In the Philadelphia area, improving access to housing is a priority among residents and officials. So are cleaning and neighborhood development, though flawed projects like the Center City Sixers arena bring worry.
For transportation, riders of bus and rail rely on services from SEPTA and NJ Transit, and pedestrians, bikers and drivers depend on safe streets and roads.
Philadelphia can now create an anti-displacement fund for tenants. Will it happen?
For now, there is no dedicated funding, but that could change if the bill’s sponsor gets his way. (Aaron Moselle, June 14, 2025)
Mayor Parker’s $2B housing proposal clears major hurdle with critical Philadelphia City Council votes
The plan is one of the administration’s top priorities. It calls for expanding and preserving the city’s housing supply. (Aaron Moselle, June 11, 2025)
‘This is so surreal’: Rehabbed apartments in Kensington provide fresh start for formerly homeless families
Built in the 1990s, Philadelphia’s Kings Highway Apartments comprises 27 buildings along Frankford Avenue. Odin Properties bought and renovated them last year. (Aaron Moselle, May 1, 2025)
Mayor Parker exploring 100% tax abatement for Philly properties in underinvested communities
The proposal may violate state law. It comes as the administration seeks to expand the city’s housing supply amid an ongoing crisis. (Aaron Moselle, April 24, 2025)
Philadelphia Housing Authority is moving closer to constructing 75-unit apartment building at former UC Townhomes site
The affordable housing complex is gone, but a new development will rise in its place following a legal settlement with the city. (Aaron Moselle, April 21, 2025)
Philly developers can build workforce housing, but they say eliminating delay in acquiring land is key
A Philly developer says affordable housing can be built quickly, but delays in acquiring land can derail city efforts to do more. (Tom MacDonald, April 4, 2025)
‘They need it now’: Parker proposes ‘historic’ investment to expand Philly’s housing supply
The mayor’s latest budget proposal calls on the city to borrow $800 million to create and preserve more affordable and market-rate units across the city. (Aaron Moselle, March 14, 2025)
‘It’s all downside’: Philly’s housing market poised for pain if Trump imposes tariffs on Canada and Mexico, analysts say
The president appears ready to move ahead with steep import taxes after a monthlong pause. (Aaron Moselle, Feb. 28, 2025)
Delaware seniors in ‘limbo’ worrying property value reassessments will drive up next year’s taxes
New Castle County hasn’t assessed property since 1983. Some are concerned older residents will feel the brunt of tax increases. (Sarah Mueller, Dec. 17, 2024)
‘The system needs to be blown up’: Critics tell lawmakers Philly’s Land Bank needs change
While the Land Bank has disposed of hundreds of public parcels, its processes are widely considered too complex, opaque and slow. (Aaron Moselle, Oct. 30, 2024)
Housing programs in Philly are rooted in regional incomes. Should that change?
For decades, AMI has shaped affordable housing programs in the city. Some advocates think the measure misses the mark and should be localized. (Aaron Moselle, Oct. 7, 2024)
Harris and Trump want to build more housing. What would that mean for Pa.?
The state has nearly 100,000 fewer housing units than it needs. Experts say federal policy could help close the gap. (Aaron Moselle, Sept. 24, 2024)
‘It’s absolutely changing’: Pew finds Philly is less affordable than it used to be
Researchers analyzed nearly 700,000 records of home sales in the city from 2000 through 2021. (Aaron Moselle, July 24, 2024)
Pa. launches right-to-counsel program with hopes of reducing evictions
Funding for the new program was included in the budget lawmakers passed last week. (Aaron Moselle, July 18, 2024)
Philly training program seeks to increase city’s supply of affordable housing
Since launching in 2015, Jumpstart Germantown has issued more than $50 million in loans to help new developers renovate vacant single-family homes. (Aaron Moselle, June 24, 2024)
‘Everything we can possibly do’: Philly nonprofit to finish renovating 40 homes in Strawberry Mansion
Rebuilding Together Philadelphia will fix up a group of homes on the 3200 block of West Huntingdon Street, completing a multi-week effort in the North Philly neighborhood. (Aaron Moselle, June 7, 2024)
Philly City Council advances legislation requiring eviction contractors to carry licenses
The bill was introduced following a string of violent incidents involving deputy landlord-tenant officers last year. (Aaron Moselle, June 5, 2024)
Cherelle Parker wants to deliver 30,000 units of housing in Philly. Can it happen?
The mayor has broadened the goal to include new construction and renovations. (Aaron Moselle, May 14, 2024)
‘This has to stop’: Philadelphians push City Council for more illegal dumping prevention
Residents say they are tired of repeatedly cleaning up their communities. They urged the city to invest in education and enforcement. (Sophia Schmidt, March 4, 2025)
Philly restarts curbside trash pickup of bulky items, by appointment
Items eligible for pickup include refrigerators, large furniture, hot water heaters and even tires. (Sophia Schmidt, Sept. 23, 2024)
Philly city officials vow to keep the city clean after a summer-long cleanup effort
“We completed over 60,000 quality-of-life services throughout the entire city of Philadelphia, block by block,” Mayor Cherelle Parker said Wednesday. (Tom MacDonald, Sept. 4, 2024)
Camden officials are now offering residents money for reporting illegal dumpers
Tips that lead to the arrest and conviction of illegal dumpers can earn up to $1,000. (P. Kenneth Burns, July 29, 2024)
The cleanup of every Philly block has started. Here’s what to expect
The cleanup started this week in the River Wards neighborhoods. North Philly is next, followed by West, Southwest and South Philly. (Sophia Schmidt, June 5, 2024)
After the Sixers arena pivot: Philly’s Market East corridor remains a top priority and a sizable challenge
The Philadelphia 76ers are no longer building an arena in Center City. But reviving the area is still on the table. (Aaron Moselle, Meir Rinde, Feb. 4, 2025)
A billion-dollar saga: How the Sixers arena proposal went from a done deal to a stunning reversal
The Sixers successfully pushed to build a new arena in Center City. Now the controversial project is in the rearview after an about-face no one saw coming. (Aaron Moselle, Jan. 17, 2025)
Sixers will build new arena in South Philadelphia after deal reached with Comcast Spectacor; Philly to pursue WNBA team
The sudden turn of events comes after Philly City Council recently approved a controversial plan to build an arena in Center City near Chinatown. (Aaron Moselle, Jan. 13, 2025)
Sources: Sixers abandon plan to build new Center City arena, will remain in South Philly
The decision is rooted in a deal struck with Comcast Spectacor, which hopes to transform the South Philly sports complex over the next decade. (Aaron Moselle, Jan. 13, 2025)
Vote on Sixers arena proposal a moving target as City Council wraps up hearings
Lawmakers must vote enabling legislation out of committee by Dec. 12 to authorize the arena before the end of the year. (Aaron Moselle, Dec. 3, 2024)
Show me the money: SEPTA tells City Council it needs millions to expand service for arena goers
The authority is in dire straits as the Sixers seek to build the transit-oriented development. It’s unclear where the additional funding will come from. (Aaron Moselle, Nov. 19, 2024)
Tensions flare as legislative process for Sixers’ arena proposal gets underway
Councilmember Mark Squilla introduced a package of bills that would authorize the arena. Lawmakers will now spend weeks considering them. (Aaron Moselle, Oct. 24, 2024)
Squilla pushing for a special services district to surround Sixers arena
The request comes as City Council prepares to consider the approvals the team needs to build the $1.55 billion facility. (Aaron Moselle, Oct. 22, 2024)
Chinatown residents speak of how arena plans can and have affected the Philly neighborhood
Vivian Chang works on a street where Phillies stadium plans crumbled in the 2000s. Debbie Law’s family moved its store when rent tripled after the 76ers’ plans were announced. (Maryclaire Dale, Oct. 6, 2024)
Mayor Parker outlines Sixers community benefits agreement, legislative process for $1.55B arena proposal
The agreement, which would keep the Sixers in Philly until at least 2061, was announced Wednesday during a hastily called news conference. (Aaron Moselle, Sept. 25, 2024)
Sixers’ $1.5B arena plan stokes ‘rendering wars’ across New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania
State officials are offering up a buffet of graphic renderings to woo the Philadelphia 76ers in the team’s plan for a new arena. (Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza, Sept. 16, 2024)
New Jersey offers millions in tax credits for a new 76ers arena in Camden
As negotiations over a Center City arena continue to stall, Sixers owners say they “must take all potential options seriously.” (Cory Sharber, Sept. 3, 2024)
SEPTA swears in new transit police officers amid budget woes and ongoing safety concerns
The transit agency is facing funding opposition from Pennsylvania Republicans over safety. SEPTA says it plans to hire new officers despite its budget crisis. (Tom MacDonald, June 16, 2025)
After nationwide search, SEPTA removes ‘interim’ from GM Scott Sauer’s title
Scott Sauer, who’s been running SEPTA on an interim basis, now has full responsibility to take the transit agency through a tough fiscal time. (Tom MacDonald, June 2, 2025)
Residential properties near SEPTA’s shrinking Regional Rail system stand to lose $20B in value, report estimates
If trains along five Regional Rail lines stop running, property values in Greater Philadelphia could plummet. (Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza, April 18, 2025)
SEPTA service would be cut nearly in half under new budget proposal if more funding not secured
The transit authority unveiled a budget proposal that would include a reduction to nearly half of its service, fare increases of more than 20% and cuts to the workforce. (6abc digital staff, April 10, 2025)
Philadelphia extends SEPTA deal to provide free trips for city workers
The city’s budget proposal put the future of free SEPTA rides for city workers into question, but a new deal ensures the program will remain. (Tom MacDonald, April 9, 2025)
Artificial intelligence to be used by SEPTA, PPA to catch drivers illegally parked in bus lanes
High-tech cameras will be mounted onto more than 150 buses and trolleys so the Philadelphia Parking Authority can identify and ticket vehicles illegally parked in bus lanes. (Tom MacDonald, April 8, 2025)
Mayor Cherelle Parker wants to keep a popular city worker commuter benefit — but earmarked less money for it
The commuter benefit gives eligibility to around 22,000 city workers, but it’s unclear whether the city will be able to spend less for the same program this year. (Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza, April 4, 2025)
Philly’s Zero Fare program for low-income residents is not in Mayor Parker’s budget
To continue the free transportation program for low-income Philadelphians, it would cost the city $30 million each year. (Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza, March 28, 2025)
Philly City Council takes first step toward approving Sixers’ arena proposal
Council has yet to vote on the legislative package introduced last week that would authorize the Sixers to build the controversial development. (Aaron Moselle, Oct. 31, 2024)
SEPTA CEO to step down at end of November
Leslie Richards has led the transit agency for the past five years as its general manager and CEO. (Phil Davis, Oct. 24, 2024)
Burlington County partnership to increase police presence around River Line communities
The Burlington County Sheriff’s Office will work with police departments in the river towns and NJ Transit Police to deter crime. (P. Kenneth Burns, Aug. 26, 2024)
SEPTA stepping up penalties for quality-of-life crimes
Major crimes on SEPTA are down, but some offenses have been going unchecked. The transit agency is now working to increase enforcement. (Tom MacDonald, June 20, 2024)
SEPTA’s commuter parking spots won’t be free for much longer
Since March 2020, parking at 146 SEPTA station stops have been free for commuters, but ridership recovery and a budget crunch are changing that. (Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza, June 3, 2024)
Philadelphia public pools: Opening dates for 2025 summer season
More than 60 city pools will open on a rolling basis. Here’s what to know. (Maria Pulcinella, June 12, 2025)
Philadelphia has more ‘vibrant mixed-use’ buildings than peer cities. Is that a good thing?
Philadelphia has a smaller prime business district than most of its peers, but the largest vibrant mixed-use portfolio, a CBRE report shows. (Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza, March 6, 2025)
New owners of Divine Lorraine want to return the historic property to its roots
The 110-unit building has been operating as a hotel since 2022. The new owners want to turn it back into an apartment complex. (Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza, Feb. 12, 2025)
Residents anticipate proposed 110-key hotel at site of Broad Street Diner
The latest plan from the diner’s owners is to turn the property into a 110-key hotel operated by Hyatt Studios, a new, extended-stay extension of the Hyatt brand. (Jared Mitovich, Feb. 11, 2025)
Pa. district judge delivers another setback to Delaware on Edgemoor port expansion project
This is the latest stumbling block for the new Edgemoor terminal at the Port of Wilmington. Delaware argued it should be allowed to intervene in the lawsuit. (Sarah Mueller, Nov. 26, 2024)
This iconic trolley bridge in Fairmount Park is getting restored
Part of the Trolley Trail that opened last year, the century-old skew arch bridge is getting a facelift. (Sophia Schmidt, Nov. 25, 2024)
Vare Recreation Center sets a ‘goal for the city’ with grand reopening after $21 million renovation
The renovations brought new indoor gyms to the rec center, which also became the first in the city with fiber-optic high speed internet. (Cory Sharber, Nov. 19, 2024)
Work begins on Logan neighborhood playground project after costs doubled since COVID
The project is part of the Rebuild program, which uses sugary drink tax money to help education and recreation projects. (Tom MacDonald, Oct. 2, 2024)
Neighbors want to see Philly’s Logan Triangle redeveloped. Will it ever happen?
The city posted a new request for proposal in October but decided not to select a developer for the infamous site. (Aaron Moselle, July 29, 2024)
‘Killing us by doing nothing’: After 2 UDel student deaths, pleas to make Newark’s Main Street safer have officials hustling
Officials have been studying measures since first-year student Noelia Gómez was killed in August. The death of Marina Vasconcelos last week has accelerated efforts. (Cris Barrish, May 8, 2025)
‘Born and raised’: Will Smith returns home for West Philadelphia street naming in his honor
The “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” actor was given a hero’s welcome and the first key to the city issued by Mayor Cherelle Parker. (Tom MacDonald, March 26, 2025)
School zone speed cameras bill stalls in Philadelphia council committee
The bill was part of a state-sponsored test of using speed cameras to enforce school zone speed limits. Its future is now uncertain. (Tom MacDonald, March 11, 2025)
Spring Garden bike lanes still on track to connect Delaware to Schuylkill River trails, for now
The 2.1-mile protected bike lane project, which includes upgrading several high-injury network intersections, is expected to be completed by 2029. (Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza, March 10, 2025)
More bicycle lanes could come to Philly, connecting riders to the Schuylkill River Trail and Temple
Less than a year ago, Councilmember Jeffrey Young Jr. proposed eliminating a bicycle lane in Center City, but now he’s advocating to build more. (Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza, Feb. 25, 2025)
For safer streets, Philly advocates have legislative priorities for fall session
Road safety advocates have hit the streets demanding change, but the battle goes on in another venue –– state and local legislatures. (Gabriel Donahue, Sept. 2, 2024)
Philly residential parking rate hike includes limits on number of vehicles per household
In addition to the three-vehicle limit, there are new rules for temporary parking permits that change how many passes residents can buy. (Tom MacDonald, Aug. 30, 2024)