Innovation and Local Government

Power to the People

Millennial mayor Alex Torpey on recruiting citizens to reinvent government.

By Larry Platt
Ideas We Should Steal

College Savings For Every Baby

Joe Torsella, candidate for State Treasurer, wants to give every newborn in Pennsylvania a college savings plan. That makes him a politician actually running on an innovative idea

By Larry Platt

The Crack Cocaine of Philly Politics

Is there a 12-Step program for tax-happy pols?

By Larry Platt

The City of B Corp Love

In reaction to the bathroom law, Wayne-based B Lab has relocated its annual retreat of socially conscious companies from North Carolina to … here. Pssst, Philly: This is an opportunity!

By Larry Platt
Meet the Disruptors

‘Techno Rebels’ Jarvus Innovations

They’ve spent $600,000 on social impact ventures—and they’re growing. Ultimately, they want to build a spaceship ... while making the world better

By Larry Platt

Tell Me, Don’t Sell Me

Just recovering from the shallowness of the primary season’s political advertising? You ain’t seen nothing yet

By Larry Platt
The Smuk Report

Hillary’s Emails and Kardashian Sex Tapes

In his latest political commentary, Ken Smukler pays homage to Muhammad Ali and skewers presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump

By Larry Platt

Muhammad Ali’s Philadelphia Story

The city played a role in the making of the legend—and in the debate over the meaning of his legacy

By Larry Platt

Pension Paralysis

Center City businessman and philanthropist Richard Vague continues to challenge economic orthodoxy. Now he’s got pensions in his sights—and, yes, it is a crisis

By Larry Platt

Wanted—Developers to Sue City Council

With Ori Feibush’s win over Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, is Councilmanic Prerogative on the ropes? One crusading attorney hopes so

By Larry Platt