American Water recently hosted a discussion focused on the state of the city of Camden that featured Gov. Phil Murphy; Economic Development Authority CEO Tim Sullivan; host Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water; Dr. Ali Houshmand, president, Rowan University; Leo Holt, president, Holt Logistics; Joseph Williams, bishop of the Diocese of Camden; Kevin O’Dowd, Co-CEO of Cooper University Health Care; and Richard Smith, president of the state NAACP; and many other participants and attendees of the event.
“Today’s dialogue was a powerful demonstration of what’s possible when public and private leaders come together with a shared commitment to Camden’s continued progress,” said Dana L. Redd, president and CEO of Camden Community Partnership. “Gov. Murphy’s willingness to engage directly with our business community reinforces the importance of Camden’s role in driving economic growth across South Jersey. The insights and collaboration exchanged today will help shape the next chapter of investment, innovation, and opportunity in our city.”
To date, job opportunities have been bolstered throughout the city, and the local workforce has grown significantly over the last 10 years. In addition, more than $2.5 billion in private and public investment has been made in Camden over the past ten years.
Gov. Phil Murphy talked about the progress made over the last eight years in Camden City.
“From catalyzing economic development across sectors to driving down crime to historic lows to strengthening our school system, we have worked together to improve quality of life citywide,” said Murphy. “Throughout the past seven and a half years, we’ve worked closely with community members and leaders from both the private and public sectors, faith community, labor, higher education, and more to realize Camden’s true potential.”
Camden City Mayor Victor Carstarphen talked about the importance of a direct discussion with policy makers to take the city to the next level. “Camden was once defined by the negative, but now our community stands as a beacon of hope, growth, and resilience,” Carstarphen said. “Camden is witnessing real gains. We are realizing rising home values, significant investment in infrastructure, game-changing development by our Eds & Meds community, breakthroughs in workforce development, and an overall improved quality of life citywide.”
Democratic Rep. Donald Norcross echoed the mayor’s thoughts on progress and improvements throughout the city.
“Camden’s revitalization should serve as a national model for growth and resilience,” he said. “This progress would not be possible without the dedication of our business leaders and local, state, and federal officials, whose efforts have created good-paying jobs and new opportunities,” said Norcross.
