Commerce Department / Urban Enterprize Zone Program

Mission

To establish the city’s commercial districts as a prime location to start and build a business and attract customers and visitors to support the city’s businesses through promotions and economic incentives

Duties & Challenges

The Commerce Department employs four people and encompasses Economic and Business Development including the Asbury Park Urban Enterprise Zone Program, the city’s Work Force Development Initiative, ‘Asbury Works’ and Special Events

Economic and Business Development

  • Recruits and retains businesses in the city
  • Administers and manages the Asbury Park Urban Enterprise Zone Program (APUEZ) created in 1994.


    The APUEZ:
    • Provides employment opportunities for residents through the use of economic incentives
    • Markets and promotes the city’s business interests
    • Enables participating retailers to offer reduced sales tax of 3% (of which 1% is available for reinvestment into the city) and grants exemptions from NJ sales tax

    Work Force Development Initiative

    • Established and maintains an employment workforce center for the city
    • Screens and counsels all Asbury Park residents seeking job placement assistance
    • Coordinates and manages local employer job opportunities

    Special Events
    • Accepts and processes all special event applications for the city
    • Coordinates special event committee
    • Sets fees, monitors and collects all special event income