Commercial Corridors
Corridor Manager On-Boarding Program
PACDC’s Corridor Manager On-Boarding Program helps newer corridor managers build practical skills, connections, and confidence.
New commercial corridor managers are often expected to learn on the job. This 6-month program combines intensive training, structured coaching, peer support, and access to resources to support professional development, all geared toward helping newer corridor managers learn the basics of the job.
The On-Boarding Program introduces newer corridor managers to the web of policies, programs, and people they need to know to be effective, providing a foundation in the skills and knowledge essential to success in their role. Trainings focus heavily on the core principles of neighborhood economic development, anti-displacement, and community wealth building; linkages between the broader community and the commercial corridor; and connections between their corridor management work and their organization’s broader community development goals and mission.
There is a heavy emphasis throughout the training series on engaging diverse stakeholders, building relationships, and understanding the important role corridor managers can play in advancing equity in their communities.
You can find additional information about the program, current and past participants, and upcoming application periods here:
Commercial Corridor Policy Agenda
In collaboration with PACDC’s Commercial Corridor Working Group, a gathering of twenty member organizations that work on-the-ground to strengthen small businesses and neighborhood shopping districts, we released this Policy Agenda in the spring of 2017.
Download a PDF of the full Commercial Corridor Policy Agenda here.
Neighborhood commercial corridors are the economic veins of our City. They provide jobs and offer residents local access to needed goods and services. When safe, clean and vibrant, they attract new residents to the surrounding residential area, which can lead to revitalization of the entire neighborhood. In fact, research shows that commercial corridors that are in “good” or “excellent” condition increase home values by 36% within ¼ mile, but poor condition corridors decrease surrounding home values.
Through federal, state and local funds, the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Commerce has invested in programs that have made a significant positive impact on our corridors. PACDC and its Commercial Corridor Working Group (CCWG) calls on City Council and the Kenney Administration to boost investment in programs that have been effective, and implement other policies that can help create more supportive environments for corridor-based small businesses.
Make Corridors Clean, Safe, and Attractive
Corridors that are safe, free of litter, and feature quality signage, landscaping and good property conditions attract foot traffic as well as business location and expansion.
Support Neighborhood-Based Small Businesses
Small businesses on our neighborhood corridors provide the goods and services that encourage residents to shop local, creating jobs and generating tax revenue.
These recommendations will create a better atmosphere for small business investment and growth.
Strengthen CDC Capacity for Economic Development
CDCs are on the front lines of supporting our neighborhood corridors. Corridor Managers facilitate physical improvements, connect small businesses with resources and programs, market the corridors to attract shoppers and more businesses, engage the community, oversee cleaning programs, and more.
Resources for these programs are very limited, and have not increased with inflation. Boosting support for CDCs and their economic development activity will strengthen corridors and surrounding neighborhoods.
Improve Communication & Coordination Between City Agencies on Corridors
Many City agencies regularly work on our neighborhood corridors, but they’re not always as coordinated with each other, with merchant’s associations, or with CDCs as they could be. These ideas will help create stronger communication and coordination, avoiding frustration, saving time, and strengthening confidence in local government.