Mind Cruncher

Just east of Fishtown, a 500,000 square foot industrial monument overlooks the Delaware River. Delaware Central Station, completed in 1923, was designed to look like a Roman temple—complete with classical columns, ornate entablature, and Beaux-Arts grandeur. But why would an electric power plant need to be beautiful? In this episode, we explore how Philadelphia Electric Company used architecture a...

Only the very beginning of my investigation, I discuss my finding that over 20 percent of PhillyMag's 50 best restaurants in Philly have improper or nonexistent food preparation and serving licenses. Sources: https://www.phillymag.com/foobooz/50-best-restaurants/ https://li.phila.gov/property-history

I discuss the structure, implementation, and impact of the Philadelphia Beverage Tax since 2017. Case studies on soda taxes in Mexico and Berkely, CA supplement the conclusions I draw about the future of the soda tax and it's ability to fund pre-k and community schools in Philly. Sources: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-ways-sugary-soda-is-bad-for-you#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2 https://www.ncbi.n...

I discuss the role of the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (PICA) in the City of Philadelphia's finances and provide a brief look at the municipal bond market and credit rating agencies in general. Enjoy!

I provide a brief discussion of campaign finance law basics and an overview of some interesting data from the May 2023 primary in Philadelphia. Enjoy! Interactive dashboard: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/7444617509954375adc64e7355b98581/ Sources: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-263975 http://files.amlegal.com/pdffiles/Philadelphia/030562.p...

This week I dive into the opioid epidemic in Philadelphia and one of the more controversial attempts to stem the loss of life through overdoses - safe injection sites. Sources: https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/council-seeks-ban-on-supervised-injection-sites/article_d9af1972-ac61-5ffa-8e34-5e1dc5d59032.html https://www.wgal.com/article/pennsylvania-senate-votes-to-ban-supervised-drug-inje...

The first of many new episodes using GIS and statistical analysis to answer important questions about what is happening in Philadelphia. On this episode I dive into multiple factors that may influence median home value in Philadelphia, including demographic changes, demolitions, business licenses, and residential parking permits. This is just a first look into my analysis, please check out the map...

Just an update re MindCruncher. I'm switching up the format to focus more on geospatial and statistical analysis on different policies and issues in Philadelphia, which requires more time to complete. I will have a new episode for you next week! Thanks.

Part two of a mini-series examining affordable housing in Philadelphia. This week I take a look at Housing Choice Vouchers and their impact on making housing more affordable for Philadelphians. Sources: https://whyy.org/articles/philadelphia-housing-voucher-waitlist-36k-applied/ https://www.inquirer.com/philly-tips/affordable-housing-philadelphia-how-to-apply-choice-vouchers-section-8-waitlist.htm...

Part one of a mini-series on housing affordability in Philadelphia. On this episode I examine how to measure housing affordability and what is causing housing prices to rise in Philadelphia and across the country. This is the first episode in a series of episodes examining housing affordability. Later episodes will examine specific policies in Philadelphia that address housing affordability includ...

I dive into how schools are funded in Pennsylvania, why the courts ruled the current funding formula unconstitutional, and a few possibilities to make school funding more equitable in the Commonwealth. Sources: https://www.reinvestment.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/ReinvestmentFund_PA_District_Perf_Report.pdf https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/pennsylvania-school-funding-is-unconstitutional-j...

I discuss the budget process and method in Pennsylvania along with a look at some of the specific proposals in Josh Shapiro's first budget address. Learn where your money is going! Sources: https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/josh-shapiro-unveiled-pennsylvania-budget-proposal-20230307.html https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/governor-josh-shapiro-unveils-commonsense-budget-to-address-t...

I discuss the history of FDR and it's future, including a discussion about the development plans in south Philadelphia's largest park. Sources: https://myphillypark.org/explore/parks/fdr-park/ https://myphillypark.org/what-we-do/capital-projects/fdr-park/ https://www.phl.org/newsroom/FDR-wetlands-update https://www.fdrparkphilly.org/history https://philadelphiaencyclopedia.org/essays/contractor-bo...

I discuss Pennsylvania's tax uniformity clause and it's impact on Philadelphia taxes, specifically examining property taxes, personal income taxes, and business income and receipts taxes. The uniform tax clause, as interpreted by the Supreme Court in PA, prohibits the creation of progressive tax structures for property, income, and business taxes. Philadelphia must adhere to this interpretation, l...

Learn about the history and future of Atlantic City and Bader Field, including two new development projects and an examination of the Tourism District in AC. Sources: https://www.phillymag.com/property/2022/11/23/casa-mar-atlantic-city/ https://pressofatlanticcity.com/atlantic-citys-island-waterpark-is-under-construction-heres-drone-footage/video_4ece0626-9114-579c-a0d6-dfbb687ea18c.html https://p...

On this episode, perfectly timed for the Super Bowl, I discuss the legalization of sports betting and online sports betting across the United States since 2018. I dive into the authorizing legislation federally and in Pennsylvania. I finish the episode with a brief discussion about the future of sports betting in entertainment and sporting venues. Sources: https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/u-...

Today I discuss the history of the Philadelphia Parking Authority and what powers they have in the city. I also discuss the issues of courtesy towing and predatory towing.  Sources: https://www.inquirer.com/philly-tips/philadelphia-courtesy-tows-find-vehicle-20210422.html https://philapark.org/tow/ https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/courtesy-towing-philly/ https://billypenn.com/2018/08/08/whe...

I discuss and explain the obscure topic of special districts: what they are, how they work, and what they do . Additionally, I briefly discuss business improvement districts, a specific type of special district that can have a big impact on your neighborhood.  Sources: https://www.britannica.com/topic/special-district https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2019/10/are-there-special-districts-...

This episode takes a circuitous route to examine the Philadelphia Land Bank. I talk about who owns the mountains, who owns the forests, and, finally, who owns the vacant lots in Philadelphia and what the city is doing about it (or... not doing about it).

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board announced that it's raising prices on 3,500 products by 4% on January 15th, 2023. First, I look into the history and set up of the PLCB, including a discussion of the taxes and real estate involved. Then, I examine past privatization efforts and the potential for privatization of the Fine Wine and Good Spirits stores in the future. I hope you learn something n...

On this episode of MindCruncher, I will discuss the recently proposed SEPTA Bus Revolution draft. The Bus Revolution refers to SEPTA’s desire to eliminate some bus routes in exchange for faster, more frequent service on other lines and a whole new microtransit system in more suburban areas. First, I’ll briefly discuss what SEPTA is and how it works. Then, I’ll discuss the Bus Revolution: the basic...

I’m going to discuss the proposal to build a new NBA arena, 76 Place, for the 76ers in downtown Philadelphia. I'll explain the context of the situation and give background on 76 Place. Then, I’ll examine some of the arguments in support of and in opposition to the proposed arena, specifically looking into the potential economic and social impact of the stadium on Chinatown and Center City Philadel...

A brief discussion of the current state of affairs regarding gun control laws in PA and Philadelphia and the rate of illegal gun possession arrests and convictions. I also talk a little about the politics surrounding gun violence and the DA in Philadelphia, as well as some recently suggested policies to reduce gun violence. Thanks for checking out my second episode of MindCruncher, I’m Delaney, an...

Hi, welcome to Mind Cruncher, a podcast where we dive into the most pressing, complicated, and interesting policy issues of today. My name is Delaney, and I am your host. Today, I will discuss hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, in the United States and, more specifically, in Pennsylvania. Amid the 2022 midterm elections and the looming energy crisis in Europe, fracking emerges as a vital issue in...