Marketing & Communications

University City District’s Marketing and Communication staff designs, produces and distributes print materials, creates advertising initiatives, increases online exposure, and works with local and regional media outlets which help to promote University City's diverse shopping, dining and arts/cultural attractions to a broad audience.  The staff also organizes many special events that enhance the quality of life in the neighborhood and contribute to making University City a unique visitor destination.  

In addition, marketing staff keeps the public informed of UCD's programs, initiatives and activities via a biannual printed newsletter, a monthly electronic newsletter, presentations to various constituents, keeping the outside media informed, engaging the City of Philadelphia’s tourism agencies and through this website, universitycity.org.  These marketing vehicles also help inform residents of important and ongoing neighborhood information and activities.

UCD believes in and supports the hard work and commitment of grassroots and embryonic organizations, small businesses and shops, community associations, and acknowledges their ongoing contributions to the vitality of the district.  With that in mind, UCD Marketing and Communications staff works hard to offer extra marketing infrastructure and general support to these organizations and destinations through our ongoing efforts in sponsoring local events, providing public relations assistance and advice, and sharing media contacts and outside opportunities.

Staff also works with government agencies, private corporations, institutions, and community groups to improve the physical environment and perception of University City, including lighting projects, landscaping, streetscape, transportation, and signage projects. We also collect essential demographic and economic data for use by private and public potential investors in University City housing, business, or retail that is published annually in the University City Report Card.

Over the years, UCD’s Marketing and Communications staff have been responsible or contributed to a variety of special successful programs and initiatives, including:

  • University City Dining Days
  • UCD Presents: Concerts in Clark Park
  • Party for the Park: Clark Park Fundraiser
  • Production of an Ethnic Dining Guide
  • University City Visitors Guide
  • Annual Gardening and Beautification Contest
  • Winterfest! annual skating event
  • Left of Center Neighborhood Tour
  • Philadelphia CityPaper University City Pull-out Guide
  • Close at Hand Neighborhood Directory of Goods and Services
  • A comprehensive Banner Program
  • Community Clean Up


For more details and downloads of Marketing & Communications publications, visit here.

If you are a member of the media and you need to reach a UCD spokesperson, please call Lori Klein Brennan, Sr. Dir. of Marketing & Communications, at 215-243-0555 x227 or email lori@universitycity.org.