State of the City discussed by its political, cultural and economic leaders

Andrew Altman, Commerce Director, City of Philadelphia. Photo: Nicole Contosta.






"Philadelphia, said Altman could experience a similar renaissance. Nutter, said Altman, is already on the right path towards achieving this by implementing six deputy mayors as well as "fixing some of the city’s basic operations that are in desperate need of repair: how you get a permit, the length of time it takes, the role of zoning, and historic preservation.""

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Optimism is exactly what Philadelphians and the Philadelphia area (note my not using the term Delaware Valley) need. After living in London, Washington D.C. and Austin, TX, I can honestly say that I have been the happiest in Philadelphia. The city needs a lot of work, but it has a lot going for it. If only its residents knew it. I see so much potential in this town that it is a waste to not build on it, or to not have a vision of what Philadelphia could be once again.

I am hopefully optimistic that the Nutter administration can move our city forward. The city did ok despite John Street; with a mayor who has an inkling of what a healthy city requires, I believe Philadelphia will do well in the next few years.


This article nails on the head the reason why Philadelphia should not be struggling. In the middle of two important cities, Philadelphia is destined to once again be a hub of national and international ideas and culture. All we need is to have a little faith in our city and focus on the areas that need our attention most: education, poverty and opportunity.

If we can convince Rina Cutler that it is a good idea to bury I-95 along the waterfront (and accept the enormous costs in expectation of the high economic return of a thriving waterfront) we would be set!