Here's what we're reading this week about the projects, people and policies driving local development:
Philadelphia Business Journal: WSFS will be acquiring Bryn Mawr Bank Corp, its ninth merger acquisition in the region
by Jeff Blumenthal, March 10, 2021
Inquirer: Councilmember Derek Green proposes that Philadelphia establish and operate the first city-owned public bank in the nation to increase city revenue and provide a source for equitable lending citywide
by Vanessa Lowe and Stanley Shapiro, March 2, 2021
The Philadelphia Citizen: John Kromer joins the call for elimination of Philadelphia’s Sheriff’s office
by John Kromer, March 2, 2021
The Pew Charitable Trusts and The Reinvestment Fund released an extensive study of rental housing ownership in Philadelphia; 73% of landlords own only 1-2 properties, but 2% of landlords collectively own over half of all rental units in the city
by Elinor Haider & Octavia Howell, February 24, 2021
Philadelphia Business Journal: Office leasing in Philadelphia for 2020 was down, while sub-leasing was up
by Natalie Kostelni, March 1, 2021
Philadelphia Business Journal: PHL was hard hit by the pandemic with a dramatic drop in passenger air travel, and received some increase in package traffic, as well as federal relief payments
by Laura Smythe, February 25, 2021
Inquirer: Inga Saffron explores how a patchwork of zoning incentives is at odds with neighborhood preservation goals
by Inga Saffron, February 27, 2021
PlanPhilly: Philadelphia Housing Authority held a lottery to sell ten vacant houses in its inventory for $10 each to budding developers who had completed the JumpStart program and who will be renovating the homes for sale to moderate income first time homeowners
by Taylor Allen, March 4, 2021
Inquirer: A Black owned firm will be building tiny houses in West Philly as part of the agreement to close the homeless encampments this past summer
by Alfred Lubrano, March 11, 2021
NHC: National Urban League President—and Penn graduate—Marc Morial calls for President Biden to include a massive homebuilding investment in a new infrastructure plan to improve equity in homeownership
by Marc Morial, February 28, 2021
The Economist examines the relative cost impact of remote work on housing costs for employees at different income levels
The Economist, March 2, 2021
Philadelphia Business Journal: Steve Boland, President of Bank of America’s 33 million customer retail division, talks about B of A’s $1bn commitment to racial equity and economic inclusion, through job training, health, small business and housing
by Caroline Hudson, February 24, 2021
Philadelphia Business Journal: A $140mm office building under construction in Kansas City continues on schedule as the lead tenant bows out after a corporate merger changed their occupancy plans
by Thomas Friestad, March 2, 2021