Urban Planning
News on cities, suburbs, and how we design the places we live
Philly Tree Plan implementation gets underway with USDA grant
The city, school district and a group of nonprofits are officially joining forces to plant and protect more trees.
Philly historical commission approves new district for Washington Square West
The 9-0 vote came after a meeting that saw property owners express competing opinions about the nomination.
6 days ago
Listen 1:09
Should Philadelphia get permanent pedestrian zones?
Many cities worldwide embrace pedestrian-friendly design and even places around the US are playing with the concept. But what will it take for us to get there?
Air Date: September 12, 2024 12:00 pm
Listen 51:44
Billed as a “listening session,” the town hall event drew nearly 1,000 people to the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
1 week ago
Listen 0:59
Mayor Parker to discuss Sixers arena proposal during town hall in Center City
The meeting comes as the team negotiates with the administration, and opponents ramp up efforts to defeat the development.
1 week ago
What’s next for Philly’s Fashion District in Center City? Here’s what we know
Comcast Spectacor’s vision was shared with the Washington Square West Civic Association board as a Sixers arena alternative for Market East revitalization.
2 weeks ago
The march comes as Philadelphia City Council is expected to debate legislation on the proposal this fall.
2 weeks ago
SEPTA proposes fare hike to affect most riders currently getting discounts
As part of SEPTA's plan, the hike would require all riders to pay the current $2.50 cash fare cost.
2 weeks ago
‘Who do you work for?’: Opponents of Sixers arena proposal bring fight to City Council
The $1.55 billion development requires enabling legislation for demolition and construction to start. The team says it needs those approvals by the end of the year.
2 weeks ago
‘It isn’t just Chinatown’: Citywide poll shows little support for Sixers arena proposal
The results come as the team seeks the necessary legislation to move forward with demolition and construction.
2 weeks ago
SEPTA Key fails again for some riders, for the fourth time in recent weeks
A SEPTA spokesperson said it hasn't been able to calculate how much money it’s losing because of the issue, but said it could be hundreds of thousands of dollars.
2 weeks ago
Businesses like Winterthur Museum have expressed concerns over the planned discontinuation and expansion of routes this fall.
2 weeks ago
Why some of Philly’s tallest buildings will pay smaller property tax bills in 2025
About half of the city’s 100 most valuable commercial properties have lower tax assessments for 2025, according to a WHYY News analysis.
2 weeks ago
With sewers, streets and skyscrapers, modern cities are complex systems, and it takes a huge amount of design, planning, and maintenance to keep them moving. From transportation news on SEPTA and the PPA to real estate reporting on the 10-year tax abatement and neighborhood gentrification, WHYY and PlanPhilly cover the people, organizations, and policies that affect city life in Philadelphia and across the Delaware Valley.