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by David Thornburgh President and CEO Committee of Seventy

In 2026, Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy, will mark a pivotal milestone—the 250th anniversary of the United States. Join us at our summit designed to celebrate American democracy while facilitating a necessary dialogue about strengthening it for the future. This summit will offer an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with a diverse range of leaders—policymakers, educators, activists, futurists, and engaged citizens—who will address current challenges and work toward actionable solutions for building a more inclusive democracy.

The Committee of Seventy’s President and CEO, Lauren Cristella, provides tips and advice for people concerned about potentially contentious political discussions during the holiday season.

While the Committee of Seventy has supported efforts to eliminate this provision in the past, the proposal adopted today serves political interests, not the public interest, and undercuts the core reason to revisit this issue at all: increasing competitiveness and accountability in City elections.

What is the amendment about? City voters will decide on May 15 whether the so-called Educational Supplement to the Home Rule Charter dealing with the public school system will be amended in various parts. These changes would impact the nomination, appointment and removal process for Board of Education members and create a Parent and Community Advisory Council charged with “consult[ing] on issues pertaining to educational policy and family and community engagement in schools.”

The Committee of Seventy announced its ninth cohort of the prestigious Buchholz Fellowship. These individuals represent leaders across the public and private sectors in Philadelphia who have demonstrated impact in their communities.

We mourn the loss of Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot yesterday by ICE agents in Minnesota.

On May 14, 2025, the Committee of Seventy welcomed more than 300 guests for its fourth annual Women in Public Leadership event, which celebrates the contributions of women leading at all levels. This year’s theme, The Power of Mentorship: Celebrating Women Who Carry as They Climb, highlighted the important role mentorship plays in shaping strong civic and public leaders.

Committee of Seventy and Draw the Lines PA congratulate Mark Nordenberg on his appointment to chair the Legislative Reapportionment Commission

The Committee of Seventy, Philadelphia Chairman Commissioner Omar Sabir, OnePhillyConnect and other partners will hold a special event and press conference ahead of the October 29th deadline to request a mail-in ballot. The event aims to increase awareness about the Satellite Election Offices (SEOs) across the city and the services available at each location, as well as City Hall, while encouraging city employees and other nearby businesses to cast their mail-in ballot at one of these locations.