NJEDA Awards $5.7M in Grant Funding to Revitalize Camden Parks and Public Spaces

The Urban Investment Fund will support building rehabilitation and public space remediation

TRENTON, N.J. (October 2, 2025) – Today, New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan announced a total of $5.7 million was awarded through the Urban Investment Fund (UIF) Grant Program to support five community revitalization projects in Camden. The funding will support several building rehabilitation and public space projects in the city, which was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic deeply affected municipalities throughout the state, especially in urban neighborhoods where foot traffic sharply declined,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “By investing in the renewal of New Jersey’s most impacted communities, we can strengthen small businesses, promote job creation, and revive vibrant main streets. Camden plays a vital role in our state’s economy, and the NJEDA’s Urban Investment Fund will help ensure the city’s ongoing growth and prosperity.”

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, the NJEDA remains committed to supporting communities hardest hit by the pandemic by ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to recover. Across the state, the Urban Investment Fund helps catalyze economic growth to create stronger, more vibrant downtowns,” said NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan. “The funds awarded to Camden will stimulate inclusive economic development in key commercial corridors, generating jobs, aiding local businesses, and fostering sustained prosperity through impactful investments.”

The grant awards were announced today during a press conference at Sheila Roberts Park in the city’s downtown. With the Urban Investment Fund grant, the city plans to improve access to the park, upgrade plazas and sidewalks, enhance safety features, and add new, family-friendly amenities.

“The city of Camden is teeming with opportunity and this allocation of $5 million will be a game changer in terms of boosting the local economy and improving the use of our public spaces,” said Jeffrey Nash, Camden County Commissioner. “We are extremely grateful that NJEDA sees the value in investing in projects such as these and we cannot wait to work with the City of Camden, Camden Community Partnership, and our other community partners to transform this city into something spectacular.” 

“Parks are more than playgrounds and fields—they are places where memories are made, where friendships are formed, and where a community takes root,” said Victor Carstarphen, Camden City Mayor. “We are firmly committed to improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods, and our parks play a huge role in that endeavor. We are leveraging over $150 million dollars of investment already made in our parks. Thank you to the Camden County Board of Commissioners, Camden Community Partnership, and to the NJEDA for this funding commitment. This will help bring a vibrant energy back to our open spaces.”

Camden Community Partnership (CCP) has partnered with the City of Camden to create a revitalization strategy to improve the city through investments in public and private spaces to boost public access and utilization of parks and similar spaces. The projects were specifically crafted to respond to the negative impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on Camden’s business sector.

“We are deeply grateful to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority for awarding Camden Community Partnership this transformative Urban Investment Fund grant,” said Dana L. Redd, President and CEO of CCP. “This grant allows us to continue revitalizing our public spaces and commercial corridors in ways that reflect the strength, creativity, and resilience of our community. With this support, and the continued partnership of the city, county, and nonprofit organizations, we take another powerful step toward realizing the full promise of our great city.”

Through the UIF Grant Program, the NJEDA provides grants to eligible municipalities to implement a revitalization strategy to respond to decreased foot traffic and revenue due to the pandemic by helping cities enhance vitality. Projects supported by the program can include building rehabilitation projects, building reuse studies, and public space use investments in key commercial corridors. Funding for this program was provided through American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.

“This investment will not only bring much-needed improvements to our parks and public spaces, but it will also help strengthen the economic and social fabric of Camden,” said Senator Nilsa I. Cruz Perez (LD-5). “These improvements will help bring life back to our parks and community spaces and will give residents and families places to connect and enjoy.”

“This NJEDA funding demonstrates the State’s commitment to the City of Camden and reinforce the City’s remarkable progress,” said Assemblyman William Moen (LD-5). “Every dollar will support and elevate Camden’s outdoor spaces, local businesses, and community centers. I thank Camden Community Partnership for its tireless efforts and look forward to the completion of these five projects.”

“This significant investment from the NJEDA marks a major milestone for Camden,” said Assemblyman William Spearman (LD-5). “These projects will not only enhance our parks and public spaces, but also spark economic growth, support local entrepreneurs, and create vibrant, welcoming corridors throughout out city. I commend Camden Community Partnership for their vision and thank the NJEDA for recognizing the importance of investing in Camden’s future.”

The following projects that were awarded grant funding include:

• Wiggins Waterfront Promenade: This $1 million project will include extensive new utilities, earthwork, and site work to help support this new commercial activity. Improvements will include essential site and utility work, wayfinding, and public art, supported by a $300,000 match from the William Penn Foundation.
• Sheila Roberts Park: Sheila Roberts Park will receive access improvements, upgraded plazas and sidewalks, enhanced safety features, and new family-friendly amenities. This project includes a $100,000 Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit (NRTC) grant and a UIF investment of over $540,000.
• 7th & Clinton Street Park: 7th & Clinton Street Park will be receiving a new gazebo and corresponding entertainment space, playground equipment, recreational offerings, athletic and wellness, and other streetscape amenities. The project includes a $615,000 capital match from Camden County Parks and a UIF allocation of over $686,000.
• East Camden: CCP will renovate the community building at 2631 Federal Street, making it a commercial and community hub. This $3.3 million initiative is supported by $810,000 in secured matching funds, including $250,000 in NRTC funding, a $300,000 anonymous donation, a $260,000 grant from the Townsend Foundation, and $2.5 million through the UIF.
• Roosevelt Plaza Park: This project will install several kiosks to serve as food dispensing venues, plant trees and shrubs, and place benches and tables to allow for communal dining. Supported by a $50,000 contribution from the Camden Special Services District, this project received $1.1 million through the UIF.

Established in March 2024, the UIF Grant Program provides grants for the revitalization of key commercial corridor areas and real estate projects located in eligible municipalities. Eligible municipalities include Camden, Newark, New Brunswick, Passaic, Paterson, and Trenton, which all rank within the top five percent of commuter-adjusted population and the top five percent of municipal distress based on the 2023 Municipal Revitalization Index. Approved grants may not exceed 80 percent of total project costs for eligible uses, including building rehabilitation projects, building reuse studies, and public space use improvements.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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