CAMDEN, NJ (April 21, 2026) — Camden is driving a new era of development across housing, healthcare, education, utilities and transportation, transforming the city and the entire South Jersey region into an economic powerhouse.

Decision makers leading these game-changing investments shared first-hand details of what’s being built and how to get involved this morning at the Alliance’s 12th annual “City of Camden: A Growing Economic Force” event.

“The City of Camden has spent the last decade breaking ground on transformative initiatives, improving the quality of life for residents, expanding access to quality healthcare and education, and becoming a hub for business throughout the region,” NJ Alliance for Action President Jerry Keenan said.

George Norcross, Chairman of Board of Trustees at Cooper Health System, Cooper University Hospital, and MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, shared an overview of recent and upcoming development in the region, including construction within the Cooper Health System.

Mayor Victor Carstarphen detailed major investments and initiatives that have led to a 90% decrease in homicides, over 300 roads paved since 2021, and a 79% increase in property value since 2015. Major projects across the city include:Cooper University Healthcare’s $3 billion Project Imagine; Coriell Institute’s $95 million expansion;and a $250 million investment in Walter Rand Transportation Center & Beacon Tower.

Camden County Commissioner Director Lou Cappelli detailed some 50 upcoming economic development projects, over $2 billion in private and public investment, and thousands of new jobs and opportunities.

New Jersey American Water President Mark McDonough said the utility is investing hundreds of millions of dollars each year on main replacements and rehabilitations, valves, hydrants, PFAS improvements and other initiatives. In Camden, American Water Contract Services Group provides water services to residents west of the Cooper River and wastewater collection services to residents throughout the city.

Delaware River Port Authority CEO John Hanson detailed the agency’s more than $800 million five-year capital plan and highlighted major capital projects, including the $195 million Ben Franklin Bridge Suspension Span Rehabilitation, a $230 million investment in Walt Whitman Bridge and Ben Franklin Bridge Fender and Pier Rehabilitation, $220 million Commodore Barry Bridge Painting and Steel Repairs, and over $128 million in PATCO investments.

The City of Camden is truly a growing economic force, with continued investment and development benefitting residents and building a better future for the city as a place to live, work, and visit. Don’t miss your next opportunity for exclusive construction and investment insights by registering for your next Alliance for Action event here.

Since 1974, The New Jersey Alliance for Action has worked as a non-partisan and non-profit association representing thousands of business, labor, government, utility, education, professional, and other New Jersey leaders. Our mission is to improve New Jersey’s economy through the promotion of environmentally friendly capital construction and infrastructure investment.