University City District
Nate Hommel is a Strategic Advisor at The Global Institute on Innovation Districts since August 2023, leveraging extensive expertise to advance innovation districts through various programs. As the Director of Planning and Design at University City District since March 2012, Nate has contributed significantly to urban quality of life, notably leading the Trolley Portal Gardens project. Previous roles include Capital Projects Manager at University City District, Chair of the Ed Bacon Memorial Committee since March 2018, and Adjunct Professor of Urban Design at Philadelphia University. Earlier career positions encompass Senior Project Manager & Landscape Designer at Synterra, Landscape Designer at Wells Appel Land Strategies, and an intern at Environmental Design and Research. Nate holds a Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry and completed an undergraduate thesis on Urban Waterfronts at Den Kgl. Veterinær- og Landbohøjskole.
University City District
University City District is a partnership of world-renowned anchor institutions, small businesses and residents that creates opportunity, and improves economic vitality and quality of life in the University City area of West Philadelphia. Our primary mission is community revitalization. We work within a place-based, data-driven framework to invest in world-class public spaces, address crime and public safety, bring life to commercial corridors, connect low-income residents to careers, and promote job growth and innovation.