Alan Greenberger

Distinguished Fellow
Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation

Alan Greenberger served as Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Director of Commerce for the City of Philadelphia from 2009 to 2015 under Mayor Michael Nutter. During this time, he also chaired the Philadelphia City Planning Commission, overseeing the integration of long-term strategic planning with business and real estate development. His leadership led to the rewriting of the Philadelphia Zoning Code and the launch of Philadelphia 2035, the city's first comprehensive plan in over 50 years, which earned the American Planning Association’s National Best Practice Award in 2013. He also spearheaded StartUpPHL, a program fostering Philadelphia’s entrepreneurial and tech ecosystem.

Prior to his public service, Greenberger spent 34 years in private practice as an architect and planner with MGA Partners and its predecessor, Mitchell/Giurgola Architects. His portfolio includes award-winning projects such as the Salvation Army Kroc Corps Community Center, the renovation of Lehigh University's Linderman Library, the National Foreign Affairs Training Center, and the Master Plan for the Centennial District in Fairmount Park.

A dedicated civic leader, he has served on the boards of numerous Philadelphia organizations, including the Association for Public Art, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, and the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority. He co-founded the Design Advocacy Group, a national model for design advocacy.

Greenberger played a key role in Philadelphia’s resurgence, culminating in the city’s designation as a member of the Organization of World Heritage Cities—the first and only U.S. city to receive this honor. His contributions have been recognized with awards such as the AIA Pennsylvania Government Award (2014) and the AIA Philadelphia John Harbeson Award for lifetime achievement (2015). He was named a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 2009.

An educator as well, Greenberger has taught at Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania and has lectured internationally. He currently serves the Vice President of Real Estate and Facilities for Drexel University.