PlanPhilly
Coverage of PlanPhilly in the Nexus archive.
- Philly tenant unions have quadrupled since the pandemic — and their political power is growing
Tenants at Florence Gardens Apartments in West Philadelphia formed a union to negotiate better living conditions with landlord New Age Realty Group. This action contributes to a growing movement, as the number of tenant associations in Philadelphia has risen from about five known groups to upward of 20 since the COVID-19 pandemic. These organizations are responding to the city’s housing crisis and affordability issues.
- Homebuying in the Philly area is more expensive than last year. Here’s why
New data show that homebuying in the Philadelphia area has become less affordable, requiring an income of just over $94,000 a year to afford a typical home in June. The median sale price for a home in the Philadelphia metro was $337,988, marking a 4.5% increase from the previous year. Economists suggest this price growth is strongly linked to pressure created by the city’s robust health care sector, which increases jobs and housing demand.
- Mayor Parker vows to help preserve hundreds of subsidized rentals in the West Philly area
Mayor Cherelle Parker stated that her administration is working on a plan to potentially save nearly 1,000 affordable rentals in West and Southwest Philadelphia. The properties belong to Neighborhood Restorations, whose federal tax credits are expiring as owner Jim Levin seeks to sell the portfolio. Residents and tenants fear displacement if the buildings are not secured by city funding.
- Introducing The Source
WHYY News launches 'The Source,' a local news podcast featuring audio reporting from teams like Billy Penn, PlanPhilly, WHYY News Climate Desk, and The Pulse. Each episode ends with a notable Billy Penn-ism and is available on all podcast platforms.