Mayor Marty Small Sr. Highlights Record Ahead of Primary
Watch our wide-ranging interview of Mayor Small with RAYMOND TYLER on The Light, a civic engagement series powered by Atlantic City Focus.
ATLANTIC CITY — In preparation for the June 10, 2025, primary election, Mayor Marty Small Sr. made his case for reelection by pointing to a record of fiscal responsibility, quality-of-life improvements, and inclusive leadership that he says has changed the culture of City Hall and touched every ward of Atlantic City.
In a wide-ranging interview with RAYMOND TYLER on The Light, a civic engagement series powered by Atlantic City Focus, Mayor Small reflected on his rise from a welfare department employee to the city’s top executive and outlined his administration’s accomplishments while making a direct appeal to voters for another four-year term.
“This administration is what all your hopes and dreams are made of,” said Small, who is running on the “Team Small” ticket alongside school board members Pat Bailey and Stephanie Marshall and council candidate Mohammed Suhel Ahmed. “So dream big, vote Small.”
Civic Engagement and Community Impact
Throughout the conversation, Small emphasized his commitment to public service and civic engagement, referencing everything from his time managing summer youth camps to launching citywide antiviolence and reentry programs.
“Being mayor isn’t just about making sure trash is picked up,” Small said. “You’ve got to have skin in the game with the people.”
Small pointed to the creation of a dedicated homeless outreach team, supported by $3.4 million in combined state and federal funding, and an expansion of city recreation and senior services as key examples of his administration’s focus on human capital.
Taja Johnson
Six Straight Tax Cuts and Fiscal Stability
A cornerstone of Small’s reelection pitch is a streak of six consecutive municipal tax decreases and favorable credit ratings from financial agencies.
Mark Tyler
“Wall Street is saying great things about Atlantic City,” Small noted. “We’ve been upgraded every year by Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s, and we’re one step away from investment grade.”
Mark Tyler
Small attributed the city’s fiscal health to smart grant management, budget discipline, and using federal and state funds to offset costs that would otherwise burden local taxpayers.
A Platform Built on Inclusion and Investment
Small said his platform centers on continued infrastructure improvements, youth and senior programs, and making Atlantic City cleaner and safer. He touted the expansion of public safety resources, including a $5.8 million citywide surveillance system with artificial intelligence capabilities and increased police presence funded by a $3 million CRDA grant.
Will Powell
He also highlighted inclusive governance: “We created the city’s first LGBTQ+ program coordinator role and expanded the multicultural office. If Atlantic City matters, everyone has to matter,” he said.
Housing, Development, and Accountability
When asked about housing affordability, Small acknowledged limits on municipal control over rent prices but said his administration is addressing the issue through workforce housing initiatives and homeownership support.
In one recent example, the city partnered with New Jersey Community Capital to help four Venice Park families purchase homes appraised at $400,000 for less than half the cost. Small said the city and state contributed $200,000 in subsidies per home, and a new housing lottery is planned for this year.
Taja Johnson
Changing the Culture of City Hall
According to Small, one of his proudest achievements is shifting the internal culture of city government. He cited the "Great Day" phone greeting, employee training initiatives, and merit-based promotions as part of an intentional effort to boost morale and accountability.
“We’ve raised expectations,” he said. “City Hall used to be miserable. Now, employees are getting recognized, trained, and promoted.”
Looking Ahead
Despite past challenges, Small said the city is now gaining momentum. From the repaving of Atlantic and Pacific avenues to large-scale private development projects, including $3.4 billion at Bader Field, Small said Atlantic City’s future is bright.
Atlantic City Focus
“I want to be the best mayor this city has ever had,” Small said. “That’s not for me to decide—that’s for the people.”
Thanks for reading the whole story!
At Atlantic City Focus, we're committed to providing a platform where the diverse voices of our community can be heard, respected, and celebrated. As an independent online news platform, we rely on a unique mix of affordable advertising and the support of readers like you to continue delivering quality, community journalism that matters. Please support the businesses and organizations that support us by clicking on their ads. And by making a tax deductible donation today, you become a catalyst for change helping to amplify the authentic voices that might otherwise go unheard. And every contribution is greatly appreciated. Join us in making a difference—one uplifting story at a time!
*** GET UP WITH ATLANTIC CITY FOCUS and RAYMOND TYLER! ***
