During my mayoral campaign, a wise man told me that one key to Atlantic City’s future is its new immigrant population. I agree.

When you think of the places people visit in major cities, many are marked by a distinct cultural flair. It’s especially true of neighborhoods where immigrants settle. From San Francisco to New York, visitors and residents flock to the Chinatowns and Little Italys. In Atlantic City, we have many neighbors who have traveled from every corner of the world to improve their condition, earn their fortunes, and pursue the American Dream.

There’s much talk lately about the future of Atlantic City and what new things can be brought to town. The fact that ideas are being proposed in public forums is great. It indicates that Atlantic City’s major stakeholders (the people, casinos, government and businesses) are finally focused on long-term feasible planning.

But one attraction doesn’t need to be brought here. They’ve brought themselves. They’re the new immigrants, and they need to be showcased.

Atlantic City’s Ducktown neighborhood confirms that sections of town featuring great food, people, music, and culture from a particular ethnic group are a winning idea. An Atlantic City “Asiatown,” an international nightlife corridor, a Latino section and other ethnic-themed neighborhoods can transform our town into a standing World’s Fair. That ethnic flair will complement what Atlantic City already does right in its casinos, at the Walk, in the Irish neighborhoods and on the Civil Rights Trail.

Sometimes the answer to complex problems is right in front of our faces. Today’s new immigrants already contribute to Atlantic City as workers and merchants. It’s time for us to let them shine, showcasing the music, goods, culture and food of the new immigrants in ethnic communities.

By doing so, we add a cultural flair for both visitor and resident alike. By doing so, we bring a much-needed vibrancy to our city neighborhoods.

Jesse O. Kurtz is a lifelong Atlantic City resident and host of the Jesse Kurtz Show, heard every Saturday at 2 p.m. on WIBG 1020AM and www.wibg.com. For more information, visit www.JesseOKurtz.com.

By Jesse Kurtz

Jesse O. Kurtz is managing editor of The Atlantic City Scoop (http://cityofatlantic.wordpress.com), a blog dedicated to politics in the big city. He can be reached at JesseOKurtz@gmail.com