
healthier, more sustainable lives:

  • Nutrition Workshops - C.R.O.P.S. collaborates with Atlantic City schools, Senior Services, family success centers, schools, and youth organizations to  serve our community’s children, seniors, families, and teachers to provide Gardening and Nutrition Education Programming

Community Development - Investing in strong neighborhoods and equitable opportunities:

  • Community Block Development Grant (CDBG) Office – The City of Atlantic City CDBG program accomplishes improvement by providing housing, suitable living environments and economic opportunities; for low-and moderate-income residents.
ENVIRONMENTAL

Atlantic City continues to expand and maintain areas to support recreation, and climate resilience.

Trees – Atlantic City is committed to planting more trees every year to encourage increased ecosystem
resilience,  fresh air, and shade for all.

  • The Shade Tree Committee (STC) – this is a residential volunteer group dedicated to increasing our city’s tree canopy and education about tree benefits for all ages. STC surveys trees of concern, provides a suggested course of action, and assists residents in planting trees with ensured care for at least two years. This group is critical to the Community Forestry Management Plan (CFMP) which is a five-year municipal commitment to enrich our community with tree education, maintenance, and increased plantings.
  • Meetings: The Committee meets every second Tuesday of the month in Council Chambers at 3 PM

Resources:

  • Tree Inventory 8 by Davey Resource: link – See all trees in Atlantic City!
  • Report a concern – Improperly planted or neglected trees may create hazardous or critical conditions for pedestrians. Please report trees that need attention using the link provided.
  • Arbor Day – Atlantic City has celebrated Arbor Day since 2007 by engaging students and residents in tree planting and environmental education.
ECONOMIC

Sustainable Economic Development – A strong local economy is essential to long-term sustainability.
Atlantic City supports growth that benefits residents while protecting community and environmental resources

  • Economic Development Department - This department supports local entrepreneurs with resources to start and grow their businesses in Atlantic City. See a previous Small Business Academy flyer.

Emerging Industries - Atlantic City is investing in industries that align with sustainability goals and future growth: