Updated: Dec 27, 2023
Here's what we're reading this week about the projects, people and policies driving local development:
Mayor-Elect chooses top three staff positions, two of whom were central to her election campaign
đź”— Mayor-elect Parker names chief of staff and two aides as deputy mayors - WHYY
by Stephen Williams, The Philadelphia Tribune, Dec 18, 2023
The picks for Commerce Director and City Solicitor are both Latinas who have strong ties to City government
đź”— Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker names Alba Martinez as new commerce director - Philadelphia Business Journal (bizjournals.com)
by Jeff Blumenthal – Senior Reporter, Philadelphia Business Journal, Dec 20, 2023
Rob Dubow will be retained as Finance Director into the Parker administration
đź”— Philly Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker will retain Finance Director Rob Dubow (inquirer.com)
 by Anna Orso for the Inquirer, Dec 19, 2023
🏢 One of the largest office buildings in Center City, with a huge floorplate, is exploring conversion to residential on its top floors, as its office occupancy plummets
đź”— Wanamaker owner explores residential conversion as occupancy hits 35% - Philadelphia Business Journal (bizjournals.com)
by Paul Schwedelson – Reporter, Philadelphia Business Journal, Dec 20, 2023
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⛬ Odin Properties is developing a combination of new construction and renovation of a historic building in central Germantown to provide workforce rental housing with attractive amenities
đź”— Odin Properties targets 'underutilized real estate' for housing with affordable focus - Philadelphia Business Journal (bizjournals.com)
by Paul Schwedelson – Reporter, Philadelphia Business Journal, Dec 13, 2023
City & State PA looks at the incoming mayoral administration and wave of new City Council members in the new year
đź”— Changing of the guard in Philadelphia - City & State Pennsylvania (cityandstatepa.com)
by Harrison Cann and Justin Sweitzer, Dec 11, 2023
🏙️ Cities nationwide are looking at zoning changes that could increase the amount of “attainable” housing, units that would be affordable to middle-market renters and homebuyers
đź”— Missing-middle housing is lacking in most US cities, drawing attention from developers and public officials - The Business Journals (bizjournals.com)
by Ashley Fahey – Editor, The National Observer: Real Estate Edition, The Business Journals, Updated Nov 13, 2023
🛣️ The Bipartisan Policy Center examines the impact of increased EV purchases and the lack of an inflation index on the Highway Trust Fund, and alternatives that are being examined to maintain funding for highway maintenance
đź”— The Future of the Highway Trust Fund: The Impact of EVs | Bipartisan Policy Center
by Richa Goel, Owen Minott, Aug 25, 2023
City & State PA looks back on the year in Harrisburg, noting challenges and many firsts, as well as a look at Pennsylvania’s Senators’ response to the proposed sale of US Steel to a Japanese 🏣 company
đź”— Casey, Fetterman skeptical of $14.9B sale of U.S. Steel - City & State Pennsylvania (cityandstatepa.com)
by Justin Sweitzer, Dec 18, 2023