Weekly Newsletter, Issue 144
🏛️ ACTION: SUPPORT OUR BUDGET PRIORITIES FOR SAFETY, HEALTH & MOBILITY
Last week, Mayor Kenney delivered his annual budget address to City Council and 5th Square is excited to see many of our top priorities in the Mayor's proposal.
5th Square members and our advocacy partners are calling on City Council to support a city budget that promotes clean neighborhoods, funds our city Parks and Rec center programming, keeps residents in their homes, provides for safer and sustainable mobility choices, and makes our public spaces accessible to all Philadelphians.
Read our agenda for this year's budget, and then head over to our budget action page to sign on. Then, take action to contact City Council members and let them know you’re counting on their support!
A big thanks to Sharon Hillman for the original art and design work on these budget graphics too!
🔫 FIREARM POLICY EVENT TOMORROW
Philadelphia spends a disproportionate amount of money on law enforcement to combat gun violence in the city; however, many communities are no safer, leaving many residents in the city unsafe in our public spaces. The increased spending on law enforcement and related expenses reduces spending for social services, housing, infrastructure, education, parks and other needs to make a more livable and equitable city.
👕 MEMBER-EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Show your support for better city planning, transit, bike lanes and housing with our latest T-Shirt designed by Miriam Singer!
We are offering this awesome new shirt at-cost to our members first - in appreciation of your support.
Join us as a member TODAY and we will email you the link to get our new shirt!
🚶 SOUTH STREET PEDESTRIAN HOURS - TAKE THE SURVEY
Building off of a successful pandemic dining streets program in Summer 2020, and previous listening sessions with participating businesses, the South Street Headhouse District (SSHD) is proposing the pilot expansion of pedestrian-only hours on South Street to safely shop, dine, and stroll outdoors.
The first public insights gathering is now out and it's a survey that anyone can take!
5TH SQUARE IN THE NEWS
🚏 WORST BUS STOP IN THE REGION
The Inquirer wrote about how a bus stop in Lower Merion reached infamy as it reached the final four of Streetsblog's "sorriest bus stops" in North America. 5th Square Member and transit activist Ethan Diamond nominated this stop and got it national attention!
The Inquirer is running with this idea and asking its readers to submit nominations for the Region's Worst Bus Stop. Nominate a terrible bus stop today!
EVENT
Tuesday, April 23, 12 PM
PCCP | The road ahead for SEPTA and transit
Philadelphia’s pandemic recovery and future growth rests heavily on SEPTA, the regional transit authority which carried – pre-pandemic – one-quarter of city residents to and from their jobs every day, the third-highest rate among large U.S. cities. The pandemic only intensified the challenges for public transit, ranging from equitable accessibility for all riders, to infrastructure, safety, and funding. PCCP’s April event will feature a conversation with SEPTA General Manager Leslie Richards and Yasha Zarrinkelk of the advocacy organization Transit Forward Philadelphia. They will discuss strategies and challenges for SEPTA going forward.
Wednesday, April 28, 7 PM
PA Transit Riders & Workers // Statewide Transit Funding Campaign
Public transit is essential for Pennsylvanians – It keeps us moving to jobs, food, and healthcare. But state transportation funding is in jeopardy and politicians have left transit riders and transit workers out of conversations about a solution. Join us for the second Statewide Organizing Meeting to Expand PA Transit Funding.
Hosted by the Philadelphia Transit Riders Union, Pittsburghers for Public Transit, the Amalgamated Transit Union Joint Conference Board, 5th Square and Transit Forward Philadelphia.
WHAT WE'RE READING
🌳 PUBLIC SPACE
🚴 MOBILITY
🏙️ HOUSING & LAND USE
The Housing Alliance is looking for session ideas and presenter interest for the 17th Annual Homes Within Reach Conference from December 1-3, 2021 at the Hershey Lodge. This year's theme is The Road from Surviving to Thriving. As the country and the Commonwealth move toward the end of the pandemic, we must break down the barriers that keep people from living healthy, fulfilled, and comfortable lives. (Due 5/14)
The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) is seeking proposals from individuals, artisans, or local businesses to lease space and operate a high-quality and unique retail operation on the boardwalk in Spruce Street Harbor Park (SSHP). The experience or concept offering should reflect the vision and values of Spruce Street Harbor Park.
PA Dept of Health WalkWorks - Funding Opportunity Announcement for the Development of Active Transportation Plans and Policies to Establish Activity-Friendly Routes that Connect to Everyday Destinations. Due 5/14
PHFA - 2022 Housing Policy Fellowship Program Application - The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency ("PHFA") is accepting applications for the 2022 Housing Policy Fellowship Program. The Fellowship will provide an opportunity for the selected recipient to undertake a project/program that addresses a housing issue of significant interest/relevance to the applicant. PHFA is attempting to create a cadre of new leaders that will think creatively and broadly about possible solutions to the ongoing affordable housing needs of Commonwealth residents. Due 6/18
2020 Latinos and Planning Division Student Scholarship - The purpose of the LAP scholarship program is to foster increased interest in the study of urban planning within the Latinx student population at the advanced undergraduate and graduate levels. The program is open to third and fourth year undergraduate students and first and second year masters degree students. One scholarship of $500 will be awarded to be used for fees, books, or academic materials. Due 5/31
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
NV5 |
Gopuff |
Local Initiatives Support Corporation | Assistant Program Officer -Housing & Community Development
Nationalities Service Center (NSC) | Data Entry Specialist
Re:Vision Architects | Architectural Designer / Architect (PHILA)
Philadelphia Green Capital Corp. | Senior Associate
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation | RSI – Communications Associate
Amtrak | Director Planning & Development Major Stations
Salt Design Studio | Landscape Architect / Project Manager
Jarrett Walker & Associates | Transit Planner and Project Manager
The Public Interest Law Center | Program Coordinator, Staff Attorney
Let's Go Outdoors | Educator (Weekday/As-Needed)
Indego | Digital Communications Associate
PennState |
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.
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