Nicetown Community Development Corporation (NTCDC), founded in 1999, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Nicetown and surrounding Philadelphia neighborhoods. With expertise in economic development, housing, and community engagement, NTCDC revitalizes commercial corridors, develops affordable housing, organizes community festivals, and manages land care initiatives. The organization works to put the "nice" back in "the town" through sustainable community economic development and strategic partnerships.
The NTCDC mission is to dynamically improve the quality of life in Nicetown and surrounding communities by establishing sustainable community economic development. The organization pursues this through a holistic approach prioritizing public safety, re-education and training, affordable housing development, commercial corridor revitalization, arts and culture, and land care—optimized by strategic partnerships, collaborations, and volunteerism.
Founded in 1999, NTCDC envisions a future marked by sustainable prosperity and vibrant community development where public health and safety are paramount, community members are empowered through training, affordable housing flourishes, commercial corridors thrive, and arts, culture, and land care enrich community life. The organization has achieved significant milestones including award-winning mixed-use developments like Nicetown Court I & II ($35 million), management of over 700 vacant land parcels, and facilitation of over $50 million in projects.
Leadership includes President & CEO Zakariyya Abdur-Rahman, who founded NTCDC and has guided its emergence as one of Philadelphia's most successful CDCs; Chief Operating Officer Majeedah Rashid, known for community organizing and the Nice Space Empowerment Program; Fiscal Manager Taherrah Abdur-Rahman, a co-founder; and Board Chairman Stanley Crawford, a co-founder with 20 years of board service. The staff team includes specialists in land management, community coordination, and facility maintenance.
NTCDC offers multiple programs including the Nice Space Empowerment Program (violence prevention focused on entrepreneurship and work readiness), Land Care (managing vacant parcels in partnership with PA Horticultural Society), Arts & Culture initiatives, Support Services, and the Same Day Work & Pay Program. The organization also hosts the annual Giveback Festival and Community Concerts, and manages major development projects including Barrett Playground and Shepard Recreation Center.
NTCDC hosts the 23rd Annual Giveback Community Festival and Concerts, scheduled for August 9, 2025, which brings the community together and promotes anti-violence efforts. The organization also facilitates volunteer opportunities and vendor participation through various festival-related events.
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