Philadelphia : The Next Great City

The Next Great City initiative is dedicated to creating a positive future for Philadelphia by advocating for common sense, cost effective policies that enhance environmental quality, strengthen neighborhoods and increase our economic competitiveness

Photo Credit: Bradley R Maule

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Green Office Pledge

Want your office to go green, but don't know how to get started? The Green Office Pledge identifies 30 things that every business can do in sourcing, energy use, recycling, and transportaion, along with a list of resources for information and assistance.

Central Delaware Action Plan

On June 26, Penn Praxis released An Action Plan for the Central Delaware- an ambitious plan to implement the civic vision put forth to transform the Delaware into a vibrant, green and connected riverfront.

At the release event, Mayor Nutter embraced the plan and agreed to two action items- reforming the Penn's Landing Corporation into an open and accountable waterfront manager and creating a park on Pier 11 at Race St.

The Next Great City coalition will be partnering with Penn Praxis and the Central Delaware Advisory Group in carrying out the goal of creating a 100-ft greenway along the water's edge, which aligns with the Next Great City goal of creating public riverfronts.

Home Depot to Recycle CFLs

In response to growing demand from customers who want to recycle their energy efficient compact fluorescent lamps, or CFLs, Home Depot recently announced that they will be recycling CFLs at all of their stores nationwide.

CFLs use up to 75% less energy than regular incandescent bulbs, and last ten times longer, but because they contain a trace amount of mercury, it is important to recycle them.

Home Depot joins Ikea and True Value in large stores that provide CFL recycling.

Fix It Philly launched

The Building Industry Association, Government Affairs Committee and the When We Fix It Coalition have launched www.fixitphilly.org. a website that will provide up-to-the-minute information on zoning, the development review process, and planning, and updates on City Council legislation as well as policy, personnel and program changes within related city commissions and departments.

Stop by the site regularly to learn more about progress in zoning and planning in Philadelphia.

VOICES OF PHILADELPHIANS:

In the latest edition of Voices of Philadelphians, Clean Air Council's Eric Cheung talks about the Phildelphia Diesel Difference Working Group and its role in reducing diesel emissions in Philadelphia that are linked to health problems, such as asthma and heart disease.

Next Great City recommends the City retrofit its diesel fleet to reduce emissions, which Philadelphia Diesel Difference is helping to make happen.

SPREAD THE WORD:

We want every Philadelphian to learn about Next Great City! If you want to help us spread the word, invite a Next Great City representative to come speak at the next meeting of your civic association, church group or other community organization.

In addition, if you'd like copies of the Next Great City report or brochures, contact Christine at 215-545-9692.

Funded by the William Penn Foundation and made up of community, public health, environmental and civic organizations, the Next Great City initiative came together in the fall of 2005 to address the environmental and public health issues that are harming Philadelphia’s economy and quality of life.