Old City District – Philadelphia, PA

About Old City District

The Old City District (OCD) is a business improvement district (BID) and municipal authority established by ordinance of the Philadelphia City Council in 1998. It serves the neighborhood known as America’s most historic square mile, home to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The organization’s primary mission is to supplement municipal services to ensure the district remains clean, safe, and economically vibrant. OCD is funded primarily through mandatory assessments on commercial properties within its boundaries.

Core Services and Programs

The district provides several visible services to the community:

• Clean and Safe: Uniformed ambassadors patrol the streets daily, providing sidewalk sweeping, graffiti removal, and safety escorts.
• Marketing: Promoting local businesses through campaigns like Old City Eats and the Old City Wedding Stroll.
• Economic Development: Recruiting new businesses and providing data on real estate trends.
• Registered Community Organization (RCO): OCD serves as the official RCO for the neighborhood, reviewing zoning variances and hosting public meetings regarding development projects.

Visit and Contact Information

The OCD administrative office is located in a storefront on Market Street. Residents and business owners can visit during standard business hours to discuss neighborhood issues, pick up marketing materials, or inquire about zoning meetings. While the office is open to the public, appointments are recommended for meeting with specific staff members regarding economic development or RCO matters. 🏛️🧹🇺🇸🏙️📈🗣️