Philadelphia's infrastructure is poised for a major revamp, with the help of over $350 million of federal funding aimed at creating a safer, cleaner, and greener city. The release of the 2024 Infrastructure Solutions Team Report and Action Plan spells out how these funds, courtesy of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), will be deployed across neighborhoods throughout the city.
Mayor Cherelle Parker is at the helm of this ambitious initiative, emphasizing in her letter that the Infrastructure Solutions Team (IST) will play a crucial role in realizing the administration's long-term goals, as set out in her 100-Day Action Plan. Parker contends that this comprehensive approach, in coordination with various City departments and local partnerships, will pave the way for significant economic and social advancements, especially for communities that have historically been sidelined. According to the City's report, the IST's primary objective is to foster generational wealth, with a particular focus on creating economic opportunities for people of color.
The IST, led by the City's Office of Transportation, Infrastructure, and Sustainability (OTIS), will direct funds towards a plethora of infrastructure developments. These include renovating transportation hubs like streets, bridges, and airports, enhancing utilities such as water systems and digital infrastructure, as well as expanding broadband access. Moreover, the plan promises equitable economic opportunities through these improvement projects. A comprehensive list of the grants and their designated projects are included in the report, ensuring transparency in the appropriation of federal funds.
Partner agencies, which include PennDOT, Philadelphia Works Inc., and PhilaPort, among others, will join the City's powerhouse team of urban planners and strategists in executing these extensive projects. The report also highlights strategies to bolster workforce development, supporting women and minority workers as they gear up for careers in infrastructure. Furthermore, the City is crafting a strategy that eyes a whopping $1 billion investment in high-quality infrastructure projects that revitalize neighborhoods and prepare Philadelphia's workforce for the influx in jobs that will accompany these developments.
Philadelphia residents are already witnessing the fruits of the BIL, as these infrastructure projects kick into gear. The report suggests a concerted effort to understand the skill and training needs of the local workforce, which will enable a diverse and skilled cohort to access a range of jobs in both the private and public sectors, particularly in organized labor. For a city on the rise, the actionable blueprint laid out by the IST and the Mayor's Office suggests a brighter, more inclusive future for all Philadelphians.
