Neighborhood revitalization will focus on parks and libraries under a new program in Philadelphia.
Julia Terruso reports on the process of launching the city of Philadelphia's Rebuild program—a $600 million initiative to "tackle more than 400 parks and city upgrades over the next six years." The upgrades include investments in recreation centers and libraries, in addition to the parks.
The occasion for Terruso's article is a decision by the city to hire four full-time staffers to oversee the program:
- Nicole Westerman, Executive Director of Rebuild
- Mary E. Stitt, Deputy Director of Workforce Diversity & Inclusion
- Kira Strong, Deputy Director of Design and Construction
- David Gould, Deputy Director of Community Engagement and Communications
"The city is borrowing $300 million to pay for the plan," adds Terruso. "Foundations are expected to kick in $100 million to $150 million and the remainder will come from federal and state grants."
For more background on the Rebuild program (full name: Rebuilding Community Infrastructure), see an article by Jared Brey and Katie Colaneri during the program's nascent moments in February 2016.
FULL STORY: Kenney hires four to head Rebuild program
Big Philadelphia Parks Bond on Hold While Funding Debated in Court
The Rebuild initiative in Philadelphia depends on funding generated by a 1.5 cents-an-ounce tax on sugary beverages. The tax is in effect, but $300 million in bonds have to wait for a court decision about the tax.
New Philadelphia Mayor Pitching $300 Million for Parks and Libraries
Investment in public space is shaping up as a signature initiative for new Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney.
Identifying Park Inequities Through Data Science
Researchers used a machine learning algorithm to analyze over 200 parks in Philadelphia, revealing insights about differences in access to quality parks.
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
Healing Through Parks: Altadena’s Path to Recovery After the Eaton Fire
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena is uniting to restore Loma Alta Park, creating a renewed space for recreation, community gathering, and resilience.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Electric Vehicles for All? Study Finds Disparities in Access and Incentives
A new UCLA study finds that while California has made progress in electric vehicle adoption, disadvantaged communities remain underserved in EV incentives, ownership, and charging access, requiring targeted policy changes to advance equity.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research