Greetings Old City Business & Property Owners,

Hello again to those of you I have had the chance to meet. For those I have not yet met, I look forward to doing so. As Brett Mapp, our Director of Operations, and Gregory Diehl, our Economic Development Coordinator, can tell you, I will never turn down an opportunity to drink more coffee- let me know when!

Since joining Old City District (OCD), I have learned that historically it has not had a regular, effective ongoing means of communication with you, our stakeholders.  In an effort to improve how we communicate, Old City District is launching a quarterly B2B Newsletter with information for our business community constituents. Depending on the quantity or time-sensitivity of information we may adjust the frequency or occasionally send out a stand-alone message, but the goal remains the same: better communication and dissemination of information. We rely upon and welcome your feedback on the concept, content and execution of this effort. 

These brief emails will contain updates about programs and initiatives that OCD is implementing to improve the District, as well as information about resources and opportunities available to help Old City business owners, property owners, and institutions. 

Right now, we are working on two strategic plans. The first is a marketing strategy plan to guide our efforts as we market the neighborhood and support the efforts of individual businesses. The second is an economic and master plan to better understand our economy and to guide private and public development in Old City for the next ten years. This plan will require multiple public meetings so please stay tuned.

We would also like to hold periodic information sessions here at the OCD office. We are currently organizing sessions with the Philadelphia Commerce Department to discuss Kiva Zip (see below for more info) and the Philadelphia Parking Authority to hear your questions and address concerns. If you have any suggestions for other sessions that might be helpful, please let us know.

Read on to learn more about what is currently happening in Old City, and please share with anyone who may wish to be added to our list. The titles link to our website, which hosts a wealth of additional information year round. If you have any questions feel free to schedule a meeting or simply give us a call  at (215) 592-7929. We look forward to continuing to work with you as we strive to improve Old City.

Thank you,

Job Itzkowitz

Executive Director

Old City District

[email protected]

P.S. If anyone needs a recycling bin we have them here at our office at 231 Market Street. Stop by during regular business hours to pick one up at no cost.

About Old City District:

Old City District is the Business Improvement District (BID) for the Old City neighborhood of Philadelphia. OCD's mission is to supplement City services to benefit the business community, with a focus on Clean & Safe, Marketing, Economic Development & Streetscape Improvement programs. Our service area includes the 22 square blocks bounded by Front Street to the East, 6th Street to the West, Walnut & Dock Street to the South and Florist Street to the North.