Guest Commentary

The Insurance Trap Killing Philly Public Spaces

The City’s rules make street improvements like parklets and streeteries onerous for organizations. A pair of transportation researchers found no good reason to keep them

By Ariel Ben-Amos and Joshua Davidson
How to Really Run A City

Are You Ready for Freddie?

Transit evangelist Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell talks with our hosts former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter about forcing the issues that matter

By J.P. Romney
Ideas We Should Steal

Fix the Sidewalks!

Denver just became the latest major city to launch a comprehensive plan for repairing and expanding its sidewalk networks. What is Philly waiting for?

By Malcolm Burnley
Guest Commentary

Philly Can Be a National Model for Working Class Mobility

Here are the six steps we need to take, according to Heights Philadelphia’s President/CEO

By Sean Vereen
Guest Commentary

PA’s Energy Future Should Power Jobs, Growth and Opportunity

Pennsylvania’s energy advantage has long powered the nation. A local union leader notes that with smart policy, it can also power the next generation of manufacturing, technology investment, and good-paying jobs.

By William C. Sproule
Listen

Ali Velshi Covers the Gordie Howe International Bridge Saga

The MS NOW host and Citizen board member joins Mitch Landrieu and Fred Hochberg to discuss Trump's threats and damage to our infrastructure projects

By Ali Velshi

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
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?

By Malcolm Burnley

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

By Jon Geeting
The New Urban Order

I Don’t Bike. But I Support Bike Lanes

What many Center City residents don’t understand

By Diana Lind