Goodbye, Felix

Goodbye, Felix.  Last week Felix Torres-Colon passed away. Felix was truly one of the good ones — someone I looked up to during his time in Camden at St. Joe’s Carpenter Society, who I saw as a leader in the field of community development, and as the type of compassionate friend I often strive to … Continue reading Goodbye, Felix

The New York City Rule (and what it means for Camden)

Another important article just came out about tax credits in Camden — this one by Catherine Dunn highlighting how few Camden residents received construction jobs as part of the program in Camden. It’s well worth a read (and, for those that don’t click through, the number is 27. Only 27 Camden residents were hired for … Continue reading The New York City Rule (and what it means for Camden)

My Favorite Camden Places (Michael J. Doyle Fishing Pier edition)

Had a chance to spend some time in Waterfront South this weekend, and stopped by both the Michael J. Doyle Fishing Pier and Phoenix Park. I talk a lot in this space about development that actively or unintentionally excludes residents, but I think it’s important to also highlight the moments when development, public spaces, and … Continue reading My Favorite Camden Places (Michael J. Doyle Fishing Pier edition)

What does a progressive win in Camden look like?

Here we are.  End of the summer? Start of the school year? Sure. But for those of you obsessively following the conflict over tax subsidies here in Camden, you know what I’m talking about. The moment when the Murphy administration has to decide whether to sign or veto the extension of temporary tax credits because … Continue reading What does a progressive win in Camden look like?

I’m the New Graduate Director for Public Affairs/Community Development

So, some news. I’ve been named the Graduate Director of Rutgers-Camden’s MS/PhD in Public Affairs/Community Development. I have a lot of thoughts about that, and I’m sure I’ll be sharing them in this space. But I wanted to start with a story:  Almost immediately upon taking the position, a student came into my office. He … Continue reading I’m the New Graduate Director for Public Affairs/Community Development

The Waterfront Rorschach Test

Yesterday I went to the opening of the new RCA Pier park on Camden’s waterfront. Phaedra Trethan over at the Courier captured both the mood and rhetoric surrounding the ribbon-cutting:  But it’s more than just a pretty place, noted Shawn McCaney of the William Penn Foundation, which helped fund the $4 million park along with … Continue reading The Waterfront Rorschach Test