Coastal Conversations
A strong community depends on leadership that understands its people, recognizes their needs, and works to create opportunities for the future.
As Atlantic County Executive, Dennis Levinson has spent decades overseeing county government and addressing the issues that affect residents, businesses and communities throughout the region.
From public services and economic development to healthcare, infrastructure and community initiatives, the county executive’s role touches many aspects of everyday life.
In this edition of Coastal Conversations, Dennis shares his experiences in public service, the challenges facing Atlantic County and his vision for the region’s future.
AS: What first inspired you to pursue public service, and what led you to become Atlantic County Executive?
DL: I was raised in a family that gave back. My mother worked for the Philadelphia School for the blind and pursued a life of public service. My dad volunteered for numerous service organizations.
AS: Having served as county executive for many years, how has Atlantic County changed during your tenure?
DL: We recognize the need to diversify our economy. We cannot be solely reliant on hospitality, tourism and gaming. By taking advantage of our existing assets with the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center and the Atlantic City Airport, we set out to grow the aviation industry and built the National Aerospace Research and Technology Park to attract new business and create high-paying sustainable jobs.
AS: What are some of the biggest challenges facing Atlantic County residents today, and how is the county working to address them?
DL: Despite Atlantic County being the best run county in the state, we are the second poorest. We have 35,000 people living below the poverty line. Our efforts are focused on diversification, job training and education, specifically teaching to the needs of our residents. College is not for everyone. We have a Blue Ribbon school at the Atlantic County Institute of Technology that offers 16 career programs, including an Aviation Academy. This past May, we opened the Career & Technical Education Building that can accommodate an additional 450 students.
AS: What initiatives or accomplishments during your time as county executive are you particularly proud of?
DL: We were the first, and may still be the only one, to put defibrillators in every first response vehicle. We brought Stockton to Atlantic City. We helped save Boscov’s from closing. We built the National Aerospace Research and Technology Park. We created the Central Municipal Court. We consistently lowered taxes and maintained a low debt ratio.
We have received 26 perfect audits in as many years. We retained top credit ratings and maintained a surplus for unanticipated needs. We fought the state for 8 years to get $59 million for our taxpayers, the money they were rightfully owed from the Pilot legislation.
AS: How does the county work with local municipalities and community organizations to address residents’ needs?
DL: We partner in many areas with intergovernmental agreements and shared service agreements. A prime example is the Central Municipal Court of Atlantic County that opened in 2022 as the first centralized court in the state to reduce costs and duplication and provide tax relief to county residents.
AS: What do you think people may not fully understand about the responsibilities of county government and how it affects their daily lives?
DL: We are a safety net for the poor, the elderly, the hungry, the disabled and other vulnerable individuals.
AS: Looking ahead, what are your priorities for Atlantic County, and what would you most like to accomplish for its residents?
DL: After 100 years of talk, we are diversifying our county and not just relying on hospitality, gaming and tourism. My goal is to leave Atlantic County better for our children and grandchildren so they can remain in the area and enjoy a quality of life second to none.
