Weekly Newsletter #39 — August 19, 2026

August 19, 2026
Weekly Newsletter #39 · August 19, 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.

🎫 CITYNERD LIVE IN PHILLY

Tickets are now available to the general public for our live event with CityNerd!
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On September 28th, we'll be hosting Ray Delahanty  for a talk on what Philly gets right and wrong on walkability, transit, and affordability.
The event will be emceed by 5th Square Advocacy Executive Director Corinne Lagermasini, with Roosevelt Blvd Subway advocate Dr. Jay Arzu as a special guest.
Get your tickets here!

🚌 TONIGHT: STATEWIDE TRANSIT FUNDING CALL

Tonight at 6pm , join Transit for All PA for a statewide organizing call on the 2026-27 state budget and the opportunities it presents for transit riders to secure a win next year.

Transit agencies across PA have already had to make severe cuts and implement large fare hikes--we're next in 2027 if we don't find a new source of transit funding.

🚲 IMPROVE BIKING IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Philly Bike Action is launching a Community Action fund to provide financial support for projects that create tangible improvements for people biking in Philadelphia.
Applicants can  for a grant of  $250-2,000.
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They're looking for proposals like:
  • Bike racks or bike parking
  • Community bike repair or maintenance events
  • Bike lights, helmets, or other safety equipment for community distribution
  • Traffic calming or safety improvements (with appropriate approvals)

🪑 PEDESTRIANIZED SOUTH STREET

On Saturday and Sunday, August 29th-30th, South Street between 2nd and 4th Streets will be going car free! Between 4-10pm, the street will be opened up to pedestrians for Bring Your Own Chair South Street.

The event will feature live music, food, and a movie.

👋 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.

 

🚲 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! And use this tool for a quick form letter to contact your representatives.

📅 EVENTS

Aug 19

DVRPC Annual Work Program Workshop

5:30 to 7:30 PM · DVRPC Office (190 N Independence Mall W), or Virtual

Attend this DVRPC workshop to share feedback on proposed transportation planning projects. The DVRPC makes important planning decisions for the region--this is a great opportunity to advocate for further bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
Aug 19

Transit for All PA Statewide All-Call

6:00 to 7:00 PM · Virtual

Join Transit for All PA for a statewide call covering the 2026-2027 state budget and the clauses within it that give transit riders an opening to win next year.
Aug 27

Transit Forward Philly Book Club: When Driving Is Not an Option

5:30 to 7:00 PM · 2717 Aramingo Ave

Join Transit Forward Philly's next book club, covering Anna Zivarts'  When Driving Is Not an Option.

Aug 29, 30

Bring Your Own Chair South Street

4:00 to 10:00 PM · South Street between 2nd and 4th Streets

South Street goes car free for the weekend, featuring live music, food, and a movie.
Sep 27

Route 13 Advocacy Walk

10:00 AM to 6:00 PM · Hunting Park

Between 2019 and 2023, Route 13 has seen 123 fatal and serious injury crashes--it's time for a change. Advocates, friends and families of victims of traffic violence are walking Route 13 to raise awareness about the need for speed cameras to reduce crashes and saves lives.
Oct 29

Pitchfest: Transportation

2:30 to 6:30 PM · Penn Museum, Widener Lecture Hall, 3260 South St

Transportation Initiative at Penn is hosting an event designed to connect transportation-focused public agencies with faculty and staff at the University of Pennsylvania to collaborate on applied research projects. Public agency staff are invited to give low-stakes, two-minute pitches on short-term, high-impact projects that could benefit from external expert support.

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