Germantown United CDC plans to double its staff capacity, increasing the organization’s work in commercial corridor revitalization and community building in the Germantown neighborhood. The nonprofit secured two competitive grants that will enable the organization to add two additional full-time jobs in the fall of 2018.
View the job descriptions for Corridor Manager and Neighborhood Advisory Committee Manager at germantownunitedcdc.org/about/careers.
Germantown United CDC released the organization’s five-year strategic plan in September 2018. This new plan will help prioritize and advance our work in Germantown now through the year 2023.
We encourage all our partners, neighborhood advocates, and community stakeholders to give the full plan a looksee. We also know 36 pages is a lot to take in 🙂 So if you’re looking for a quick overview of what’s changed, read on!
GUCDC has expanded its focus on commercial corridor revitalization and role representing businesses to representing the entire Germantown community. We are increasing our investment in community building, outreach and engagement. The issues prompting this shift are documented in the full plan. The organization’s mission statement now reads:
The mission of the Germantown United CDC is to promote and facilitate the revitalization of Germantown and its business corridors through a sustainable, creative, and community-driven approach to economic development.
The bustling intersection of Germantown Ave. & Chelten Ave. (photo: Monique Brand)
Germantown United CDC released the organization’s five-year strategic plan in September 2018. This new plan will serve as a roadmap and tool for assessing progress, and will help prioritize and advance the organization’s work in Northwest Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood now through the year 2023.
The year-long planning process helped Germantown United CDC’s leadership to step back and examine where we are, where we want to go, and how to get there.
We have sharpened the organization’s mission, assessed program activities, and looked for opportunities to enhance our community and economic development work.
The planning process was led by V. Lamar Wilson Associates, a private consulting firm specializing in community development contracted to examine GUCDC’s program operations, and solicit different points of view and critiques of the organization—internal and external. This comprehensive process was made possible by the generous support of The Philadelphia Foundation.
Starting Thursday, June 14, 2018 The Food Trust’s newest farmers market opens in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood, as a place for community members to gather, purchase healthy foods, listen to music, enjoy arts and cultural programming, and take advantage of free community resources. The market, hosted in collaboration with Germantown United Community Development Corp. and Weavers Way Co-op, will be open to the public through October every Thursday, 3-7 p.m., at Germantown Avenue and East School House Lane.
Shoppers can enjoy:
The mission of Germantown United Community Development Corporation (GUCDC) is to promote and facilitate the revitalization of Germantown and its business corridors through a sustainable, creative, and community-driven approach to economic development.
In February of 2018, Germantown United CDC became aware that the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority (PRA) was considering a proposal to refinance $3.3 million in loans––with forgiveness of all back taxes, all utility liens, and all late penalties and interest accumulated over a 25-year period––on 50+ properties concentrated in lower Germantown (an estimated 140+ units of housing).
News of the proposal before the PRA was met with overwhelming outrage. Thanks to substantial pressure, community organizing and advocacy, the PRA rejected the proposal and is moving forward with foreclosure, calling it “the responsible course of action that is best for the Germantown neighborhood and for the ongoing preservation and maintenance of this important affordable housing.” If successful, the PRA will take control of these properties. At this time however, exactly what will happen to these properties remains influx and unknown. But wait, there’s more! »»»
Germantown United CDC and Historic Germantown are currently seeking community organizations, food vendors, art, craft, and other merchants to participate in the Vendor Marketplace at the 4th annual festival Germantown Second Saturday Festival.
To apply, fill out the registration form below. But wait, there’s more! »»»
Do you #LoveGermantown? Join us April 26, 2018 for the 5th Annual “For the Love of Germantown” FUNdraiser! Enjoy delicious food and drinks, dancing to DJ Prime, silent auction, and networking with your neighbors. We’ll also honor this year’s Pillars of the Community awardees (to be announced) and get a peek inside the historic Cunningham Piano Showroom Building, located at 5427 Germantown Avenue, now slated for redevelopment. But wait, there’s more! »»»
The Germantown Second Saturday Festival will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2018 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Northwest Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood. The community festival invites the public to experience Germantown, celebrates the kick-off the Second Saturday series–when all 16 Historic Germantown sites are open monthly–and showcases the many thriving cultural, civic, and business attractions and activities that make Germantown an exciting place to live and visit. But wait, there’s more! »»»
The Germantown Community Radio Partners will celebrate the launch of Germantown’s new low power FM radio station on Saturday, February 17 from 2pm – 5pm with special on-air programming and satellite listening parties. 92.9 FM is Germantown Community Radio: All Germantown All the Time. Now broadcasting live from downtown Germantown, the station features locally produced and syndicated non-commercial programming.
The festivities on February 17th include two pop-up listening parties featuring meet-and-greets with show hosts, giveaways, and the opportunity to record an interview for radio broadcast. The listening parties will be held at Germantown Life Enrichment Center, located at 5722 Greene St, from 2pm – 4pm, and Germantown Espresso Bar, located at 26 Maplewood Mall, from 2pm – 5pm.
Representatives from the Germantown Community Radio Partners will also be live in the studio from 2pm – 5pm, located at the headquarters of G-town Radio (26 Maplewood Mall). On-air programming will include an introduction of new radio hosts, special guests from the Germantown community, a sneak peek at exciting programming in the works, and other behind the scenes stories. Listeners are encouraged to call the studio at 215-609-4301 and get on the air. But wait, there’s more! »»»
Like each of the Philadelphia2035 District Plans, The Upper Northwest Plan is informed by a series of public meetings to ensure that the plan’s goals are compatible with community needs. Meetings will be held on weekday evenings in the District at transit-accessible locations. Explore the Upper Northwest District website.
The first public meeting for the Upper Northwest District Plan will be:
Monday January 8th, 2018 at 6:30pm
Brossman Center, Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia
7301 Germantown Avenue