Classes for the spring 2022 virtual course are Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m., April 6 - May 25. The course is $25 (scholarships are available). Applications accepted through March 16. Apply online or call 215-948-2075 to request an application. 

Want to help us spread the news? Use this social media toolkit. This upcoming cohort will get us to 700 Citizen Planners! What a milestone!

Lauri Kochis joined CPI in January. Lauri is earning her Master of Science in City and Regional Planning from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture. She loves dancing, spending time with her daughters and exploring new places.

Leave a Legacy for 2026 is a public call for bold ideas, initiatives or innovations promising to have a positive, transformational impact in Philadelphia neighborhoods.

Walk Around Philadelphia has grown from a singular pilgrimage undertaken by four artists in 2016 to an ongoing adventure that several hundred Philadelphians have set out upon and a unique retreat offering. 

Whether you're an avid perimeter-walker or brand new to exploring the city's edges, you're invited to join this special online event. Learn about recent discoveries from the latest walk and hear what's next as we work to make this unique experience more accessible. 

The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects to help communities become more livable for people of all ages.

Are you a local business? Get certified as a Local Business Entity and access opportunities to work directly with the City. Learn more.

Email questions to labonno.islam@phila.gov.

This brand new commission, which includes four CPI members, will advise the City on policies and programs to advance #EnvironmentalJustice and a healthy environment in which to live, learn and work. 

Legislation from 2019 provides for compensation for Commission members to participate equitably as advisors. 

The Environmental Justice Advisory Commission will work to ensure that all residents of Philadelphia, regardless of race, gender, income status or zip code, have a livable community, free of environmental toxins and hazards. 

Learn about all 17 members.

Apply for the program.

Questions? Contact celam@phmc.org 

Check out the new and improved housing resource guide by the Division of Housing and Community Development.

The Community Development department at Impact Services is hiring a Community Engagement Coordinator who will focus on the McPherson Square and Hope Park areas. 

Check out the job description and submit an application through the Paycom portal. Pay range is $35 – 40K.

Philadelphia Parks and Recreation is hiring a Community Engagement Specialist. Apply here.

Strawberry Mansion Community Development Corporation is hiring a part -time Project Administrator to lead the development of the John Coltrane Museum and Cultural Arts Center. Deadline to apply is Friday, February 25.

Learn more about this exciting opportunity.

The Rail park is looking for an Events & Memberships Intern, and a PHENND Fellow - Community Development Coordinator.

For more information, please visit therailpark.org.

Corridor Cleaning Ambassadors play an important role in keeping the Germantown-Lehigh Corridor clean, green, and safe. This is a perfect job opportunity for someone who is looking for part-time, outdoor work.

$15/hr, four hours per day, 10am-2pm. Apply here.

The Serve Philadelphia VISTA Program is actively seeking project applications for our 2022 Summer VISTA program. Summer VISTAs serve for a 10 week term (6/6 - 8/12) in time-bound projects proposed by city agencies.

Summer members can perform capacity building activities and/or direct service activities! The application guide provides a program overview, timeline and comprehensive instructions for applying.

Applications are due by 2 p.m. on Friday, February 25 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Email any questions to arielle.greenwald@phila.gov.

Betty Jane Turner was a much-respected civil rights and community service veteran, who participated in CPI’s pilot course in 2010. She was one of the key residents consulted in the creation of CPI. Betty's fundamental passion was to build community through relationships, particularly in her Germantown neighborhood. Betty was honored with the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Paul Philippe Cret Award in 2020, Germantown United CDC’s Pillar of the Community Award in 2016 and served on the Philadelphia Historical Commission from 2021-2021.

Consider making a tax-deductible contribution! Click "support this project" on the CPI page on the Mayor's Fund for Philadelphia website.

Donations will go towards scholarships, printing Citizens Toolkits, hosting more Neighborhood Exchanges, increasing support for CPI alumni, and expand CPI programming beyond the biannual course.