Category city

Philadelphia’s progress is alive and well in “Four Square Blocks”

Snyderman-Works Galleries | Old City, Philadelphia

 
For someone who was born just outside the city’s limits, but has now lived in Philadelphia for 15 years, I have seen various impressions of our great city.

From both locals and transplants alike.

I have personally found that those who were born in the city during its decline, and moved out when the suburbs were growing, tend to have a love/hate relationship with the city. Honestly, I don’t blame them as they witnessed neighborhoods go from thriving, job-heavy, and low-crime to the complete opposite; a good number of those neighborhoods are still stuck in that same routine.

That’s what change is, and it happens everyday.

I have also personally found that those who have never been to Philadelphia before, or visited for their first time within the last 10 years, have a completely different perspective of our great city. Honestly, I don’t blame them either as they describe Philadelphia as having character, urbanity, and great energy.

That’s what change has produced, and it’s still happening everyday.

Now that I have been in the city long enough to visit most neighborhoods, and experience a lot of what Philadelphia has to offer, I personally see progress. What do I mean by progress? I mean that Philadelphia as a whole is really starting to realize its true potential. That potential was always there, especially when our city was considered one of the most important and influential in the nation; but when the jobs left during/after deindustrialization, so did its momentum and promise.

Fast forward ahead about 50+ years, and most will tell you that momentum is back in Philadelphia’s corner. Do we have unemployment and poverty issues? Yes. Are our politics/systems outdated and antiquated? Yes. Do some people, who have lived here their entire lives, still have absolutely no hope that this city will ever turn around? Yes.

“So then what the h*ll are you talking about, Tim?”

I’m talking about the importance of cities as the preferred spot to live among younger generations.

I’m talking about how the rise of “Eds & Meds” is propelling cities into global status.

I’m talking about large, urban, and highly-rated universities where students are now staying, working, creating more jobs, and planning their futures.

I’m talking about technology and entrepreneurship, and their importance in reshaping the overall economy.

I’m talking about walkability, bikeability, sustainable living, parks, small businesses, established community groups, and … location, location, location.

These are things that drive growth in cities today, and Philadelphia is jam packed with them (on top of that, our location is hard to beat). It’s articles like this one that help me realize how significant Philadelphia is to the American landscape, and its continued promise that lies just ahead.

What is a CityNext Showcase City?

Seattle … not Philadelphia.

 
Well for starters, Philadelphia is 1 of only 13 cities (globally) to be named one. We were also the only North American city selected.

Microsoft is the creator of this program, and it has carefully selected cities around the world to take part in it. As stated in this article, here is what the program is trying to accomplish:

“CityNext is a global initiative empowering cities, businesses, and citizens to re-imagine their futures and cultivate vibrant communities. Cities are centers of industrial, economic, and entrepreneurial activity that fuel the rest of the world’s success. But cities increasingly encounter compelling forces, such as rapid urbanization, modernization mandates, and economic austerity pressures. Microsoft CityNext offers cities a vast and diverse Microsoft Partner Network of more than 430,000 technology experts across the globe to innovate today and create a better tomorrow. Leveraging a broad portfolio of familiar and security-enhanced consumer to business software, devices and services and Microsoft’s history of successful education and social programs, CityNext is a collective effort that enables cities and their people to accomplish what’s next.”

So what does this mean for Philadelphia? It means that Microsoft will give us 3 years of solid focus and support to try and accomplish the goals stated above. They want us to embrace technology, improve communication, and increase efficiencies across all city departments; a tall order, but something that’s definitely needed.

Now, the goals stated above are rather vague and general, IMHO. But what I like about us getting selected for this program is that a powerhouse like Microsoft is taking note of Philadelphia, and the great energy it has. Philadelphia has a long, storied history of entrepreneurial success, and it seems like everyday now that we’re taking another step in the right direction toward embracing that spirit as a global, forward-thinking city. Our technology scene is doing very well, and our open office culture is leading the charge across the US.

As a city, I also think it’s smart to jump at opportunities like this one because it’s available to those who want it. In other words, Microsoft has put its neck out there to support cities who want to embrace technology as a way to enhance Philadelphia’s quality of life and the customer service of its citizens. Our job was apply and accept; smart move.

I think it’s a no-brainer to jump at an opportunity like this. It’s also cool to know that we were the only American city slected.

Nice job, Philly.

Philadelphia’s population continues to grow

 
Philadelphia’s overall city population grows … again.

For a city that did not have an increase in population (even a small one) for about 50 years, it’s a good sign that we have now grown every year for the past 6 years. Although they’ve been small victories (percentage-wise), our total population now sits at 1,547,607; which also makes us the 5th Largest US City.

Try not to confuse “Largest US Cities” with “Largest US Metros.” “City” refers to population within actual city boundaries, and “Metro” refers to population around a city’s recognized metropolitan area (which can sometimes include both suburban towns and even other cities). In Philadelphia’s case, our “Metro Area” also consists of the areas in/around Camden, NJ and Wilmington, DE.

Why is this important?

Well for one thing, it means that Philadelphia is a relevant city (by today’s standards) and people are attracted to living within its boundaries (regardless of taxes, schools, etc.). It also means that more businesses (small, medium, and large) are attracted to Philadelphia, and are setting up shop to cater to its new residents.

Urban living has become a popular trend all over the US in recent years, and it’s also part of my inspiration for the website and blog you are reading right now.

I was born and raised right outside Philadelphia’s city limits (in Abington, PA; which is part of Philadelphia’s “Metro Area”), and went to both grade school and high school in the Abington area as well. Abington was an awesome place to grow up, and it’s still a great town today. It wasn’t until I went to college (at La Salle University) that I was able to experience living within Philadelphia’s boundaries.

It definitely made an impact on me; a very positive one. The rest is history. Now over 15 years later, I still call Philadelphia my home and just bought a new home in Roxborough.

So if anything, it looks like my own personal tastes have followed the current trend toward urban living; and I’m still writing about it today.