Here's what we're reading this week about the projects, people and policies driving local development:
The Philadelphia Public School Giving Circle just made its first grants
1/26/2017, Julie Zeglen
Individual donor pool makes first grants to needy neighborhood public schools as the “Philadelphia Public School Giving Circle” kicks off
The grassroots movement to eliminate property taxes in Pennsylvania
1/26/2017, Ryan Briggs
The Populist wave raises new talk in Harrisburg of complete elimination of real estate property taxes.
The uphill climb to resolving Pennsylvania's lead paint crisis
1/26/2017, Carmen Del Raval
Funding and other obstacles to effectively address the lead paint crisis in Pennsylvania are debated in Harrisburg and around the Commonwealth.
Are Philly's many hiring laws really driving employers away?
1/27/2017, Joseph N. DiStefano
The Inquirer examines the impact of various business regulations enacted by City Council on the City’s ability to attract and retain private employers.
Corcoran to retire from waterfront organization
1/27/2017, Natalie Kostelni
Tom Corcoran to retire as President of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, effective June 30th, replacement already named
Peak millennial: Has Philadelphia reached its young-person population high point?
1/30/2017, Deborah Diamond
Philadelphia may be bucking the national trend of slowing Millenial migration to cities.
How Philly’s poverty rate has changed since 1970, by district
1/30/2017, Melissa Romero
A new Center City District report shows Philadelphia’s poverty rate has increased in every neighborhood outside of the city center since 1970.
1/31/2017, Catalina Jaramillo
After decades of dealing with the impacts of what was called the largest urban renewal project in the country, the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority (PRA) officially launched a new planning and feasibility study to decide the future of Lower Eastwick’s 190 acres of publicly owned land.
Family Court hotel project on the Parkway gets boost from renovation-plan action
1/31/2017, Jacob Adelman
Family Court redevelopment gets Historic Tax Credit approval, providing $14 million in funding for the project.
America Builds Way Too Much Parking Near Transit
2/1/2017, Angie Schmitt
How much parking is really needed at Transit Oriented Developments?
Pennsylvania Senate Democrats seek special hearings on property tax reform
2/1/2017, Steve Esack
State legislature and Governor examine property tax reform.
Preserving the Past while Building the Future in Philadelphia
2/1/2017, Jared Brey
Urban Land Institute recently held a preservation forum at Villanova, looking at the impact of historic preservation project nationally, with a focus on Philadelphia area projects. From 2001-2014, $351million in historic tax credits were awarded to 277 projects in the Philadelphia.
Can Allan Domb's big idea for tax deadbeats win over City Hall?
2/1/2017, Jake Blumgart
Councilman Domb is pushing for tax lien securitization, Council President Clarke has concerns, and the administration stance is still unknown.
As Kenney defends sanctuary city policy, Clarke calls for flexibility
2/2/2017, Tricia L. Nadolny
Sanctuary city status may become an issue in Philadelphia’s budget planning this year.
Mayors for Parks Coalition Urges President-Elect to Include Parks in Infrastructure Plan
Mayors nationally send a letter to the President explaining the need to include parks in funding for infrastructure projects: