231 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 215.592.7929 OLDCITYDISTRICT.ORG
2027-2033
PLAN AND BUDGET FOR THE OLD CITY DISTRICT Old City Special Services District’s mission is to improve Philadelphia’s historic district as a place for people to meet, work, shop, and live by supplementing municipal services with cleaning, public safety, economic development, and promotional programs. Old City Special Services District (“Old City District” or “OCD”) was established by ordinance of Philadelphia City Council in 1998, with the support of the commercial property owners within its boundaries, and in accordance with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Municipality Authorities Act of 1945, 53 Pa. C.S. § 5601 et seq. In November 2018, the City of Philadelphia authorized a 20-year extension, through the year 2038. Now in its 29h year, this public-private partnership continues to maintain and improve the dynamic Old City neighborhood. OCD serves to supplement, but not replace, both the services provided by the City of Philadelphia and the responsibilities of property owners, contributing to a healthy environment for businesses to be successful, for visitors to enjoy their experience here, and for residents to maintain a positive quality of life.
retention, and expansion, 3) provide marketing and promotional services for Old City and its business community, and 4) provide ongoing improvements to the streetscapes throughout the district.
The Old City neighborhood is comprised of an important collection of assets. Here in the heart of Philadelphia’s Historic District, Independence National Historical Park is an international destination, peaking at more than four million visitors per year. Also important culturally and economically, Old City is home to world-class museums, theaters, and art galleries, excellent hotels, a wide range of dining and nightlife establishments, independent retailers, and a diverse mix of technology, media, and professional and service organizations. Old City employers range from major institutions to solo entrepreneurs, representing a significant segment of the regional economy. In addition, the residential population of Old City continues to increase, approaching 8,000 residents today with hundreds of more units in development.
SERVICE AREA The service area for OCD includes the area bounded by Florist Street to the north, Walnut/Dock Streets to the south (including both sides of Walnut St.), 6th Street to the west, and Front Street to the east. This map generally depicts the boundaries of the service area.
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This seven-year plan and budget charts Old City District’s path through budget years 2027 - 2033. The OCD Board will continue to devote resources to deliver services that 1) provide clean and safe public spaces, 2) expand economic opportunities via business attraction,
Affected property owners within the District will have forty-five (45) days from the date of the above-referenced Public Hearing on the plan to file objections to and disapprove the proposed improvements or service, its estimated cost, or the proposed method of assessment and charges. Such objections must be made in writing and, signed, and filed with both: 1) the Clerk of City Council, Room 402, City Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19107, and 2) Old City District, 231 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
6th Stre
This plan marks a strategic shift from a five-year to a seven-year cycle, building upon the previous 2024-2028 roadmap. By extending the plan & budget period through 2033, OCD aligns its fiscal strategy to allow for a seven- and five-year cycle before the current 20-year authorization expires in 2038. This adjustment was necessitated by rising inflationary costs and direct feedback from a January 2026 community survey, in which stakeholders called for a significant expansion of outreach and homeless services, in addition to increased economic development and marketing demands. This longer-term framework provides the financial stability and operational runway needed to meet these increased service demands while maintaining the neighborhood’s high standards for cleanliness and safety.
OCD will hold a Public Hearing for the purpose of receiving public comment from affected property owners with the District (and any other interested persons) on this preliminary plan, to be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 1pm–4 pm at 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.