5th Square Advocacy
@5thsqadvocacy.org
Grassroots urbanist organizers working towards a more accessible, sustainable, and equitable Philadelphia.
Weekly Newsletter: https://www.5thsqadvocacy.org/subscribe
Weekly Newsletter: https://www.5thsqadvocacy.org/subscribe
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Urbanist Advocacy | 5th Square Advocacy | Philly
Join 5th Square Advocacy in enhancing land use & transportation in Philly. Get involved in grassroots efforts for a better community!
www.5thsqadvocacy.org
Announcing 5th Square Advocacy!
A new non-profit to house the work of urbanist grassroots organizing, issue advocacy, and engagement with elected officials — locally in Philly and statewide in Pennsylvania.
Join us here ⬇️
A new non-profit to house the work of urbanist grassroots organizing, issue advocacy, and engagement with elected officials — locally in Philly and statewide in Pennsylvania.
Join us here ⬇️
UPDATE!
A few weeks back we launched this petition with @transit4philly.bsky.social asking for priority for diverted trolley riders in West Philly stuck in traffic — and SEPTA responded!
A few weeks back we launched this petition with @transit4philly.bsky.social asking for priority for diverted trolley riders in West Philly stuck in traffic — and SEPTA responded!
Petition: Give Priority to Diverted Trolley Riders
West Philly Trolleys riders are getting stuck in University City traffic while diverting to 40th and Market. Sign this petition to tell the City & SEPTA to Give Priority to Trolley Riders
www.5thsqadvocacy.org
December 15, 2025 at 8:39 PM
UPDATE!
A few weeks back we launched this petition with @transit4philly.bsky.social asking for priority for diverted trolley riders in West Philly stuck in traffic — and SEPTA responded!
A few weeks back we launched this petition with @transit4philly.bsky.social asking for priority for diverted trolley riders in West Philly stuck in traffic — and SEPTA responded!
Reposted by 5th Square Advocacy
I finally got a Christmas tree! And of course, I got my #treebybike! 🎄🚴♂️ @bikeaction.org @bcgp.bsky.social @5thsqadvocacy.org
December 13, 2025 at 9:18 PM
I finally got a Christmas tree! And of course, I got my #treebybike! 🎄🚴♂️ @bikeaction.org @bcgp.bsky.social @5thsqadvocacy.org
🎉 What a blast celebrating the 2025 Urbanist award winners! Huge thanks to everyone who made our holiday party unforgettable!
December 14, 2025 at 2:05 AM
🎉 What a blast celebrating the 2025 Urbanist award winners! Huge thanks to everyone who made our holiday party unforgettable!
Reposted by 5th Square Advocacy
Thank you @5thsqadvocacy.org for the Urbanist Changemaker Award! I am glad I was able to send my acceptance speech as I am all over the place these days. As a small town Mayor-Elect, street safety, transit access and traffic calming are so important to a community. www.instagram.com/reel/DSL3yIR...
Joi Dariel on Instagram: "Thank you @5thsqadvocacy for the Urbanist Changemaker Award! I am glad I was able to send my acceptance speech as I am all over the place these days.
As a small town Mayor-...
As the Mayor-Elect of Media, I'm dedicated to improving our community's quality of life through sustainable solutions like walkability and mobility. From reducing traffic congestion to promoting publi...
www.instagram.com
December 13, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Thank you @5thsqadvocacy.org for the Urbanist Changemaker Award! I am glad I was able to send my acceptance speech as I am all over the place these days. As a small town Mayor-Elect, street safety, transit access and traffic calming are so important to a community. www.instagram.com/reel/DSL3yIR...
Reposted by 5th Square Advocacy
Honored to receive the 5th Square Advocacy Urbanist Lifetime Achievement Award!
Calling it a “lifetime” award in my 40s feels ambitious, but I’ll happily take it as motivation to keep pushing for better cities, better policy, and better outcomes.
Calling it a “lifetime” award in my 40s feels ambitious, but I’ll happily take it as motivation to keep pushing for better cities, better policy, and better outcomes.
December 13, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Honored to receive the 5th Square Advocacy Urbanist Lifetime Achievement Award!
Calling it a “lifetime” award in my 40s feels ambitious, but I’ll happily take it as motivation to keep pushing for better cities, better policy, and better outcomes.
Calling it a “lifetime” award in my 40s feels ambitious, but I’ll happily take it as motivation to keep pushing for better cities, better policy, and better outcomes.
Reposted by 5th Square Advocacy
@5thsqadvocacy.org are cool people. I've never seen so many in SEPTA swag. Incredibly proud to be a member and happy to be there.
December 13, 2025 at 3:34 AM
@5thsqadvocacy.org are cool people. I've never seen so many in SEPTA swag. Incredibly proud to be a member and happy to be there.
Our Holiday Party and Awards Ceremony is TONIGHT!
Get your tickets here ⬇️
5thsq.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/ne...
Get your tickets here ⬇️
5thsq.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/ne...
December 12, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Our Holiday Party and Awards Ceremony is TONIGHT!
Get your tickets here ⬇️
5thsq.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/ne...
Get your tickets here ⬇️
5thsq.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/ne...
Reposted by 5th Square Advocacy
Really cool #WeekWithoutDriving comic about the reality of asking for rides. (The advocates at Philadelphia's @5thsqadvocacy.org are awesome!)
Sylvia Odhner on Instagram: "My Week Without Driving
With @americawalks
#weekwithoutdriving #walkabletowns #publictransit #safestreets #cardependency #walking"
60 likes, 4 comments - sylviaodhner on November 14, 2025: "My Week Without Driving
With @americawalks
#weekwithoutdriving #walkabletowns #publictransit #safestreets #cardependency #walking".
www.instagram.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Really cool #WeekWithoutDriving comic about the reality of asking for rides. (The advocates at Philadelphia's @5thsqadvocacy.org are awesome!)
November 21, 2025 at 7:52 PM
“It’s a travesty that one deep-pocketed opponent has been able to block access to housing for over 100 families in my neighborhood for years.
It’s more expensive than ever to rent or buy here, and this project would be a welcome change to its current use as a derelict warehouse.”
It’s more expensive than ever to rent or buy here, and this project would be a welcome change to its current use as a derelict warehouse.”
West Philly affordable housing project could finally advance, almost 6 years after it was proposed
A Cedar Park neighbor of a planned 104-unit affordable housing development lost a lawsuit that challenged the city's zoning change to facilitate the project.
www.inquirer.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:41 AM
“It’s a travesty that one deep-pocketed opponent has been able to block access to housing for over 100 families in my neighborhood for years.
It’s more expensive than ever to rent or buy here, and this project would be a welcome change to its current use as a derelict warehouse.”
It’s more expensive than ever to rent or buy here, and this project would be a welcome change to its current use as a derelict warehouse.”
Harrisburg has, once again, failed to fund public transit. Agencies like SEPTA are forced to raid their capital funds to run daily service.
This is akin to burning pieces of your house in the fireplace to keep warm.
This is akin to burning pieces of your house in the fireplace to keep warm.
Pa. lawmakers and Gov. Josh Shapiro have approved a $50.1 billion state budget, officially ending monthslong impasse
Pennsylvania lawmakers formally approved the 2025-26 fiscal year budget, ending the impasse that had for months stalled payments to counties, schools, and nonprofits.
www.inquirer.com
November 13, 2025 at 1:36 AM
Harrisburg has, once again, failed to fund public transit. Agencies like SEPTA are forced to raid their capital funds to run daily service.
This is akin to burning pieces of your house in the fireplace to keep warm.
This is akin to burning pieces of your house in the fireplace to keep warm.
Reposted by 5th Square Advocacy
As a former Philly-area teen (go Aces), I'm particularly excited for this book talk!
The area holds a special place in my heart. It's where I started regularly riding transit by myself (the R5 into Center City & Amtrak to visit friends in MD), plus it's where I first got hit by a car while biking!
The area holds a special place in my heart. It's where I started regularly riding transit by myself (the R5 into Center City & Amtrak to visit friends in MD), plus it's where I first got hit by a car while biking!
Join us and Transit Forward Philadelphia for a book talk with Author Carter Lavin
THIS Thursday at 6 PM
From safer streets to faster trains, the changes you want are possible—and transportation advocate Carter Lavin can show you how to make them real.
RSVP⬇️
5thsq.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/ne...
THIS Thursday at 6 PM
From safer streets to faster trains, the changes you want are possible—and transportation advocate Carter Lavin can show you how to make them real.
RSVP⬇️
5thsq.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/ne...
November 11, 2025 at 10:24 PM
As a former Philly-area teen (go Aces), I'm particularly excited for this book talk!
The area holds a special place in my heart. It's where I started regularly riding transit by myself (the R5 into Center City & Amtrak to visit friends in MD), plus it's where I first got hit by a car while biking!
The area holds a special place in my heart. It's where I started regularly riding transit by myself (the R5 into Center City & Amtrak to visit friends in MD), plus it's where I first got hit by a car while biking!
Join us and Transit Forward Philadelphia for a book talk with Author Carter Lavin
THIS Thursday at 6 PM
From safer streets to faster trains, the changes you want are possible—and transportation advocate Carter Lavin can show you how to make them real.
RSVP⬇️
5thsq.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/ne...
THIS Thursday at 6 PM
From safer streets to faster trains, the changes you want are possible—and transportation advocate Carter Lavin can show you how to make them real.
RSVP⬇️
5thsq.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/ne...
November 11, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Join us and Transit Forward Philadelphia for a book talk with Author Carter Lavin
THIS Thursday at 6 PM
From safer streets to faster trains, the changes you want are possible—and transportation advocate Carter Lavin can show you how to make them real.
RSVP⬇️
5thsq.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/ne...
THIS Thursday at 6 PM
From safer streets to faster trains, the changes you want are possible—and transportation advocate Carter Lavin can show you how to make them real.
RSVP⬇️
5thsq.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/ne...
Reposted by 5th Square Advocacy
Secretary Duffy says that SEPTA management is to blame for the recent train fires. But the problem isn’t bad management — it’s bad math, and decades of underinvestment to transit agencies across the country, @5thsqadvocacy.org and @transit4philly.bsky.social argue.
Transit Funding in Pennsylvania Can’t Wait — Streetsblog USA
State and Federal leaders must act to keep our transit safe and in service.
buff.ly
November 10, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Secretary Duffy says that SEPTA management is to blame for the recent train fires. But the problem isn’t bad management — it’s bad math, and decades of underinvestment to transit agencies across the country, @5thsqadvocacy.org and @transit4philly.bsky.social argue.
Announcing 5th Square Advocacy!
A new non-profit to house the work of urbanist grassroots organizing, issue advocacy, and engagement with elected officials — locally in Philly and statewide in Pennsylvania.
Join us here ⬇️
A new non-profit to house the work of urbanist grassroots organizing, issue advocacy, and engagement with elected officials — locally in Philly and statewide in Pennsylvania.
Join us here ⬇️
Urbanist Advocacy | 5th Square Advocacy | Philly
Join 5th Square Advocacy in enhancing land use & transportation in Philly. Get involved in grassroots efforts for a better community!
www.5thsqadvocacy.org
November 7, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Announcing 5th Square Advocacy!
A new non-profit to house the work of urbanist grassroots organizing, issue advocacy, and engagement with elected officials — locally in Philly and statewide in Pennsylvania.
Join us here ⬇️
A new non-profit to house the work of urbanist grassroots organizing, issue advocacy, and engagement with elected officials — locally in Philly and statewide in Pennsylvania.
Join us here ⬇️
Bringing intercity buses back to a proper terminal is a recognition that people deserve more than a curb under a highway overpass — they deserve shelter, dignity and respect.
Three years after shutting down, Philly’s old Greyhound station will reopen in 2026
“Unsustainable” Spring Garden terminal to close; PPA will run the rehabbed Filbert Street station.
billypenn.com
October 31, 2025 at 12:34 AM
Bringing intercity buses back to a proper terminal is a recognition that people deserve more than a curb under a highway overpass — they deserve shelter, dignity and respect.
This lack of safe infrastructure and this driver behavior is what led to the death of Dr. Barbara Friedes last year on the same street.
These are not isolated incidents.
These are not isolated incidents.
October 27, 2025 at 9:43 PM
This lack of safe infrastructure and this driver behavior is what led to the death of Dr. Barbara Friedes last year on the same street.
These are not isolated incidents.
These are not isolated incidents.
Absolutely deadly behavior causing another crash on Spruce Street at 5th st early this morning. This is on the busiest bike lane in Philly with over 1,500 riders who use it daily.
We deserve so much better than paint and flexposts, we deserve real protection.
We deserve so much better than paint and flexposts, we deserve real protection.
October 26, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Absolutely deadly behavior causing another crash on Spruce Street at 5th st early this morning. This is on the busiest bike lane in Philly with over 1,500 riders who use it daily.
We deserve so much better than paint and flexposts, we deserve real protection.
We deserve so much better than paint and flexposts, we deserve real protection.
Reposted by 5th Square Advocacy
Kelly Drive in Fairmount Park has been engineered to remove most pedestrian crossings and amenities, to speed up traffic.
A thread with 8 examples of things that have been lost, with historical images. South to north.
1. A staircase from the river trail to the Girard Ave Bridge, and Brewerytown:
A thread with 8 examples of things that have been lost, with historical images. South to north.
1. A staircase from the river trail to the Girard Ave Bridge, and Brewerytown:
October 6, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Kelly Drive in Fairmount Park has been engineered to remove most pedestrian crossings and amenities, to speed up traffic.
A thread with 8 examples of things that have been lost, with historical images. South to north.
1. A staircase from the river trail to the Girard Ave Bridge, and Brewerytown:
A thread with 8 examples of things that have been lost, with historical images. South to north.
1. A staircase from the river trail to the Girard Ave Bridge, and Brewerytown:
Reposted by 5th Square Advocacy
Someone on the @5thsq.org Slack asked about urbanist museums. I've been to a lot! I consider a museum "urbanist" if it tells the story of urban society or culture. Typically architecture, transit, and city museums meet that requirement. Here are the ones I've been to and recommend!
September 21, 2025 at 1:04 AM
Someone on the @5thsq.org Slack asked about urbanist museums. I've been to a lot! I consider a museum "urbanist" if it tells the story of urban society or culture. Typically architecture, transit, and city museums meet that requirement. Here are the ones I've been to and recommend!
Reposted by 5th Square Advocacy
September 26, 2025 at 1:33 AM
Reposted by 5th Square Advocacy
Hi @npr.org! We worked late tonight putting together this handy pocket guide!
It doesn't address road design issues, but if we're going to educate road users, we should include drivers.
It's the size of a folded business card. Print it, fold it, put it in your wallet!
It doesn't address road design issues, but if we're going to educate road users, we should include drivers.
It's the size of a folded business card. Print it, fold it, put it in your wallet!
September 26, 2025 at 5:21 AM
Hi @npr.org! We worked late tonight putting together this handy pocket guide!
It doesn't address road design issues, but if we're going to educate road users, we should include drivers.
It's the size of a folded business card. Print it, fold it, put it in your wallet!
It doesn't address road design issues, but if we're going to educate road users, we should include drivers.
It's the size of a folded business card. Print it, fold it, put it in your wallet!
The wealthiest people in Philly have hijacked a local civic org and has effectively turned it into a funnel for money to fight roadway safety citywide. 😡
Society Hill group approves $25,000 to fight bike lane protections on Spruce and Pine
An overwhelming majority of Society Hill Civic Association board members approved the gift to Friends of Pine & Spruce during a contentious meeting Wednesday.
www.inquirer.com
September 19, 2025 at 2:18 AM
The wealthiest people in Philly have hijacked a local civic org and has effectively turned it into a funnel for money to fight roadway safety citywide. 😡
Take this post as our permission to wear this shirt all day, every day!
Go Birds.
Go Birds.
I have been waiting to wear this shirt all week but did not want to do stolen valor against my philly friends! go birds
Yes, that is @justupthepike.bsky.social wearing a @grimgrimgrim666.bsky.social -designed @5thsq.org @blvdsubway.bsky.social t-shirt, how's *your* @yimbytown.bsky.social morning going?
September 16, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Take this post as our permission to wear this shirt all day, every day!
Go Birds.
Go Birds.
Thank you for putting together this SEPTA-themed burlesque and inviting us!
Next speaker is from 5th square! An urbanist advocacy group in Philly. They fight for transit and bike infrastructure for the city! So many issues they tackle. Check them out at www.5thsq.org also they just performed, like, a super horny transit poem which ruled!
NOW! Philly phanatic & hot dog!
NOW! Philly phanatic & hot dog!
September 13, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Thank you for putting together this SEPTA-themed burlesque and inviting us!