History
The Empowerment Zone is a federally funded initiative established to foster economic
development in distressed rural and urban communities. In 1994, Philadelphia and Camden
were designated the only bi-state Empowerment Zone and shared a $100 million grant;
Philadelphia received $79 million and Camden received $21 million. Both Cities received
special tax incentives to attract businesses.
Mission Statement
The Philadelphia Empowerment Zone (EZ) is a community development and economic revitalization
program, created federally and guided locally. The EZ guides and funds the implementation of
strategies and programs that improve public safety, advance human development, create a welcoming
environment, and invigorate commerce.
Collaborating with neighborhood planning boards, community based organizations, businesses,
and City agencies, the EZ works to achieve a common vision built upon each neighborhood's
strengths. The Philadelphia Empowerment Zone's vision is to create vibrant communities in three
designated neighborhoods.
Objectives
The Empowerment Zone seeks to attract business and employment opportunities to the once
industry-rich areas of American Street, North and West Philadelphia, while creating jobs and
sustainable social programs for community residents. The ultimate goal of the Empowerment Zone
is to increase commerce, public safety, health and human services and community capacity.
Neighborhoods
There are three Empowerment Zone neighborhoods in the City of Philadelphia. The American Street
neighborhood consists generally of the area from Front to Sixth Streets and from Girard to Lehigh
Avenues, northeast of Center City. The North Central neighborhood encompasses much of the area
between 6th and 23rd Streets and from Poplar to Montgomery Avenues. In West Philadelphia, the
Empowerment Zone is comprised of the area surrounding and including the Parkside, Carroll Park,
Cathedral Park, and Mill Creek neighborhoods.
Partners
The Philadelphia Empowerment Zone was created by a collaboration between community and government, and
continues to fulfill its mission of sustainable economic and community development. Each Empowerment
Zone neighborhood has a Community Trust Board, comprised of community representatives and other experts.
The community-driven model is guided by the principle that the successful revitalization of designated
neighborhoods depends on a strong working partnership among residents, community organizations, local
businesses, and local government. This process is successful because it allows residents to decide what
is best for their neighborhood by determining the need and then allocating the funds for implementation.
Achievements
There are many accomplishments. The Empowerment Zone has created five self-sustaining
institutions that will survive well beyond the end of federal designation in 2004. Three community lending
institutions and the two housing trust funds will provide critical resources to businesses and community residents
well into the future. The EZ has supported numerous health and human services, crime and public safety,
education and training and recreation initiatives that have benefited thousands of neighborhood residents. Its
success has already proven that urban empowerment is more than a dream.
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