Newsletter: 🚇 Blvd Subway Hearing Tomorrow / 💸 SEPTA Funding Update / 🗳️ Register to Vote

Weekly Newsletter, Issue 249

🚇 CITY COUNCIL BLVD SUBWAY HEARING TOMORROW

TOMORROW at 1:00 p.m., City Council's Transportation Committee will be holding a virtual hearing on the proposed Roosevelt Boulevard Subway which will be streamed here.

If you'd like to testify, you must sign-up by 3:00 p.m. TODAY by filling out and sending this email template. For more details on how to sign-up and write your testimony, see here.

If you can't testify but still want to show your support, sign our petition!


💸 SUPPORT SEPTA FUNDING

SEPTA is facing an urgent fiscal cliff which may see drastic service cuts and higher fares. Fortunately, the Pennsylvania House passed HB 1219 which would increase the portion of sales tax that is allocated to public transit funding without increasing the tax itself.

This bill still needs to pass the State Senate, so contact you legislator to ensure SEPTA gets the funding it needs!


🗳️ REGISTER TO VOTE BY OCTOBER 23

Have you recently moved or changed your name? Is your voter registration accurate and up to date?
Pennsylvania’s municipal election is Nov. 7, 2023. Now is the time to check your registration status here and make sure your voter registration information is current.
Visit vote.pa.gov/Register to:
  • register to vote,
  • change your name, and/or
  • change your address.
You must update your voter registration by Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, for any changes to take effect by Nov. 7.

📷 AUTOMATED SPEED ENFORCEMENT UPDATE

Thank you to those who joined us in Harrisburg to advocate for expanding and making permanent Pennsylvania's Automated Speed Enforcement Pilot. We visited over 20 offices and were joined at our press conference by 7 elected officials.

Source: Nicole Brunet

The speed camera pilot on Roosevelt Blvd has substantially reduced deaths and serious injuries on the Blvd. We want to keep these cameras and bring them to Philadelphia's other dangerous roads, but we need your help to make this happen. Will you reach out to your state senator to show your support?


ENDORSEMENT ALERT

5th Square is proud to announce its endorsements for the following candidates running for City Council in this year’s general elections.

Want to have a say in our future endorsements? Become a 5th Square member today for $5 a month. New Member signups get a free Blvd Subway T-Shirt!

Annual Subscriber, $60 per yearMonthly Subscriber, $5 per monthOne Year of Membership, Starting at $60


📝 DVRPC 2050 VISION SURVEY

The DVRPC is asking for feedback on its vision for Greater Philadelphia in 2050. Tell the DVRPC what they should prioritize over the next 30 years. Let them know if you think Philadelphia should have a new subway line by then.


✍️ AGING AND DISABILITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT

The University of Pittsburgh and other Pennsylvania-based partners are supporting the efforts of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, led by the Pennsylvania Department on Aging, to develop a Master Plan for Older Adults. Responses will be used to create a profile of the needs of older adults and adults with disabilities that will inform the Commonwealth's planning process. Respond here.


EVENTS 

City Council Hearing on the Roosevelt Blvd Subway
October 11 at 1:00 p.m., virtual (streaming here, recording will be available here)
City Council's Transportation Committee will be holding a hearing to examine the proposed Roosevelt Boulevard Subway. For more information and to learn how to give testimony, see here.

DVRPC Regional Safety Task Force Meeting
October 12 at 2:00 p.m.
Please join us for the next Regional Safety Task Force (RSTF) meeting, which will be devoted to exploring how to plan for quick-build projects, like bike lanes or painted crosswalks, for temporary or demonstration purposes.

Philly Bike Ride
October 14 at 7:00 a.m.
Each year in October, Philadelphia becomes the setting for a 20-mile, car-free, bicycle-only joy ride through its most iconic streets and bridges. We work with the city to completely close the roads and host a safe, multi-generational, community-oriented bike ride that is intentionally designed to welcome participants of all ages and skill levels. Buy tickets here and use code 5TH25 for a $25 discount.

Design Advocacy Group: One on One with Cherelle Parker
October 20, 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., Center for Architecture and Design at 1218 Arch St
Join DAG for a special event as we host Philadelphia’s Democratic mayoral candidate, Cherelle Parker for a one-on-one conversation regarding issues that affect the built environment.

Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia: Strengthen the Pennsylvania Historic Tax Credit
October 26, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Learn from national experts, state legislators, and local developers about the benefits that can come from strengthening the Commonwealth’s historic tax credit program.

CycleScenePHL All Out: Halloween
October 28 at 7:00 p.m., Philadelphia Museum of Art
It’s a Saturday, a Full Moon, Halloween Weekend, and the rides are coming together to host a costume optional, headlights required ride!


WHAT WE'RE READING

🏙️ HOUSING & LAND USE

🌳 PUBLIC SPACE

🚌 TRANSIT

🚴 MOBILITY


GRANTS & OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

The DVRPC Planning Fellowship provides an opportunity to learn about urban and regional planning by serving in various departments at the Commission over the course of a year. The fellow will participate in the daily activities of a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), complete specialized projects, and experience firsthand how transportation plans and investments are made in Greater Philadelphia. This position is designed for people of color to explore the field of city and regional planning without prior training or experience. Fellowship applications are due on October 27.

The Bicycle Coalition is currently looking for winter interns to assist with event planning and administrative work in the policy and development departments. If you are passionate about making our streets safer for all community members and would like to learn how to put your skills to use for better cycling, pedestrian, and transportation networks, read our success stories, and then apply.


JOB OPPORTUNITIES

City of Philadelphia

Robert D Gilmore & Associates Inc / Planner

Earth Quaker Action Team / Director of Organizing

Philadelphia Housing Authority / CNI Project Manager - Bartram

WHYY / Transportation Reporter

DVRPC

Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia

National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel

Philadelphia Energy Authority

Esperanza Health Center / Various Jobs

The Philadelphia Citizen / Staff Writer

Jawnt / Marketing Lead (Growth/Demand Focus)


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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