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

Mayoral Misdiagnosis?

Cherelle Parker’s budget boiled down to jobs versus housing. Did she and City Council make the right bet?

By Larry Platt
Guest Commentary

End this Housing Injustice

Vote for a ballot measure to stop City Hall shortchanging communities out of affordable housing benefits

By Jamie Gauthier Philadelphia City Council

How to Get More of the Housing Philly Needs

Two relatively simple fixes in the City’s building codes could let developers build more housing units for less money. Now is the time to make that happen

By Jon Geeting
Integrity Icon 2025

Charlene Samuels, Constituent Advocate

Meet the city worker who does not take “no” for an answer when it comes to making life better for other Philadelphians

By Courtney DuChene

Why Did I Send a Book to the Mayor and City Council?

Because, as this budget season reminds us, Democrats had better stop celebrating what they spend — and instead focus on what they actually build and deliver for real people

By Larry Platt

A Housing Plan Held Hostage?

Mayor Parker promised 30,000 new affordable homes, but her H.O.M.E. plan mostly focuses instead on rehabbing existing houses — and relies on skeptical members of City Council to move forward

By Jon Geeting

Let’s Expand — Not Cut — Free SEPTA for Workers

Mayor Parker has proposed reducing the amount of City money spent on free transit passes for government workers. Here’s why that’s a mistake

By Jon Geeting

Want More Housing? Fix the Land Bank

Dozens of proposed new homes are sitting in limbo because City Council won’t release City-owned properties for affordable development

By Jon Geeting

Demystifying Public Comment

Your step-by-step guide for attending and speaking out at Philadelphia City Council, Board of Education and Department of Planning and Development meetings

By Andrew Lu