BY E. PLURIBUS UNUM
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney will deliver his first budget address to Philadelphia City Council on Thursday, March 3. In a very public peek earlier this week, the Administration has let it be known they intend to embark on one of the largest infrastructure rehab projects in modern city history: a $500 million investment in the city’s crumbling parks and community centers. The money will come from $300 million in bonds and $200 million in state and federal money, and philanthropy. We believe this is long overdue and a good investment in city neighborhoods.
This shows the influence new city Managing Director Mike DiBerardinis has on the second floor of City Hall. Mike D is a longtime proponent of city recreation facilities and the environment, and this is a plan he’s been working on for a long time.
Mayor Kenney’s plan to fund pre-K education is also gathering steam. He is reaching out to some of the major players in the region not only to design a plan that expands early education, but to find the $60 million to pay for it. We should know more after the budget address.
Best wishes to Governor Tom Wolf, who is battling prostate cancer. We join his family, friends and colleagues in support, and we have no doubt the Governor will make a full recovery.
Always remember: Out of many, one.