The man who once headed the agency responsible for overseeing casino reinvestment dollars in Atlantic City has come to Newark.
John Palmieri, 66, the former executive director of the Casino Reinvestment Development Agency, is assuming a new role under Mayor Ras Baraka as the Deputy Mayor for Economic Growth, Transportation and Infrastructure. Palmieri will advise the mayor on changes in technology infrastructure and planned revitalization efforts, as well as oversee business tax incentives and economic development agreements, with the ultimate goal of growing the city's economy.
"Whatever the city does, whatever we're doing to accomplish tax base growth and job creation, you've got to do that with an eye toward satisfying community needs," Palmieri told NJ Advance Media. "What we need to do is create public policy to ensure people who invested and reside here ... stay in Newark and prosper in Newark."
Appointed in 2011 by Gov. Chris Christie to lead the CRDA, Palmieri oversaw the spending of millions in casino reinvestment funds into economic and community development projects. He said he helped create legislative initiatives and ensured projects were viable -- skills that will ultimately help Newark, Palmieri said.
"The mayor expects me to identify policy initiatives and ways to improve legislation, so that we can do more to get our fair share at the state," he said.
Palmieri grew up in Hoboken and has worked as an urban development professional for 30 years. Palmieri left the CRDA in Dec. 2016. Prior to his time at the agency, he directed the Boston Redevelopment Authority and led redevelopment efforts in Providence, R.I., Charlotte, N.C., and Hartford, Conn.
In Newark, Palmieri said he wants to create a game plan for growth that aligns with Baraka's goals and allows city residents to benefit, too -- through training, jobs and housing opportunities.
"It's important to make sure that a rising tide lifts all boats," he said.
The Baraka Administration has also created another new position, the Manager of Opportunities and Affordability, to work with residents seeking affordable housing, and oversee the implementation of the new tax abatement and inclusionary zoning laws.
"Newark's success in attracting investment, construction and affordable housing opportunities requires attention to development issues beyond real estate and to assuring that all development is inclusive," Baraka said in a statement. "Newark is moving forward at an unprecedented pace and our success in attracting investment, development, and affordable housing opportunities requires new positions to fully address the City's growth."
Acting Deputy Mayor of Economic and Housing Development Carmelo Garcia, who replaced Baye Adofo-Wilson, will be named as Acting Director of Economic Development, pending confirmation by City Council.
The city did not immediately provide salaries for either position.
Karen Yi may be reached at kyi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @karen_yi or on Facebook.