Weekly Newsletter #30 — June 17, 2026

June 17, 2026
Weekly Newsletter #30 · June 17, 2026

5th Square Advocacy is an urbanist organization of grassroots advocates building a coalition for better transportation, housing, and public space in Philadelphia. Thanks to our growing network of sustaining members for making this work possible.

🥳 COUNCIL PASSED TOC BILL

This past week, City Council passed the Transit-Oriented Communities bill which aims to boost housing development within a quarter mile of select transit stations.

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Though we would have loved to see these changes immediately apply to all transit stations citywide, we're excited to see support from councilmembers across Philly for including more stations in the near future.

Council President Johnson is showing true leadership here by looking into opting in all of the South Broad St Subway stops!

Read more from the Inquirer: Philly has a new law to boost development around transit. Which neighborhoods will benefit?

If you haven't already, sign this petition to show your support for more homes near transit --your support will help as we work with councilmembers to add additional stations!

🗓️ NEXT MONTH: TRANSPORTATIONCAMP PHL

Save the date for the summer session of TransportationCamp PHL!
On Saturday, July 18th, transportation professionals, students, and advocates will come together for a free "unconference" gathering, featuring fun social activities.

🏛️ TONIGHT: POLICY SOCIAL/CELEBRATION

Tonight at 5:30 PM, the Bicycle Coalition and Transit Forward Philly will be hosting a  policy social and celebration.
They'll celebrate wins in bike advocacy, Circuit Trails, transit, and pedestrian safety and attendees will discuss ideas for the coming year.
The event will also feature remarks from Councilmember-at-Large Nicholas O'Rourke and Sierra McNeil, nominee for the 195th district.
RSVP here.
Policy Social and Celebration with BCGP and TFP
Tonight, June 17th, 5:30 PM
Resurrection Philadelphia, 123 S 17th St

👋 BECOME A MEMBER

Thank you to everyone who has already joined as a member! Our members fuel our grassroots work for a more accessible, sustainable, and equitable Philadelphia.

BECOME A MEMBER

🗞️ 5TH SQUARE IN THE NEWS

The Inquirer: Philly has a new law to boost development around transit. Which neighborhoods will benefit?

The urbanist group 5th Square had been meeting with City Council members in advance of Thursday’s final vote on the bill strengthening transit-oriented development.
...
“The idea that all of the stations will be opted in at once is unlikely,” said Jay Arzu , housing organizer with 5th Square and the founder of the Roosevelt Boulevard Subway Movement.

“They made the intention clear that they’ll look at it on an individual, case-by-case basis, which is disappointing for transit advocates,” Arzu said. “But we recognize it’s another step in the right direction. Sometimes you just got to take what you can get.”

🚨 ACTION ITEMS

🏘️🚇  SUPPORT HOMES NEAR TRANSIT

Sign to show your support for more homes near transit! City Council passed a bill to increase housing near certain transit stations--we need your support to expand coverage to additional stations citywide.

 

🏫 UNIVERSAL STUDENT FARES PETITION

Sign this petition to support expanding student transit cards to cover more students and provide transit access on evenings, weekends, and summers.

 

✍️ TRAIL SURVEY

Take this quick, 3-minute survey to help the Bicycle Coalition and Circuit Trails understand how you use trails throughout the region.

 

🚲 LEGALIZE PARKING-PROTECTED BIKE LANES

Parking-protected bike lanes are a great way to make our bikes lanes safer and lower stress, but they are illegal on state roads! Sign the Bicycle Coalition's petition to legalize parking-protected bike lanes!

📅 EVENTS

Jun 17

Policy Social and Celebration with BCGP and TFP

5:30 PM · Resurrection Philadelphia, 123 S 17th St

Join the Bicycle Coalition and Transit Forward Philly to celebrate wins in bike advocacy, Circuit Trails, transit, and pedestrian safety! BCGP Policy Director Julio Rodriguez will share policy priorities for 2026, and attendees will discuss ideas for the coming year.
Jun 27

Biking with Toddlers 101 Webinar

1:30 PM to 2:30 PM · Online Webinar

Learn how to safely bike with young children. This webinar will feature a presentation by two local doctors followed by a Q&A section.
Jun 28

Teddy Einstein Exit Party

2:00 PM to 8:00 PM · Clark Park

Celebrate the life of Teddy Einstein with life stations commemorating the different chapters of his life amidst food, drinks, and lawn games.
Aug 08

Philly Mayor's Cup

Belmont Plateau

The Philly Running Alliance is hosting a team race where runners compete for their chosen local running club, featuring races of varying length through historic West Fairmount Park.

 

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