Camden, New Jersey is turning heads for all the right reasons. In a major win for the city’s financial future, Mayor Victor Carstarphen recently announced that Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has reaffirmed Camden’s A bond rating with a “stable outlook,” marking yet another step forward in the city’s long-term revitalization.
This is no ordinary rating update. It’s a clear signal that Camden is not just surviving — it’s thriving. The A rating, maintained for the second consecutive year, represents a significant transformation from a decade ago, when Camden was struggling with sub-investment grade ratings. It also marks 11 consecutive years of maintaining investment-grade status, a reflection of consistency, accountability, and smart financial planning.
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A City Reinvented Through Financial Discipline
In its analysis, S&P praised Camden’s strengthened financial foundation. Key highlights included:
- Streamlined financial processes and reduced redundant accounts
- Elimination of interfund receivables
- Strengthened reserve balances
- Strong state support and rising economic activity
“The stable outlook reflects our view that the city will maintain its strong overall financial profile throughout the two-year outlook horizon,” S&P wrote. That’s the kind of language rarely used for a city that once faced dire fiscal challenges.
According to Mayor Carstarphen, the turnaround wasn’t luck — it was leadership. “Just over a decade ago, Camden couldn’t even secure an investment-grade rating,” he said during his State of the City address. “Now, two years in a row, we are A-rated. That’s a direct result of focus, foresight, and fiscal discipline.”
Major Developments Powering Camden’s Rise
Camden’s fiscal rebound is deeply connected to the surge of major investments and improvements citywide. Some of the most impactful developments include:
- $3 billion expansion of the Cooper University Health Care campus
- $250 million redevelopment of the Walter Rand Transportation Center
- Crime rates at 50-year lows
- Unemployment at 30-year lows
These aren’t just numbers — they represent real changes that are improving lives, boosting property values, and creating a more attractive environment for businesses and families alike.
Leadership and Collaboration at the Core
Camden’s success story is also rooted in strong partnerships. City officials, county leadership, business organizations, and community groups have all played key roles in supporting a shared vision for sustainable progress.
City Council President Angel Fuentes commended the administration’s work, while Camden County Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. highlighted the importance of responsible budgeting and transparency. Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water and co-chair of Camden Community Partnership, called the reaffirmed rating “a powerful endorsement of the city’s economic resilience and long-term vision.”
“It makes me proud that Camden is now looked at as a model for good fiscal management and considered a sound investment,” said Fuentes.
Camden: A Model for South Jersey and Beyond
This milestone is more than just a feather in Camden’s cap—it’s a blueprint for what’s possible when smart governance meets community engagement. With improved public safety, major infrastructure investments, and a clear financial strategy, Camden is emerging as a model for successful urban turnaround in South Jersey and the state as a whole.
As Camden celebrates its continued progress, residents and investors alike can look to the future with confidence — knowing the city is not just rebuilding, but reinventing itself.
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