New AC Mike Podcast Episode Drops Friday 8/21 with Jim Rutala: Is Atlantic City’s Time Finally Here?

Hey Folks,

If you’ve heard me talk about Atlantic City over the years, you know I don’t just look at the casinos, concerts or what’s happening on the Boardwalk. I’m interested in the whole city—the neighborhoods, the people who live here, the businesses taking chances and the projects that can make Atlantic City stronger for the next generation. That’s why I wanted to sit down with Jim Rutala for the new episode of The AC Mike Show Podcast, dropping Friday, August 21. I’ve talked with Jim many times over the years on radio and at events around South Jersey, but getting him in the studio for a longer conversation gave us a chance to really dig into what’s happening in Atlantic City right now—and folks, there is a lot happening.

A Quarter-Billion Dollars Going Into Atlantic City

One number from our conversation jumped right off the table: approximately $250 million in infrastructure investment is going into Atlantic City. We’re talking about work you can actually see and, in some cases, projects people around here have been talking about for decades—Boardwalk reconstruction, Atlantic Avenue improvements, flood resiliency, bulkheads, pump stations, transportation improvements, neighborhood investment and more. The City of Atlantic City has been part of that push, and as someone who lives here, walks these streets and spends a lot of time talking with residents and business owners, I can tell you there’s a different feeling when plans start becoming actual projects. We’ve all heard promises before. What matters is seeing the work.

49 Permitted Projects—and 31 Developers and Builders

Jim shared another number that deserves attention: 49 individual projects with building permits involving 31 different developers and builders. That includes everything from major casino hotel renovations to new homes and housing projects, and that diversity is important. Atlantic City can’t build its future around one project, one developer, one neighborhood or even one industry. The city needs housing, restaurants, entertainment, small businesses, tourism, conventions, strong neighborhoods working together, what we’d also like is that if you you or a family member or a friend of yours is considering a move or 2nd home to keep Atlantic City in your thoughts, Americas Favorite Playground is definitely on the move.

We also talked about the risk-takers who came into areas that other people had written off—the Orange Loop, the Southeast Inlet and other parts of the city where developers looked at vacant or underused property and saw opportunity. I remember some of those early conversations. There were times I basically asked people, “Are you sure you know what you’re getting into?” Well, they knew. Now we’re seeing what happens when people are willing to take those chances and stick with Atlantic City.

Take a Quick Look

I’m including a short clip from my conversation with Jim. Give it a watch. It’ll give you a taste of what we get into on the new episode, and then join us Friday for the full conversation.

This Has To Be About The Residents Too

This might have been my favorite part of the conversation. Atlantic City is a tourism destination, and of course we want people coming here. Visit Atlantic City can show you just how many things to do in Atlantic City there are beyond the gaming floors—from our beaches and Boardwalk to restaurants, attractions, entertainment and events. But Atlantic City is also somebody’s hometown, and that can’t get lost in all the talk about development.

Jim talked about neighborhood organizations and community development efforts putting resources behind first-time homebuyers, housing rehabilitation, façade improvements and other programs designed to strengthen the communities where longtime residents live. That matters to me. I’ve lived here for nearly two decades, I’ve gone to more community meetings than a normal person probably should, and I’ve walked through these neighborhoods, talked with residents and watched the level of involvement grow. When residents believe somebody is listening—and when they start seeing results—you build something that money alone can’t buy: pride.

Relationships Still Get Things Done

There was one theme that kept coming back throughout our conversation: relationships. Jim’s career in South Jersey has shown him that funding and development don’t happen in a vacuum. You need a plan, but you also need people willing to work together. Local officials, state and federal partners, neighborhood leaders, nonprofits, developers and residents all have a role. Jim put it simply: people need to know you’re going to deliver. I’ve always believed that. You can disagree with somebody and still sit at the same table and figure out how to get something accomplished.

Atlantic City has had plenty of starts and stops over the years. Maintaining this momentum means continuing to work together, keeping residents involved and staying focused on the bigger picture. That’s really one of the messages I took away from my conversation with Jim: momentum is great, but you have to keep working to maintain it.

So, What Comes Next?

Jim believes we’re beginning to see another generation of investment, including larger and more sophisticated developers looking seriously at Atlantic City. We also talked about what still needs attention, including the convention business, the future of the Atlantic City Convention Center, Boardwalk Hall and additional development that can support larger conventions and events. Nobody is saying the job is finished—far from it—but when you combine infrastructure investment, new housing, neighborhood improvements, private development and people willing to put their own money into Atlantic City, you’ve got something worth watching. Jim called it a renaissance. I think we’re starting to see it too.

New AC Mike Podcast Episode Drops Friday 8/21

There’s much more in the full episode, including Jim’s South Jersey roots, his career in city and regional planning, the mentors who helped him along the way, the evolution of Atlantic City’s neighborhoods, the importance of relationships, development opportunities and where he believes the city could be ten years from now. If you care about Atlantic City—not just where it has been, but where it’s going—I think you’re going to enjoy this conversation.

The new episode of The AC Mike Show with Jim Rutala drops Friday, August 21. Head over to The AC Mike Show Podcast on YouTube and subscribe so you don’t miss it.

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