Philadelphia
Philadelphia Launches Plan To Redesign Ben Franklin Parkway
The city wants to make the car-centric parkway more accessible and people-friendly.
The Return of Rooming Houses
Popular in the early 20th century, the rooming house fell out of favor, with the type now banned in many cities. With no end to the housing crisis in sight, cities are rethinking their regulation of this affordable housing option.
Philadelphia Seeks Federal Funding to Improve One of its Deadliest Streets
Local officials hope to use federal infrastructure funding to make safety improvements on Roosevelt Boulevard, where more than a tenth of the city’s traffic deaths happen.
Washington Avenue Road Diet Less Likely
After one city councilmember refused to advocate for changing parking rules in his district, Philadelphia’s Washington Avenue could end up with two different safety configurations.
Philadelphia Leads the Way in Adaptive Reuse
Philadelphia, a city rife with historic architecture, seeks to incentivize more conversion of historic buildings into housing.
Protected Bike Lanes Deliver Numerous Benefits, Study Says. But Is it Enough to Change State Law?
Advocates in Philadelphia are pushing state lawmakers to finally pass a law to make it easier to install protected bike lanes on state routes.
Riders Getting Stuck in SEPTA Tunnels Due to Increased Security Measures
As ridership dropped during the pandemic, Philadelphia's transit agency started locking station doors to keep unhoused people from using the tunnels as shelter. Now, riders are becoming trapped inside.
Philadelphia 'Diversion Program' Prevents Evictions Through Mediation
A program that provides mediation between landlords and tenants has helped a majority of applicants avoid eviction, signaling a promising avenue for renter assistance as landlords seek to recoup COVID-era losses.
Equitable Development Plan Aims To Protect Philly's Chinatown
As the historic neighborhood experiences increased redevelopment around the new Rail Park, community activists are working to ensure older residents and businesses aren't displaced in the process.
Why a Complete Streets Makeover Went Awry in Philadelphia
The city pulled the plug on a proposed street redesign after community groups criticized the public engagement process for not listening to all local voices.
Will Philly's New Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning Yield Results?
City leaders hope a new affordable housing law will increase the supply of affordable units in the city, but critics say the policy may lead to reduced construction and higher housing costs.
Philadelphia on Track to Build Record Number of Apartments in 2022
A researcher from the Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation at Drexel University tells a tale of two housing markets—rental and for-sale—in the City of Brotherly Love.
New Philly Bike Racks Blend Form, Function, Fire Hydrant Access
The clever designs serve multiple purposes—providing more bike parking while getting cars out of illegal parking spaces.
'Demodelphia' Hiring More Preservationists
To protect more historic properties from rampant demolition, Philadelphia is staffing up its historic preservation department.
Controversy on Philadelphia's Historic Commission Over Mayoral Pressure
As one of the most historic cities in the country, Philadelphia faces uniquely intense pressures between historic preservation and development. A new controversy on the city's Historic Commission offers the latest example of the dynamic.
Philadelphia's Intercity Bus Riders Are Getting Shortchanged
Despite the popularity of intercity bus services, most users have to wait on unshaded sidewalks with none of the amenities of traditional bus depots.
Affordable Housing Bonus Program Expanded in Philadelphia
The city of Philadelphia launched a height and density bonus in 2018 to create incentives for the development of affordable housing, but so far the results have proven underwhelming.
Philadelphia Council President Wants to Curb the City's Zoning Board of Adjustment
The Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment has shown a strong preference for providing developer-friendly decisions. Philadelphia City Council President Darrell Clarke has seen enough.
Opinion: Philly's Regional Transit Needs More Funding
The region's planning commission is pouring billions into highway widening projects while neglecting its public transit needs.
Neighborhood Rezoning Proposal at Odds With Philadelphia's Comprehensive Plan
While planning departments around the country make news for removing exclusionary zoning and parking requirements, many neighborhoods still show a strong preference for parking minimums and development limits. Case in point: Germantown, Philadelphia.
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.
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