"Atlantic City Urban Enterprise Zone and Property Tax Relief Act"; creates urban enterprise zone in Atlantic City for 10 years.
The law allows eligible businesses within this urban enterprise zone to collect SUT at a reduced rate of 50 percent. Over the initial five years, all revenues generated from the reduced sales tax will be earmarked for Atlantic City's use, specifically directed towards local property tax relief. During the subsequent five years, the city will retain 66.5 percent of the SUT revenues. This shift in revenue allocation is designed to address the economic challenges faced by the city and encourage investment within the zone, thereby fostering a more vibrant local economy.
Senate Bill 1473, known as the Atlantic City Urban Enterprise Zone and Property Tax Relief Act, aims to establish a new urban enterprise zone in Atlantic City for a duration of 10 years. This act will be the 33rd zone created under the state's Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) program, which was originally launched in 1983. The bill's primary objective is to facilitate economic revitalization in Atlantic City as it moves away from being primarily a casino gaming destination toward positioning itself as a general-interest tourist locale. It does so by offering reduced sales and use tax (SUT) rates for qualifying retail businesses within the newly designated zone.
Notably, the bill has raised discussions regarding its exclusion of casino operators from the benefits applicable to the urban enterprise zone, which could limit opportunities for businesses located on non-casino properties. Critics argue that this may restrict potential economic growth, while supporters maintain that focusing on diversified local businesses rather than casinos is essential for long-term sustainability. Furthermore, debates around the bill emphasize the balancing act between generating municipal revenue through taxes and providing sufficient incentives to encourage local business growth.
The bill also requires municipalities to submit a development plan within 90 days of applying for the enterprise zone, emphasizing a structured approach towards establishing community-specific economic strategies. It highlights the state's goal of leveraging the UEZ program not only to aid in immediate fiscal challenges but also to create an environment conducive to gradual economic transition for Atlantic City.