SPC Report

The following is part of a report given to the Strategic Planning Committee that is preparing information for the Session. Everyone in the church, by the way, will be given opportunity to submit information and ideas to the SPC, starting in December.

I. Philadelphia

Two trends are notable in Philadelphia. One is the unparalleled resurgence of Center City; the other is the burgeoning growth of internationals throughout the city.

A. Center City
1. Resurgence of Center City as desirable residential area.
2. CC now defined as between the rivers from Poplar St to Washington Ave.
3. Growth both in condos through transforming apartment to condos, transforming all
types of buildings to condos, and building new high-rises.
4. Significant size areas South of South Street being restored as single family units and
condo buildings, and between Market and Girard
5. Who’s moving in?
a. Empty nesters
b. Upward mobile 20s and 30s
c. Artists (Northern Liberties)

Center City’s population growth seems to continue strong for the next few years. That population will become more homogeneous educationally and economically, while being diverse in other ways – a significant homosexual population, growing numbers of artists, an immigration of baby-boomer empty-nesters. Households are increasing in number, but decreasing in size. Expect night-life to increase downtown – restaurants, theatres, and other cultural venues.

B. Changing Neighborhoods

1. The 2000 census showed that 11.1% of Americans were foreign-born, the highest
percentage since the 1930 census.
2. In Philadelphia, the overall population declined, but the number of foreign-born city
residents increased 30%.
3. The largest groups of foreign-born in Philadelphia are those from Vietnam, Ukraine,
China, India, and Jamaica.
4. Foreign-born residents make up 9% of city residents and 5% of the region’s
population.

The rest of Philadelphia is marked by increasing international and ethnic diversity. The Asian community, in particular is growing, with significant numbers of Indian and East European. The Hispanic population grows but not at the same rate, and the African-American rate is minimal. The traditional white population continues to decline, with the exception being in Center City.