Atlantic City's Critical Infrastructure at Flood Risk

Report finds 98% of schools, fire and police stations, hospital in Atlantic City face flooding by 2050.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:56pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray and blue, with a faint outline of buildings and structures barely visible through a thick, hazy fog, conveying a sense of the overwhelming power of nature and the vulnerability of human-made infrastructure.As rising seas and extreme weather threaten Atlantic City's critical public facilities, the city faces an immense challenge to protect its vulnerable infrastructure.Atlantic City Today

A new report warns that nearly all of Atlantic City's critical infrastructure, including police and fire stations, schools, hospital buildings, parks, and libraries, will be at risk of flooding by 2050 due to rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

Why it matters

As one of the East Coast's most vulnerable cities to climate change, the potential loss of so much of Atlantic City's essential public services and community resources would be devastating for residents and the local economy.

The details

The report, compiled by a team of urban planners and climate scientists, analyzed the elevation and flood risk data for over 200 public buildings and facilities across Atlantic City. Their findings indicate that 98% of the city's schools, fire and police stations, hospital, and other key infrastructure will be in danger of inundation within the next three decades.

  • The report was published on April 8, 2026.

The players

Atlantic City

A coastal city in New Jersey that is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

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What’s next

City officials have pledged to develop a comprehensive climate adaptation plan to protect critical infrastructure, but funding and implementation remain major challenges.

The takeaway

This report underscores the urgent need for Atlantic City and other coastal communities to invest in climate resilience measures to safeguard their essential public services and facilities from the growing threat of flooding.