Camden’s Resurgence: A City on the Rise

 

Once known for its struggles, Camden is now a model of progress, with major advancements in public safety, education, housing and small business development. It’s easy to see that Camden’s transformation is a testament to the determination of its leaders and residents, who are working together to shape a city where people don’t just live – they thrive. 

“The culture here in Camden has changed,” says Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen. “Folks say to me, ‘Man, it feels different.’ They can’t always qualify what’s different, but I see the work that’s being done, and I can. The energy, the connection – it’s changing, and all for the better.”

 

 

“Through our community policing efforts, we have formed partnerships with the residents of the city. We’ve employed state-of-the-art technology, all of which has brought the lowest crime rate we’ve had in decades.” – Camden County Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr.

 

Public Safety: A Foundation for Growth

Public safety has been a crucial driver of Camden’s revitalization. Over the past 12 years, crime rates have plummeted, creating an environment where businesses and families feel secure. The Camden County Police Department (CCPD) has played an integral role in this transformation, adopting a community policing model that fosters trust between law enforcement and residents.

“Each year, Camden is becoming a safer place to live, work and visit,” says Camden County Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. “The Camden County Police Department, with its focus on community policing, has transformed this city, and the progress we are seeing is better than we could have ever imagined.”

“We realized back in 2012 that we could not bring a renaissance to the city without public safety services that were equal to those that exist in surrounding municipalities in Camden County,” he adds. “Through our community policing efforts, we have formed partnerships with the residents of the city. We’ve employed state-of-the-art technology, all of which has brought the lowest crime rate we’ve had in decades.”

The statistics speak for themselves. Since the CCPD was formed in 2013, total violent crime has decreased by 50%, homicides are down by 75%, and non-violent crime has dropped by 46%. In 2024 alone, the city recorded its lowest number of homicides since 1985. 

 “We take being in our community seriously,” says Carstarphen. “Our police department has been building that relationship for the past 12 years. Whether it’s walking the neighborhoods, going to parks and pop-ups or creating an atmosphere during festive times – when we do things that bring positivity, it builds trust in our residents. We give them confidence to be able to reach out to officers and leadership when they need something.”

“It comes down to consistency,” Carstarphen says. “We consistently show residents that we’re here and we’re listening.”

 

“You can see tangible things happening, things that our residents can see, feel and touch – from road infrastructure to parks improvement and home ownership.” – Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen

 

Education: Empowering the Next Generation

Camden’s educational landscape has seen significant improvements, offering students better opportunities for success. Thanks to $615 million in investments, new schools are being built, and existing institutions are being rehabilitated. The city has also embraced innovative school models such as Renaissance Schools, and graduation rates have climbed from 49% to 70% over the past 12 years.

“Camden’s educational platform includes different school types that give parents opportunities to really choose an environment they feel is good for their child,” says Carstarphen.

This transformation is best exemplified by the comprehensive rebuild of East Side High School. After 95 years of service, the original structure is set for demolition, making way for a new 203,000-square-foot facility designed to serve approximately 750 students. The project, expected to take three to five years, aims to provide a modern learning environment equipped with specialized labs for industries like construction trades, medical arts, nursing, plumbing, welding, cosmetology and HVAC. Additional features include a media center, video production and digital media facilities, a computer technology lab and spaces dedicated to performing arts, business entrepreneurship, music and special education life skills. The new building will also house a modern auditorium, gymnasium and cafeteria. 

This initiative reflects a commitment to offering equitable and innovative educational opportunities, preparing students for both college and careers.

“This wasn’t in the plan initially,” says Carstarphen. “It came from myself and other officials taking a tour of the building, and we immediately knew something needed to be done. So we got to work.”

The city’s commitment to education is evident in initiatives like Hopeworks, which provides career training and employment opportunities for at-risk youth, boasting a 93% retention rate for its 12-month program. Hopeworks focuses on technology-based job training where participants receive hands-on experience through internships with local businesses and nonprofits, helping them secure stable employment with competitive wages. The program also offers trauma-informed support, recognizing that many of its participants have faced adversity. By providing mentorship, academic assistance and professional development, Hopeworks empowers young people to break the cycle of poverty and build sustainable careers – ideally in Camden.

“It’s not just about getting people to love where they live. We hope they stay here and contribute back,” says Carstarphen.  

Housing and Infrastructure: Rebuilding a Community

Camden is also making strides in housing and infrastructure development. Over $366 million has been invested to improve the city’s housing stock, with more than 1,000 market-rate and affordable homes being built or rehabilitated in 2024 alone. Since 2013, 1,000 abandoned, unsafe and blighted structures have been demolished, making way for new development.

“To begin developing small businesses and local markets, we need more residents, so we’re focused on programs to bring new people to Camden,” says Cappelli. “Our goal is to ensure public safety, improve quality of life and provide the right amenities for residents. By doing so, we create an atmosphere that attracts new people to the city.” 

And, he says, those residents need services like healthcare, employment and transportation – both of which have improved drastically over the years. 

“One key area of investment is healthcare, with both Cooper and Virtua making significant commitments to expanding hospital facilities,” says Cappelli. “This is crucial because Cooper employs more Camden residents than any other employer in the city, and Virtua also provides jobs to many local residents. These projects will create substantial job opportunities.”

 

 

Cooper University Health Care has launched the first phase of its $3 billion “Project Imagine” expansion in Camden. This project aims to enhance medical services, create jobs and improve access to healthcare for residents. The expansion is expected to attract more professionals to the area while bolstering the city’s economic landscape.

Additionally, Gov. Phil Murphy has pledged more than $250 million to renovate and modernize the Walter Rand Transportation Center (WRTC) in Camden City. 

“The updated facility will provide improved transportation options, streamline transit connections and contribute to the city’s long-term infrastructure growth,” says Cappelli. 

“But we need more,” he adds. “We need restaurants. We need a supermarket. We need local markets. We still have a long way to go, but it starts with getting people to live in the city, and we are very confident that in today’s market, we will be able to attract market rate housing developers to the city.”

But it’s not just about attracting new residents – Camden is also working to make infrastructure better for the people who have lived here for generations. In that regard, the biggest difference isn’t always made by the biggest projects, says Carstarphen. Since taking office in 2021, Carstarphen has overseen the reconstruction of more than 281 city streets, representing a $23 million investment. 

“Why?” he asks, “because that’s what the residents asked for.” 

One notable example is the repair of 27th Street, which had become infamous for its poor condition. 

“It became a meme, that’s how bad it was – ‘Don’t drive down 27th Street unless you have high-end car insurance.’ We came together and fixed that road because we care,” says Carstarphen. 

Small Business Support: The Camden1st Initiative

Camden1st is a strategic effort designed to connect small businesses with large corporations, creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs to scale their operations. By fostering partnerships between small businesses and major employers, Camden1st aims to generate economic growth and sustainability for local enterprises.

The initiative includes a searchable online business directory that allows companies to identify Camden-based suppliers and service providers. It also secures commitments from Camden’s corporate sector and anchor institutions to prioritize purchasing from local vendors, creating a steady stream of business for small enterprises. Camden1st provides access to financing resources and procurement opportunities, helping businesses secure contracts that can fuel expansion and job creation.

“One contract can completely change your business,” says Carstarphen. “By ensuring that local businesses have access to corporate partnerships and city-wide initiatives, we’re building a stronger economic foundation for Camden.”

Beyond creating business-to-business connections, Camden1st also offers workshops, networking events and mentoring programs. These initiatives equip small business owners with the skills, knowledge and resources necessary to navigate the competitive marketplace.

“Just recently, we had a big event with Cooper, and there were these cookies with the emblem of the event on them,” says Carstarphen. “Then the next day, I went to a ribbon cutting for another event, and there were those cookies again, but this time with the bank logo. A woman walked up to me to talk about them, and I realized she was the cookie lady. She’s a small Camden business that got the chance to form these relationships with huge corporations.”

“We’re trying to push Camden forward in the right direction,” he adds. “Sometimes you don’t see it because you’re working so hard, but then something  – like those cookies – makes you step back and really see and feel the progress.”

A Bright Future for Camden

Camden’s leadership is focused on sustaining its momentum. 

“We push through, that’s the reality of it. We’re a lot of like-minded folks who work together to continue to raise the bar here in Camden,” says Carstarphen. “You can see tangible things happening, things that our residents can see, feel and touch – from road infrastructure to parks improvement and home ownership.”

The city’s transformation, however, has not happened overnight. Carstarphen credits a dedicated team that prioritizes community over personal gain. 

“I’m fortunate to work with people who have no ego,” he says. “This progress comes from people who are passionate about making Camden a better community.”

Challenges remain, he says, but that doesn’t stop the city from pushing on. 

“We don’t live in a world where everything is 100% great, but I do feel the energy, culture and community shifting – and that’s the precipice of everything,” says Carstarphen. 

And that momentum, he says, is built through action. 

“We just don’t rest on our laurels,” Carstarphen adds. “We’re all about the work. You show by your deeds, and if you do it the right way, other people will talk about it – and people are talking about Camden. People are watching.”