Integrity Icon 2025

Charlene Samuels, Constituent Advocate

Meet the city worker who does not take “no” for an answer when it comes to making life better for other Philadelphians

By Courtney DuChene
The Citizen Recommends

Total Impact Summit

The annual gathering of do-good investors — and those who want to become one — is more pertinent than ever. How are you using your money to help Philly?

By Courtney DuChene

“Save My Tree”

How one resident’s loss reflects a citywide dilemma

By Courtney DuChene

Where Are the Trees We Were Promised?

Two years into the City’s first-ever Tree Plan, our leafy coverage has remained static. What happens now?

By Courtney DuChene

Who are this Year’s Raddest Philadelphians?

The Citizen teams up with Rad Girls’ Leah Kauffman to celebrate the women and allies who make Philly a rad place to live

By Courtney DuChene
Citizen of the Week

Thembi Palmer, Reader

The storyteller sings, dances, puppets and laughs with books to help children get excited about — and learn — reading

By Courtney DuChene

Philadelphia, Art City

Katherine Sachs’ ArtPhilly has commissioned 34 new works and a citywide festival for America’s 250th celebration. And that’s just the start

By Courtney DuChene
Citizen of the Week

Mommy

An almost 100-year-old tortoise at the Philadelphia zoo is a new mother — and she’s helping save her species in the process.

By Courtney DuChene

You Can Still Save Money on Your Utilities

RFK Jr. just fired the entire staff of LIHEAP, the federally funded program that helps a quarter million Pennsylvanians pay their heating bills. What does that mean for you?

By Courtney DuChene

Can We Still Throw an Epic 250th Birthday Party?

So far, Philadelphia’s schemes to celebrate the nation’s Semiquincentennial have had their fair share of setbacks and doubters. Is it too late to make next year’s celebration of America our best yet?

By Courtney DuChene