Economic Development
Working to Narrow Philadelphia's Digital Divide
When it was announced to the world that U.S. forces had killed Public Enemy No. 1, Osama bin Laden, I got the news as a text message on my BlackBerry from a friend who'd received an alert from his online news service.
By the time President Obama officially addressed the nation, the news was old - 60 minutes had elapsed since the bulletin first hit my hip.
In the 24/7 news cycle around which our world revolves, being connected to the right information at the right time has become a matter of vital importance.
First of Dozens of City Computer Centers Open in Center City
Last week, Mayor Nutter and Congressman Bob Brady opened the first of a series of new public computer centers aimed at reaching the estimated 41 percent of city residents who do not have access to the Internet.
Logan CDC: Logan in Full Bloom
Please join the board and staff of Logan CDC for an inaugural fundraiser in celebration and support of the exciting initiatives blossoming in our neighborhood.
Thursday, May 26, 5:30-7:30- p.m.
Stenton House
4601 North 18th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Enjoy the beautiful gardens and tours of James Logan's historic mansion, live music, a silent audition, and more!
City, Partners Announce Earned Income Tax Credit & Savings Day in Philadelphia and Opening of 11 Free Tax Preparation Sites
Today city officials and partners joined The Campaign for Working Families to announce the opening of 11 free tax preparation sites throughout Philadelphia.
The announcement took place on “Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Day,” a nationwide effort to increase public awareness about the EITC and free tax preparation sites. It marks the 36th year the credit has been lifting working people out of poverty.
In addition, the Campaign revealed that new this tax season is the ability to buy U.S. Savings Bonds with a portion or all of your tax refund for yourself or others.
IBM Smarter Cities Challenge to Support Freedom Rings Initiative
Industry Leaders Form Economic Policy Advisory Group
With Pennsylvania’s difficult budget season ahead, Urban Affairs Coalition head Sharmain Matlock-Turner isn’t holding out hope for much more funding for those things she cares most about. But, as one of the chairs of a new advisory group, she’ll at least be able to weigh in on issues having an impact on the region’s economy.
Nearly 30 area business and industry leaders in all comprise the Economic Policy Advisory Group, which was put together by Senate Minority Appropriations Committee Chairman Vincent Hughes, D-Philadelphia. Others are in the process of being brought on board.
Kiliani Named Project Director for Freedom Rings Partnership
Stimulus to Fund Internet Access, Computers in Phila.
Underserved communities in Philadelphia will get the benefit of broad Internet access, computers and training through the award of a $11.8 million grant on Monday to a group of public and private entities led by the Urban Affairs Coalition.
MLK Service Day to Focus on Bridging the Digital Divide
The new civil-rights movement involves bridging the gap in technology, something that will be the major theme of this month's 16th annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service, organizers said yesterday.
Social media and digital inclusion will be the focus of this year's event, which is expected to draw a record 75,000 volunteers to more than 1,200 community-service projects on Jan. 17, the 25th anniversary of the King federal holiday.
Press Release: One Day At A Time (ODAAT) Offers Free Computer Training for N. Phila. Residents
One Day At A Time (ODAAT), in conjunction with the Freedom Rings Partnership, will launch its series of free computer classes beginning March 23rd, 2011.
Freedom Rings is a multi-year initiative that brings together local non-profits, community organizations and educational institutions to encourage Broadband internet usage and adoption throughout Philadelphia.