Chris at UCD's blog

University City District’s West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) and PIDC’s Navy Yard Workforce Development Initiatives (NYWDI) are pleased to launch their first collaborative professional development program to train West and South Philadelphia residents for permanent, full-time, quality-wage careers.

Every other week, we will be publishing labor market industry (LMI) data and important trends to consider in the development of an equitable economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. We are always looking for opportunities to learn, grow, and collaborate. Email wpsi@universitycity.org to learn more.

University City District is proud to present West Philly Favorites, a curated series of gift packs filled with handcrafted and locally produced items from neighborhood small businesses. All proceeds go to participating businesses!

Normally at this time of year we gather with hundreds of neighbors, stakeholders, and local officials to toast the neighborhood, review the accomplishments of our partners, and release our annual State of University City publication. Although current conditions prevent us from getting together in person this year, that has not stopped us from publishing The State of University City 2021, our comprehensive report on trends and major milestones from the previous year.

Every other week, we will be publishing labor market industry (LMI) data and important trends to consider in the development of an equitable economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. We are always looking for opportunities to learn, grow, and collaborate. Email wpsi@universitycity.org to learn more.

Need a little joy in your life after a difficult year? Below, view our in-progress ways to celebrate the holidays locally and to support local businesses. Want more events and activities? See our community calendar for a comprehensive list. If you have events or promotions to add, please email us! 

Have you noticed a colorful new addition at The Porch at 30th Street Station? Thanks to a partnership with local public art initiative Hagopian Arts, The Porch got a new splash of color with the addition of a Luna moth mural on our turquoise cube.

Fall is a beautiful time to live and work in University City. We are lucky to have a stunning canopy of trees, and watching the leaves turn helps announce the true arrival of autumn to the area. Of course, with changing leaves comes major clean-up duties this time of year. Below, please read about upcoming community cleanups and leaf collection options to help keep our neighborhood looking great.

Every other week, we will be publishing labor market industry (LMI) data and important trends to consider in the development of an equitable economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. We are always looking for opportunities to learn, grow, and collaborate. Email wpsi@universitycity.org to learn more.

This year Thanksgiving will look very different than in years past. The City of Philadelphia has published a guide to enjoying the holidays safely, with tips on gatherings, meals, and visiting at a distance. Below, we've compiled a few ways to help you celebrate or help others in need. If you have specials or events you'd like added to this list, please email us!