Wednesday, August 15, 6:30 pm
5th Square Marketing Committee
Want to help produce and grow this newsletter, write blog posts and educational materials about urbanist policy topics, or learn more about digital political communications in a City Council election year? Come to the second meeting of 5th Square's new Marketing and Communications Committee on Wednesday, August 15th. 

Monday, August 20, by Close of Business
Fast Forward Philly - Call for Presenters
Fast Forward Philly, hosted by AIA Philadelphia Emerging Architects on Friday, October 5th, is looking for presenters from various creative backgrounds to take on one burning question - “What’s next for Philly?” in 20 slides, 20 seconds each. No more, No less. Presentation proposals are due on Monday, August 20th.

Wednesday, August 29th, 6:30 pm
5th Square Transit Committee Kick-off
Get involved in building a new transit rider advocacy organization for Philadelphia at our new Transit Committee kick-off meeting. The Transit Committee will combine rider organizing and leadership building with advocacy for service changes to make SEPTA more convenient, frequent, and dependable for riders.

NEWS

5th Square leader Dena Driscoll was featured in Generosity as one of four Philadelphia-based Emerging City Champions to receive funding from 8 80 Cities for local projects. Driscoll and volunteer Katrina Johnston-Zimmerman of the Lindy Institute are in the process of securing a space for an as-yet-unnamed South Street Action Tank, which will serve as a pop-up activity hub for Philly's urbanist advocacy community. Stay tuned for more details soon!

The Inquirer recapped this weekend's third Philly Free Streets event, and found it was very well-received by neighbors and visitors alike. "The only complaint anyone had about the open street initiative was that it doesn’t happen more often. Many cited how it brought the community out and together, mixing people into neighborhoods in ways cars rarely can. 'It’s such a good way to connect with the community. If we could do this once a week, we would,' said Deacon Kenneth Fullenwellen, of Zion Baptist Church at Broad and Venango."

Pedestrians are more likely to be killed by a car in neighborhoods outside of Center City, reports Jason Laughlin, underscoring how Vision Zero truly is a citywide political concern.

The PPA's state legislative agenda would draw the Authority deeper into a traffic mitigation role than it's traditionally gone, says PlanPhilly's Jim Saksa. That's a good thing since parking policy is the most important transportation policy in any city.

Renters make up 48% of Philadelphia residents now, up 6.1% since 2006, reports Julia Terruso.

Jobs grow faster in rail-accessible locations in the Philadelphia region, according to analysis from JLL.

OPPORTUNITIES

Parks and Recreation is hiring a 1st Deputy Commissioner for Strategy & Engagement

Design Advocacy Group is hiring a part-time Fellow to coordinate communications, monthly meetings and events, advocacy, and administration

The Economy League is hiring a Project Manager

Fairmount Ventures is hiring a Program Manager

William Penn Foundation is hiring a Program Operations Assistant

AIA Philadelphia is holding board elections. See announcement for eligibility requirements

DVRPC is requesting proposals from qualified vendors for a Pedestrian Facilities and Planning Portal

The Bicycle Coalition is hiring for several positions and also looking for car counting volunteers

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5th Square is Philadelphia's urbanist political action committee. We're an all-volunteer grassroots organization advocating for safe and affordable transportation, abundant housing, and more and better public spaces. You’re receiving this email if you signed up via our website, attended one of our events, or supported one of our advocacy campaigns. Our work is made possible by generous, passionate people like you. Support our advocacy with a recurring monthly contribution of $5 or more.