CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Corporate Citizens Leigh and John Middleton

You know them as the couple who owns the Phillies. You likely know less about their extensive philanthropy, including being the force behind a major new art exhibition — and that’s just fine with them

We Must Ensure Students Can Vote

President Trump is trying to make it harder for college students to cast a ballot. A longtime university president encourages us all to push back for the sake of our democracy

The Citizen Recommends: Have Your Say in the City Budget

It’s budget season, time for Philadelphians to comment on how the City should spend their money in the coming year. Mural Arts helps you do it

The New Urban Order: The Bourgeois Bunker

The upper middle class isn't leaving cities. They’re just eschewing the civic reasons they chose to live there in the first place

Can City Council Fix Our Reproductive Healthcare Crisis?

Federal and local funding cuts are decimating an already precarious healthcare landscape, especially for Philadelphia’s most vulnerable communities. City funding could help

How to Celebrate Local News Day

The Philadelphia Citizen and Philadelphia magazine invite you to take part in this first-ever day of action. (But you can also celebrate tomorrow, and the day after that … )

The Ballot Questions in the 2026 Primary Election

The two measures voters can approve or reject on May 19 concern helping Philadelphians save for retirement and making permanent someone to advocate for youth in residential facilities

Networking for Creatives

A graphic designer launched Collab for Philadelphians who work in creative jobs — or want to — and other creatives who just want to make a new friend or two

Citizen of the Year: Dr. Paul Offit

The man who RFK Jr. wants you to hate just wants to save our kids, using proven science

Business for Good: Sonura, a Cap that Protects Preemies

Penn Engineering grads developed a high-tech beanie that protects the tiniest of ears from NICU noise

Your Guide to the 2026 Primary Election

All the candidates — Democratic and Republican — on Philadelphians’ ballots on May 19, 2026

Ideas We Should Steal: Stadium Beer — in Reusable Cups

Game days are amazing, but they’re also incredibly wasteful. One Oregon company has helped a number of professional sports arenas convert to reusable cups and food baskets. Could South Philly be next?

Citizen Of The Week: Christina Kallas-Saritsoglou, Quiet Champion

For more than 20 years, the co-founder of Philly AIDS Thrift has done good by selling people’s old, unwanted stuff — resulting in more than $5 million of good

Are Our Kids Not Learning Good?

Budget cuts. School closures. Structural deficit. Scant academic progress. Spin from District headquarters. Larry Platt asks: Is Superintendent Watlington up to being a transformational leader?

How to Really Run a City: The Sweet Smell of $1 Million For Cities

Lafayette, LA, Mayor Monique Blanco Boulet and Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Aparna Ramanan talk with our hosts about innovation, civic prize money and cleaning up a city’s stinking sewers

Citizen of the Year: Disruptors Carl June and Jeff Marrazzo

They’re charting a course to a world without cancer tumors and reinvigorating Philly’s “Cellicon Valley” with their new company, Dispatch Biotherapeutics. For their bold vision, we’re awarding this duo our Disruptors of the Year.

Now Hiring — U.S. Congressperson

The Citizen’s Ultimate Job Interview will feature the top four candidates to replace Democratic Rep. Dwight Evans in Pennsylvania’s 3rd District. Here’s our crowd-sourced description of the job they hope to fill

Ideas We Should Steal: Give Every Kid a Bed

Three percent of all children in the U.S. are bedless. An Idaho-based nonprofit working to give them a safe, comfortable place to sleep now has a chapter in NJ. Is Philly next?

Citizen of the Week: The Flower Girl

Leona Davis wanted to repurpose the flowers from her daughter’s wedding. Now she’s created a circle of giving that brings joy, purpose, and sustainability across the region

How a Piece of Philly History Thwarted Netflix

A Penn law professor explains the 1963 antitrust case involving Philly banks that frustrated the streaming giant’s plans for world domination. For now.

The Citizen Recommends: Take a Cab

Why pay Silicon Valley tech companies for your ride when locally-owned taxi cabs are cheaper, faster and put money back into Philadelphia’s economy?

Citizens of the Week: Mt. Airy Family Commons Founders

Parenting infants and little children can be incredibly lonely. Hannah Fenlon, Linda Joy and Hannah Newman have a solution in a co-op that already includes 80 families

The New Urban Order: The Case Against Managed Decline in the School District

In all the talk over closing and fixing Philly schools, there is no mention of building new ones that might serve the community better into the future. Can we look to New York City and Boston for solutions we should steal?

Citizen Recommends: Celebrate PA’s 250th at Carpenters’ Hall

Sure, the nation’s turning 250 this year. But so is our state’s most vital document — and Pennsylvania’s Constitution is, in many ways, the ultimate bulwark of your freedoms

How to Really Run a City: Breaking Through Media Tribalism

Pundit and activist Michael Smerconish joins Citizen Co-founder Larry Platt, along with former Mayors Michael Nutter and Kasim Reed, to talk about the current state of media and the importance of people connecting with people IRL

The New Urban Order: Are Cities Finding their Footing — Or Losing it Again?

Six years after Covid, nationwide, urban recovery is real, but it’s uneven — and newly at risk. What cities are doing it right?

Guest Commentary: Same Street, New Story

The Ramblas effect: Philadelphia's experiment in pedestrian-first streets — by the woman who made Open Streets happen

History Floats

Ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary, the historic tall ship Gazela celebrates getting to 125 — with a little help from her friends

Are Campuses Ideological Battlegrounds?

Not according to students in a recent poll. A longtime university president reflects on how the new data explodes the political narrative

Don’t Look Now … But Philly is Safe

How the hell did that happen? And why is the mayor not taking more credit for it? The anatomy of a stunning turnaround

How to Really Run a City: The Cities Doing Transportation Right

An Unexpected Happy Ending

Filmmaker Rah Crawford’s short documentary tells a hidden Philly history about 1800s slave ships — and a family of descendants who call the city of brotherly love home

Could these Tiny Robots … Cure Cancer?

Researchers at Penn and the University of Michigan have developed the world’s smallest, fully autonomous robots. The health applications are nearly endless

Guest Commentary: Holding on to Mayor Parker’s Commonsense Coalition

A free market advocate doesn’t always support the mayor’s policies, but he applauds her focus on what really matters to Philadelphians

The New Urban Order: Putting Pedestrians First

Atlanta’s 20-year-old Beltline proves comprehensive pedestrian-centered development — in contrast to Philadelphia’s piecemeal approach — has rich rewards

2026 Good Citizen Calendar

Your guide to civic action in Philadelphia, starting in January

Is Philly Ready for a Driverless Future?

Google’s Waymo taxis are quickly learning Philly roads, while lawmakers — and all of us — grapple with what it means for our city

Guest Commentary: Marijuana Madness Mugs PA Tax Revenue

The late Milton Street proposed legalizing recreational weed in 1983. A longtime local journalist wonders how we can still justify giving up millions of much-needed tax dollars

Eds, Meds … and Seventh Graders?

At Hardy Williams High School, a new health institute creates early pathways into the nation’s fastest growing, and possibly most enduring, job sector

Remembering Isaiah Zagar

A longtime friend and admirer reflects on Philly’s one-of-a-kind outsider artist, who died this week.

Committeeperson Elections, By the Numbers

Thinking about running for the lowest elected office in Philly? Chances are, you’ll win

Yo Philly! Claim Your Money

Last year, Philadelphians got $19 million back in government refunds. This year, take advantage of a free city program to get yours

Citizen of the Week: Carlos Rogers, Bike Race Reviver

How a tattooed, middle-aged hairstylist made The Philadelphia Cycling Classic the sporting surprise of America’s 250th

Calling All City Workers — and Those Who Admire Them

It’s that time of year: We’re on the hunt for the most high-integrity workers employed by the City of Philadelphia. Nominate the most inspiring city workers you know, and they could be named a 2026 Integrity Icon

Hey Philly! Let’s Hire a Congressperson

Help us write a job description for the candidates vying to replace Philadelphia’s U.S. Representative Dwight Evans — and then join us to help interview them for the job

Guest Commentary: The Legacy We Inherit

Honoring Philadelphia's Black labor history and fighting for the future of the Black workers

How to Really Run a City: Mayors Confronting ICE — and Ice

In a special episode of our podcast, former Mayors Kasim Reed of Atlanta and Michael Nutter of Philadelphia delve into the recent twin crises facing city leaders across the country

How Federal Cuts Are Transforming PA’s Solar Industry

Renewable energy provider Solar States hit its stride just as the Trump administration cut subsidies — can a loophole keep them afloat?

Citizen of the Week: Klean Kensington’s Jeremy Chen

Philadelphia wants residents to imagine the future. In Kensington, one resident is helping teens just achieve more than surviving the present

Guest Commentary: When One Door Closes

REC Philly is no more, but, its co-founder says, Philadelphia's creators are as strong as ever

Ideas We Should Steal: Free Food at the Free Library

A longtime university president suggests the city’s library system follow Chicago and Baltimore, and add food pantries to its community services

The Money Behind MAHA

What makes “Big Wellness” so dangerous? The renowned CHOP immunologist explains

Snow, a Mayor’s Kryptonite

It's been 11 days since snowmageddon. How's Cherelle Parker doing?

Citizen of the Week: Michael Idriss, Black History Game Changer

African American history has been disappeared from Independence National Historical Park. Not so at the Museum of the American Revolution, with thanks to one “time traveler”

Meet the Citizens of the Year

These local heroes make Philly stronger, wiser, healthier, kinder and more awesome. Help us celebrate them

Big Rube’s Philly: The Athlete Edit

Way before the NFL and NBA posted game-day fits, the iconic photographer, Mitchell & Ness marketing guru and gourmet soul food chef snapped Philadelphia’s most stylish pros off the field and on the streets

Business for Good: FSH Technologies

A Facebook alum wanted to do work that matches her values. Now her Philly tech company is helping the city’s small businesses navigate a new tax landscape

Are You There, Constitution Center? It’s Me, a Citizen

Jeffrey Rosen is out. Now, the NCC must decide if it will remain a genteel place of scholarship or become the antidote to the threat to democracy

How to Really Run a City: The Mayor Dude with the Skater Attitude

Former mayors Kasim Reed of Atlanta and Michael Nutter of Philadelphia welcome Allentown’s punk rock leader Matthew Tuerk to the latest episode of the podcast

The New Urban Order: Would You Move for Built-in Community?

A program that pays people to relocate to Tulsa, Oklahoma has grown the city’s population and quadrupled its investment. Is this an idea Philly should steal?

Guest Commentary: Dismantling America’s Truth

Philly writer Lorene Cary helped tell the story of the people George Washington enslaved in his home on what’s now Independence Mall. A fellow social justice activist decries the Trump-directed erasure of her work — and the facts

Business for Good: Aer Cosmetics

Entrepreneur and pro dancer Paige DeAngelo knows the importance of good mascara — and she’s eyeing big growth for her sustainable makeup brand this year

Defining Our Housing Challenge(s)

Laying out the seven distinct but intersecting problems that boil down to: "How do you build more homes that people can afford?"

What’s Rochelle Bilal Smoking?

Progressives cheered, but the Sheriff’s viral press conference about Trump and ICE was a spectacle Philly can ill afford on the national stage right now

Guest Commentary: RFK Jr.’s Strategy for Restoring “Trust”

The Secretary of Health doesn’t apologize — even, as the renowned CHOP immunologist explains, when he is proven wrong about the link between Tylenol and autism

The New Urban Order: Where’s the American Dream for Renters?

Renters — an entire generation who can’t afford to buy a house — deserve economic mobility, too. The solution: Programs that help save money and build equity

Can Brian Fitzpatrick Put an End to Political Parties?

It's an ambitious goal for the more famously bipartisan Republican Congressman from Bucks County. Still, he's not backing down

Breaking Bread For Citizenship

The Welcoming Center’s 2026 dinner series will bring immigrants and native-born Philadelphians together to explore the themes of neighborliness and good citizenship while bonding over the most human of activities: eating

What Should Philly Look Like in 2076? Ask an Eighth Grader

Breakthrough and Penn asked 20 young teens to imagine Philadelphia in 50 years. They created a vision for the future —and hope for the kids themselves

Inside the Philadelphia Art Museum’s Epic Meltdown

The exclusive story behind the brutal ouster of Sasha Suda and the new civil war at Philadelphia’s premier cultural institution

Citizen of the Week: Alison Grove, Hype Woman

You won’t see her dressed like Betsy Ross or scoring a goal on the World Cup soccer pitch, but behind the scenes, she’s made a career of transforming thousands of proud Philadelphians into expert — and excited — volunteer hosts

Whose 250th Is This Anyway?

The nation was birthed in Philly, and we do have some great parties — and soccer! — planned. But, as democracy teeters, are we really owning the semiquincentennial?

Ideas We Should Steal: Keep Philly Renters from Drowning in Junk Fees

Undisclosed in rental leases, add-on costs threaten to upend affordable housing. Seattle and other cities have begun to put a stop to the practice

LANE JOHNSON’S SEASON OF STRONG MENTAL HEALTH: Lessons from the world’s best mental performance coach

As the Eagles head to the playoffs, the two-time Super Bowl champ shares the actionable advice from Brian Cain that anyone can embrace to soar higher — no matter what field you’re on

“Nothing Short of A Miracle”

The annual convening of Black male educators late last year was a reminder of what can happen when Black men show up for the future.

Guest Commentary: Can We Be Denmark Now?

President Trump recently issued an executive order asking the United States to align itself with other countries and give fewer vaccines. But, CHOP’s renowned immunologist argues, perhaps Denmark should look to us instead

The Best Ways To Not Drink in Philly for Dry January

Planning to hop on the wagon for the next 31 days, more or less? Check out these non-alcoholic bars, mocktails and bottle shops in Philadelphia

Adios, 2025 …

… happy to have you in the rear view. Here, the things we cared about in the year that was — and what to expect in 2026.

Guest Commentary: My Sparkly Crocodile Strut of Hope

The Welcoming Center’s President and CEO needs a dash of optimism going into the new year. He’s found it in our city’s 125th Mummers Parade.

7 Philly Athletes (plus 2 Team Owners and 1 Mascot) that Gave Back Big in 2025

We know Hurts, Schwarber, Johnson et al kill it on the field. But it’s what they do off the field that makes them real hometown heroes

The Citizen Recommends: 2026 Free Library Author Series

The Citizen is partnering with the Free Library again to bring thinkers, doers, creators and dreamers to the stage. Join us

Philly Moments That Made Us Proud In 2025

A year when kids became heroes, sports took the spotlight, and our sandwich finally got its due

Big Rube’s Philly: Jennifer Sherlock, Cosmopolitan Communicator

The chef, branding guru and photographer sits down with a self-made PR maven with thousands of unread messages

Healing the Vicarious Trauma of Jury Duty

For some jurors, the hardest part comes post-trial. A free West Chester University program helps citizens who’ve served recover from stress and PTSD

Ideas We Should Steal: Fund Reproductive Care

At a time when Washington, D.C. is in hot debate over the Affordable Care Act, Maryland is using an ACA provision to fund safe, legal abortions for Medicaid recipients — without costing taxpayers. Should Pennsylvania follow suit?

Can this New Food Hall Solve College Hunger?

University City’s Gather stands alone for its commitment to community, small local restaurants and fighting hunger — though you can just go for the tasty food

How To Really Run A City: “Spare Me Your Bullsh*t”

Maryland’s Martin O’Malley talks with former mayors Michael Nutter of Philadelphia and Kasim Reed of Atlanta about the only form of governance that matters. (Hint: It’s where sh*t gets done.)

Reforming Resign to Run … Without Reform

The City law requiring elected officials to quit before running for another office makes elections less competitive. Council’s new proposal won’t fix it — without a change

Could Philly’s $2 Billion Bet on Housing Help Cut Gun Violence?

Research has found that fixing up abandoned homes can make a city safer. The H.O.M.E Plan calls for building and rehabbing 30,000 homes in four years

LANE JOHNSON’S SEASON OF STRONG MENTAL HEALTH: When Asking for Help Makes You Stronger

Coming off the Eagles game against the Raiders, the two-time Super Bowl champ shares why he’s so inspired by a friend and fellow football great, Las Vegas Defensive End Maxx Crosby.

Guest Commentary: Do We Really Want To “Stop Trusting Experts”?

CHOP’s renowned immunologist on why following recent recommendations by RFK Jr.’s vaccine advisory committee is really not a good idea.

Business for Good: MeaningSphere

A new online coaching tool from former Vertex CEO Jeff Westphal promises professional mentorship — without the mentor

The New Urban Order: What to Watch for in 2026 …

More PG movie-going, better rent deals … and more vibe-y New Year predictions for cities

Business for Good: Made Institute

Couture designer Rachel Ford traded her fashion career for one that teaches amateurs — 225 so far — to pursue their own design dreams. Now, national brands are paying attention

Yo, Eagles Fans, Cut It Out

Hurling eggs at an Eagles coach’s house isn’t gritty — it’s bullying. It’s time to retire the mean routine, and not just in sports

Citizen of the Week: The Man Who May Save Philly’s Small Businesses

Jigar Mehta led an effort to spare small businesses from a shocking tax increase next year wrought by Mayor Parker’s new tax plan. Will it become law?

Citizen of the Week: Rob Lawless and his 10,000 Friends

The 34-year-old Philadelphian has spent the last decade connecting with his fellow humans. So far, he’s met 7,000 — and counting

Business for Good: The Baby Gear Revolution Launched in Philly

Baby Gear Group, now a B Corp, was named a Time magazine invention of the year by letting families rent strollers and other childcare essentials for a fraction of the cost and environmental impact. It’s now expanded across the region and country

An Ask From Some Higher Powers

Citizen Media Group CEO/President on why what we do matters now more than ever — and how you can keep us going.

Guest Commentary: Housing for the Homeless Shouldn’t Be a Competition

Automated systems decide which homeless Philadelphians get housing and who stays on the street — often in ways that feel arbitrary to those waiting

The 2025 Do Good Gift Guide

Just in time for Black Friday shopping, we present our annual roundup of great gifts that give back. Happy everything!

If These Two Could Become Friends…

What does America need on Thanksgiving 2025? Civility, kindness and open-mindedness, of the kind demonstrated by political enemies-turned-best friends Fred Guttenberg and Joe Walsh

How to Really Run a City: Leading a City … With Jokes

A live Ideas We Should Steal Festival taping of our podcast with Rochester Hills, Michigan Mayor Bryan Barnett made one thing clear: Cities need leaders who bring joy to their jobs

“To Be On Someone’s Mind Is To Be Loved”

It’s hard to serve others these days. That’s why the United Way’s Bill Golderer, along with former Big Brothers CEO Marcus Allen, is giving thanks this week to Philly’s nonprofit leaders

Guest Commentary: R.I.P. CDC, 1946-2025

A renowned CHOP immunologist on Robert F. Kennedy Jr. weaponizing the CDC to promote his anti-vaccine views.

The Fight for Philly’s Front Doors

Corporate investors are scooping up one in four homes for sale in Philadelphia, locking out individual bidders. Can ordinary citizens still afford to own a piece of their own city?

RECAP: What We Saw At The Ideas We Should Scale Showcase

At The Citizen’s inaugural event last week, funders and supporters had the chance to support three local nonprofits that are aiming for a bigger impact.

New Urban Order: Are Museums A Thing of the Past?

The Philly arts organizations bringing in audiences are not the ones you might expect. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing

The New Localism: What Mamdani’s Election Can Teach Us About Housing

New York’s Mayor-elect proved that affordability is a top priority for voters. Can American cities make rents lower and also build more housing?

Guest Commentary: We Can Stop Trashing the Region’s Health

A clean air advocate urges support for Councilperson Jamie Gauthier’s efforts to stop Philly from burning trash

Say Goodbye To Your (Not Quite) Weed Seltzer

Tucked away in the Senate bill to fund the U.S. government is a provision that would ban all hemp products. In Pennsylvania, which has failed to legalize recreational marijuana, that threatens more than 9,000 jobs — and $50 million in tax revenue.

“You Can’t Be Denied If You Haven’t Applied”

Penn and the Heights have launched a program to help high schoolers navigate their way through college applications. A longtime university president visited a classroom at Carver to learn more

A Modern Day Rosie The Riveter

Trailblazer Elaine McGuire is leading the charge to attract and train more electricians like her: Black women.

Philly, Porch Pirate City

Philadelphia has the country’s second-highest rate of package theft. Whose fault is it — and what is the solution?

Hello? Board Leadership? Are you There?

The Art Museum sacking of Sasha Suda is the latest story to raise questions about nonprofit governance in Philly.

BIG RUBE’S PHILLY: Caryn Kunkle, The Art-World Connector Who Lives in a Museum

The legendary photographer and chef catches up with a born-and-bred Philly gal who works behind the scenes to help our local art scene thrive

The Coming Artificial Intelligence Crash

A local economics expert doesn’t wonder if an AI downturn is coming — just how bad it will be

The New Urban Order: Can AI Achieve the Broken Promises of Smart Cities?

A conversation with AI expert and professor Neil Kleiman on how the newest tech might transform how cities work

Civics Out Loud

An iconic Philadelphia author and youth voting activist outlines a day in the life of politically engaged local students, lesson by lesson

New Media for a New Philadelphia Age

The Citizen just bought storied Philadelphia magazine. Here’s why

What a Bucks Co Sheriff’s Race Can Tell Us about U.S. Politics

Can a challenger in a Bucks County’s election have the formula for how Democrats can win on public safety?

How To Really Run A City: A Job, a Hospital, A Park — All Within 15 Minutes

Lane Johnson’s Season of Strong Mental Health: The 24/7 Support Philly Kids and Families Need

The two-time Super Bowl champ checks in on CHOP’s Behavioral Health and Crisis Center, which is meeting the overwhelming demand for mental health support for young people

Ideas We Should Steal: Schools of Civic Thought

15 universities in 10 states — including Yale and University of Texas — have launched programs that focus on thinking and citizenship. We could use more of that here, too

Ideas We Should Steal: Mayor Parker, Here’s How to Build More H.O.M.E.s

Don’t just spend money, recycle it with a new revolving construction loan fund like they have in Atlanta, Chicago and Chattanooga

Larry Krasner, Meet Harry Truman

In the aftermath of the tragic Kada Scott murder, the D.A. has said the buck stops with him. Or was he actually passing it?

More than Street Cleaning

After four years, Glitter has proven it can create jobs, clean neighborhoods, build community — and, even, reduce gun violence

Does The Kensington Wellness Court Work?

The $5.5 million pilot program is a key part of Mayor Parker’s plan to address the addiction and homelessness issues in the ravaged neighborhood. Nine months in, no one seems to know when — or if — we’ll know it’s successful

We Are The Champions …

… of squash, thanks to our year-old professional team, the Philadelphia Lightning. That’s just one part of being the undisputed squash capital of the United States

Building Community Through … Babka

In a sea of bakery pop-ups in Philly, Queen Village’s Rougarou Baking is a window into what makes this city so special

Is This The End of PA’s Nonpartisan Supreme Court?

Mudslinging. False advertising. The state’s richest Republican vs. its popular Democratic governor. Just what the hell is going on with judicial elections in Pennsylvania?

LANE JOHNSON’S SEASON OF STRONG MENTAL HEALTH: Is Social Media the New Drugs and Alcohol?

As we take on the Vikings this weekend, the two-time Super Bowl champ highlights a Minnesota law leading the way in solving this most modern of public health crises

Citizen of the Week: Is this Montco Doctor the Antidote to … Joe Rogan?

Maybe not quite yet, but Ezekiel Tayler is aiming to inform and sway voters on his year-old podcast — starting with all the judges on the November ballot

Photo Essay: Riding High – All Year Long

A weather-proof polo arena for kids – in Philadelphia? That seemingly wild vision has become a reality for young horse riders

How To Really Run A City: A Political “A-hole” No More

On the latest episode of our podcast, former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter talks with a self-described — now reformed — Tea Party arsonist about what his apology tour has taught him about the future of America

Lane Johnson’s Season of Strong Mental Health: Fighting Loneliness, Generationally

Loneliness is a scourge, particularly among older Americans. As we head to play the Giants on Thursday, the two-time Super Bowl champ highlights a New York-based nonprofit that has been successfully addressing social isolation for decades.

New Urban Order: Calder Gardens’ Missed Opportunities

An urbanist grapples with her contrarian view of Philadelphia's newest museum, and how it reflects her city

“We Love Birds.”

Since the pandemic forced people outside, birding is having a moment. In Philly, it’s helping residents see their city anew

The Skills Initiative is an Idea Worth Stealing

In partnership with Accelerator for America, the West Philly-based jobs training program is sharing its successful model across the country — starting with our Super Bowl rival Kansas City

The Incredible Shrinking Housing Plan?

Mayor Cherelle Parker’s signature program, H.O.M.E., will build far fewer dwellings than she once promised. Will it solve the problems that need solving?

The WNBA As You’ve Never Seen It … In Philly

Unrivaled, the new 3v3 professional women’s basketball league, makes its tour debut here on January 30, thanks to Philly Sisters, co-founded by Wanda and Alex Sykes

Lane Johnson’s Season of Strong Mental Health: Students, Help Each Other

Founded at Penn, Active Minds is now a national college and high school network of students helping each other address their mental health struggles

“All Teachers Need To Go Through This”

Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia is helping to fill classrooms with programs that serve two customers: future teachers and middle schoolers

War Zone or Reprieve?

A Trace analysis of 10 years of neighborhood-level shooting data found that gun violence is lower almost everywhere than it was in 2015 — but Philadelphians are still reeling from more than 16,000 shootings.

The New Urban Order: Can We Make Car-Free Streets Permanent?

Everyone loves once-a-week open streets. What would it take to transform the happenings into a full-time situation?

Lane Johnson’s Season of Strong Mental Health: Mental Health is a Team Sport

As the Eagles take on the Bucs this week, the two-time Super Bowl Champion highlights a Tampa mental health collaborative that is a model Philly might want to steal

How To Really Run A City: Detroit Is Back, Baby!

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan joins former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter, former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Citizen Co-founder Larry Platt to share secrets from the urban turnaround of the century

Ideas We Should Steal: A SEPTA Backup Plan?

A public-private partnership in South Bend, Indiana lets employers and nonprofits offer free and low-cost Uber, Lyft and bus trips to workers and clients. Could this be a way to weather the next SEPTA doomsday?

Only One in the Room? Not Anymore.

A Philadelphia-born engineer wanted to see more young people of color enter STEM fields. He started a program in his garage — and ended up with a generation of confident scholars

“Do We Have to Wait Until He Stabs Someone?”

One Philadelphian learns a complicated lesson in how to help a stranger in public mental health distress — featuring a confusing municipal system and one very simple (and under funded) solution

Jimmy Kimmel’s Right to Satirize

Does he have one? A Temple Law professor who studies comedy and democracy on whether both are imperiled now

Lane Johnson’s Season of Strong Mental Health: My Friendship with Jay Glazer

The two-time Super Bowl Champion, five-time All-Pro, and six-time Pro Bowler offensive lineman relies on a powerful tool he learned from the NFL and MMA broadcaster and trainer to strengthen his own mental health: authentic friendship

The Woman Republicans Hope Can Beat Josh Shapiro

State Treasurer Stacy Garrity — who received the most votes of any PA candidate ever in her reelection bid last year — may already be the Commonwealth’s most successful female politician of all time. But is that enough?

Is Philadelphia’s Revival at Risk?

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

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?

Screw the Grudge. Bring the Grace.

How we can turn spitting, ball-grabbing and hat-snatching bad behavior in sports into everything that is good about humans

Can A Horrific Political Assassination Finally Bring Us Together?

A local vet and former U.S. Rep on what 9/11 and Charlie Kirk’s assassination tell us about the America we live in. A roadmap to unity

Lane Johnson’s Season of Strong Mental Health: Mobile Care for KC Kids

As the Birds head to Kansas City to play the Chiefs on Sunday, the Eagles’ five-time All-Pro, six-time Pro Bowler shares the city's innovative approach to get children the mental healthcare they deserve

Big Rube’s Philly: Kevin Gregg, Building a Baseball Legacy

The Phillies Vice President of Communications comes from MLB royalty — but he’s more than proven himself on his own, by the iconic photographer, chef and brand marketer

Ideas We Should Steal: “One City” to Cut Poverty

In 2011, Richmond, VA’s mayor set an ambitious citywide goal to reduce its dismal poverty rate. Two successors later, the city is showing remarkable success. Can Philly do the same?

Lane Johnson’s Season of Strong Mental Health: The Pro Bowler’s Latest Title — Citizen Columnist

Each week this season, two-time Super Bowl Champion, five-time All-Pro, and six-time Pro Bowler offensive lineman Lane Johnson will spotlight people and programs in the world of mental health. Ahead of the Birds’ first game tonight, he shares his own struggles — and what has helped

The New Urban Order: Quit Whining about Travel Sports

Intense youth sports are a rational response to the hyper-competitive world we live in.

Ideas We Should Steal: Break — Then Fix — the School District

Hurricane Katrina pushed New Orleans to completely upend how it educates its children. Twenty years later its success is off the charts. Finally, folks are talking about it.

SEPTA, The Art of The Ordeal

Compromise may finally be in the air. Some thoughts (including a Mellencamp cameo?) on the politics behind our budgetary fiasco — and why a win/win has been so elusive

A Bridge to Literacy

Only 17 percent of fourth graders read at grade level in Philadelphia. A Fairhill parent literary assistant program is slowly improving that — and providing a much-needed community resource

Partisanship Has No Place in College Loans

President Trump is rescinding loan forgiveness for people who he thinks flout his politics — including possibly Philly public school teachers. A longtime university president cries foul

Ideas We Should Steal: University Brains To Solve City Problems

City governments around the country have partnered with local researchers to find solutions to issues like traffic congestion and fighting fires. Why won’t Philly take advantage of our local colleges to do the same?

How the Hell Are Kids Going to Get to School?

The first round of SEPTA service cuts aligns with the start of the school year — seriously hampering back to school for thousands of students. Here are some ideas that could help

Dear Harrisburg, Southeastern PA Wants our Tax Money Back

The debate over SEPTA funding has led at least one local legislator to suggest a radical approach to state governance

The Museum Will Welcome You Now

Three years into her tenure, Philadelphia Museum of Art Director/CEO Sasha Suda is reimagining the institution for a new age and a new population. Can she convince the city — and her colleagues — to get on board?

The New Urban Order: I Don’t Bike. But I Support Bike Lanes

What many Center City residents don’t understand

Business for Good: Hart of Catering & Cafe, a Haven for Healing

Every day, the owners of a Rittenhouse Square cafe practice gratitude for their journey through addiction and homelessness— by caring for Philadelphians going through the same

Citizen of the Week: Evelyn Ebo

With a little help from her friends, a professional dancer from Philadelphia has created a week-long summer boot camp that’s giving a boost to young Black and Brown dancers

What the SEPTA Saga has Revealed about Parker and Shapiro

The Mayor has been silent. The Governor is rallying the already converted. Whatever happened to preventing a crisis before it starts?

John Kruk, Philly Demigod

How the Phils’ yapper has, with every random observation, touched our soul

Can Pennsylvania Lead the AI Revolution?

The head of Drexel’s Metro Finance Lab says the Commonwealth has a huge opportunity to lead in this century’s railroad era. But will PA seize the moment?

That Time Ambassador David Cohen Agreed to Chair the Citizen’s Board

The civic giant and ubiquitous local doer advised Mayor Ed Rendell and Comcast’s Brian Roberts before becoming President Biden’s Ambassador to Canada. Here's why he’s made The Citizen his first new role since returning to Philly

How To Be Unemployed

A former U.S. Rep from Philadelphia shares, for the first time, his post-military unemployment story — and offers essential advice to anyone looking for work

Holding SEPTA Hostage

Republican leadership wants accountability when funding public transit, but not when it comes to fixing roads. Is that fair?

Saving Democracy by Canvassing … All the Time

The deep canvassers of Changing the Conversation Together have been able to turn out the vote before big elections. Could doing their work year-round boost civic engagement and voter turnout in the long term?

Isaac Saul Wants To UnTangle Your News

The South Philly journalist reaches 400,000 readers everyday with Tangle’s blend of media roundup, analysis and self-reflection. His goal? To help Americans see past their own biases

Citizens of the Week: Ginger Arts Center Student Organizers

The Chinatown hub launched to organize protest against the proposed Center City 76ers arena. Now it's a student-led third space for building community and having an impact

Philly Pays Millions to Pollute. Local Innovators Have a Better Way

A Texas-based corporation charges us $50 million a year to process trash and recycling. Could the City give a slice of that pie to local sustainable waste companies instead?

How To Really Run A City: One City’s Answer to Tribalism

Denver, Colorado Mayor Mike Johnston talks about coming together in divided times with former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter and former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed

The Grit Behind Greatness

Leadership lessons from the Super Bowl champion Eagles, just in time for fall camp

Citizen of the Week: Collie Turner, Heroic Gardener

The horticulturist created an urban garden on an abandoned Northeast Philly lot to heal the land and community members like her beloved late grandfather: veterans

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

Shapiro’s Choice

Trump’s so-called Big Beautiful Bill contains a free money, opt-in school choice program for governors. Will ours redefine the politics of education for Democrats by taking advantage of it?

The Cursive Comeback

The PA House has voted to reinstate the teaching of old-fashioned penmanship in public schools. In the age of AI, is this the answer to our literacy crisis?

Business for Good: Committing to Kensington

Why one local biotech firm is right at home in Philly’s most beleaguered neighborhood

Big Rube’s Philly: Jordan Mays

The chef, brand marketer and photographer talks with an up-and-coming Northwest Philly carpenter about what it means to build something that lasts

2025 Rad Awards: Dr. Sarah McAnulty

Philadelphia squid biologist brings science to the masses — in classrooms, through burlesque performances, at forest meet-ups, and on telephone poles

Meet the 2025 Rad Award Nominees

Introducing the Philadelphia artists, activists, entrepreneurs, connectors and more we are honoring on July 30 — then meet them at the Rad Awards Party

The PPD Enrolls at Penn

A new master’s program will train members of the Philadelphia Police Department to become better managers and to innovate department-wide problem solving

Signs of the Times

Catching up with the anonymous artist MIW peppering Philadelphia with realistic street signs promoting pro-labor, pro-SEPTA, and anti-Trump messages

How to Get Rid of All Your Stuff

Two local nonprofits launched resourcePhilly, a “zero waste” search engine to help people donate or recycle their trash … just when we’re all thinking about what we throw away.

Mission Over Ego

The pooled-funding collaborative Repositioning Fund is helping nonprofits survive and grow by doing the hard thing — completely changing

The Politics of Trash

The drama of DC 33's eight-day strike leaves us with not only lingering stench, but also questions about city leadership

How to Really Run a City: Reformers are the Future of Cities

Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti joined former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter at this year’s United Way Summit for a special live podcast recording

2025 Rad Awards: Ryan Hammond

The head of the Eagles Autism Foundation has a simple secret for raising $10 million a year and getting elite players to bike 10 miles through Philly

Beyond the Grave — Gardening for Good

At The Woodlands, a volunteer-staffed program restores flowers to cradle graves and builds community in the process

Guest Commentary: How Philly Can Add $2 Billion to Its Economy Without Spending a Dime

A former City Councilmember revives a proposal from his time in office that he guarantees will keep more Philadelphians here and boost local businesses

The New Urban Order: Housing Lessons from … California?

A new report makes the case that the right tax incentive structure — even in regulation-heavy CA — changes everything when it comes to building affordable housing.

40 Urban Gardening Ideas for Your Philly Back Yard

You don’t need a farm to grow food. We’ve got 40 ways to cultivate a bountiful urban garden on your block, in your back yard, or even on a petite front stoop.

Can We Get a PA Miracle for Literacy?

More than half of adult Philadelphians struggle to read. A year-old literacy coalition is calling for a statewide commitment to a teaching method that has worked in Mississippi and elsewhere

RECAP: What We Learned about The Path to a Clean Energy Future

At an event hosted by Natural Allies for a Cleaner Energy Future this week, local thought leaders discussed a “big tent” approach to energy policy which could grow jobs and lower costs for consumers

A Sensory-Friendly Guide to Philadelphia

Museums, performances, and experiences across the city offering quieter hours, relaxed shows, and thoughtful accommodations.

Listen: Velshi Says Don’t Dismiss Trump’s Threat to Destroy ‘A Whole Civilization’

The MS NOW host and Citizen board member warns not to dismiss Trump's threats as anything less than a precursor to genocide, and a violation of international law