PA’s Fair Funding Champion

Deborah Gordon Klehr oversaw the Education Law Center’s successful case mandating better funding of public schools throughout the state. But it’s her work outside the courtroom that has been indispensable for Pennsylvania students

By Malcolm Burnley

Is Mayor Parker’s Favorite Housing Program Ready for a Glow-up?

The City’s Turn The Key workforce housing program has gained admirers for building homes affordable to middle income families. But can it really be the centerpiece of the city’s housing plan?

By Malcolm Burnley
2024 Integrity Icon

Tracey T. Williams

The deputy commissioner for the Department of Records is a career civil servant who’s fighting to protect homeowners and advocate for those in need of recognition

By Malcolm Burnley
2024 Integrity Icon

Adara Combs

The first-ever director of Philly’s Office of Victim Advocate has parlayed a decade in the DA’s office to bring dignity and much-needed help to victims and their communities

By Malcolm Burnley

Did Voters Make Neighborhood Development Better?

The ballot measure Philadelphians passed last month could be the start of needed reforms to the role community groups play in creating more housing for more people

By Malcolm Burnley
Ideas We Should Steal

Letting Citizens Shape Philly’s Budget

South Bend, Indiana proactively boosted resident feedback in its budget season through its 311 line and by meeting citizens where they are. Could the same efforts in Philly create a budget that reflects residents’ priorities?

By Malcolm Burnley
Recap

Let’s Hire an Attorney General!

The Citizen held its latest Ultimate Job Interview Monday for the state’s most important election. See what you missed, learn about the candidates — and vote

By Malcolm Burnley

Mark Squilla Loves The Process

The fate of the 76ers arena rests on one person’s shoulders (hint: it’s not our new mayor). Is this any way to run a city?

By Malcolm Burnley

Can Philadelphia Correct … our Corrections?

The City’s new approach to the drug trade in Kensington could send increasing numbers of people to city jails. How will that square with the prison department’s ongoing staffing crisis?

By Malcolm Burnley
Ideas We Should Steal

AI in Government (No, Really!)

Earlier this month, Sheriff Rochelle Bilal showcased how public officials should not deploy Artificial Intelligence. But like other cities, we can harness the new technology for good

By Malcolm Burnley