@thephilacitizen.bsky.social
The Philadelphia Citizen is an independent news outlet focusing on solutions to make Philly a better city and ways to inspire locals to be more engaged. thephiladelphiacitizen.org
Pundit and activist @smerconish.bsky.social joins Citizen Co-founder and our former mayors to talk about the current state of media and the importance of people connecting with people IRL.
https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/how-to-really-run-a-city-michael-smerconish/
MS NOW host and Citizen board member @velshi.com sits down with retired U.S. Army Col. Jack Jacobs to talk about the dangers of invoking Christian Evangelical Nationalism in our war with Iran.
It’s that time of year: We’re on the hunt for the most high-integrity workers employed by the City of Philadelphia. Nominate the most inspiring city workers you know, and they could be named a 2026 Integrity Icon.
More than a decade after a luxury hotel was promised, the property sits empty. As for that new African American Museum ...
The legendary marketing guru, chef and photographer shares some favorite photos and stories of Jay-Z, Snoop, DMC, Rakim, Biz Markie and other musicians he’s worked with, befriended and captured on camera.
"For the people who work and sail on her, the Gazela is a labor of love and a way to create community."
“Increasingly over my time here, I’ve found teaching civics to be the most meaningful and impactful part of my work. I wouldn’t want to teach anything else," says Charlie McGeehan, our 2026 Educator of the Year.
"It’s also crucial that all universities and colleges remain ever vigilant, promoting free-speech and committing to doing everything possible to sustain and improve the positive results of the Gallup survey," writes our education expert.
Your curated list of the best semiquincentennial events, exhibits, and activities happening in and around Philly.
"After 20 events and counting, it’s no longer a question of whether Open Streets works. It’s how far we can take it," writes the president and CEO of @centercityphila.org.
This weekend in Philly we have the Ministry of Awe's grand opening, your last chance to see the Tina Turner musical, the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and so much more!
A luxury hotel and a new home for the African American Museum were promised to replace the Family Court building over a decade ago. Now, it appears that the redevelopment is dead.
The war in Iran continues to escalate, Kristi Noem's downfall and AI technology is getting stronger, for better or for worse. Here's what happened this week.
A two-year-old Citizen story is at the heart of a hip hop debate between the music mogul and a bestselling author and public intellectual.
https://bit.ly/4t4hgVZ
City Councilmember Jeffrey Young's proposed bill would impact almost every development project in the city. Our housing and development expert explains.
The legendary marketing guru, chef and photographer shares his favorite stories of his friends Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, A$AP Rocky, Usher and other legendary hip-hop artists.
In our latest episode of How to Really Run a City, pundit and activist @smerconish.bsky.social joins our former mayors and Citizen Co-founder to discuss how local leaders can break through partisanship.
https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/how-to-really-run-a-city-michael-smerconish/
Local social media app Playdate encourages IRL gatherings by telling Philadelphians what events are happening in town — and encouraging them to invite their friends.
Urban recovery seemed possible after Covid. But now, six years later, across the nation transit agencies are facing financial crises and administrative action from Trump. Here are the six major city trends.
Did you know Philly is home to the U.S.'s first women's college? Celebrate its "firstival," attend the St. Patrick's Day Parade, visit a plethora of museums and more ways to celebrate our semiquincentennial this week.
In most candidate forums, politicians are asked the same policy questions over and over. At The Citizen's Ultimate Job Interview, Philly's congress candidates will be tested on their leadership, character and experience. RSVP today!
The controversy over a new restaurant planned for Fishtown is another instance of the City making it harder for small businesses to operate. Councilmember Squilla, are you listening?
The Palumbo civics teacher is shaping the next generation of changemakers into the kinds of active citizens we need.
The Ramblas effect: Philadelphia's experiment in pedestrian-first streets — by the woman who made Open Streets happen.
It’s that time of year: We’re on the hunt for the most high-integrity workers employed by the City of Philadelphia. Nominate the most inspiring city workers you know, and they could be named a 2026 Integrity Icon.
The U.S. has a prominent, federally funded, $17 billion example of successful, economically integrated community building. The nation’s leading housing expert explains why we’re not using it to solve our housing crisis.
Ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary, the historic tall ship Gazela celebrates getting to 125 — with a little help from her friends.
MS NOW host and Citizen board member @velshi.com sits down with retired U.S. Army Col. Jack Jacobs to talk about the dangers of invoking Christian Evangelical Nationalism in our war with Iran.
On April 13th, the inaugural Fitler Forum will take place at Fitler Club. This event will convene the city’s nonprofit leaders to explore practical, forward-looking solutions to the sector’s most pressing challenges. Register today!
https://fitlerfoundation.com/forum2026
