Here's what we're reading this week about the projects, people and policies driving local development:
Philadelphia Tribune: Councilman calls for creating independent fiscal office
Michael D'Onofrio, December 17, 2018
Councilman Derek Green is calling for Philadelphia to have the equivalent of the Congressional Budget Office to review the fiscal impact of proposed legislation.
The New York Times: Trump to Steer More Money to 'Opportunity Zones'
Jim Tankersley, December 12, 2018
Federal funds from various agencies will be prioritized towards investments in Opportunity Zones.
Clean PHL: Don’t Dump On Us: Illegal Dumping Enforcement and Prevention
Philadelphia steps up its efforts to reduce “short dumping” on vacant lots and sidewalks.
Inquirer: Should Philly end single-family zoning? Minneapolis is doing it.
Caitlin McCabe, December 20, 2018
Several young urbanists weigh in on how Minneapolis’ planning recommendation to eliminate single family zoning might inform moves in Philadelphia.
Plan Philly: Spoiler alert: Philly City Council's season of housing and development reform, recapped
Jake Blumgart, December 20, 2018
Jake Blumgart offers a brief overview of the Fall City Council session for bills related to housing, construction and development.
Inquirer: Philly developer and contractor charged $160K for not obtaining permits, using fraudulent ones
Caitlin McCabe, December 22, 2018
The Department of License and Inspections is getting more vigilant on tracking street closure permits on construction sites.
Philadelphia Business Journal: Single women, Millennials buying more homes
Anne Stych, December 20, 2018
As Millenials enter the housing market, they are approaching one quarter of all home purchasers. Single woman are far outpacing single men in home purchases.