ATLANTIC CITY- Atlantic city's mayor delivered his annual State of the City preview. While he mentioned the city's past triumphs, he focused on addressing the future and the tough times ahead.

Standing before the audience at the Metropolitan Business and Citizens Association luncheon, Mayor Lorenzo Langford delivered his annual state of the city preview, recognizing the challenges in the year ahead. "In difficult times we need to tighten our belts and look for ways to cut spending, it won't be easy but I'm optimistic we will weather the storm," Langford said.

While thankful to have balanced the city's budget last year with no consequences to city employees, he said this year will be much different. "This year we're facing a huge budget deficit…consequently layoffs, demotions and furloughs will be a reality."

And an even bigger challenge lies ahead as casino revenues continue to drop, as competition from nearby states stiffens. "We're not doing as well as we need to do, however we're still doing better than most cities."

But Langford believes 2010 will be a year for optimism, cooperation and partnership.

He says the city's strategic planning committee has hit the ground running, to address areas to keep Atlantic City ahead of the competition. "For the first time ever in Atlantic City's history, we now have a cooperative effort to identify and address our problems and more importantly plan for the future…now is the time to be innovative and spend money to promote, feature and showcase Atlantic City as a true destination resort."


And Langford looked back at 2009 thankful for the alternative energy task force and the upcoming construction of the offshore wind farm that is expected to be built in 2011 or 2012 as a sign of good things to come. "When completed, the project will generate 20 megawatts of power ensuring clean energy for Atlantic City's future…now more than ever we must seize the opportunity to move Atlantic City forward."

The mayor's official State of the City address will be before the city council at a later date.

When asked about the future of Atlantic City Police Department's K-9 units that he pulled from active duty in August pending the outcome of an investigation over alleged police brutality with them, Langford said quote, "We have some ideas but we're not ready to share them yet."