In case you missed it: this week’s good reads about Pennsylvania’s urban issues

     Trivia: Identify the city and location of this Pennsylvania landmark. (Lindsay Lazarski/WHYY)

    Trivia: Identify the city and location of this Pennsylvania landmark. (Lindsay Lazarski/WHYY)

    Here’s a list of recommended reading for your weekend:

    Living in cities

    New high-rent housing is sprouting up… in Allentown.

    Can immigrants save the housing market? For many, the American Dream of homeownership is alive and well. (City Lab

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    Some of the biggest rent increases are hitting residents in small or mid-sized cities. (Here and Now)

    Next City asks, “How much public space does a city need?” And should streets count as public space?

    Also from Next City: Is your city considering water privatization? Here are four things you should know. And, in case you missed it, here’s our feature about water leases.

    Grist touts Bethesda, MD as a shining example of “smart growth.”

    Food deserts: it’s not as clear cut as we may have thought.

    City Lab lists the best performing metro cities in 2014. Spoiler alert: it’s good news for Texas, bad news for Pennsylvania.

    Educational (in)equity

    New report says Pennsylvania education lags behind 39 states in early childhood access and equity.

    What exactly is the deal with the widening education equity gap in Pa.? Whose fault is it? It depends on who you talk to, of course.

    Money, money, money

    44 percent of companies receiving money under corporate tax incentive programs didn’t meet the job creation requirements of their contracts.

    Is it un-American to “sell” a green card? What if it means more jobs and more investments?

    Holy tax credit, Batman! Pittsburgh’s film industry is suffering from growing pains. (And, just for fun, here’s a list of films shot in Pittsburgh.)

    A Pittsburgh councilwoman wants to offer paid maternity and paternity leave for city employees. (Trib Live)

    A Pew Research Center report finds the richest Americans think the poor has it easy. (The Washington Post)

    Good news for Pennsylvanians

    It’s a good time to be a bicyclist in Pittsburgh. This year, the city is putting more money into expanding biking infrastructure that it has in the past five years combined.

    Pennsylvania is becoming a nationwide leader in the clean energy industry. (WESA)

    The City of Brotherly Love

    Philadelphians: what do you want to see in your mayor? (Newsworks)

    The second installation of the Philly Index series, which looks at politics through data, is about Philly’s jail population. And, if you missed it, here’s the first in the series, which looked at what block party permits can tell us about neighborhood health.

    Relatives in town? Move over, Liberty Bell. Take them to a cemetery instead.

    Politics

    Pa. House and Senate reconvened this week for swearing-in day. (One columnist wished the pope would have showed up.)

    The Pa. politics story that’s dominating headlines: grand jury recommends criminal charges against AG Kathleen Kane.

    Just for fun

    Did you see our list of required reading from PA urban thinkers and doers? Next City put together a list for the next generation of leaders.

    Top Philly chefs predict the biggest food trends for 2015. (I predict brussel sprouts are going to be the new kale.) (Philly Metro)

    We need your help!

    We’re looking for feedback for an upcoming series on pension.

    (If you’re a municipal worker or retiree, here is a set of questions just for you.)

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