Civic and Neighborhood Associations

Civic and neighborhood associations are the volunteer-run groups through which many Philadelphians engage with local government. They range from block captains and "friends of" park groups to long-established civic associations covering many blocks. Unlike elected bodies they have no legal authority of their own, but the City gives those that register formal roles in development review, which makes them among the most influential community actors on land-use questions. ^[1]

1 Types of groups

Common forms include block and town-watch groups, civic associations with dues-paying members and monthly meetings, neighborhood improvement and park-friends groups, business associations on commercial corridors, tenant and homeowner associations, and ad hoc coalitions that form around a specific issue. Some are incorporated nonprofits; others are informal. Larger neighborhoods often have several overlapping groups, which can lead to disagreements about who speaks for a community. ^[2]

2 The RCO system

When the City adopted its new zoning code in 2012, it codified the role of Registered Community Organizations. An organization applies to the Planning Commission to represent a defined geographic area; once registered, it receives notice of zoning variance or special-exception requests before the Zoning Board of Adjustment and of projects requiring Civic Design Review, and it must be offered a community meeting by the applicant. Registrations are renewed periodically, and the Commission publishes a map and list. Details are in Registered Community Organizations. The City announced 268 active RCOs in 2020; the number changes with each registration cycle. ^[1]

3 Influence with Council and city agencies

RCO positions are advisory: the Zoning Board and the Commission weigh them, but are not bound by them. In practice, a recommendation from the RCO and the district Council member often carries weight, linking associations to the informal system of councilmanic prerogative. Associations also work with police district advisory councils, the Streets Department, Philly311 and Parks and Recreation on neighborhood quality-of-life issues, and they often host candidate forums at election time. Ward committee people also sit in many of these rooms (see Ward Leaders and Committeepersons).

4 Criticisms and reform debates

Supporters say RCOs give residents an early and meaningful voice in development. Critics, including some developers, housing advocates and planners, argue that participation skews toward homeowners and longtime residents, that boundaries can overlap, and that the process can delay housing. Planning Commission staff and advocates have debated bills that would change RCO notice, boundary and accountability rules, and the Commission has at times opposed proposed changes. Some civic associations have sought tighter regulation of the RCO map. ^[3] Neighbors who are not part of an RCO can still testify at hearings.

5 Getting involved

To find your registered organization, use the Planning Commission's RCO map. Meeting notices, bylaws and elections are set by each group. For guidance on starting one, see How to Organize a Block or Neighborhood Group.

See also: Community Development Corporations, Developers and the Real Estate Lobby, Philadelphia Neighborhoods Guide.

References

1. City of Philadelphia, Planning Commission, "Registered Community Organizations" (phila.gov/CityPlanning); City announcement of RCO application period (June 10, 2020).
2. Next City, "Philly's Community Organizations Have a Critical Role in Development."
3. WHYY/PlanPhilly, "Some civic associations seek tighter regulation of Registered Community Organization map" and "Planning Commission opposes bill changing Registered Community Organization requirements."