Here's what we're reading this week about the projects, people and policies driving local development:
Costar: Class B Apartments in Demand
1/8/18, John Dougherty
Class B residential rental properties are increasingly in demand by investors, less for “value add” potential but as a stable income source, targeting workforce tenants.
Philadelphia Citizen: REALITY CHECK:IS PHILLY IN DENIAL ABOUT ITS JOBS PROBLEM?
1/15/18, Charles Ellison
The Philadelphia Citizen parses various ways to analyze what the unemployment rate in Philadelphia really is, depending on how various groups of job seekers are counted.
Inquirer: Kenney names 13 to help pick Philly's new school board
1/15/18, Kristin Graham
Mayor Kenney announced the 13 member panel that will review candidates for the new School Board, and submit a list of 27 candidates to the Mayor, who will select nine from that list, with City Council input, to serve on the newly reconstituted School Board.
Inquirer: All aboard plan to spruce up SEPTA's trolley lines | Editorial
1/17/18
SEPTA is looking to implement major upgrades in its trolley network, including some changes that will enable trolleys to run more like light rail systems than like buses.
1/18/18
Penn Institute for Urban Research released opinion pieces by local experts on the potential impact of winning Amazon HQ2 as Philadelphia makes the cut of 20 contenders out of 238 applicants to land the HQ2.
Amazon: SUPPORT FROM OUR COMMUNITY / AMAZON HQ2 RFP: PHILADELPHIA
As Philadelphia makes the first cut for Amazon HQ2, here are the testimonials that were submitted in support of the city’s bid.
Temple University: Stadium Plan
Temple University is taking the next steps towards building a stadium with retail on its North Broad main campus.
Inquirer: It's time for Philly's two successful tourism organizations to merge | Editorial
1/19/18
With Merill Levitz retiring, the Inquirer asks if it’s time for Philadelphia’s two tourism and convention marketing agencies to become one.
Inquirer: Time for an honest discussion about fair taxation in Philly | Darrell L. Clarke
1/19/18, Darrell Clarke
Darrell Clarke fires a shot across the bow of the real estate tax abatement, sending a warning shot for upcoming budget negotiations this spring.