
PlanPhilly Archive
Drexel University Biomedical gets $1M grant to pilot new minor
The university’s School of Biomedical Engineering officials say that the new academic program offers more workforce training for the growing cell and gene therapy industry.
1 month ago
Listen 1:01‘The system needs to change’: Philly woman is suing OCF Realty for housing discrimination
Under city law, property owners can’t refuse to rent to a prospective tenant because they participate in a housing assistance program.
1 month ago
Listen 1:13Citizen scientists and Drexel researchers are testing whether planter benches make summer heat in five Philly neighborhoods more bearable.
1 month ago
‘I have the foundation now’: Habitat for Humanity to mint 6 Philly homeowners after yearlong delay
The project hit a snag in October 2021 after residents raised concerns about the development’s footprint.
1 month ago
‘A win-win’: New repairs program seeks to stabilize Philly’s stock of affordable housing
The Rental Improvement Fund will provide forgivable and low-interest loans to small landlords who cannot afford to fix up their properties.
1 month ago
Could vibrations help water utilities find lead pipes? Researchers in Philly are trying
The federal government is requiring water utilities to identify service lines made of toxic lead. Researchers in Philly are trying to find an easier way.
1 month ago
Listen 4:47Recent shootings spur Philly housing activists to protest for-profit evictions
The Landlord and Tenant Office has conducted evictions since the 1970s. Tenants and advocates say it’s time to get rid of it.
1 month ago
Philadelphians could get millions of dollars in home repairs tied to Hurricane Ida flooding
Philadelphia got over $163 million in federal recovery money tied to Ida. The city plans to spend nearly a third of it to improve housing.
1 month ago
Solarize Philly plans to help put solar panels on hundreds more Philly roofs by 2026
The Philadelphia Energy Authority released a Request for Proposals Monday that could see 750 low- to moderate-income households get solar panels installed on their roofs.
2 months ago
A free program in Philly continues to limit the number of eviction filings in the city
The Eviction Diversion Program started as a temporary initiative to keep rental disputes out of court. Three years on, it’s having a lasting impact few cities have realized.
2 months ago
Listen 1:29Pa.’s Whole-Home Repairs money is in limbo despite Shapiro’s budget signature
The popular home repairs program is on a list of spending initiatives a state budget official has said need additional legislation.
2 months ago
Listen 1:19Philadelphia Fed president says regional economy on track for ‘soft landing’
The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s president forecasts inflation decline without more interest rate hikes.
2 months ago
Listen 13:08Philly starts replacing its street lights with more efficient LEDs
The project is expected to cut the energy used by street lights in half, saving enough electricity annually to power nearly 3,700 homes.
2 months ago
Report: First-time homebuyers in Philly area need to make more to afford a starter home
High mortgage rates, overvalued homes, and low inventory continue to hurt renters looking to enter the housing market.
2 months ago
Listen 1:12‘A beacon of equity’: New Project HOME development marks a new milestone
The Inn of the Amazing Mercy will provide short-term and permanent supportive housing to more than 60 residents.
2 months ago
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