Last week’s strong approval of 76Place by Philadelphia City Council’s Committee of the Whole represents more than an unprecedented economic opportunity for Philadelphia’s Black-owned and operated businesses: it established a new paradigm for how the African American Chamber of Commerce of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware (AACC) will work with developers and the city to shape projects to meet the needs of our members.
From the announcement of 76Place, it was clear that the ownership of the 76ers wanted the opening of a new arena to be different from past developments and create real opportunity for diverse businesses. More than a vague guarantee of new jobs – something every large-scale developer can commit to – the 76ers immediately sought to work with the AACC and other leaders to structure what the arena’s development and operations would look like for diverse companies and workers.