Meet the EFDC

Our Mission 

The East Falls Development Corporation is a non-profit entity dedicated to community-based economic development for the benefit of East Falls. 

Our Vision

To create a community that capitalizes on its assets – a strategic location between Center City Philadelphia and nearby suburbs of the Main Line and Northwest Philadelphia; attractions such as restaurants, the Schuylkill River and recreation trails; and rich cultural sites such as Laurel Hill Cemetery and Jefferson University Raven Hill Campus – to reinforce EF’s role as a regional destination that attracts new businesses, welcomes visitors, and encourages new job growth. 

Our Action Plan for Growth

The action plan focuses on four traditional ‘Main Street’ areas that are the groundwork for implementation of a coordinated economic development strategy.

Business Promotion and Attraction

Business Promotion and Attraction

Attract and increase business traffic and investment in the commercial corridors through launch of EF identity marketing package.

Beautification

Beautification

Continued improvement and maintenance of public spaces.

Repositioning of Commercial Real Estate

Repositioning of Commercial Real Estate

Increase development and promotion of commercial property that will generate job growth for East Falls.

Increased Community Participation

Increased Community Participation

Engage volunteers in community related issues, so community members take ownership of the East Falls neighborhood.

What We Do

Established to implement community plans related to economic revitalization in East Falls. We focus on the Riverfront Business District (Ridge and Midvale Avenues) as well as Conrad Street and other local businesses.

Historical Projects

Planning

Infrastructure & Design Improvements

Capital Projects

Art & Murals

Business Assistance

Events

Support & Volunteer

Reach out today to find out how you can support the EFDC!

Our Board and Staff

Michelle Feldman

Executive Director, East Falls Development Corporation
michelle.feldman@eastfallspa.com
Cell: 617-259-7401

Michelle has dedicated her career to community and economic development in her hometown of Philadelphia. For almost six years, she served as Director of Keep Philadelphia Beautiful (KPB), a nonprofit organization dedicated to community building through community greening. Prior to that role, she served as the Commercial Corridor Manager and Communications Director for the Frankford Community Development Corporation, where she primarily worked to assist small businesses along the Frankford Avenue commercial corridor and attract new ones to the area. Michelle holds a B.A. in Political Science from Brandeis University and a Masters Degree in Public Policy from Drexel. She served on the Board of Young Involved Philadelphia as Outreach Chair from 2014-2015, and as Vice President in 2016. From 2017-2020, she served on the Mayor’s Millennial Advisory Committee, first as Communications Chair and then on the Executive Committee as Secretary. Michelle has been named a Connector and Keeper by LEADERSHIP Philadelphia, and to Billy Penn “Who’s Next: Community Leaders” list. As Michelle has said: “I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the East Falls Development Corporation. I have seen firsthand how Community Development Corporations bring neighbors and businesses together to build our civic fabric, and make a tangible difference in the lives of our fellow Philadelphians. This work is more important than ever – and CDCs are uniquely positioned to help build our communities and make sure they are stronger and healthier than ever. On a personal note, as a native Philadelphian I know how special East Falls is, from its businesses to its parks and rich history – and of course its people. I also know that opportunity abounds to build upon the many strengths and assets of the East Falls community.”
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John Hawkins

Chair of the Board

CEO, Philadelphia Strategies Group

Kevin Duffy, CPA

Treasurer

President, FX Duffy & Company

Heidi Grunwald

Director, Institute for Survey Research, Temple University

Emily Nichols

EFCC

Aaron Bell

Strada Architecture, LLC

Marvina Furlow

Abbotsford Homes Tenant Council, Rep. Seat

John Grady

Senior Vice President

Wexford Science and Technology

Mike Stanton

How Property Management

Ronan Gill

RG Group

Douglas Grom

Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch

Felicite Moorman

East Falls Forward

Ina Thomas

Ridge/Allegheny/Hunting Park

Jeff Cromarty

Jefferson University

Audra Anusionwu

Founder

BeautiFitStrong Fitness

George Callicut

Founder

Georges Moving and Cleaning Company

Ben White

Principal, Director of Financial Planning

Viquity Asset Management

Paul Barrett

Director of The Welcome Table

St. James School

Melissa Grimm

Principal at Grimm & Grove

2023 Committees & Committee Members

There are four standing committees (Budget and Finance, Economic Development, Corridor Management, and Marketing / Communications) and 1 ad-hoc committee (River Landing) currently in place. Board and non-board members can serve on committees. See list of committees and members below.

ChairsContactsBoard Members
Economic DevelopmentJohn Hawkinsjch@pobox.comJohn Grady
Coren Wise
Marketing/OutreachMichelle Feldmanmichelle.feldman@eastfallspa.comHeidi Grunwald
Corridor ManagementMichelle Feldmanmichelle.feldman@eastfallspa.comAaron Bell, Heidi Grunwald
Budget and FinanceHeidi Grunwaldgrunwald@temple.eduKevin Duffy
Doug Grom
River LandingHeidi Grunwaldgrunwald@temple.edu

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