King of Prussia District’s Board of Directors and staff have announced the organization’s renewal through 2035.
Established in 2010 as a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization, and subsequently renewed in 2015 and 2020, King of Prussia District’s mission is to accelerate economic growth by making King of Prussia more vibrant, attractive, and prosperous.
The Upper Merion Township Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve King of Prussia District’s Reauthorization Plan, “Partnership for Smart Growth in Upper Merion Township,” in a public meeting on Aug. 8. Following a 45-day comment period during which no objections were filed, UMT adopted the renewal ordinance on Oct. 17.
“We are incredibly grateful to have the continued support of Upper Merion Township and property owners for another 10 years,” said Cheryl Gebeline-Myers, Chair of King of Prussia District’s Board of Directors and Vice President of Operations of Middleman Family Pavilion, CHOP, KOP. “This longer authorization period ensures that we have ample time to boldly pursue our vision of making King of Prussia Greater Philadelphia’s economic powerhouse and premier location for community and commerce.”
King of Prussia District’s program plan, which was established by its founders and still drives the organization’s work today, includes Marketing & Communications, Physical Improvements, Transportation, Land Use & Zoning, and Research & Data Analytics. These programs are fully funded through an annual assessment fee paid by 431 owners of commercial, multifamily, and industrial properties within the District’s boundaries. Since 2011, King of Prussia District has also secured more than $7.4 million in grant funding and corporate sponsorship revenue to further its impact in the community.
As part of King of Prussia District’s Reauthorization Plan, the organization highlighted several key accomplishments across its programs, including:
- Completion of the $7.3 million First Avenue Linear Park and First Avenue Road Diet in Moore Park, significantly enhancing safety and accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike
- Design, installation, and maintenance of $7.2 million in landscape improvements and multimodal trails along key roadways in King of Prussia
- Installation of wayfinding and gateway signage throughout King of Prussia and its two business parks, enhancing navigation and the overall visitor experience
- Collaboration with Upper Merion Township to develop the King of Prussia Mixed-Use Zoning District in the area formerly known as the King of Prussia Business Park, rebranding this new zoning district as Moore Park
- Release of three tax policy studies, two housing reports, quarterly commercial property updates, and annual reports to the community to promote informed decision-making and strategic development
- Targeted advertising campaigns and proactive media outreach to enhance King of Prussia’s visibility and reputation
- 200 events and activations produced since 2011, ranging from intimate and experiential networking gatherings and pop-up workouts to large-scale consumer-focused events and festivals
- Contributed $543,246 to other nonprofits through fundraising and sponsorships
Since 2010, King of Prussia District’s work has served as a catalyst for, and helped shape, $5 billion in economic development projects in Upper Merion Township, including dozens of headquarters; hundreds of thousands of square feet of previously vacant office space; 600,000 square feet of new retail; numerous hotels; dozens of restaurants; thousands of new and diverse residential units; and a wide variety of new medical and life science companies.
“At the recent Business Meeting, the Upper Merion Township Board of Supervisors unanimously voted in favor of a renewal of an agreement plan with King of Prussia District,” said Tina Garzillo, Chair of the Upper Merion Township Board of Supervisors. “There was a strategic reason to expand the agreement to a 10-year plan rather than the five-year renewal that we have historically done. We have seen the benefits of the Business Improvement District’s contribution to the economic growth and stability of Upper Merion, and we look forward to the continuation of a clearly established vision for our community.”
Learn more about King of Prussia District and its progressive vision of KOP as Greater Philadelphia’s economic powerhouse and premier location for community and commerce.
