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(Photos by Melissa Simpson and courtesy of Why Not Prosper)
During a 2020 presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, the then-incumbent declared, “Bad things happen in Philadelphia.” And in true Philadelphia fashion, the city ran with it. From clothing to mugs, the slogan became ubiquitous and exemplified the underdog narrative assigned to Philly. Even this newsroom joined in on the fun with “Good Things Happen in Philly” T-shirts.
The dichotomy of good and bad is subjective, often shaped by individual perspectives and motivations. Take equitable cities, for example — a divisive topic across the political spectrum. But no matter how it’s framed, creating just cities for all should be a top priority.
Creating more equitable cities is at the heart of many Next City readers’ work and is at the center of what we often explore during our events, virtual and in-person.
This year, Next City’s Vanguard Conference returns to Philly, with applications closing on April 21. In 2024, the city’s poverty rate hit its lowest level in a decade. Yet, Philly remains the poorest big city in the U.S. That’s why poverty elimination is the central theme of this year’s experiential gathering.
As you prepare to submit your application, we’ve rounded up some of our top stories on how urban changemakers in Philly are working to transform the city. Let this serve as a primer on just how bad Philly can get.
1. Five Years In, Philly’s Kensington Corridor Trust Is Building Momentum
Sherry’s Restaurant, a Kensington staple for over 50 years, is now owned by longtime employee Yolanda Del Valle — and its new landlord is the community itself. Thanks to the Kensington Corridor Trust (KCT), a community-led real estate initiative, residents now control commercial properties along Kensington Avenue, ensuring affordability and local investment.
KCT has rapidly expanded, acquiring 30 properties with plans for more, all while prioritizing affordable rents and neighborhood-driven development. Unlike traditional landlords, KCT reinvests in the community, proving that economic development doesn’t have to mean displacement.
2. In Philly, These Former Drug Dealers Are Helping Address Open-Air Sales
Founded by Lou Cruz, a Kensington native with lived experience in the drug trade, Ride Free connects people to well-paying career paths — because minimum wage jobs won’t cut it when someone is making thousands on the street. The organization provides forklift training, job placement, a recording studio, and even a future barbershop, creating real opportunities beyond survival.
3. This Program Is Helping Philadelphians Buy Affordable Homes
As of September 2024, 100 households closed on newly built affordable homes through the Philadelphia Land Bank’s Turn the Key (TTK) program — just a fraction of the 1,000 homes expected to be sold through the initiative.
Launched in 2022, TTK helps first-time homebuyers with mortgage buydowns of up to $75,000 and ensures long-term affordability by restricting resale to income-qualified buyers. The homes are built on publicly-owned land across neighborhoods like Brewerytown, Grays Ferry, and West Poplar.
With an average buyer income of $45,000 per year, this program is a game-changer for working-class Philadelphians. And with Mayor Cherelle Parker aiming to build or repair 30,000 homes in four years, the Philadelphia Land Bank is finally moving toward its long-promised potential.
4. A Lifeline for Struggling New Mothers in Philly
Philadelphia’s Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) provides free, in-home support to first-time, low-income mothers, pairing them with nurses from pregnancy until their child turns two. The program helps moms with mental health screenings, parenting skills, child development education, and access to essential resources like legal aid and financial assistance.
With high maternal health risks in Philly, where Black women are four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes, programs like NFP are critical in reducing complications, improving infant development, and breaking cycles of poverty.
5. Philly’s Reforestation Hub Isn’t Just Diverting Tree Waste. It’s Also Creating Jobs.
Each year, cities lose 36 million trees, but Philly’s Reforestation Hub is changing that. A partnership between Philly Parks & Rec, Cambium Carbon, and PowerCorpsPHL, the hub salvages fallen trees, turning them into sustainable wood products while creating green jobs.
Instead of landfills, trees become Carbon Smart Wood, storing carbon and transforming into furniture, decking, and more. Fifteen percent of sales support new tree planting through Tree Philly. Plus, PowerCorpsPHL trains and employs young workers, connecting them to careers in sustainability.
6. Philly’s Rolling Engagement Van Cuts Recidivism By Bringing Resources Where They’re Needed
For years, Why Not Prosper has helped formerly incarcerated women in Philly rebuild their lives. Now, they’re taking their services on the road with the Rolling Engagement Van (REV) — bringing resources directly to women in need.
Stocked with clothing, hygiene kits, Narcan, legal support, and even on-the-spot therapy, the REV provides real-time help — whether it’s hot meals, HIV tests, or job referrals. Founder Rev. Michelle Simmons believes meeting women where they are can break cycles of trauma, addiction, and incarceration.