Here's what we're reading this week about the projects, people and policies driving local development:
WHYY: Should City Council control Philly property values? New bill says yes.
5/1/18, Evan Bowen-Gaddy
Because City Council doesn’t micromanage City operations enough? A bill is introduced to place property assessments under control of Council, instead of an independent assessor.
5/4/18, Inga Saffron
The disputes over the demolition of Frankford Chocolate Works, on Washington Avenue, for redevelopment took an interesting turn, as the connection between a “journalist” and the developer was revealed.
Crain's Detroit: Gilbert, Ilitch share stage in rare joint public conversation at ULI
5/2/18, Kirk Pinho
At the ULI spring meeting in Detroit, three billionaires talk about rebuilding downtown Detroit.
PlanPhilly: Design approved for Rittenhouse Square's final tower
5/2/18, Jake Blumgart
The Laurel, a mixed rental/condo tower going up on the last remaining open development site fronting Rittenhouse Square, sailed through its final Civic Design Review presentation.
Philadelphia Citizen: The Case of the Missing Millions
5/4/18, Larry Platt
As the City tries to find out how $26-40 million in City funds is unaccounted for, Councilman Domb continues to call for tighter fiscal oversight within each City department.
FirstHomePA: The First-Time Homebuyers Savings Account Program
PA House Bill 1981 would allow Pennsylvanians to set up tax-free savings account towards first time home purchase, in an effort to rebuild falling homeownership numbers statewide.
Econsult: City Governance – What’s Design Got To Do With It? A Q/A with Liana Dragoman
5/4/18
Funded by a Knight Foundation challenge grant, Philadelphia has set up an office of service design, using social science and digital design to improve delivery of service across city government.