5th Square's 2018 Election Endorsements
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ELECTIONS
The May 15 primary election is coming up next Tuesday, and 5th Square is proud to endorse two candidates for State Representative in this year's 2018 Democratic primary elections: Dan Martino for the 177th District, and Malcolm Kenyatta for the 181st District.
5th Square issued questionnaires to all candidates for state representative and considered issuing endorsements in the 177th, 181st, and 184th Districts. After reviewing candidates' positions, and considering other factors such as electability, we felt our believes these candidates will best represent our mission to make Philadelphia a more accessible, transit-friendly city for everyone. Join us this Friday, May 11th for a GOTV party with endorsed candidates for Democratic State Representative, State Committee, and City Committee at 6 pm at Bardascino Park.
There are over 100 urbanist candidates on the ballot for Democratic committee person seats on May 15th! Check out our map for ongoing updates as we continue to add candidates. Committee people are elected volunteers who make up the base of the local party organizations and these can be powerful neighborhood leadership positions. We reviewed the list of candidates appearing on the ballot in the May 15th primary, and are recommending over 100 candidates for Democratic City Committee who have previously shown interest in our mission or urbanist issues in Philadelphia like better transit, safer streets for pedestrians and cyclists, and zoning reform. Check out our map to see if there is a recommended candidate running where you live.
EVENTS
Wednesday, May 1, 6:00 pm
Francisville Re-zoning Meeting
The Francisville zoning remapping conversation continues at a working meeting hosted by Francisville Neighborhood Development Corporation. The meeting is tonight at 6 pm at 1737 Francis St (Francisville Rec). The Planning Commission will consider the remapping bill on May 23rd.
Thursday, May 10, 5:30 pm
Fishtown Pedestrian Plaza meeting
Fishtown Neighbors Association hosts an information session about a possible "Forks" pedestrian plaza for one of the 'sneckdown' intersections at Norris and Susquehanna.
Monday, May 14, 11:30 am
Picnic Chat: How Green Infrastructure Works at Liberty Lands Park
Young Involved Philadelphia (YIP) and the Philadelphia Water Department host an educational public picnic to discuss how green stormwater management interacts with green spaces like Liberty Lands.
Sunday, May 20, 2:00 pm
National Streets Service Block Parties
The National Streets Service program to enlist residents in reimagining their streets as public spaces kicks off with a series of simultaneous block parties on May 20th.
L+I Commissioner Dave Perri showed some real housing leadership this week, with a proposal that City Council legalize and regulate rooming houses in the zoning code. Perri wants to bring existing rooming houses, which are most concentrated in Northwest and West Philly, out of the shadows, where regulators can enforce safety standards. Perri argues that the move would also increase the availability of naturally affordable housing options, but sources tell PlanPhilly it would face strong NIMBY headwinds. 5th Square plans to follow this issue, so stay tuned to our newsletter for advocacy alerts about how you can support housing affordability.
Banning on-street parking on some Center City streets, as Councilman Allan Domb suggested, is a good idea, writes 5th Square co-chair Dena Driscoll in an op-ed for the Inquirer. But any space we free up must be dedicated to buses, bikes, and pedestrians—not more car lanes.
The Kenney administration announced North Broad Street as the location for one of this year's Philly Free Streets open streets events, happening on August 11th from 8 am-1 pm. Philly Free Streets was created in response to the Pope's visit and the ensuing Open Streets PHL campaign launched by 5th Square volunteers. Mayor Kenney has committed to hosting three Free Streets events per year, but has so far held one event per year for the last two years.
OPPORTUNITIES
PIDC is hiring a Marketing Communications Manager
New Leaders Council is accepting applications for their 2019 Institute. Email us at [email protected] if you'd like a recommendation.
LISC and ESPN released an RFP for the Replay program
Urban Land Institute - Philadelphia is hiring an Associate
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.