Weekly Newsletter #36 — July 30, 2026

July 30, 2026
Weekly Newsletter #36 · July 30, 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.

👋 WELCOME CORINNE!

We are thrilled to welcome Corinne Lagermasini as 5th Square Advocacy’s first Executive Director.
This marks an exciting new chapter as we grow from a lean, all-volunteer team into a staffed nonprofit, expanding capacity to advocate for abundant housing, reliable public transportation, and safer streets across Philadelphia. After years of building a powerful volunteer movement, hiring the first Executive Director is an important investment in 5th Square's future.
Read the full announcement in this blog post.
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🚲 PARKING-PROTECTED BIKE LANES

Parking-protected bike lanes make our streets safer for all road users, but they're not allowed on state roads-- help us change that!
For years, the Bicycle Coalition has been leading the charge to legalize parking-protected bike lanes in PA. Let's make it happen this year!
We need you to contact your legislators and ask them to support HB 291.
Use this tool for a quick form letter and contact information for your representatives. It only takes two minutes!

🕰️ 24 HOURS ON TRANSIT

This past Tuesday, Transit Forward Philly led a 24-hour transit riding marathon to bring attention to the need to fund our region's public transit.
We were thrilled to join them for the kickoff at City Hall and several of our volunteers joined them on their journey and dinner at Gather Food Hall.
Read more about the marathon from NBC Philadelphia: Transit advocates to ride SEPTA for 24 hours to push for more funding
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📢 WE'RE PUSHING PENNDOT FOR A SAFER WEST MARKET

Last Friday, we rallied with safe streets activists from Philly Bike Action and the Bicycle Coalition to demand PennDOT implement badly needed safety upgrades on West Market Street.
Market Street is on Philadelphia's High Injury Network, and PBA's analysis found 139 documented crashes on Market between 38th and the Schuylkill just from 2020 to 2024, making it one of the most dangerous corridors in the city.
It's time for a change.
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📰 5TH SQUARE IN THE NEWS

The Inquirer / Bike and pedestrian advocates rallied for a safer Market Street in University City
David Brindley , 57, a volunteer with the urbanist advocacy group 5th Square , lives in West Philadelphia with his family. When his children started fifth grade at Science Leadership Academy and walked from their home in West Philadelphia, he and his wife would sheepishly call the school each morning to make sure they had arrived safely.

👋 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

🚨 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.

 

🚲 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

Jul 30

Transit Book Club: Saving Ourselves from Big Car

5:30 to 7:30 PM · 1500 Walnut St, 8th Fl

Transit Forward Philly is hosting a book club. Materials will be provided.
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.

💼 JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Southwest CDC  / Community Engagement Specialist

Office of State Rep Sierra McNeil / Resume Bank

New Kensington Community Development Corporation

Econsult

Hexagon Studio Architects / Architectural Designer

Accelerator for America

Office of Councilmember Gauthier / Interns

The Common Wheel  / Executive Director

Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia /  Manager, Business Attraction & Expansion

Committee of Seventy / Senior Director of External Affairs

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