Affordable, accessible homes are becoming out of reach for most

Philadelphians.

Community open space and gardens are quickly being lost to profit-driven

development.

After years of population decline, Philadelphia is once again becoming a more desirable place to live. There is increased development in many neighborhoods which results in rising property values and cost of living. While this development can improve our neighborhoods, these changes have already forced too many people out of their communities. City Council needs to introduce legislation that will allow city owned vacant land to be transferred to groups that will put the land back to use and ensure permanent affordability and community control.

If we do not make more of our City’s “surplus” land available for producing accessible, affordable housing and fresh, affordable food, putting that land into capable community hands, we will continue to advance the injustices of the past and fail to move our communities forward. City government must take action to ensure the preservation of our communities, and increase opportunities for all Philadelphians to thrive. This requires adopting public policy that encourages affordability and accessibility over the long term.