Philadelphia : The Next Great City

The Next Great City initiative is dedicated to creating a positive future for Philadelphia by advocating for common sense, cost effective policies that enhance environmental quality, strengthen neighborhoods and increase our economic competitiveness

Photo Credit: Bradley R Maule

IN THE SPOTLIGHT:

Director of Sustainability Announced

After months of anticipation, Mayor Michael Nutter announced on Wednesday his appointment of Dr. Mark Alan Hughes as Philadelphia's first Director of Sustainability.

Dr. Hughes was formerly a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania's Fox Leadership Program and a columnist for the Daily News. He has also worked with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to develop a strategic plan for deplying sustianability as a regional economic development strategy.

In his new role, Dr. Hughes will also serve as a Senior Advisor to the Mayor. He will be responsible for developing, implementing and overseeing the City's environmental policies and initiatives. Some of the areas he will be focusing on include improving recycling, expanding green building initiatives and reducing energy use in city owned buildings.

Appointing a Director of Sustainability is critically important in ensuring that the various initiatives from both inside and outsie of city government are coordinated and supported. We look forward to working with Dr. Hughes in achieving the Mayor's goal of making Philadelphia the "greenest city in America".

TAKE ACTION:

Mayor Nutter has proposed a budget that includes a $3 million increase for Fairmount Park in Fiscal Year 2009. Of that total, $2.5 million would be allocated to Fairmount Park, including $1 million for street and park trees, and a $500,000 increase for the Department of Recreation.The budget increase would come from a proposed increase in the City's parking tax.

We need your support in making sure City Council approves this proposed budget. To make sure the parks get these much needed funds, take action now through the Next Great City website, and encourage your friends, family and coworkers to take action too.

VOICES OF PHILADELPHIANS:

In the latest edition of Voices of Philadelphians, Clean Air Council's Eric Cheung talks about the Phildelphia Diesel Difference Working Group and its role in reducing diesel emissions in Philadelphia that are linked to health problems, such as asthma and heart disease.

Next Great City recommends the City retrofit its diesel fleet to reduce emissions, which Philadelphia Diesel Difference is helping to make happen.

SPREAD THE WORD:

We want every Philadelphian to learn about Next Great City! If you want to help us spread the word, invite a Next Great City representative to come speak at the next meeting of your civic association, church group or other community organization.

In addition, if you'd like copies of the Next Great City report or brochures, contact Christine at 215-545-9692.

Funded by the William Penn Foundation and made up of community, public health, environmental and civic organizations, the Next Great City initiative came together in the fall of 2005 to address the environmental and public health issues that are harming Philadelphia’s economy and quality of life.