As the 52nd Street corridor in West Philly attracts new development interest, community leaders are working to ensure that current residents won't get swept away with the new investment.

Jason Laughlin reports on the state of 52nd Street, the "corridor once called West Philly’s Main Street," and the "thriving heart for West Philadelphia’s black middle class."
But as industry evaporated and predominantly white store owners departed, 52nd Street fell into a decades-long decline. It hit its nadir in the mid-2000s, after years of disruptive construction on the El brought the collapse of area businesses, and in April 2007, the Daily News called 52nd and Market Streets the city’s most dangerous corner, with 11 shootings, including three homicides, in four months.
Since 2013, the corridor has seen improvements in safety, but the number of residents living below the poverty line in the neighborhood hasn't budged, according to Laughlin. The real estate market and development plans, however, have poised the neighborhood on the precipice of more sweeping changes. "City officials, planners, and nonprofit executives working to rejuvenate the corridor say they are seeking improvement without dislocation," according to Laughlin.
The article focuses on the specific projects that are prioritizing development that benefits the community, and how.
FULL STORY: West Philly’s historic main street seeks a 21st-century identity

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie