2024 Year End Review

President’s Letter

‘Twas the week before Christmas, as I walk through the Square. Thinking about all the good things CCRA helped accomplish this past year…

- working with the police, as well as city and state governments, to explore initiatives for more effectively responding to quality-of-life issues affecting our neighbors who walk, bike and drive in our community.

- representing our community on zoning issues.

- contracting with the Center City District to clean neighborhood sidewalks after weekly trash collection.

- actively negotiating with developers to help enhance the character of our neighborhood.

- pursuing a Tree Canopy Initiative to add, prune and care for additional vibrant and healthy trees.

- directly supporting the newly certified Schuylkill River Park Arboretum, the largest green space in our neighborhood.

- writing and publishing a weekly newsletter with news and information about our neighborhood.

- and more!

I’m looking ahead to exciting plans for ’25, and filled with optimism that our neighborhood will thrive. Hoping that everyone will enjoy holidays safe and bright, but for now, best wishes to all, and to all, a good night!

CCRA News and Events

Government Relations Committee Takes No Back Seat

Government Relations continues to focus on developing and maintaining relationships with key elected officials who impact the focus of CCRA’s work. For highlights of the year, go here.

No Breakdown in Communications

Communication is a two-way street in CCRA World; we talk to you, and you talk to us. This takes the form of weekly newsletters, a quarterly magazine, Social Media blasts and a whole lot more. Read our communique here.

Finance Committee Rules Its Lane

Maybe not exactly with a green eyeshade anymore, but the financial status of CCRA is critical to our continued success in accomplishing our mission. Details here.

Going Greener Than Ever with the Green Committee

The Green Committee successfully carried out a number of initiatives this year, among them work on Schuylkill River Park, riparian planting and street tree planting. For the full breakdown, please go here.

Historic Preservation for a Historic City

Philadelphia is nothing if not the most historically robust of cities, and CCRA’s Historic Preservation Committee works hard to keep that top of mind. Go deeper here.

Membership Has Its Privileges

The membership of CCRA is the heart and soul of our organization. Because of you, we have strength in numbers, which helps CCRA effect change. This year we have the highest membership levels in our history, and the most under-40 members ever. THANK YOU! Please let your friends and neighbors know about us so we can continue to grow, do more and better our neighborhood. Join here! And to hear all about Membership, go here.

Activity Bloomed at Schuylkill River Park Garden

As you can imagine, the dedicated Green Thumbs at the Schuylkill River Park Garden had their “hands full” with projects in 2024. Dig through the dirt here.

In the Zone with the Zoning Committee

To state the obvious, zoning is critical in a densely-packed area like Center City West. Virtually every development decision has side-effects that need to be considered, and considered seriously, which is where CCRA’s Zoning Committee comes in. Read this year’s report here.

CCRA Merchant Partner Feature

CCRA & Merchant Partners: A Total Love-Fest

CCRA would like to give an enormous shout-out and a huge Holiday hug to our 36 incredible Merchant Partners who offer our Members exclusive deals and discounts. We are extremely appreciative of their generosity and their involvement in our neighborhood. From the arts and entertainment to food and drink, from home and lifestyle to Travel and hotels, our Merchant Partners provide us with incredible benefits. Read all about Merchant Partners here.

Please don’t forget to thank them, too, when you frequent their businesses. Wishing all of our Merchant Partners a very happy Holiday season and a terrific New Year!

Useful Links

Merchant Partners "Deals and Discounts" Program

Please support our local merchants and save money too. These local merchants will provide a deal or discount to any member who shows a current CCRA membership card and personal identification.