Atlantic City Government Would Regain Certain Powers Under Republican Bill
Posted on: December 18, 2025, 10:39h.
Last updated on: December 18, 2025, 11:31h.
- New Jersey lawmakers will consider the state’s takeover of Atlantic City in 2026
- Most of the casino city’s governance has been under the state’s supervision since 2012
The Atlantic City government and embattled Mayor Marty Small Sr. (D) have limited power, as the state’s takeover, which dates back to 2011 under Gov. Chris Christie’s (R) administration, persists.
The takeover, initiated in 2011 through Senate Bill 11, which broadened powers and duties of the state-led Casino Reinvestment and Development Authority (CRDA), was expanded in 2016 with the authorization of the Municipal Stabilization and Recovery Act (MSRA).
The takeover resulted in most governance, including planning and zoning powers, being stripped from the Atlantic City Council in favor of state officials. Lawmakers in Trenton are expected to consider legislation to extend the takeover of the nine-casino town when the New Jersey Legislature convenes in January.
State Sen. John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester) plans to introduce legislation to extend the Atlantic City takeover by six years through 2031. Burzichelli’s bill would extend the takeover largely in its current arrangement.
This week, two members of Atlantic County’s Republican state delegation, Sen. Vince Polistina and Assemblyman Don Guardian, confirmed they’ll file a bill in January to extend the takeover by a decade. However, the Republicans seek to return some power to the Atlantic City Council.
Republican Compromise?
Polistina and Guardian say it’s time to allow Atlantic City’s elected leaders to make critical decisions related to planning and zoning.
Planning and zoning are key responsibilities of any local government,” Guardian said. “Through different agencies and programs, the state has poured millions of dollars into Atlantic City in recent years to attract private investment. The builders are here, they want to build, and they should be evaluated on the merits of their proposals by city residents, now re-enfranchised, who sit on these local governing boards.”
Polistina said the state takeover’s primary goal was to “help Atlantic City manage its financial challenges and avoid repeating past mistakes while building the capacity for self-governance.”
“We cannot consider extending any takeover without a clear path toward restoring core municipal functions, particularly the city’s ability to manage its own planning and zoning,” Polistina declared.
The Republicans want to allow the state CRDA to return to its primary mission of facilitating economic and community development instead of handling zoning and planning matters currently assigned to the authority during the takeover.
County Executive Seeks Governance Return
Longtime Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson wants Atlantic City returned immediately. During a Thursday morning phone call, Levinson told Casino.org that the state hasn’t upheld its end of the bargain in lifting up the casino city.
I don’t support the takeover,” Levinson said.
Despite seeking at the very least the return of local zoning and planning powers to Atlantic City, Levinson said he would favor Burzichelli’s bill because it’s shorter than the Republicans’ 10-year extension.
Levinson said the takeover has been a failure.
The state has been there since 2012. The city has not progressed under the state’s control,” Levinson declared.
Levinson recently wrote Polistina after the senator suggested that Levinson needs to “step up and do more” for Atlantic City. Levinson refused to pay for the upgrades of Pacific Avenue, a project costing $5.3 million. The state ultimately agreed to pay for the infrastructure.
“Evidently, the state has realized how ridiculous it is to ask county government to pay for municipal road improvements since it suddenly found $5.3 million to provide for the paving of Pacific Avenue. Why wasn’t our state senator able to get money for Pacific Avenue instead of insisting the county taxpayers bear that burden?” Levinson asked Polistina in the October letter.
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