🎩 RUN FOR A COMMITTEE PERSON SEAT IN 2022
Philadelphia's political parties are holding local elections at the precinct level in 2022, and you can run for and win a seat in your neighborhood with just a few dozen votes. The next ward committee election is in May of 2022, and petitions start around Valentine's Day. It only takes 10 signatures to get your name on the ballot.
Why does this matter? 5th Square's mission is all about reforming Philadelphia's planning politics around transportation, housing, and public space, and elected officials really listen to grassroots community leaders on these topics. That could be you!
Sign up for more info about how to get involved in running where you live
📋 SHAPE OUR QUESTIONNAIRE
Right now, we are working on our 2022 questionnaire for candidates for the State House Representatives and want your input! Submit questions for us to to include in our questionnaire here.
✅🚲🏙️ JOIN US FOR THE 2022 ELECTIONS
Help us decide which Philly-area candidates to support for 2022 races in the PA State Senate and PA State House.
Members will gain exclusive access to vote on our candidate endorsements and can join our discussion to shape our priorities for the upcoming election cycle.
Become a 5th Square member TODAY
Kick off 2022 by helping us advocate for a more sustainable, walkable, and bicycle-friendly Philadelphia!
🏆 WIN: WATERFRONT GAS STATION IS DEAD
Back in 2019, we rallied with neighbors to fight a Super Wawa suburban-style gas station / convenience store proposed for Columbus Blvd and Tasker Ave. This would have put in jeopardy plans for a walkable, bikeable, and mixed-use Delaware River waterfront.
5TH SQUARE IN THE NEWS
🏙️ WE NEED MORE PUBLIC HOUSING
In an Op-Ed for WHYY's PlanPhilly, West Philly neighbor and 5th Square member Leonard Bonarek makes the argument for more public housing in his neighborhood to counteract the inevitable displacement that will stem from a historic investment to his community school by Penn.
🚂 CAN AMTRAK EXPAND?
5th Square transit committee member Alex Davis made his latest YouTube video covering the world of Amtrak history, politics and legal obscurity to figure out just how hard it will be for this agency to expand with its new-found infrastructure money.
SURVEYS
PennDOT has opened a Virtual Public Meeting showing the future plans for Cobbs Creek Parkway & 63rd Street. Available until 2/16/22.
WHAT WE'RE READING
🏙️ HOUSING & LAND USE
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The Philadelphia Inquirer /
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🌳 PUBLIC SPACE
EVENTS
SEPTA Forward Bus Revolution - Transit Talk: Year 2 Kick-off
Thursday, Feb 3, 2022 06:30 PM
SEPTA invites you to attend a virtual Transit Talk for an update on plans to revolutionize our bus system with a comprehensive bus network redesign. Join us to learn more about the State of the System report, Market Analysis, Route Evaluation profiles, and survey results - all of which will be published on the project website.
Virtual Town Hall - Philadelphia Peace Plaza
Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at 5:30 PM
The City of Philadelphia Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (OACCE), Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR), and Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA) invite the community to a virtual Town Hall discussion about the Statue of Peace project, now known as the Philadelphia Peace Plaza.
This proposed public art installation and newly renovated public space will be located at 805 S. Front Street in the Queen Village neighborhood of Philadelphia.
ULI Philadelphia: Multifamily - Shifts in the Suburbs
Thursday, Mar 3, 2022, 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM EST
Join the ULI Philadelphia Housing Council as we explore a “Shift in the Suburbs” and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing residential development in Philadelphia’s neighboring counties.
GRANT & FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
2022 AARP Community Challenge - The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. This year, applications will be accepted for projects to improve public spaces, housing, transportation and civic engagement; support diversity, equity and inclusion; build engagement for programs under new federal laws; and pursue innovative ideas that support people age 50 or older. Deadline: Tuesday, March 22
West Philadelphia Skills Initiative - Patient Services Representative program built in partnership with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). This program focuses on connecting participants to sustainable long-term strategies for gaining employment, retaining employment, and advancing at work. Graduates of this program can earn the opportunity to interview for Patient Service Representative openings with CHOP. Due 2/11
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources is now accepting applications for the 2022 round of Community Conservation Partnership Program grants. Applications accepted until April 6. More information: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Communities/Grants/Pages/default.aspx
The #PhilaLandBank has issued an RFP for Pastor James Allen. Land Bank is soliciting proposals from developers to acquire and develop 25 parcels located in Philadelphia’s Haddington neighborhood for affordable homeownership. Get more RFP info https://phdcphila.org/rfps-rfqs-sales/development-rfps/ Due 2/28
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
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.
Support our advocacy with a recurring monthly contribution of $5.