District Digest: The Evolution of King of Prussia District
Founded in response to the economic downturn of the Great Recession (2007-2008), King of Prussia District emerged as a strategic initiative to revitalize the area’s commercial landscape—particularly its office market.
Visionary property owners and township officials recognized an opportunity to drive economic growth, leading to the formation of what is now a thriving Business Improvement District (BID). Key figures, including Brian McElwee (Valley Forge Investments), Richard Kubach (Best Western), Art Powell (Kravco), Skip Kunda (Kunda Beverage), Ron Wagenmann (former Township Manager) and Rob Loeper (former Township Planner), led discussions about establishing an organization dedicated to economic development. After two years of planning, King of Prussia District was officially formalized in May 2010 under township ordinance. By January 2011, a search committee appointed the organization’s first President, laying the groundwork for a mission focused on transformation and growth.
Since its inception, King of Prussia District has played a pivotal role in accelerating economic development, working to make the area more vibrant, attractive and prosperous. Today, the organization serves 432 property owners through five core programs designed to stimulate economic development and job creation. In 2015, King of Prussia District was renewed for a second five-years term. In 2020, the organization was renewed for a third 5-year term that included an expansion into Renaissance Park. The third renewal also expanded the assessed properties to include industrial and multifamily properties with over 100 units. Most recently, on October 17, 2024, Upper Merion Township approved a 10-year renewal through 2035 and authorized the first-ever increase in the organization’s assessment fee rate. With a dedicated team of seven employees, King of Prussia District continues to advance its vision of making King of Prussia Greater Philadelphia’s economic powerhouse and the premier location for community and commerce.
