🏙️ FUTURE OF CITIES CONFERENCE

The University of Pennsylvania, with 5th Square as a partner, will be hosting its 2024 Future of Cities Conference.

With the theme Embedded Environments, the conference will investigate the multifaceted implications of the internet of things, artificial intelligence, and other urban technologies on our natural and built environments.

🚲 BECOME AN INDEGO AMBASSADOR

The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Transportation, Infrastructure, and Sustainability, in partnership with Indego, is currently seeking passionate individuals to join as Community Ambassadors.

Source: Indego

Apply by February 2nd to join the Indego team and share the benefits of bike share with your community.

🛣️ CAR-FREE MLK DRIVE

For nearly four years, MLK Drive has provided a safe public space free of cars for Philadelphians to relax, but this winter, the City of Philadelphia has announced it will be opening up MLK Drive to cars until spring.

Source: Bicycle Coalition

We love car-free MLK Drive and we don't want to lose one of the very few car-free spaces we have in this city.

The Bicycle Coalition is responding to the city's actions by calling on advocates to share how they use a car-free MLK Dr.

🧭 VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

Want to become more involved in advocating for urbanist causes in 2024? Become a 5th Square volunteer!

We will be hosting a volunteer orientation on January 29th which will be a great way to lean how you can get involved as a volunteer. We hope to see you at this meeting, but if you can't make it, don't fret! There will be a similar meetings in subsequent months.

EVENTS

America’s Parking Evolution
Tuesday, January 16, 2024 4-5:00 pm EST, Virtual
Join Brookings Metro for a discussion with Henry Grabar, a staff writer at Slate, on how American cities can evolve their approaches to parking and, in the process, build more inclusive and sustainable neighborhoods.

Bicycle Coalition Open House
January 25th, 5-7pm, 1500 Walnut St #1107
Join the Bicycle Coalition board and staff for an Open House. You’ll have the opportunity to meet the new Executive Director, Chris Gale, enjoy drinks & light snacks, learn about the Bicycle Coalition’s plans for the new year, and connect with like-minded folks.

5th Square Volunteer Orientation
January 29, 2024 at 12:30pm – 1:30pm, Virtual
Attend our virtual volunteer orientation meeting. At this meeting, we will:

1. Introduce our organization and recent campaigns.
2. Onboard folks with our tech.
3. Discuss and brainstorm upcoming 5th Square priorities and and volunteer opportunities.

DVRPC E-Micromobility Summit
February 8, 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM, 190 N. Independence Mall West
The use of e-bikes, e-scooters, and other e-micromobility devices has surged in recent years. The summit will explore evolving trends and address relevant questions about the safe integration of these electrified modes, equity, and accessibility.

Wharton - Weitzman Future of Cities Conference 2024
February 9 · 8am EST, 20 S 33rd Street
The Wharton-Weitzman Future of Cities Conference at the University of Pennsylvania is a premiere platform that brings together those who want to make cities better. With the theme Embedded Environments, our 2024 conference will investigate the multifaceted implications of the internet of things, artificial intelligence, and other urban technologies on our natural and built environments. 

2024 Philly Bike Expo
March 16-17th, Convention Center
The Philly Bike Expo is an annual weekend-long event featuring exhibitors, seminars, presentations and events representing the spectrum of cycling.

WHAT WE'RE READING

🏙️ HOUSING & LAND USE

• inquirer.com / How Cherelle Parker should approach affordable housing in Philadelphia

• inquirer.com / Black developers are trying to build homes on Philly-owned land. They’re part of a program to diversify the industry that’s got other cities intrigued.

• Vox / Could this obscure tax idea reshape American housing?

🌳 PUBLIC SPACE

• NPR / From Austin to Anchorage, U.S. cities opt to ditch their off-street parking minimums

🚌 TRANSIT

🚴 MOBILITY

• The New York Times / (Podcast) Why Are So Many More Pedestrians Dying in the U.S.?

• WHYY / Will adding more speed cameras make Philly’s streets safer?

• The Trellis / Directing the Bicycle Coalition with Sarah Clark Stuart and Chris Gale

🏛️ POLITICS

• inquirer.com / Get excited about our new mayor, Philly. But don’t let our enthusiasm cloud our expectations. | Helen Ubiñas

• WHYY / How Philly’s 4 new City Council members plan to tackle climate change

GRANTS & OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Community Spark Grants
In 2024, the League’s Bicycle Friendly America program will award Community Spark Grants, of $1,500 each, to 15 organizations for projects and programs that spark change and catalyze a community’s ability to create places where bicycling is a safe, easy, and more accessible option. Deadline February 1, 2024 at 5pm ET

Indego Community Ambassadors
The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Transportation, Infrastructure, and Sustainability, in partnership with Indego, is currently seeking passionate individuals to join as Community Ambassadors. This initiative serves as a powerful bridge, connecting diverse communities in Philadelphia to the benefits of bike share. Apply by February 2

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Philadelphia City Fund / Partnerships Manager

SEAMAAC

• Civic Engagement Coordinator
• Civic Engagement Canvasser
• Program Generalist
• Executive Administrative Assistant
• Teaching Artist – Music Production

DVRPC

• Internships
  • Capital Programs Intern
  • Data Analyst Intern
  • Transportation Planner Intern
• Transportation Planner
• Financial Reporting Senior Specialist
• Planning Data Specialist

Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia

• Donor Relations Manager
• Events Coordinator
• ReStore Assistant Manager

CRC Watersheds / Director of Giving and Outreach

Councilman Jeffery Young's Office / Legislative Aide

Delaware Greenways / Trail Project Coordinator

City of Philadelphia

• Director, Commercial Investment
• Deputy Executive Director of Place-Based Initiatives
• Comprehensive Planning Research Intern
• Citizens Planning Institute Communications Intern
• Infrastructure Workforce Development Manager (OTIS)
• Fiscal Operations Manager (OTIS)

Mayor Cherelle Parker's Office / Open Application

Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke's Office / Open Application

5th Square is Philadelphia's urbanist political action committee.

We're an all-volunteer grassroots organization advocating for safe and affordable transportation, abundant housing, and more and better public spaces. You’re receiving this email if you signed up via our website, attended one of our events, or supported one of our advocacy campaigns. 

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