Program
Philadelphia Block Captain Program
Also called: Become a block captain
Any Philadelphia resident can become captain of their own block. You collect signatures from neighbors on a petition, then organize block cleanups and help with the street's upkeep with the Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee.
Saved in this browser only.
What they do
Keep sidewalks and gutters clear, plant flowers and new street trees, help neighbors with fix-up projects, host block parties, and remind people about pickup days.
Who it is for
- Who can join
- Neighbors who live in the area
- Who is there
- Neighbors
When and where
Participating blocks hold three organized cleanups during the summer months, with the Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee.
Your own block
We do not have a meeting place for this group yet.
Your first visit
Feeling unsure the first time is normal. Most groups are glad when someone new walks in.
First step: Call the Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee at (215) 685-3971, or use its online form, to ask for a clean block petition, which is mailed to you..
You need to sign up first.
What to expect
Expect paperwork first. You need signatures from at least 51 percent of the residents on your block, with one adult signature per household, and then you mail the completed petition back. A clean block officer then contacts you to get started. You can also ask whether your block already has a captain.
Tips for your first visit
- Call before you collect signatures to find out whether your block already has a captain.
- Start talking to neighbors early, since the petition needs at least 51 percent of residents to sign.
- Leave time for the petition to be mailed back and reach the committee.
- Plan on three organized cleanups over the summer, with tools and supplies from the committee.
Newcomer welcome
Fine for newcomers, but you may need to speak up (3 out of 5). Why we say this: Any resident can start, and the city lays out a clear sequence: request the petition, collect signatures, then mail it back..
Cost and commitment
- Cost
- Cost not known yet. The page lists no fee. The Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee can provide tools, supplies, and street cleaning for participating blocks.
- How often
- An ongoing role
Access and languages
- Wheelchair access
- We do not know yet. Ask the group before you go.
- Languages spoken
- We do not know yet which languages are spoken.
Requirements
We found no special requirements. Ask the group if you are not sure.
How to reach them
We copy contact details as the group or a public source published them. Each one shows where it came from.
- Website: phila.gov Source: phila.gov, seen October 8, 2026
- Phone: (215) 685-3971 Source: phila.gov, seen October 8, 2026
Sources and last check
Checked by our research team on October 8, 2026. This was a closer look, including what a first visit is like.
- Last seen active
- August 2024 (See the evidence)
- Last checked by our team
- October 8, 2026
- Status
- Probably active
- Our confidence in this listing
- Medium
We think this group is probably still active, but the newest sign we found is more than a year old.
- phila.gov, seen October 8, 2026. Supports: Name, Website, Summary, Audience, Requirements, What they do, First step, Cost, Schedule, Phone, Status
Help us keep this right
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