A long-standing association between Atlantic City, New Jersey, and the pulsating sound of slot machines and the promise of excitement on the boardwalk has been established. But many of the locals are confronted with a harsh reality that lies beyond the sparkling surface. According to the New Jersey Department of Labour (https://www.bls.gov/regions/mid-atlantic/data/xg-tables/ro2xglausnj.htm), the unemployment rate in New Jersey is now 4.2%, which is somewhat higher than the average for the entire country. On the other hand, a more worrying picture emerges when one examines particular cities in greater detail. With the highest unemployment rate in the state of New Jersey, Atlantic City, which was once a thriving beach resort, today boasts the shameful distinction of being the capital of the state. This essay investigates the factors that led to the occurrence of this alarming number and investigates the current efforts that are being made to revitalise the economy of the city.
Atlantic City: A City Capable of Changing
The history of Atlantic City is about the city’s rise and demise. After the legalisation of casino gambling in 1978, the city, which had been established in the latter half of the 19th century, became a popular tourist destination. The casino business, on the other hand, has experienced a major drop over the course of the subsequent twenty years. There has been a precipitous decline in revenues, which has resulted in the closure of casinos and a domino effect on employment chances. Since 2006, the number of people working in casinos has decreased by more than fifty percent, as stated in a report published by the Atlantic City Alliance, a non-profit organisation whose primary goal is revitalisation.
The influence is felt far beyond the confines of the casino floors. In addition, companies such as hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments that flourished on the influx of tourists have experienced a decline. According to a report that was published in the Press of Atlantic City in 2023, the vacancy rates in major hotels have reached record highs, which has forced businesses to reduce the number of employees they employ.
An Obstacle Present in Many Forms
There are other factors that contribute to the high unemployment rate in Atlantic City; it is not just one of them. There are a number of factors that contribute to this complicated problem. Automation is an important factor in this regard. Numerous positions at casinos, ranging from cashiers to slot machine mechanics, have been rendered obsolete as a result of technological improvements. The influence that automation is having on the workforce is discussed in a recent article published by Forbes [Insert Link Here]. The article focusses on the expanding trend of automation in a variety of industries, including hospitality.
Atlantic City’s economy is vulnerable due to its high reliance on tourism, which is in addition to the effects of automation. The city does not have a sufficiently diverse economic base as a result of the loss of the casino business. Studies conducted by the Brookings Institution [Insert Link Here] constantly highlight the significance of economic diversification in terms of supporting long-term economic growth and resilience.
Another aspect that should be taken into consideration is the level of education that citizens of Atlantic City possess. Using information obtained from the New Jersey Department of Labour (Insert Link Here), it has been determined that the percentage of residents who possess college degrees is lower than the average for the state. The availability of jobs in fields that need higher degrees of education may be reduced as a result of this.
Additionally, the public transit system in Atlantic City is confronted with substantial obstacles, which adds to the difficulties. It may be challenging for locals to access employment possibilities that are located outside of their immediate neighbourhoods due to the limited routes and irregular service that are available. The difficulties that low-income citizens in a number of cities confront in terms of transportation are discussed in an article that was published in The Atlantic in 2024 [Insert Link Here]. The article also highlights the necessity of improving the infrastructure of public transit.
On the Horizon: Initiatives for a More Promising Future; Hope on the Horizon
Despite the difficulties, there are indications that Atlantic City is on the path to recovery. To stimulate the city’s economy and generate new employment opportunities, a number of initiatives are now under work. The New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) is at the forefront of initiating initiatives to entice new enterprises to locate within the city limits. As part of this, there are plans to create a new entertainment district and to invest in building improvements to the infrastructure. CRDA has just issued a press release that provides information about a project that will cost multiple millions of dollars and will be targeted at revitalising the historic Bader Field neighbourhood.
In addition, education is a primary concern. Students are provided with the knowledge and certifications necessary to obtain employment in the tourism and hospitality industries through the implementation of programs such as the “Careers in Hospitality” initiative facilitated by Atlantic City High School. On the website of Atlantic Cape Community College, which is a partner institution, there is an article that was published in 2024 that highlights the success story of the program.
One more essential step is to enhance the capacity of public transport. A proposal to expand bus routes and boost service frequency, particularly during off-peak hours, has been developed in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Transportation by the government of Atlantic County along with the NJ Department of Transportation. Please refer to the website of Atlantic County for further information regarding this plan.
Moreover, the community is playing an important part in this. Workshops on interview preparation, aid with creating resumes, and job training are some of the services that non-profit organisations like the Atlantic City Job Centre provide to citizens in order to assist them in finding jobs.
An Up-and-Coming City: Continuing Our Efforts and Looking Ahead to the Future
Atlantic City’s unemployment problems are being addressed with a multi-pronged strategy, which includes the efforts that have been listed above. Although it is likely that the path to recovery will be a lengthy one, there are reasons to be cautiously optimistic about the situation. Consider the following other elements that might have a role in the development of a more favourable future:
- Concentrate on Innovation: It is of the utmost importance to advocate for the growth of new sectors that go beyond gaming. The development of a startup ecosystem that provides assistance for creative enterprises in the fields of technology, healthcare, or green energy could be one way to do this. Developing a culture of innovation and attracting talented individuals to the city can be facilitated by the formation of partnerships with research organisations and universities.
- Investing in Infrastructure: The modernisation of Atlantic City’s infrastructure, which includes roads, bridges, and telecommunications networks, will not only result in the creation of construction jobs in the near term, but it will also boost the city’s long-term attractiveness to both businesses and inhabitants.
- Revitalizing the Boardwalk: One of the most popular tourist destinations in Atlantic City is the historic Boardwalk, which is currently undergoing revitalisation. It is possible to improve the experience of walking along the boardwalk and attract tourists during the off-season months by investing in beautification projects, public art pieces, and activities that take place throughout the year.
- Participation in the Community: It is necessary for corporations, government agencies, and community organisations to continue working together. When it comes to building solutions that actually address the needs of citizens, the input of the community is absolutely necessary.
Final Thoughts
The history of Atlantic City serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of placing an excessive amount of reliance on a single business. However, it also provides a glimmer of optimism for the future. The continued efforts that the city is doing to improve public transit, diversify its economy, and invest in education and training are all examples of the city’s commitment to constructing a more resilient future. Atlantic City has the capacity to rewrite its history and become a prosperous city once more if it is able to capitalise on its one-of-a-kind potential and cultivate a spirit of collaboration.
Atlantic City is not the only place that is struggling with the issue of unemployment. Cities all around the country are going through the same kinds of difficulties. Other communities that are experiencing economic difficulties can use the lessons that were learnt from Atlantic City’s experience as a model to guide their own efforts. These cities have the potential to pave the way for a more affluent future for all people by encouraging innovation, investing in infrastructure, and providing residents with additional responsibilities.
