Community Network Member:

University of Pennsylvania, Urban Studies Program

The Urban Studies Program is committed to fostering civic dialogue about vital challenges and opportunities facing cities in general and Philadelphia in particular. Since 2001, Urban Studies has organized series of “Public Conversations ” on some of the most current and critical issues facing the city and region. Our collaboration with The Next Mayor is through the "Public Conversations" series.

USB's Top 3 Issues:

1. Poverty
2. Social Inequality
3. Economic (shared) prosperity

USB's "Big Question" for the candidates:

How will your administration alleviate poverty and build wealth among low-wealth Philadelphians?

Programs/Initiatives/Services provided by USB for the community:

Public Conversations (6th annual)

This year’s series is entitled, “Urban Poverty and Prosperity: Building and Agenda for Philadelphia’s Next Mayor.”

Recent signs from the real estate market, downtown and neighborhood renewal suggest that Philadelphia is enjoying an urban renaissance.  Yet a quarter of all Philadelphians live below the poverty line.  Poverty impacts everything from crime to schools, taxes to economic development.  Perhaps no other issue matters more for the city and region’s future. 

This series of public events explores the social and spatial dimensions of urban poverty and their implications for economic development.  As Philadelphians elect a new mayor in 2007, we ask: What can and should the next mayor do to alleviate poverty and promote shared prosperity in the 21st century city?

Speakers include civic leaders, policy makers, community activists, and scholars studying urban economies and society.  Through interactive forums and collaboration with media outlets, we will gather participants’ ideas and questions and pose them to the candidates for mayor. 

All events are free and open to the public.  All forums are hosted by Penn classes, integrating the civic and educational missions of the Urban Studies Program.  These are strictly non-partisan events focused on the issues.

For more info and directions, call 215-898-7799.

http://urban.ssc.upenn.edu//