The new Philadelphia Department of Planning and Development combines agencies that formerly oversaw housing, development, and planning.
"In a reorganization this week, most of Philadelphia’s distinct housing, development, and planning agencies have been officially united under a single Department of Planning and Development," reports Jake Blumgart.
More details of the new organizational structure for Philadelphia's Department of Planning and Development:
The department will be divided into three divisions. One will include the Philadelphia City Planning Commission, the Historical Commission, the Art Commission, and staff for the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The Development Services agency, formerly housed in the Commerce Department, will be expanded and housed in its own division. Finally, the city’s housing agencies will have their own silo comprised of the Division of Housing and Community Development, which will facilitate coordination with the independent Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation, and the Philadelphia Land Bank.
Planetizen has been tracking the reorganization since its earliest inception in September 2014, through a temporary set back in January 2015, and a voter referendum in November 2015.
Read the full story: Philadelphia reorganizes development-related agencies into single Department of Planning and Development
Opinion: Stop Treating Philly's Historic Buildings Like a Burden
Despite the historic importance of a vast majority of the city of Philadelphia's buildings, demolitions are happening at a faster rate than ever.
New Director of Planning and Development Picked in Philadelphia
The reorganization of planning department functions in the city of Philadelphia was one of the more substantial planning-related results of the November election. Now the new Planning and Development Department is taking shape.
Voters in Philadelphia May Birth a New Planning Department
This week, voters in Philadelphia will decide on a ballot measure that could realign city government to create a new Department of Planning and Development.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion
Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.
NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades
The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.
'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide
Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.
Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies
International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello