Also naming 3rd Street between Market Street and Girard Avenue to "N3RD Street".

WHEREAS, Over the past decade, North 3rd Street has become home to a growing population of creative and technology businesses, as well as a variety of collaborative spaces and community initiatives. In the last few years alone, the area has seen organic growth beyond a handful of tech stalwarts to an increasingly connected community; and

WHEREAS, The “N3RD Street” (pronounced "nerd") name for the area began as a colloquial nickname, used by community anchors, including Jarv.us in Northern Liberties and Indy Hall in Old City, but it has caught on as others in the community began to use the term. Today, N3RD Street is a household name in the technology community across Philadelphia, and is even used by Mayor Michael Nutter and Chief Innovation Officer Adel Ebeid, who reference N3RD Street when speaking about the innovative community in Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Currently there are more than 30 tech ventures located around N3RD Street, over 45 marketing/branding/design companies, and even more entrepreneurs in varying industries. Adding to First Friday art gallery openings, activities such as N3RD Street Farmers Market, N3RD Street Gamers, and N3RD Street Runners have helped to organize and engage the community; and

WHEREAS, A cultural identity like N3RD Street is an important asset for Philadelphia. Just blocks from the site of historical icons like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, N3RD Street is literally the same place where America's first nerd, Ben Franklin, would walk every day; and

WHEREAS, For Philadelphia to strengthen its case as a hub of innovation, N3RD Street works to set an example for how Philadelphia can strive not to be more like New York or San Francisco, but instead to be a better version of itself. The formal recognition of this vibrant community of entrepreneurs and creative spirits will help to position us for continued growth; and

WHEREAS, With this dedication we hope to foster and celebrate the growth of the N3RD Street community as an entrepreneurial, innovative, and collaborative community of Philadelphia; to improve the quality of life and connections between the people who live and work in the N3RD Street community; and to support continued growth by attracting new businesses and leaders to the neighborhood; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That North 3rd Street between Market Street and Girard Avenue is also named N3RD Street.

End