November 9: World Heritage City | Taubenberger bests O’Brien | Vernon Park as catalyst for Germantown Ave shopping

Philadelphia was officially selected as the first World Heritage City in the U.S., reports Tricia Nadolny. Philly joins cities like Paris, Florence, Jerusalem, St. Petersburg, and Prague who are recognized for their globally-important historic contributions. In terms of tangible benefits, city officials say this could increase international tourism by 10-15% if marketed correctly.

Republican Al Taubenberger officially won the second minority-party seat on City Council, ousting fellow Republican Denny O’Brien, reports Dave Davies.

Governor Tom Wolf and Republican leaders in the legislature are signaling optimism that there could be a state budget deal by Thanksgiving, reports Marc Levy. We’ll see. 

Inga Saffron thinks the recent revitalization of Vernon Park in Germantown will be a boost for Germantown Avenue’s shopping district–the second largest after Center City. 

Christopher Sawyer wonders why the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority sold two Point Breeze land parcels for a pittance at $8,500 apiece, when the resulting housing units are now going for full market rates at $319,900. 

The Bicycle Coalition offers their recommendations for public safety and security improvements on the Schuylkill River Trail.

Lehigh University is rolling out the Lehigh Valley’s first bike share program.

America’s gaudiest megamall, The American Dream, has been in the works for more than a decade and is finally on track tp open in northern New Jersey in 2017. The Atlantic’s Amanda Kolton Hurley spoke with several policymakers and economic development professionals who worry the $2 billion entertainment complex is doomed from the start.