The conference will feature panels, keynotes, and demonstrations on urban green space, transit oriented development, energy efficient building codes, affordable housing, accessible healthcare, new financing structures, workforce development, and emerging technologies.
This year's theme is "Building for Belonging".
Wharton-Weitzman Future of Cities Conference
Friday, February 28 · 8:30am - 6pm
The Study at University City, 20 S 33rd St
📣 TELL GOV. SHAPIRO: PRIORITIZE TRANSIT IN 2025
Ahead of Governor Shapiro's upcoming budget address later today, Transit for All PA is calling on Pennsylvanians to write to the governor's office and make sure he knows that PA needs a dedicated, sustainable transit funding solution!
It takes less than a minute to ask Governor Shapiro for a transit funding solution using Transit for All PA's form letter.
🦺 BECOME A VISION ZERO AMBASSADOR
OTIS is looking for Vision Zero Ambassadors for 2025.
The next batch of VZ ambassadors will speak with their community about traffic safety issues, and help OTIS draft the city's next Vision Zero Action Plan.
Apply by February 24th.
📅 SATURDAY: TRANSIT EQUITY DAY 2025
Join advocates at Transit Equity Day 2025 this Saturday, February 8th.
The event will feature a panel discussion, visioning breakouts, and connecting with a coalition of advocates in celebration of transit equity in Philadelphia. RSVP here.
Transit Equity Day Workshop and Celebration
Charles Library Room 401, 1900 N 13th St
Saturday 2/8, 11 AM to 1 PM
📰 5TH SQUARE IN THE NEWS
Looking back on 2024, advocates say they’ve noticed a considerable shift in how the Parker administration talks about the issue of cyclist and pedestrian safety.
“Activists have continued to put on the pressure, and we have finally gotten results because of it. But it’s just kind of incredible how they’ve had to work for it,” says Katrina Johnston-Zimmerman, a steering committee member of 5th Square Political Action Committee and adjunct professor at Temple University.
🚨 ACTION ITEMS
🎓🚌 Haverford Students: SEPTA UPass Survey
Are you a Haverford student? If so, respond to this survey created by two students about whether or not Haverford College should join SEPTA's UPass program which allows colleges to purchase steeply discounted SEPTA passes for students.
🌉 Safer Green Lane Bridge Petition
Philly Bike Action's advocates are organizing a petition to push for a safer design for the Green Lane Bridge between Manayunk and Bala Cynwyd.
The current proposed design would widen traffic lanes by removing one sidewalk, and replacing the other sidewalk with a shared-used path.
PBA's petition calls for the same number of vehicle lanes, but narrower and thus safer; and converting one sidewalk into a two-way bike path.
📣 Get Involved with Vision Zero
OTIS is developing its next Vision Zero Action Plan and you can participate in the process.
Use this form to fill out their survey, and see here for a full list of ways you can get involved!
✍️ Roosevelt Blvd Survey
If you weren't able to make a Roosevelt Blvd Open House, you can still take the survey.
On Page 6, let PennDOT know you want transit service that is faster and more direct, with fewer local stops on the Boulevard. This service requires no transfer to Center City.
🚌 Lehigh Ave Bus Lane
OTIS is studying a bus lane on Lehigh Ave from Kensington Ave to American St. Respond to their survey.
🛣️ 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, harming our access to the waterfront, and destroying sports facilities. To make matters worse, PennDOT has been deceitful about its engagement efforts.
Join us in telling PennDOT that highway expansion has no place in the core of Philadelphia by signing our petition. We're almost at 1,500 signatures—help us get there!
EVENTS
Wednesday Night Rides: Tour de Wawa #4
February 5th, 7pm meet, 7:15 roll | 34th & Market Wawa
Jumpstart Germantown Think Tank
February 5th, 7:00 - 9:00 PM | 4701 Germantown Ave, 1st Floor
Jumpstart is turning 10 and they're holding a special think tank with collaborative real estate problem solving and networking
Safe Route Philly’s Annual “Spring Training” Information Session
Friday, February 7 at 2 p.m. | Virtual via Zoom
Vision Zero Philadelphia and Safe Routes Philly are calling on schools and parents to join us in our “Spring Training” program — aimed at preparing schools and communities to participate in Bike, Walk, and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, May 7.
Transit Equity Day Workshop and Celebration
Saturday 2/8, 11 AM to 1 PM | Charles Library Room 401, 1900 N 13th St
Join advocates at this event hosted by Temple University's Office of Sustainability for a panel discussion, visioning breakouts, and connecting with a coalition of advocates in celebration of transit equity in Philadelphia
SEPTA Route 36 [T5] Virtual Open House
Wednesday, February 12th, 5:30 pm-6:45 pm | Virtual
SEPTA is hosting a Trolley Modernization discussion focused on the 36 (T5) trolley.
Wharton-Weitzman Future of Cities Conference
Friday, February 28 · 8:30am - 6pm | The Study at University City, 20 S 33rd St
Join us for a 5th Square sponsored conference featuring panels, keynotes, and demonstrations on urban green space, transit oriented development, energy efficient building codes, affordable housing, accessible healthcare, new financing structures, workforce development, and emerging technologies. This year's theme is "Building for Belonging".
TransportationCamp PHL 2025
March 22nd | Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building, 3245 Chestnut St
Whether you work in the industry or simply have an interest, TransportationCamp PHL welcomes you for a day filled with ideas at the intersection of transportation, technology, and urbanism.
Main Street Now 2025 Conference
April 7 – 9 | Philadelphia Marriott, 1201 Market Street
Join local leaders and experts in commercial district stewardship from across the country for three days of education sessions, special events, and mobile workshops.
WHAT WE'RE READING
🏙️ HOUSING & LAND USE
🌳 PUBLIC SPACE
🚌 TRANSIT
🚴 MOBILITY
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Office of Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler /Constituent Services Advisor
5th Square is Philadelphia's urbanist political action committee.
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