City Cast Philly
🏠City Hall’s housing showdown
December 12, 2025 · — Siani Colón
Hey there — although the Positivity Rabbit didn’t make it to Friday, we sure did! Now that we’ve reached the final day of our year-end membership campaign, we want to share some love. Thank you so much to those of you who’ve joined City Cast Philly Neighbors. Your support means the world, and it’s essential to making sure we can keep sending you this newsletter every weekday.
2026 is the year we’re challenging our readers to dive deeper into all things local, and City Cast Philly Neighbors is an easy and delightful way to do it. We make it easy to invest your time, money, and attention in this place we all call home. Our membership program exists to connect you with fellow Philadelphians IRL at members-only events and get you out into the community with a curated guide to local events across the city (and more!).
Don’t go into the new year without a plan to get more connected to your local community.
Today is your last day to join and get the City Cast beanie — I’m dying to send you one!
What's CITY Talking About
The Housing Battle Between Mayor Parker and City Council
City Council approved a resolution setting the first-year budget for Mayor Parker’s HO.M.E. initiative yesterday, but only after councilmembers advanced their version of the proposal — to the mayor’s objection — that lowers income thresholds to make poorer people eligible for financial assistance for home improvements. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
One of Philly’s Iconic Public Art Installations Gets Destroyed
Demolition has begun on the former Painted Bride Arts Center following a years-long effort by residents, preservationists, and artists to save a building that’s completely decorated with mosaics that took artist Isaiah Zagar nine years to create. A six-story apartment building will replace the center. The art space continues its operations in West Philly. [🔒 The Inquirer]
Center City’s Newest Neighbors
Most Center City newcomers come from New York, which is no surprise, followed by Cherry Hill, Boston, Chicago, and Atlanta, according to a new survey from the Center City District. The majority of respondents were under 45, and primarily work in health care. [Philly Voice]
- Related: While Center City apartments are getting filled, it’s a different story for its office buildings. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
Package Thefts Are Seemingly on the Decline
Reports of stolen packages fell to 3,680 last year, down one percent from the previous year. But neighborhoods in Center City, North Philly, and West Philly saw an uptick in thefts. And keep in mind: Who calls the cops on a porch pirate? Police say the crime is likely underreported. [Axios]
- Related: Here’s how to protect your packages as you wait for holiday deliveries. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
How Well Do You Know Philly?
After our chat with Philadelphia Soccer 2026 CEO Meg Kane this week, we’re pumped for the FIFA World Cup. We just hope we can get a ticket, though.
Soccer may not be the first sport we think of when it comes to the United States, but Philly has a long history with it.
You don’t have to be an athlete or an expert to take a stab at this local trivia.
What To Do
Friday, Dec. 12
- 🧑🎨 Philly Fights Hunger Art Show at Forîn Cafe (Fishtown)
- 🖼️ Exhibition Opening: “Common Thread” at the Kensington Storefront (Kensington)
- 💃 It’s Giving Cabaret at The Wanamaker Building (Center City)
- ☕️ Caroling & Cocoa at Columbus Square Park (Passyunk Square)
- 🤼 Awful Wrestling Holiday Spectacle 2 at PhilaMOCA (Callowhill)
Saturday, Dec. 13
- 🎉 A Philly Holiday Spectacular at Marian Anderson Hall (Center City)
- 💘 Pitch-a-Friend at Punch Buggy Brewing Co. (Olde Kensington)
- 📚 Bring Your Own Book Review at the Athenaeum of Philadelphia (Center City)
- 🎨 Art Auction & Party at Huddle (Northern Liberties)
- 🎄 Fabric Ornaments Workshop at Glen Foerd (Torresdale)
- 🚶 Mural Walking Tour (Center City West)
- 📻 Pop-Up Vinyl Market at 48 Record Bar (Old City)
- 🦌 Rudolph Run (Manayunk)
- ⛸️ American Gold Figure Skating at Penn Ice Rink (University City)
- 💌 Holiday Card-Making Workshop at Ulises (Norris Square)
- 🎞️ “It’s a Wonderful Live” Screening & Toy Drive at PFS East (Old City)
- 🔍 Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt at the Philadelphia Art Museum (Fairmount)
- 🏳️🌈 Drag Bingo at Cartesian Brewing (East Passyunk)
Sunday, Dec. 14
- 🍸 Drinks We Love Pop-Up at Caletta (Fishtown)
- 💎 Holiday Charm Bar Pop-Up at Needles & Bolts (Mt. Airy)
- 🏈 Sports as Religion & Eagles Watch Party at Philadelphia Ethical Society (Rittenhouse)
- 💻 Draw with Code at Iffy Books (Southwest Center City)
- 🎨 Masterpieces East Trolley Mural Tour beginning at PAFA (Center City)
- 💘 Fooling Around: A Competitive Comedy Dating Game Show at Punch Line Philly (Fishtown)
- 🛍️ Jam Jar Art Market at Hall Pass (Callowhill)
- 🕎 Menorah Lighting at Betsy Ross House (Old City)
Shoutout to Brian A., Julianne A., and Michael H. for becoming City Cast Philly Neighbors! If you need more convincing, here’s why Julianne decided to become a member.
“I read your newsletter every morning and enjoy the coverage of what’s going on in my city. I also appreciate the events on weekends!”
Thank you, Julianne, and all of you, for opening your inbox each day. If I’ve helped you stay informed, connected you to a community event where you found a new friend, or made you laugh, please consider becoming a Neighbor or gifting a membership. 🧡
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