What We're Reading: Week of August 16, 2021

Here's what we're reading this week about the projects, people and policies driving local development:

Pew released a report on the impact of tangled titles on over $1bn of real estate in Philadelphia

by Michael Caudell-Feagan and Frazierita Klasen, August 2021

Phila 3.0 did a first dive into what the 2020 Census numbers show for population growth in Philadelphia and Council redistricting, and Pennsylvania population trends and the need for more infill housing in Southeast PA

by Jon Geeting, August 13, 2021

Philadelphia Business Journal: Hilco Redevelopment Partners only considered two trophy office locations for their Philadelphia headquarters

by Natalie Kostelni, August 11, 2021

The Philadelphia Citizen: The Nowak Metro Finance Lab at Drexel released a report examining how up to $9.2bn in infrastructure and pandemic relief funding that could come to Philadelphia could be best deployed to maximize positive impact

by Bruce Katz, Karyn Bruggeman and Colin Higgins, August 12, 2021

The Philadelphia Citizen argues that planning and zoning should be directed by the Planning Commission, and consistent city wide goals, not by overlays instituted via Councilmanic prerogative

by Jon Geeting, July 5, 2021

Philadelphia Business Journal: After a six year development process, the pair of W hotels are opening in Center City

by Laura Smythe, August 18, 2021

The Philadelphia Citizen examines the impact that the current turnover of university presidents in Philadelphia, including Temple, Penn and Drexel, could have on the city and the region

by Elaine Maimon, August 4, 2021

Philadelphia Business Journal: An international bakery chain is launching a major US expansion, with the Philadelphia region as a key element in its expansion plans

by Laura Smythe, August 16, 2021

The National Housing Coalition reports on the expected positive impact of a new Fannie Mae rule allowing rental payment history to be used in home loan underwriting, to increase homeownership for lower income and minority borrowers

by David Dworkin, August 22, 2021

The Inquirer editorial board argues that increasing funding for Basic Systems Home Repair could aid in reducing violent crime in Philadelphia

by The Editorial Board, August 13, 2021

The Philadelphia Citizen offers a viewpoint on why “tiny houses” take attention away from truly effective measures to address homelessness

by Josh Kruger, August 9, 2021