Community Development Corporations (CDC) are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. They are created to support and revitalize specific neighborhoods.

CDCs focus on:

• Affordable housing.
• Economic development.
• Job training.
• Social services.
• Community organizing.

They accomplish these goals by:

• Providing programs.
• Offering services.
• Promoting and supporting community development.

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Commercial corridor management and cleaning

Community organizations may be eligible for funding for corridor management.

Learn more about commercial corridor management and cleaning.

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Capacity building

The City provides building support for neighborhood-based CDCs and BIDs. We do this by offering activities and workshops throughout the year.

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Neighborhood Economic Development Grants

The Neighborhood Economic Development Grant helps to fund planning, pre-development, and development costs. This includes expenses related to the construction of commercial development and mixed-use buildings. These grants can range from $100,000 to $500,000.

Commerce invests in opportunities that:

• Revitalize neighborhoods.
• Provide employment opportunities.

Projects are evaluated based on:

• Applicant capacity.
• Project feasibility.
• Ability to increase goods and services.
• Job creation potential.
• Possibility of blight removal.

Planning, pre-development, and development grants are awarded through a competitive Request for Proposals process. This happens once a year. For more information, contact Terrine Datts at terrine.datts@phila.gov or (215) 683-2167.

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CDC Tax Credit

The Community Development Corporation (CDC) Tax Credit program allows businesses to support local CDCs in exchange for a one-to-one tax credit.

Learn more about the CDC Tax Credit from the Department of Revenue.

Business Improvement Districts (BID) improve the areas they serve. They do this by creating clean and safe environments where businesses can prosper. The services offered by BIDs expand beyond what is available through the City. BIDs are funded through mandatory payments made by property owners within the boundaries.

What does a BID do?

A BID provides services that invest in the long-term economic growth of the district.

BID services include:

• Maintenance and cleaning.
• Public safety.
• Business development and attraction.
• Marketing and promotion.
• Capital improvements.
• Landscaping.
• Community support and services.

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Why create a BID?

There are many benefits to creating a BID, including:

• A cleaner, safer, and more attractive business district.
• Reliable funding for services and programs.
• Ability to respond to changing needs of the business community.
• Potential to increase property values, improve sales, and reduce number of vacant properties.

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How can I start a BID in my neighborhood?

Creating a BID involves working with neighborhood:

• Businesses.
• Property owners.
• Public officials.
• Community stakeholders.

To begin planning a BID, you must have the support of property owners in the area. These individuals must:

• Work together to develop a plan for BID services.
• Be willing to pay for benefits of the BID designation.

If you are interested in learning more about the process, contact Denis Murphy at denis.murphy@phila.gov or (215) 683-2039.