🗳️ OUR BALLOT GUIDE
Mail-in ballots are starting to arrive so we want to help you figure out how to fill yours out. This election, we are endorsing the following candidates:
- Nikil Saval for the 1st Senate District
- Cass Green for the 10th House District
- Marylouise Isaacson for the 175th House District
- Joe Hohenstein for the 177th House District
- Malcolm Kenyatta for the 181st House District
- Ben Waxman for the 182nd House District
- Elizabeth Fiedler for the 184th House District
- Tarik Khan for the 194th House District
- Andre Carroll for the 201st House District
We decided to endorse these candidates after our members overwhelmingly voted to support them. You can find more details about these candidates by visiting our 2024 Election Center.
5th Square's Steering Committee is also recommending voting "NO" on Question 1. See our 2024 Election Center for more information on this issue.
🚨 REGISTER TO VOTE BY MONDAY
The election is coming up quick and so is the deadline to register to vote. If you'd like to vote in the upcoming April 23 election, you must register to vote by Monday, April 8th.
You can register to vote here and then you can request an absentee or mail-in ballot if you'd like to vote by mail.
🤝 CANDIDATE MEET AND GREET RECAP
Last night, we hosted a candidate meet & greet with candidates we endorsed for State Senate and State House in the upcoming primary.
It was a fun night of discussing urbanist policy over pizza and beer. Thanks to all who came out to meet the candidates!
Want to fund more fun events like this one? Become a 5th Square member for as little as $5 per month.
🚨 ACTION ITEMS
🚲 Withdraw the Bike Lane Parking Permits on Spruce and Pine Streets
Ever used the bike lanes on Spruce and Pine Streets on a weekend? You might have noticed that the bike lanes turn into a parking lot due to an arrangement the city has with nearby houses of worship to allow parking in the bike lane. This practice creates a dangerous situation for those using the bike lane, and it may even be illegal. Join Philly Bike Action in signing their petition and calling to end this dangerous practice.
⛲ Fairmount Park Centennial Subdistrict Design Plan Survey
Philadelphia Parks and Recreation is redesigning the Centennial District of Fairmount Park and is looking for feedback. The survey proposes several plans with different road designs and a reduction in road miles through the park, so respond to the survey to indicate your support for the plans which deemphasize the role of cars in Fairmount Park and reorient it as a space for humans.
🗳️ Register to Vote
Planning to vote in the upcoming primary election? You can register to vote here and then you can request an absentee or mail-in ballot. To vote in the primary, you must register by this Monday, April 8th.
🚌 Support SEPTA Bus Revolution
Buses are a vital lifeline for getting folks around Philly, with many neighborhoods completely reliant on this service being fast, frequent, and reliable. SEPTA’s Bus Revolution would make buses more useful for more people by redesigning its entire bus network which would result in over a million more people gaining access to frequent bus routes.
Learn more about why we support Bus Revolution and sign our petition in support.
💸 Support SEPTA Funding
Governor Shapiro has announced that he plans to direct $282 million in sales tax revenue to SEPTA and other PA transit agencies. This will cover a significant portion of SEPTA's deficit, but we must keep up the fight ensure Governor Shapiro's proposed funding comes through and to find an additional funding source to cover the remaining deficit.
You can help by signing this petition, and reaching out to elected officials.
🛣️ Stop I-95 Expansion
PennDOT is planning to expand I-95 in Center City and South Philly by adding lanes and new ramps. This will threaten the well-being of our neighborhoods by worsening air quality, increasing noise pollution, and harming our access to the waterfront.
Join us in telling PennDOT that highway expansion has no place in the core of Philadelphia by signing our petition.
EVENTS
City Council Outdoor Dining Hearing
Friday April 5th, 10:00 AM | City Hall
City Council is holding a hearing on outdoor dining and the associated regulations and permitting process.
Connecting Neighborhoods to the Region: Northwest Schuylkill River Trails Summit
April 6, 2024 8:30AM - 1:00PM | Venice Island Performing Arts Center
Join us at the Venice Island Performing Arts Center in Manayunk on Saturday, April 6th at 8:30AM for an exploration of current trail investments and future trail projects in Northwest Philadelphia and Lower Merion Township!
Northwest Trails Ride: After the Summit
Saturday April 6, 2:00 PM | Venice Island Performing Arts Center
14 mile ride exploring trails on both sides of the Schuylkill River following the Northwest Schuylkill River Trails Summit
2024 Temple University Bike Tour
Sunday, April 28, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM | Temple Diamond lot
Hosted by Temple University Ambler, the Temple University Office of Sustainability and the Temple University Office of the Provost, the scenic tour will begin at the Temple University Athletic Field in Philadelphia and end at the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University.
WHAT WE'RE READING
🏙️ HOUSING & LAND USE
🌳 PUBLIC SPACE
🚌 TRANSIT
🚴 MOBILITY
🏛️ POLITICS
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Alliance for Watershed Education
- Summer River Program Assistant at Bartram’s Garden
- Engagement Assistant Coordinator at Partership for the Delaware Estuary
- On-Water Programming Supervisor at Independence Seaport Museum
- Environmental Education Instructor at Pocono Environmental Education Center
- Science Education Instructor at Center for Aquatic Sciences
- Volunteer Coordinator at The Schuylkill Center
University of Pennsylvania, Housing Initiative at Penn / Senior Research Associate / Analyst
District Attorney’s Transparency Analytics (DATA) Lab / Senior Data Analyst
City of Philadelphia
Clean Air Council
Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation / Director, Multi-Family Development
Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance
PIDC / Economic Development Intern, Capitalization and Impact
DVRPC
- Economic Development Planner
- Financial Reporting Senior Specialist
- Transportation Planner
- Program Coordinator/Senior Program Coordinator
- Senior Procurement & Contracts Specialist
- Staff Accountant
Pennsylvania Environmental Council / Program Manager, Trails & Outdoor Recreation
Lincoln Institute of Land Policy /
Parking Reform Network / Policy Director
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
2024 Mpact Transit + Community Conference Call for Speakers
The Mpact Transit + Community Conference focuses on the interplay of transit, mobility, land use and development in building great places to live - for everyone and they are putting out a call for speakers. Add your voice and help shape the vision for transit-oriented communities. Closes March 29.
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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