Publications

For Immediate Release: March 1, 2021

Contact: Donna Carney, Donna.Carney@phila.gov

Every neighborhood has residents who want to become more involved but aren’t sure how. Citizens Planning Institute (CPI) helps them take that next step.

Since 2010, CPI has trained more than 600 residents from more than 130 neighborhoods to take a more active role in issues facing their community. Now CPI is looking for the next 30 citizen planners.

CPI is accepting applications through March 19 online at www.citizensplanninginstitute.org

CPI teaches Philadelphians about city planning, zoning, and development so they can create positive change in their neighborhoods. Classes are Wednesdays 6-8 p.m. from April 7 – May 26 online through zoom.

“CPI is for anyone who wants to make a difference in their community,” said Donna Carney, program director. “It gives people the tools, resources, and connections to get things done in their neighborhood.”

Participants learn from leaders in the fields of planning, development, and community organizing. They also connect with the growing network of Citizen Planners across the City who are working on many of the same issues.

Contact info: CPI@phila.gov

If you have lost your job through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits.

This guide will help you navigate the process of applying for unemployment compensation and connect you with additional resources available as part of the federal and state response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unemployment Benefits | PA.GOV

In December, the City of Philadelphia mailed Real Estate Tax bills to thousands of Philadelphia property owners. Even if you didn’t receive your bill in the mail, you are still responsible for paying it – and on time!

Property tax bill gone missing? Here’s how to get a new one. | Department of Revenue | City of Philadelphia

Councilperson Squilla has introduced Bill 2100181. Per the Inquirer, the Bill was created  to address situations where the operation of “air B and Bs” have generated quality of life complaints – most frequently, disruptive and noisy social gatherings.  Currently affected neighbors find it difficult to find a “buck stops here” owner to whom they may address their concerns. 

Bill 2100181 eliminates the licensing exception for owners who rent out for less than 90 days a year. The Bill’s  Limited Lodging License must be obtained by any owner or subletting  tenant who engages in a temporary rental  even if only for a few weekends each year.  To qualify for such a license, the name and mailing address of each person with a substantial ownership interest in the subject  property must be registered. Where a corporation or other entity rather than a natural person holds the deed or lease, the name and mailing address of the natural person(s) owning  a substantial interest in the ownership entity must be presented in the registration.  Further, operators of Limited Lodging units must retain City licensed  booking agents provide the City with the street address of each Limited Lodging property and the length of stay and price of each booking and advertisements or marketing materials must contain the booking agent’s license number.

Retail stores increased capacity.

Senior centers can open - only with KN95 or double masking

Restaurants can have up to 6 at a table outdoors.   Indoor capacity up to 50% provided the restaurants meet ventilation standards.

Food is allowed in theaters.

Large outdoor venues limited to 2500 people.

Downside: The path is detoured at Chestnut Street for up to three months

https://billypenn.com/2021/02/22/sinkhole-1-million-philadelphia-schuylkill-river-trail-penndot-detour/

Wording on Pennsylvania’s forms is confusing. Officials say they’re working to get it changed.

https://billypenn.com/2021/02/24/pennsylvania-mail-ballot-application-online-permanent-voter-how-to-apply/

On Thursday, February 4, Gov. Tom Wolf unveiled a plan that would provide a major boost to education spending in Pennsylvania.

Wolf proposes $1.3B investment in education with funding reforms, new spending | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (post-gazette.com)