
Urban Planning
News on cities, suburbs, and how we design the places we live
PGW customers tell regulators to reject potential rate hike, plan better for climate impacts
Philadelphia Gas Works says inflation has caused it to seek a 13% rate hike. Environmentalists say customers shouldn’t have to pay for the utility’s lack of action on climate.
6 days ago
Listen 1:03No free A/C units through LIHEAP in Pennsylvania this summer
The program, funded primarily with COVID relief money, provided free air conditioning units and fans the last three summers. It saw overwhelming demand.
7 days ago
Listen 1:04Built in the 1990s, Philadelphia’s Kings Highway Apartments comprises 27 buildings along Frankford Avenue. Odin Properties bought and renovated them last year.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:08Philly’s commuter foot traffic outpaced most peer cities’ downtowns in 2024
The majority of workers who commute into the urban core have returned since the COVID-19 pandemic began five years ago, according to the annual State of Center City report.
2 weeks ago
Listen 0:50Developing the Philly suburbs: NIMBYs, YIMBYs and you
We look at the housing affordability problem in the Philadelphia region. Researchers say we need a building boom to drive supply up and prices down.
Air Date: May 1, 2025 12:00 pm
Listen 52:33More than 1.2 million international visitors traveled to Philadelphia last year, but far fewer tourists are expected to visit in 2025.
2 weeks ago
Proposed SEPTA cuts threaten Paoli/Thorndale line, anger suburban lawmakers
The potential elimination of SEPTA’s Paoli/Thorndale regional rail line sparked fury among Chester County legislators.
2 weeks ago
Listen 0:57SEPTA’s Scott Sauer addresses $213M deficit, service cuts
SEPTA says drastic cuts to services are coming soon without new revenue. 50 bus routes and 5 regional rail lines eliminated, fare hikes of 20% and 9 PM curfews on some lines.
Air Date: April 30, 2025 12:00 pm
Listen 51:13As Philadelphia looks to ‘cap’ Vine Street Expressway, it seeks Chinatown community feedback
The project is hosting pop-up events to share design options for a park that aims to restore and reconnect the neighborhood.
2 weeks ago
Philly’s new office culture: co-working for connection, not just convenience
Across Philly, co-working spaces aren't just about sharing desks — they're reshaping work culture by creating communities that boost collaboration and innovation.
2 weeks ago
11 great places to get out and run in Philly
Experts offer up the best routes — and some hidden gems — for a run alone or with a group.
2 weeks ago