How Philly Works
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How Philly Works

How Philly Works: Complete Guide 

Philadelphia is known as the birthplace of American Democracy. However, many Philadelphians feel disconnected from their government, leaving many questions and concerns. How Philly Works is dedicated to helping citizens navigate the rules and role of city government.

Mayoral Transition Sessions
The Committee of Seventy, with support from the William Penn Foundation, hosted a series of briefings beginning in the fall of 2023 to help manage upcoming transitions into office for the Mayor and City Council. In an effort to share insights from the briefings with the public, Seventy released several columns on the sessions written by Dave Davies.

How Philly Works: The Mayor and Key Issues

The mayor plays a key role in a variety of issues that impact residents' quality of life. In many ways, they can make decisions and deploy resources at will. But the mayor's power is also limited -- by state and federal law, labor contracts, and by other elected offices including City Council. See Seventy's four new infographics on the mayor's role several key issue areas:

These resources were made possible by the generous support of the Lenfest Institute for Journalism, with special thanks to Jeanne Maier of 12 Squared Design and the several subject-matter experts who reviewed this material.

The Mayor and City Finances
View how the Mayor works with city officials to maintain city finances.
Full English Guide
Full Spanish Guide
Full Chinese Guide
Mayor and City Schools
See how the Mayor plays a direct role in managing city schools.
Full English Guide
Full Spanish Guide
Full Chinese Guide
The Mayor and Public Safety
Find out more how the Mayor supports the Police Commissioner.
Full English Guide
Full Spanish Guide
Full Chinese Guide
The Mayor and Land-use
Learn more how the Mayor is responsible for what gets built in cities.
Full English Guide
Full Spanish Guide
Full Chinese Guide
The Mayor and Data Equity
Find out how the Mayor creates a vision for data-based decision-making.
Full English Guide
Full Spanish Guide
Full Chinese Guide
The Mayor and Behavioral Health
Find out how the Mayor creates a vision for resident and community wellness.
Full English Guide
Full Spanish Guide
Full Chinese Guide
City Council Transition Sessions
The Committee of Seventy, with support from the William Penn Foundation, hosted a series of briefings beginning in the fall of 2023 to help manage upcoming transitions into office for the Mayor and City Council. In an effort to share insights from the briefings with the public, Seventy released several columns on the sessions written by Dave Davies.