The October announcement that the CitiStat government improvement program would be used in Atlantic City was greeted with enthusiasm and optimism. The N.J. Department of Community Affairs is partnering with the city and Stockton University to deploy a proven computer-data-driven system for tracking public-reported problems and ensuring the accountability to get them addressed.
Many American cities have benefited from CitiStat the past two decades. Its blend of technology and practical common sense seem like just the thing to help Atlantic City get the most out of its more limited resources since its near-bankruptcy and state takeover of its finances.
Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, who as DCA commissioner leads state oversight of the city, said CitiStat could be transformative for the city. Atlantic City can use it and the new CompStat program for police “to effectively examine quality-of-life concerns affecting neighborhoods and, in the process, make Atlantic City a better place to buy a home, raise children, establish a business or take a vacation.” Read more from The Press of Atlantic City.