Community and Family
Philadelphia majorly undercounts homeless youth, advocates warn
Eighteen to 24-year-olds often “couch surf” if they can, and generally avoid agency services. | From: Billy Penn (Read more.)
Housing
Housing
Philly property assessments double in some neighborhoods for 2023 tax year
While reassessments have been a political powder keg in Philadelphia for decades, gentrifying areas like this — where construction of new homes is widespread and local leaders fear rising property taxes will quicken the displacement of long-standing Black or Latino communities — have increasingly become battlegrounds over city tax policy. | From: The Inquirer (Read more.)
Housing
City workers in Philly will get affordable housing preference
Lawmakers passed the bill on Thursday as the city prepares to build at least 1,000 units of workforce housing under the banner of the Neighborhood Preservation Initiative, the massive bond-backed program initiated by Council President Darrell Clarke. The initiative is an effort to increase the city’s stock of affordable housing, revive commercial corridors, and improve neighborhood infrastructure, among other priorities. | From: WHYY (Read more.)
Civic and Community Engagement
Philadelphia International Airport Wants to Expand onto Wetlands. Some Neighbors and Climate Experts Fear It’ll Flood Their Homes
Kalenski is part of a battle between residents like himself, environmentalists and officials from Delaware and Philadelphia counties. As the officials look to expand the airport with the promise of jobs and revenue for the local economy, residents and environmentalists worry that flooding in the area will only get worse. | From: NBC10/Telemundo62 (Read more.)
Civic and Community Engagement
Bill would charge Philly developers for trees not replaced
With temperatures rising due to climate change, Philadelphia city officials and advocates want to increase the city’s tree cover to help keep neighborhoods cool. But the city has been losing trees in recent years. | From: WHYY (Read more.)
Housing
Philly’s new property tax assessments: How to appeal valuation
After pausing reassessments for three years, Philadelphia officials on Monday released new property valuations. | From: WHYY (Read more.)
Housing
How to reduce your property tax bill in Philadelphia
There are programs that help reduce your property tax bill, and some are open to everyone. Here’s what you need to know. | From: The Inquirer (Read more.)
Civic and Community Engagement
Voting while homeless poses challenges, but solutions exist
Having a permanent address, physically getting to a polling place and confusion about identification requirements have been barriers to voting for people experiencing homelessness. | From: Philadelphia Gay News (Read more.)
Housing
Philadelphia rent jumped 6% during the pandemic; suburbs up 12% to 15%
The cost of renting in Philadelphia is lower than many other major cities, but over half of tenants are “cost-burdened.” | From: Billy Penn (Read more.)
Housing
Essay: How Philly can preserve history and livable neighborhoods
However, if you are a homeowner in a historic district established by the city of Philadelphia, you are legally required to meet the same standards as a developer or a commercial property owner. | From: WHYY (Read more.)