Atlantic City, New Jersey, was awarded a $30,000 scholarship on September 1, 2026 by the Center for Community Progress under the Abandoned Properties Rehabilitation Act. The funding is intended to support the repair of abandoned structures and to help reverse blight in the city’s neighborhoods.

The grant is part of a limited program that selected only two municipalities for the scholarship this year. Atlantic City’s inclusion signals a focus on addressing the growing number of vacant and deteriorating properties that have contributed to neighborhood decline. The Center for Community Progress administers the grant, which is designed to provide municipalities with resources to stabilize and rehabilitate properties that have been left empty for extended periods.

City officials indicated that the $30,000 will be directed toward immediate repairs that can make abandoned homes safer and more attractive for potential occupants or investors. By improving the physical condition of these sites, the city hopes to encourage further private investment and to create a more stable environment for residents. The grant also aligns with broader efforts to revitalize areas that have suffered from disinvestment.

The Abandoned Properties Rehabilitation Act aims to empower local governments to take proactive steps against blight, offering financial assistance that can be applied to a range of remedial actions. As one of the two municipalities chosen, Atlantic City joins a small cohort of communities receiving targeted support to address property neglect. The grant’s impact will be measured by the number of structures repaired and the subsequent improvement in neighborhood conditions.

Local leaders plan to track the use of the funds closely, ensuring that each dollar contributes directly to the restoration of vacant properties. The initiative reflects a collaborative approach between the city and the Center for Community Progress, with the shared goal of fostering healthier, more vibrant neighborhoods.