Paul Levy is the founder and chair of Philadelphia's Center City District (CCD) since 1991. Levy planned, received property owner and legislative approval for, and now oversees the $14 million downtown management district, which provides security, hospitality, cleaning, place marketing, promotion, and planning services for the central business district of Philadelphia. To date, the CCD has completed $43 million in streetscape, lighting, park, and façade improvements.

His many personal awards include the 2002 Wyck-Strickland Award for contributions to the cultural life of Philadelphia, the 2002 Philadelphia Committee on City Policy Community Leadership Award, and the 1996 Pennsylvania Society of Architects Honor Award for contribution to an improved public environment by a non-architect. Center City District has received many national and international awards for its contribution to the quality of life in Philadelphia.