City Cast Philly

Where did all of Philly's city workers go?

August 2, 2023

Hey friend. Eagles fans lined up at 3 a.m. to snag those Kelly green jerseys, and someone even brought Jello-shots. Philly really can make a party out of anything. On X, Inquirer columnist Stephanie Farr asked for people to share their favorite unofficial Philly ‘party.’ Do you have a favorite? I loved last year’s one-man rotisserie chicken eating celebration 🍗

What's CITY Talking About?

🎣 Repeated Vandalism at FDR Park

FDR Park’s boathouse saw a recent surge in vandalism, litter, and theft, which is negatively impacting its many popular community boating and fishing programs. On more than one occasion, people have broken into the boathouse storage spaces and stolen or destroyed thousands of dollars worth of kayaks, fishing supplies, and other equipment. Some program leaders want the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Department to deploy more rangers after hours to address the issue. [Billy Penn]

💰 The Cost of Climate Change in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's cities and towns will need to pay $15 billion by 2040 to deal with climate change, according to a recent report from an environmental advocacy group. It examined municipal budgets and the costs of projects such as planting street trees, increasing storm drainage capacity, upgrading air conditioning in schools, and more. To create climate resilience, Philly would need to spend about $3.3 billion by 2040, equivalent to over half the city’s current annual budget. [PhillyVoice]

Related: Philly has experienced a lot of extreme weather lately, and more is likely to come. Frank Kummer, environmental reporter for the Inquirer, breaks down how our region feels climate change. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

🏀 Sixers Arena Proposal Depends on City Hall

It’s been a year since the 76ers announced their plan to build a $1.3 billion arena in Center City’s Market East area. The team hoped that Philly would embrace the idea, but some of their actions have raised suspicion and disapproval. It’s unclear whether City Council will take up legislation to approve the arena or postpone action until January, when a new council and mayor will be seated. Chinatown activists, who oppose the arena plan, are focusing their efforts on Councilmember Mark Squilla, whose district encompasses the proposed site. [Inquirer🔒]

What To Do

🌕 Full Moon Yoga | Thursday | 6:30 p.m.

Unwind with yoga and journaling under the full moon. BYO mat and writing supplies. [by donation, Fairmount]

🛍️ Flea Market | Saturday | 2 p.m.

Enjoy live music, food and vendor shopping at NKCDC Garden. [pay-as-you-go, Fishtown]

📚 Book Signing | Monday, Aug. 7 | 7 p.m.

Join Uncle Bobbie’s for a Q & A with award-winning author Elizabeth Acevedo. [$5-$30, Germantown]

🎤 Karaoke | Wednesday, Aug. 9 | 10 p.m.

Enjoy drink specials, live music, and lots of karaoke at J.J. Mallons. [pay-as-you-go, Fishtown]

Today on City Cast

Why 1 in 5 City Jobs Are Vacant in Philly

Around one in five city government jobs are vacant, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. This affects everything from how quickly someone picks up your 911 call, to how late your local library is open. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Ryan Briggs, researcher on the investigative team at the Inquirer, about why there are so many job openings and how we’re all paying for them.