Working every day to enhance the vitality of Center City.

Center City District has helped transform downtown Philadelphia with a simple but ambitious mission to make the downtown clean, safe and attractive for people to work, live and enjoy.

Enjoy sunshine and socially distanced seating at CCD managed parks- Dilworth Park, Sister Cities Park and Cret Park. Fountains have returned on low water settings. Check back for more updates soon.

You can help support the many initiatives of our Foundation: greening Center City, programming our parks with arts and cultural events for adults and children, supporting our homeless outreach teams and new public safety bike patrol.

Does Philadelphia have what it takes to recover? This Center City District/Central Philadelphia Development Corporation report examines Philadelphia’s signs of recovery, and remaining challenges, after two years of profound disruption.

This report compares Philadelphia to five other urban areas in United States. It documents how Philadelphia lags in firms that sell services nationally and globally, but suggests that if we replicate the success achieved by others, we will grow more family-sustaining jobs and a prosperous network of small, local businesses.

The CCD’s plan and budget for 2023-2027 shows the continued primary focus on the basics, devoting more than threequarters of assessment revenues to programs for a clean, safe, attractive and well-managed public environment.

For the last two decades, Greater Center City has been the fastest growing residential section of both Philadelphia and the entire region. After a temporary dip in population, the number of downtown residents on sidewalks in Center City had rebounded to 2019 levels by the end of 2021. Rents and home sale prices held up and the number of newly-permitted residential units in both Center City and citywide reached the highest point in decades in 2021.

This edition of the CCD and CPDC quarterly newsletter includes: CCD President, Paul R. Levy's cover essay about the current status of recovery in Center City and what’s required from local leaders, a new promotion in CCD’s leadership team, streetscape improvements, the return of seasonal amenities to CCD Parks and the latest initiatives supported by CCDF.

After decades of job loss, Philadelphia has enjoyed nine straight years of job growth that accelerated in 2014. Despite the recent upturn however, the city has rebounded more slowly than most peer cities.

This CCD, CPDC report suggests that Philadelphia should increase its commitment to quality of life investments and resume its prior commitments to tax reduction, in order to retain and attract residents and businesses and spur widespread and inclusive private-sector job growth.

This CCD, CPDC report examines business density and the disparities between the number of Black-owned and white-owned businesses in Philadelphia and compares them to four other East Coast cities.

The Center City District manages several beautiful, well-maintained outdoor spaces that are perfect for your next special event, during the day or after-hours. Find out how we can help you host a memorable event in the heart of Philadelphia.

Consider a move to Center City Philadelphia, a vibrant 24-hour city, with great housing options in charming downtown neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and atmosphere. Local neighborhoods offer easy access to jobs, cultural venues, great shopping and day-to-day amenities by foot, bike, public transit or car.

CCD, Project Home and Philadelphia Police have partnered to create combined outreach teams that help people living on the streets connect with services and shelter.