A discussion on making Philly family friendly

This article was originally published in The Notebook. In August 2020, The Notebook became Chalkbeat Philadelphia.

Millennials have been responsible for much of Philadelphia’s recent population growth. Tonight, Next City will hold a discussion on how the city can be improved for those already living here, while encouraging others to take up residence in the city.

The panel discussion is called “Making Philadelphia Family Friendly” and it is the first in a three-part series on topics chosen to help enhance Philadelphia’s future. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Moore College of Art & Design auditorium, 1916 Race St. An RSVP is required to attend.

Sara Lomax-Reese, president and general manager of WURD Radio, will moderate the panel, which will include Dennis Campa, associate director of policy reform and advocacy at the Annie E. Casey Foundation; Helen Gym, co-founder of Parents United for Public Education; Michael DiBerardinis, deputy mayor for environmental and community resources in Philadelphia; and Otis Hackney, principal of South Philadelphia High School.

Panelists will talk about what Philadelphia is doing right, discuss areas of improvement, and generate a discussion about what it will take to make Philadelphia friendly to all of its citizens.

The second session, “The University as Community,” will be held Nov. 19. The final session, “Gentrification, Integration and Equity,” will take place Dec. 3.

The three-part event series is sponsored by nonprofit media organization Next City, in partnership with WURD-AM (900) and Al Dia News, with the support of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

Shannon Nolan is an intern at the Notebook.