Guest Commentary

Market East is Reason for Optimism

Why the President and CEO of Center City District has high hopes for the long moribund corridor

By Prema Katari Gupta

Is Philadelphia’s Revival at Risk?

The 10-year tax abatement spurred the city’s growth. But recent policies may threaten that progress

By Tobias Peter

Where Does Philly Need More Homes?

A new tool offers once-and-for-all answers to what kinds of housing the city needs, and exactly where. Will City Hall use it?

By Courtney DuChene

Embracing Abundance, Not Scarcity, Is How We Grow

Drexel's Metro Finance head weighs in on the policy debate unleashed by Ezra Klein's 2025 book with calls to action for American cities

By Bruce Katz
The New Urban Order

SEPTA Ridership is Down. It Doesn’t Have to Be.

As the transit system struggles to survive, a new report offers permanent fixes from across the pond

By Diana Lind

Tackling Racial Bias in Home Appraisals

How a trio of real estate pros calling themselves the WEALTH Collective plans to solve Philadelphia’s race-based $57 billion gap in housing values

By Courtney DuChene
The New Urban Order

Transform a Curb; Change a City

But not just curbs. Cities also need updated org charts; all manner of transformation managers; CFOs and COOs, and, importantly: public pissoirs

By Diana Lind

What’s Hidden in Parker’s Housing Plan?

Mayor Parker’s $2 billion initiative to build or rehab 30,000 affordable homes includes $800 million in municipal bonds — which might come with their own hefty price tag

By Jade Craig
Ideas We Should Steal

More Democracy in Development Decisions

Some Philly Registered Community Organizations give individuals outsized power to shut down housing proposals in their neighborhoods. A better approach can be found in D.C.

By Jon Geeting

Is Trump Coming For Philly’s Housing Plan?

Inflation. Federal cuts. Labor shortages. Will Mayor Parker’s 30,000 affordable homes goal be thwarted by President Trump?

By Malcolm Burnley