University City District Recognized for Downtown Leadership
Philadelphia, PA (3 October 2002) – The International Downtown Association (IDA) awarded University City District Board of Directors its 2002 Downtown Achievement Award for Downtown Leadership at the 48th Annual IDA Conference in Boston, Massachusetts, on September 30th. The Awards recognize exemplary and innovative projects, strategies, and events in and for downtowns and town centers. Awards are given in the categories of Economic Development, Planning, Social Issues, Downtown Leadership, Public Space, Festivals and Special Events, Promotions and Communications, Business Recruitment and Retention, and Individual Achievement. This year was the first presentation of a Downtown Leadership award.
In the world of business improvement and special services districts (BIDs), UCD is unusual in that its funding is 100% voluntary rather than derived from mandatory taxes on commercial property. Because of University City’s concentration of tax exempt entities, the UCD was formed as a private non-profit but not as a taxing authority. UCD staff nominated its Board for this award to recognize their capital commitment as well as their personal perseverance in turning a one-person operation in 1997 into the "go-to" organization in 2002 with 14 full-time staff, more than 70 contract staff, and a $5.2 million annual budget.
To be sure, many BIDs have experienced near geometric rates of expansion. Success with essential "clean and safe" services led to activity in tourism, economic development, urban design and planning, transportation management, housing, and social services. University City District, too, expanded it scope, but without the security of an annual tax-derived check. Sixty-seven percent of the UCD’s budget is contributed by Board members.
Representatives from the universities, hospitals, research centers, civic associations, small and large businesses, and non-profits, comprise the Board, each member with one equal vote. They chose to underwrite improvements to the neighborhoods that surround them as an investment that would strengthen their ability to compete for employees, faculty, students, and customers. Thus, in another departure from the BID norm, the areas that receive the most services are not those that provide the most financial support.
When establishing a district was first discussed in 1995, it was easy to get sidetracked by issues of geography, money, and control. It took the leadership of a few to help the many interests involved embrace the broad vision of a University City as it is today – a desirable place to get an education, a great community in which to purchase a home, a visitor destination of hot restaurants and international arts and culture. At a time when few believed in the feasibility of cooperation between institutional and community interests, the UCD Board of Directors persevered not only in bringing everyone together but also in persuading them to commit money to the endeavor.
"I am very pleased that our Board was recognized for its extraordinary achievements and dedication. University City District is an excellent example of how disparate groups can come together under a common vision to pool resources and accomplish so much so quickly," commented Eric T. Goldstein, staff at the UCD since 1998 and now its executive director.
The International Downtown Association is a world leader of and champion for vital and livable urban centers. Through its network of committed individuals, its rich body of knowledge, and its unique capacity to nurture community-building partnerships, IDA is a guiding force in creating healthy and dynamic centers which anchor the well being of towns, cities, and regions of the world. For more information, visit www.ida-downtown.org or call 202-293-4505.
University City District builds effective partnerships to maintain a clean and safe environment and to promote, plan, and advocate for University City's diverse urban community. UCD's programs to improve streetscapes and parks, remove trash and graffiti, provide technical assistance to home- and business owners, increase public safety, and publicize University City's advantages have improved the quality of life since 1997. For more information, visit www.UCityphila.org
Release Date: Thursday, October 3rd 2002
