The $600 Million 'Rebuild' Program Takes Shape in Philadelphia

Neighborhood revitalization will focus on parks and libraries under a new program in Philadelphia.

1 minute read

November 9, 2016, 1:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Little League

Terry Poche / Shutterstock

Julia Terruso reports on the process of launching the city of Philadelphia's Rebuild program—a $600 million initiative to "tackle more than 400 parks and city upgrades over the next six years." The upgrades include investments in recreation centers and libraries, in addition to the parks.

The occasion for Terruso's article is a decision by the city to hire four full-time staffers to oversee the program:

  • Nicole Westerman, Executive Director of Rebuild
  • Mary E. Stitt, Deputy Director of Workforce Diversity & Inclusion
  • Kira Strong, Deputy Director of Design and Construction
  • David Gould, Deputy Director of Community Engagement and Communications

"The city is borrowing $300 million to pay for the plan," adds Terruso. "Foundations are expected to kick in $100 million to $150 million and the remainder will come from federal and state grants."

For more background on the Rebuild program (full name: Rebuilding Community Infrastructure), see an article by Jared Brey and Katie Colaneri during the program's nascent moments in February 2016.

Monday, November 7, 2016 in The Philadelphia Inquirer

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

'Vertical canyon' on glass-clad residential high-rise in Denver, CO.

Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design

Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.  

November 29, 2024 - designboom

Aerial view of small town of Sparta, Wisconsin.

Opinion: Federal Government Must Continue Supporting Rural Housing Program

The incoming Congress will have a say in bolstering — or harming — the only federal housing program focused on affordable housing in rural areas.

3 hours ago - The Daily Yonder

Chicago sidewalk with brick homes in winter.

Chicago Budget Fails to Include Snow Plowing Program

Disability rights advocates say the “Plow the Sidewalks” program is a necessity for Chicagoans with limited mobility in winter months.

5 hours ago - Block Club Chicago

Close-up of yellow Pacers Bikeshare e-bike parked outdoors with blurred people in background.

Indy Bike Share Sees Sharp Growth Thanks to Free Pass Program

A new fleet of e-bikes and free access for Marion County residents are getting more people on bikes.

7 hours ago - Pacers Bikeshare

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.