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In 1996, a partnership between Southwest CDC, Woodland Avenue Presbyterian Church, Fresh Start CDC, and Wayne Presbyterian Church formed and facilitated the development of a comprehensive economic study of Southwest Philadelphia. Over the years, the partnership expanded to what is now known as the Southwest Economic Conference. The conference receives tremendous support and participation from a number of elected officials including Council President Anna C. Verna, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, State Representative Ronald Waters, State Senator Anthony Hardy Williams, and Congressman Robert Brady. Representatives from the Philadelphia Department of Commerce and Philadelphia Commercial Development Corporation have also been instrumental in pursuing the Conference's vision to revive the economy of Southwest Philadelphia. |
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The Southwest Economic Development Strategy, developed for Southwest Economic Conference by Urban Partners, identifies 10 initiatives that are needed to improve the economic health of the area. Click the links below to learn more.
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WARP was created to improve the appearance of the
avenue, the quality of goods sold, and to reduce the perception
of crime with the goal of increasing the number of consumers. The
Development Strategy for the Woodland Avenue Revitalization
Project details 33 tasks designed to accomplish that goal.
It also includes exciting renderings of what the Avenue can be with
a few key improvements. Click here to visit the Woodland Avenue website. |
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SWIFT will become a redevelopment arm of the Economic
Conference that will assemble properties. SWIFT will present these
assembled parcels to developers interested in creating housing,
recreational, retail, and commercial opportunities that are needed
in the area. |
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With the goal of increasing the number of private
sector jobs, the Economic Conference created the Southwest Business
Partnership. At breakfast meetings held on the first Friday of each
month, representatives from area commercial and industrial businesses
network and collaborate to improve conditions for operating businesses
in Southwest Philadelphia. For more information about the Southwest
Business Partnership Breakfasts contact Seth Dorrell, Director
of Economic Development for Southwest CDC at (215) 729-0180 SethD@southwestcdc.org. |
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The Economic Conference will facilitate improvements
to Chester Avenue by a partnership with corridor stakeholders and
Chester Avenue residents to create a CARP development strategy. |
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This initiative is designed to improve the appearance
and location of auto-related businesses. Actions include reviewing
and enforcing zoning codes, establishing screening and signage guidelines,
designating and implementing auto-related business zones and developing
a financial assistance program to help businesses meet new standards. |
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An effective marketing campaign will retain existing
businesses while attracting new businesses, residents, and visitors
to the neighborhood. Southwest will be marketed through targeted
efforts that include promoting historic and cultural assets. |
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The Economic Conference will serve as a community advocate deterring undesirable development by communicating with property owners and developers, attracting investors to Southwest, and encouraging broader participation in addressing vacant land issues. |
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Enhancing and maintaining gateways to and from Southwest
will give definition to the neighborhood. Specific activities include
sponsoring a gateway design competition, installing "coming events"
boards and forming local committees for long-term maintenance. |
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The Economic Conference will address the increasing
presence of waste and recycling businesses by reviewing and enforcing
zoning ordinances, and establishing screening and signage guidelines. |
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