On September 3, CCSNJ President and CEO Christina Renna was invited to attend a summit on the current economic landscape of the City of Camden with Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Economic Development Authority CEO Tim Sullivan, as well as other business, community and faith-based leaders, the mayor, state legislators and stakeholders.

To date, job opportunities have been bolstered throughout the city, and the local workforce has grown significantly over the last 10 years. Additionally, more than $2.5 billion in private and public investment has been made in Camden over the past 10 years.

Camden has experienced significant economic growth over the last 10 years, becoming one of the fastest growing job markets in the nation, according to federal data in 2017. Last year, the city recorded its lowest unemployment rate, 6.7 percent, in more than 30 years according to state labor statistics. In addition, wage growth has risen significantly higher over the last 10 years to complement job growth and the reduction in unemployment.

On top of the private and public investment in the city over the last 10 years, there is also a new public safety paradigm that is rooted in community policing. Since the Camden County Police Department operationalized in 2013, murders are down almost 70 percent and violent crime has been cut in half since 2012. Based on the agency’s community focus the city was recognized by President Barack Obama as a model for the nation regarding policing.

To read press coverage of the event, click here.