Resources

Civic Engagement

• Design Advocacy Group — An independent and informed advocate for design quality in Philadelphia
• Great Expectations — Philadelphia Inquirer and University of Pennsylvania Project on Civic Engagement
• It's Our City — A partnership between WHYY and the Philadelphia Daily News to deliver insightful, in-depth reporting and commentary on the issues and leadership in the Philadelphia region
• It's Our Money — WHYY and the Philadelphia Daily News team up to cover the City of Philadelphia's budget in a way that citizens can understand and be a part of.
• Philadelphia Forward -- An organization devoted to promoting policies to improve Philadelphia
• Plan Philly — City planning and urban design website for the city and region from PennPraxis, the clinical arm of the School of Design of the University of Pennsylvania.

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Economic Development / Facts & Figures

• CityStats — General demographic and economic data from the Philadelphia City Planning Commission
• Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission — Data and analysis of the region’s demographics and economy
• Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia — Economic research for the region
• Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) -- Nonprofit formed to promote economic development throughout the city
• US Census — Demographic and economic data

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Information and Lessons from Elsewhere

• New York City Independent Budget Office — Provides nonpartisan economic, budgetary, and policy analysis for residents and elected officials of NYC

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Philadelphia Government

• City of Philadelphia Budget Documents — Where you can find some of the city's financial information
• Philadelphia Government Access Streaming Video — Watch City Council meetings and more
• Office of the City Controller — The City’s Fiscal Watchdog
• Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority — Provides oversight and guidance to the city to foster sound financial management
• Philadelphia City Council — Find information about bills and meetings as well as contact info for City Council members
• School District Budget — Read the much debated School District Budget here

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State Finances

• Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Governor’s Office of the Budget — Learn all about the State budget