CJ Burnett with a youth cohort holding scholarship awards at a Trenton community event.
Trenton, New Jersey  ·  Founder  ·  Community Builder  ·  Firefighter

CJ Burnett

I build ecosystems where people, businesses, and communities thrive together.

Sponsor DreamFest ↗ See the work
Scroll

When something is missing, I see the gap and move the work forward.

Craig “CJ” Burnett Jr. is a firefighter, entrepreneur, youth advocate, and community builder in Trenton, New Jersey. Through We Built This City, DreamFest, and the Boys & Girls Club of Mercer County, CJ connects people, organizations, and resources to build stronger communities, support local business, and create pathways for the next generation.

We Built This CityDreamFestBoys & Girls Club of Mercer County Trenton Fire DepartmentYouth DevelopmentCultural Production
$70K+
In scholarships awarded to Trenton youth
252
Young people served through community and youth programs
84%
Post-secondary placement rate
CJ Burnett speaking at a podium after receiving a City Council award.
Accepting a City Council award for selfless contributions to the city of Trenton.

The work is simple to name and hard to do: turn community gaps into opportunity, then hand the next generation a way through.

Craig “CJ” Burnett Jr.

What I do

Vision and follow-through, in the same person.

01
Community Consulting
Understand the gap, build the plan, connect the right people, and move the work forward.
02
Youth Development and Mentorship
Spaces, programs, and guidance that support young people and families.
03
Event and Cultural Production
Community-centered events and cultural experiences that connect people, creativity, and opportunity.
04
Creative Direction and Media
Stories, content, visuals, and campaigns that communicate clearly and move people.
05
Partnerships and Public Engagement
Connect schools, nonprofits, city agencies, brands, and funders with the people and projects that matter.
CJ Burnett working a Trenton celebrity basketball game.
Featured project

DreamFest 2026

A week-long cultural and economic development festival that transforms Trenton into a citywide venue through sports, entrepreneurship, entertainment, community engagement, and local business activation.

July 13 to 19, 2026  ·  Throughout Trenton, New Jersey

Join or Sponsor DreamFest ↗
On the ground

The work, where it happens.

CJ Burnett mentoring a young person at a community center.
Mentorship, one of the spaces We Built This City creates for youth.
Portrait of CJ Burnett in a marble lobby.
CJ Burnett, founder of We Built This City.
CJ Burnett presenting community work alongside local partners.
Presenting community work with local partners.
CJ Burnett at a Trenton community and public-service event.
Connecting people at a Trenton public-service event.
DreamFest 2026 event graphic for Trenton.
DreamFest 2026, a citywide Trenton festival.
Who I want to meet.

Sponsors, vendors, and brands ready to back DreamFest 2026. Schools, nonprofits, and city agencies that need a trusted builder who can also execute. Event producers and creative teams who need community-rooted production. Youth programs and families looking for mentorship and development support.

Build DreamFest 2026 with me.

Sponsors, vendors, partners, media, and youth supporters. Bring what you have. We will find the gap it fills.

Join or Sponsor DreamFest ↗ CJ's website