🗳️ VOTE ON 5TH SQUARE ENDORSEMENTS
5th Square members are currently voting on who we will endorse for the upcoming election. If you're not already a member, it's not too late to become one and have a say in this election cycle. Current members should check their emails for details on how to vote.
To learn more about the candidates, check out our 2024 election center where we've posted their responses to our questionnaire.
On the subject, make sure you're registered to vote! If you're not already registered you can register to vote here and then you can request an absentee or mail-in ballot. To vote in the primary, you must register by April 8th.
🎥 CHOOSE SPEED CAMERA LOCATIONS
With the recent passage of HB1284 the city of Philadelphia is now authorized to expand the automated speed enforcement program from Roosevelt Blvd (where automated enforcement is responsible for saving an estimated 36 lives) to five new corridors throughout the city.
To determine the best spots for the new speed cameras, City Council has put out a survey for corridor location suggestions. Take the survey here.
💰 ADVOCATE FOR TRANSIT FUNDING
A group of transit funding advocates from the group Save the Train will be making a trip to Harrisburg via Amtrak on March 18th to advocate for properly funding SEPTA.
While in Harrisburg, they will be holding a joint press conference with Senator Haywood. Join them to keep up the pressure on state lawmakers to give SEPTA the funding it needs!
In case you missed it, SEPTA is facing a drastic fiscal crisis which could see both higher fares and significant service cuts unless additional funding is acquired.
👕 NEW BLVD SUBWAY SHIRTS
We are excited to announce that we are releasing a new design for our Roosevelt Blvd Subway t-shirts.
Support the subway in style with this design by Philly artist GRIMGRIMGRIM. You can preorder now for delivery in late March.
5th Square members enjoy a $5 discount & early shipping (check your email inbox)!
🚨 ACTION ITEMS
🏫 Support Clean Air in Philly Schools
Many of Philadelphia's schools lack ventilation, air conditioning, and consistent heat. Inadequate ventilation and air filtration in our schools contribute to the spread of respiratory viruses like COVID, flu, RSV, and colds as well as exacerbating asthma. Sign this letter to call on the Philadelphia Board of Education to take action now.
✍️ Walk Roll Delco Survey
Delaware County is embarking on a mission to enhance the quality of life for its residents through the development of an Active Transportation Plan. Take the survey.
🚌 Support SEPTA Bus Revolution
Buses are a vital lifeline for getting folks around Philly, with many neighborhoods completely reliant on this service being fast, frequent, and reliable. SEPTA’s Bus Revolution would make buses more useful for more people by redesigning its entire bus network which would result in over a million more people gaining access to frequent bus routes.
Learn more about why we support Bus Revolution and sign our petition in support.
💸 Support SEPTA Funding
Governor Shapiro has announced that he plans to direct $282 million in sales tax revenue to SEPTA and other PA transit agencies. This will cover a significant portion of SEPTA's deficit, but we must keep up the fight ensure Governor Shapiro's proposed funding comes through and to find an additional funding source to cover the remaining deficit.
You can help by signing this petition, and reaching out to elected officials.
🛣️ Stop I-95 Expansion
PennDOT is planning to expand I-95 in Center City and South Philly by adding lanes and new ramps. This will threaten the well-being of our neighborhoods by worsening air quality, increasing noise pollution, and harming our access to the waterfront.
Join us in telling PennDOT that highway expansion has no place in the core of Philadelphia by signing our petition.
🗳️ Register to Vote
Planning to vote in the upcoming primary election? You can register to vote here and then you can request an absentee or mail-in ballot. To vote in the primary, you must register by April 8th.
EVENTS
DVRPC Public Participation Task Force: Improving Pedestrian and Cyclist Experience
March 14th, 6:00 - 7:30 pm | Virtual
DVRPC’s Public Participation Task Force (PPTF) invites you to a virtual meeting on how data improves walking and biking infrastructure in urban and suburban communities
NightCyclePHL 2024 Expo Ride
Saturday March 16, 6:00 PM | Rail Park
Night Cycle's bringin back the Expo Ride of pre-COVID yore with a ride to Keystone Bike's big expo party at 7pm at 1800 N American St.
2024 Philly Bike Expo
March 16-17th | Convention Center
The Philly Bike Expo is an annual weekend-long event featuring exhibitors, seminars, presentations and events representing the spectrum of cycling.
WMAN Take the Train to Harrisburg
March 18th, 7:25 AM | 30th St Station
Join a group of transit funding activists for an Amtrak train ride to Harrisburg for a 10am press conference with Senator Art Haywood.
Vision Zero PHL 2024
March 22, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM | 1755 N 13th St
The day-long conference exploring Vision Zero and featuring local and nationally-recognized speakers & panelists will be held in person at Temple University.
TransportationCamp PHL
March 23, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM | 3245 Chestnut St
Whether you work in the industry or simply have an interest, we welcome you physically to our nation’s birthplace at the center of the NEC for a day filled with ideas at the intersection of transportation, technology, and urbanism.
WHAT WE'RE READING
🏙️ HOUSING & LAND USE
🌳 PUBLIC SPACE
🚌 TRANSIT
🚴 MOBILITY
🏛️ POLITICS
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Pennsylvania Environmental Council / Program Manager, Trails & Outdoor Recreation
Connect the Dots / Project Manager
Society Hill Civic Association / Administrator
Lincoln Institute of Land Policy /
Fairmount Park Conservancy
Councilmember Gauthier's Office / Zoning and Planning Aide
Northern Liberties BID / Marketing and Events Coordinator
YIMBY Law
Delaware & Lehigh /
Riverfront North / Project Director
Parking Reform Network / Policy Director
NV5 /
DVRPC
- Financial Reporting Senior Specialist
- Transportation Planner
- Program Coordinator/Senior Program Coordinator
- Senior Procurement & Contracts Specialist
- Staff Accountant
Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia / Better Bike Share Partnership Educator
WHYY /
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Philadelphia City Planning Commission Working Group
PCPC is currently preparing an update to the comprehensive plan called Our Philadelphia.
Our Philadelphia promotes more equitable investment across all neighborhoods. PCPC seeks graduates of the Citizens Planning Institute and members of the Our Philadelphia Steering Committee to join a Working Group that will prepare for future engagement efforts. The Working Group will provide a space for residents and staff to collaborate on how best to conduct educational processes within priority communities. This will lay the foundation for residents to fully engage in the update of the comprehensive plan. Working Group participants will receive a stipend of $1,200. Apply by March 6, 2024
2024 Mpact Transit + Community Conference Call for Speakers
The Mpact Transit + Community Conference focuses on the interplay of transit, mobility, land use and development in building great places to live - for everyone and they are putting out a call for speakers. Add your voice and help shape the vision for transit-oriented communities. Closes March 29.
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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