ISSUE PRIORITIES
HOUSING & LAND USE
Most people in Philadelphia can't afford a new home on the market today; and most of the iconic, affordable housing stock of Philadelphia wouldn't be legal to build today. Our goal is to promote the most efficient use of land in our city, fostering accessible, walkable communities in which all Philadelphians can reside regardless of economic status. We believe in building more housing to ease market pressures and seek to reduce housing costs by eliminating unnecessary requirements like minimum parking ratios. Abundant, varied housing makes it easier to live near your job, keeps seniors in their communities, increases the vitality of our commercial corridors, and benefits our public transit system and the environment.
While we advocate in Philadelphia, the surrounding area, and across the Commonwealth on an array of issues, our key priorities are:
Modernize Zoning
Outdated zoning codes and land use policies severely restrict the number of available homes in the city. Overuse of single-family zoning districts across the city is mismatched to the current needs of residents and is driving the costs of new housing out of reach for the majority of Philadelphians.
Options like Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Single Room Occupancies (SROs) or multiplexes are lower-cost, flexible housing types that allow residents to choose options that work for them, but due to zoning restrictions, are disallowed in much of the city. The exclusionary history of most residential zoning is unsuitable for a Philadelphia that is welcoming to all, and our city's most vibrant neighborhoods have a rich variety of housing types and sizes that zoning changes could allow everywhere in the city. Building abundant and dense housing in all neighborhoods reduces demand for existing housing and stabilizes housing prices for both renters and homeowners.
End Councilmanic Prerogative
The City Council’s deference to local councilmember preference elevates the concerns of outspoken, well-connected neighbors while neglecting the needs of other residents, potential new neighbors, and our city’s overall need to grow our housing supply.
It is past time for councilmembers to surrender parcel-by-parcel control over land use approvals. More uniform zoning and housing development processes will allow more people to live in areas of opportunity in Philadelphia and reduce costs by eliminating red-tape and long, uncertain development timelines. It will also help the city put blighted properties and the large number of vacant lots in the city back into productive use
Eliminate Parking Minimums
We support eliminating minimum parking requirements for all of Philadelphia’s zoning categories. Parking requirements for residential, office, and mixed-use developments are a regressive hidden tax on non-drivers and homebuilders that makes housing more expensive, incentivizes driving and congestion, and results in increased traffic and more cars in the surrounding neighborhood.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Philadelphia becomes a better, more equitable city when all people can get around it quickly, affordably, and safely in a way that best works for them. By recognizing the long-term harm that shortsighted and frequently racist, classist, and ableist transportation planning has had on the city; we aim to advocate for freedom, safety, and equity, for all travelers.
Sustainable Transit Funding
Sustainable funding is essential to keep SEPTA reliable, affordable, and accessible; while supporting the economy, environment, and quality of life in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Without stable investment, the region risks service cuts and infrastructure decline that would harm regional mobility, job access, and air quality.
Consistent and stable state funding drives long-term growth through infrastructure upgrades and technology improvements, while local funding sustains dependable, community focused services. A balanced commitment from both levels is vital to preserve SEPTA’s role in reducing the region's traffic congestion, cutting emissions, and powering regional prosperity and mobility.
Geographic and Modal Accessibility
Southeastern Pennsylvania’s transit system must be equitable, accessible, and interconnected to serve all residents across the region effectively. Too many communities remain disconnected from reliable transit options, limiting access to jobs, education, and essential services. Gaps in ADA accessibility continue to marginalize riders with disabilities and undermines SEPTA’s commitment to inclusive mobility.
Better integration between all modes—buses, metro, and regional rail—is needed to create a seamless network that works not just between neighborhoods but also across county lines. A truly regional, connected, and accessible transit system is essential for a just, sustainable, and thriving Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Safe and Reliable Transit
Everyone in our region deserves a SEPTA that’s safe, reliable, and connects people to opportunity—not one that leaves riders waiting, stranded, or feeling unsafe. Too many riders face delayed service, poorly lit and unsheltered stops, and unsafe conditions that make daily travel stressful and unpredictable.
We need real investment in frequent, dependable service and infrastructure that prioritizes rider safety and comfort. Reliable public transit brings true freedom of mobility to people —it means access to jobs, education, and community. A safe, trustworthy and dependable SEPTA is essential to building a more equitable, connected, and thriving Philadelphia.
ROADWAY SAFETY
Philadelphia currently gives far too much space to cars and prioritizes the convenience of drivers over the health and safety of everyone else. We therefore advocate for the following policies so that our streets and other public spaces are designed for people, not cars, and are safe and accessible to all residents, regardless of race, age, gender, disability, or any other identity.
Prioritize Roadway Safety
Philadelphia needs to prioritize roadway safety. Philadelphia has a rate of traffic deaths three times higher than New York City. The effects of car crashes also have an excess impact on low-income households and people of color.
As a city we must prioritize people over cars by redesigning dangerous corridors, calming traffic, and expanding access to transit, biking, and walking.
Safer streets save lives, strengthen communities, and create a more connected, people-centered Philadelphia.
Reform On-Street Parking
Philadelphia needs common-sense parking reforms that keep streets safe and moving for everyone. Illegal parking, blocked bus lanes, and obstructed ADA ramps make daily travel frustrating, unsafe, and inaccessible for both residents and visitors.
Replacing some curbside parking with dedicated loading zones or bike lanes reduces conflict points, supports safer more effective movement of people and goods, and keeps buses, bikes, pedestrians, and cars moving.
Clear rules, smarter street designs such as daylighting intersections, and more consistent enforcement, would ensure that our streets start working for all users—not just cars. Reforms to the permit parking system like neighborhood inclusion and creation of parking benefit districts will mitigate the harms of free on-street parking.
Safer, smarter, and fairer parking policies will keep Philadelphia accessible, connected, and thriving.
A Complete Network of Bike Lanes
Philadelphia needs a safer, more connected network of protected bike lanes to support a real shift toward sustainable transportation. Too many streets still leave people on bikes exposed to dangerous traffic violence, discouraging riders and stalling progress toward cleaner, more efficient mobility.
Advancing protected bike lanes isn’t just about safety—it’s about giving people real choices beyond cars and building a city where walking, biking, and transit work together. A strong bike network drives local business, attracts investment, and keeps money in our communities. Safe, protected bike lanes are essential for a healthier, more accessible, and economically vibrant Philadelphia.
