Corridor Manager
On-Boarding Program
Program fees:
Build thriving corridors, boost your career
Join the Next Cohort!
application deadline: friday 9/5/2025
Participants
We encourage applications from Commercial Corridor Managers (or similar staff roles) who are paid staff of community-based organizations, and have been in their roles for less than two years. For questions about eligibility, contact jwinchester@pacdc.org.
Supervisors
Supervisors are required to confirm that they will support their corridor manager's participation, and will take part in two half-day supervisory workshops. If the supervisor form is not submitted, the participant application will not be considered complete.
6 monthly half-day workshops with your peer cohort
1:1 coaching with an experienced practitioner
self-paced online course materials & resources
in-person site visits to philly corridors
2 workshops & coaching for your supervisor
Framed & digital certificates upon completion
What's included?
In-Person Workshops
One-on-One Coaching
Self-Paced Online Content
Online Learning Modules
Frequently Asked Questions
Program Overview:
-
Newer corridor managers (less than 2 years in the role) working for community-based organizations
-
CDC or nonprofit staff transitioning into corridor management responsibilities from other staff roles
-
Practical tools you can implement immediately
-
Philadelphia-specific information and resources that apply to your work
-
Building relationships with peers facing similar challenges
-
Ongoing support through coaching and supervisor engagement
-
Flexible learning options that respect your busy schedule
-
Opportunities to network with experienced practitioners (guest speakers, coaches)
Time Commitment & Schedule:
-
4-5 hours per month for in-person workshops (one half-day session per month)
-
1-2 hours per month for one-on-one coaching
-
2-5 hours per month for self-paced online learning
-
Total: 60-70 hours over 6 months (about 10-12 hours per month)
-
Tues. Sep. 30 - 12pm-4:30pm
-
Tues. Oct. 21 - 12pm-4:30pm
-
Tues. Nov. 18 - 12pm-4:30pm
-
Tues. Dec. 16 - 12pm-4:30pm
-
Tues. Jan. 27 - 12pm-4:30pm
-
Tues. Feb. 24 - 12pm-4:30pm
-
Graduation & Celebration Luncheon - Tues. Mar. 10 - 12pm-2pm
Please note that participants who miss more than one in-person session or who do not complete at least 8 coaching sessions will not receive a certificate of completion.
-
Monthly workshops are in-person to facilitate networking and hands-on activities
-
Coaching sessions can be in-person or virtual based on preference and availability
-
Online content is available 24/7 for self-paced learning
Program Content & Learning
-
Neighborhood Economic Development 101
-
Asset-Based Community Development & Asset Mapping
-
Corridor Manager Core Competencies
-
Equitable Development & Anti-Displacement Strategies
-
Community Development Histories
-
Community Organizing 101
-
Strategies for Inclusive Engagement
-
Power Mapping & Corridor Strategy Development
-
Business Assistance Programs & Resources
-
Engaging & Building Trust with Business Owners
-
Resource Navigation & Managing Referrals
-
Intercultural Competency
-
Small Business Stabilization
-
Working with Legacy Businesses
-
Basics of Small Business Financials
-
Corridor Cleaning & Anti-Litter Strategies
-
Addressing Nuisance Businesses & Problem Properties
-
Creative Placemaking & Arts-Based Strategies
-
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
-
Sustainability & Green Initiatives for Corridors
-
Crisis Management & Disaster Preparedness
-
Corridor Real Estate Markets & Addressing Vacancies
-
Working with Property Owners & Developers
-
Navigating Zoning, RCO, and Development Processes
-
Commercial Leases & Engaging Landlords
-
Corridor & Storefront Design Principles
-
Streetscape Improvement Strategies
-
Career Planning & Professional Development
-
Project Management for Corridor Initiatives
-
Self-Care & Avoiding Burnout
-
Time Management Strategies
-
Data Analysis & Metrics for Corridor Success
-
Planning Effective Meetings
-
Technology Tools for Corridor Management
-
Corridor Brand Identity, Storytelling & Communications
-
Corridor Event Planning
-
Social Media Management
-
Funding Sources & Grant Writing Basics
-
Advocacy & Local Policy Landscape
-
Building & Managing Partnerships
-
Templates and tools you can use immediately
-
Strategies tested in similar Philadelphia neighborhoods
-
Connections to peers who can offer ongoing support
-
Action plans for implementing new approaches
Support & Resources
-
10 one-on-one coaching sessions (one hour each)
-
Corridor walk-through with your coach
-
Email/phone support between sessions
-
Connections to additional resources and networks
-
Self-paced online course modules
-
Downloadable templates and tools
-
Resource library
-
Discussion forums for peer support
-
Self-assessment tools
Program Value & Impact
-
Practical tools to improve corridor management effectiveness
-
Expanded professional network for problem-solving
-
Increased confidence and strategic thinking skills
-
Better understanding of citywide resources and opportunities
-
Fresh ideas from peer organizations and industry experts
-
Increased efficiency in daily operations
-
Stronger relationships with corridor businesses
-
More successful events and activations
-
Better data collection and reporting
-
Enhanced ability to secure corridor funding
Supervisor Responsibilities
-
Completing the supervisor form as part of your corridor manager's application to the program
-
Attending two half-day workshops (in-person) on supervisory and management skills tailored to corridor management program, with a trauma-informed lens
-
Monthly check-ins with your staff member about their learning
-
Providing time for program participation and support for implementation of new strategies
-
Sharing your feedback with PACDC program staff through surveys and/or one-on-one conversations
-
Attending the closing certificate ceremony to celebrate your staff member's accomplishment
-
Protecting their time for workshops and coaching
-
Discussing how they'll apply new learning
-
Connecting program content to organizational goals
-
Celebrating their progress and achievements
-
Being patient as they test new approaches
Organizational Considerations
-
Reduce time spent on problem-solving through peer support
-
Increase efficiency through better systems and tools
-
Prevent costly mistakes through shared learning
-
Build capacity for long-term organizational growth
For member organizations experiencing staff turnover, PACDC also offers advisory services to help assess and address factors that may be driving staff departures. If this is of interest, please contact Joanna Winchester at jwinchester@pacdc.org or call 267-634-3399.
Coach Role & Expectations
-
10 one-on-one coaching sessions with assigned participants (each session is one hour)
-
One on-site tour of the assigned participant's commercial corridor (usually 2-3 hours)
-
Availability for questions between sessions (email/phone)
-
Sharing of relevant resources and connections
-
Feedback on participant projects, challenges, and professional development goals
-
Attendance at coach orientation, two coaching group check-ins, and the closing certificate celebration
-
Preparation and coaching sessions
-
Email/phone support
-
Submitting session notes and program feedback to PACDC
-
Corridor site visit
-
Coaching group orientation and check-ins
Qualifications & Selection
-
5+ years of corridor management or related experience
-
Experience in Philadelphia's neighborhoods
-
Strong listening and mentoring skills
-
Commitment to supporting emerging professionals
-
Understanding of equity and inclusion principles
-
Coach orientation session
-
Online coach training resources
-
Coaching program resources and guidelines
-
Ongoing support from PACDC program staff
-
Access to coach peer network
-
Relevant experience and expertise
-
Coaching/mentoring track record
-
Availability and commitment
-
Likelihood to match well with a current cohort participant
-
Ability to relate to diverse participants
-
Knowledge of Philadelphia's community and economic development landscape
Support & Benefits
-
Comprehensive orientation
-
Coaching toolkit and resources
-
Regular check-ins with program staff
-
Access to workshop content and materials that participants receive
-
Connection to coaching group peers and alumni
-
Develop mentoring and leadership skills
-
Expand your professional network
-
Stay current with sector challenges and innovations
-
Give back to the community and economic development field
-
Enhance your resume
Equity & Inclusion
-
Content addresses anti-displacement and equitable development
-
Diverse coaches, facilitators, and speakers, with a range of backgrounds and areas of expertise
-
Accessible meeting locations
-
Accommodation for different learning styles
Application Process
-
Complete the online application form, which asks questions about your role, background, and learning goals, as well as basic logistical information (such as contact info and food restrictions)
-
Confirm your supervisor's availability and willingness to participate in the supervisor workshops
-
Provide your resume or brief work history, bio, and photo (we can help with creating these during the program if you don't have something current)
-
Respond to initial participant survey to help us gather baseline data (we use this to measure growth over the 6 month program period)
-
Provide an organization chart for your nonprofit, as well as any neighborhood plan or corridor strategy documents (we share these with your coach as well to help them understand how your role fits into the broader organization and community goals)
-
Geographic diversity across Philadelphia
-
Mix of backgrounds and experiences
-
Organizational commitment to the participant's growth
-
Organizational commitment to corridor program success
-
Clear learning goals aligned with program offerings
For organizations who are not currently contracted through TCMP, and are not a member organization of PACDC, the cost to participate is $3,600 (or $600 per month). This fee partially contributes toward our actual program expenses for: 6 half-day cohort workshops, 10 one-hour coaching sessions and a 2-3 hour corridor walkthrough with a coach, two supervisor workshops, and a supervisor coaching session -- as well as all online resources and templates.
Contact & Next Steps
If you would like to have a more in-depth discussion about the program, please reach out to Joanna Winchester, Director of Training & Technical Assistance, at jwinchester@pacdc.org or call 267-634-3399.
Meet the Corridor Managers:
Alec Hersh
city ave special services district
Darlenys Melo
Esperanza
Haoyi Shang
Philadelphia Chinatown Development corp.
Anthony Lugo
Greater Philadelphia Community Alliance
Josh Harris
Kensington Corridor Trust
Sydney Camisa Deas
Mt. Airy CDC
Carmen Hubbard, M.ed.
ACHIEVEability
Ángel Ballesteros
Association of Mexican Business Owners of Philadelphia
Meredith Ellison
Fairmount CDC
Cheryl Wiltshire
N. 5th Street Revitalization Project
Aminata Sandra Calhoun
Centennial Parkside CDC
Jamar Smith
The Enterprise Center
Addelin Ceballos
HACE
Amarynth Ruch
Tacony CDC
Aubrey Fink
Germantown United CDC
Dominic Brennan
SEAMAAC
Mónica Parilla
Esperanza
Samantha Thompson
South Street Headhouse District
Community Guidelines
Respect Diversity
Embrace the varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of your fellow learners. Our differences make our community stronger.
Practice Empathy
Remember that everyone is facing unique challenges. Approach discussions with understanding and compassion.
Maintain Confidentiality
What's shared here stays here. Don't share personal information or stories about others without their explicit permission.
Be Constructive
When offering feedback or disagreeing with others, do so respectfully and focus on ideas rather than individuals.
Use Inclusive Language
Be mindful of your words and how they might impact others. Avoid language that could be offensive or hurtful to someone else.
Ask Questions
If you're unsure about something, ask! There's no such thing as a silly question in our learning community.
Be Patient
Remember that everyone is learning and may be at different stages in their corridor management journey.
Engage Actively
Your participation enriches the experience for everyone. Share your insights, experiences, and questions.
Respect Intellectual Property
Don't share course materials or work created by your peers outside of this platform without permission.