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Local elected officials, organizations gather to celebrate funding for street rehabilitation in Washington Square West

Waxman welcomes $5 million in state funding to district for redevelopment projects

(Nov 01, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 1 – Today, state Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., announced that $5 million in state funding has been awarded for three projects in his legislative district in Center City Philadelphia. This funding comes from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program -- a Pennsylvania grant program for the design, acquisition, and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. RACP projects have a regional impact and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity. RACP projects are state-funded projects that cannot obtain primary funding under other state programs. The projects receiving this funding include: $2.5 million for the Philadelphia School Lombard Building Renovation, which will create a learning space for STEAM allowing for the art, science, robotics, technology, Spanish, and music programs to be co-located, and integrated for students. $2 million for renovations to the William Way LGBT Community Center, which will include construction work for the project, including the construction of the core and shell of the building, which includes the steel superstructure, concrete-topped metal decking, metal wall panels, fenestration and roofing system. $500,000 for improvements to the Wilma Theater, including new doors, ceilings, and flooring for their main entrance. Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Oct 29, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Mixed-Use Housing Development Pilot Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Economic Development Organizations, Redevelopment Authorities, Municipal Authorities, Industrial Development Authorities, For-Profit organizations. Use: Mixed-use site development, conversion projects, rehabilitation projects, a combination of the three afore-mentioned projects. Funds: $10 million in PA Sites funding has been allocated for this program. There is no limit on the amount of grant funding that may be awarded to an applicant. Application Deadline: December 6, 2024 More information: DCED Website Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Recovery Support Services (RSS) Who May Apply: Applicant must have at least two years of experience as of July 1, 2024, providing RSS and demonstrate the capacity to provide RSS to individuals in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD) and other concurrent substance use disorder (SUD). Use: Expand or enhance RSS to individuals in recover from OUD and other concurrent SUD. Funds: Approximately six grants totaling $1,500,000 each will be awarded. Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 More information: DDAP Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic Read more

 

Waxman applauds more than $4 million in state grants for local projects

(Oct 22, 2024)

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 22 – Today, state Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., announced that $4,485,000 in state grants from the Pennsylvania Local Share Account has been awarded to multiple projects in his district. The PIDC Financing Corp. was awarded each of these grants on behalf of nine organizations’ projects. The projects awarded this funding include: $1 million for Avenue of the Arts Inc. for reconstruction of the median located between Spruce and Pine streets. $550,000 for the Philadelphia Orchestra Association for upgrades to the Academy of Music’s building. $200,000 for renovations to Cianfrani Park. $500,000 for the Library Company of Philadelphia for HVAC and lighting renovations to their main building. $525,000 for the Philadelphia Youth Organization to revitalize the playing field at Marian Anderson Recreation Center. $450,000 for playground and pavement restoration at the Albert M. Greenfield School. $550,000 for the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts for repairs to their venue’s roof. $160,000 for the Friends of Schuylkill River Park for renovations to the dog park at Schuylkill River Park. $550,000 for the William Way LGBT Community Center for renovation and expansion of the center. “Each of these projects will provide needed upgrades to valuable facilities that can help folks throughout the Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Oct 01, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Transportation: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, ports and rail freight entities. Use: To improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: The MTF requires a 30% match of the amount award. Awards are available for projects with a minimum cost of $100,000 and no more than $3,000,000. Application Deadline: November 5, 2024 More information: PennDOT website Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Unconventional Gas Well Fund Who May Apply: Volunteer and career fire, EMS, and rescue companies in counties where unconventional gas well drilling is permitted and counties that directly border permitted counties and respond to related emergencies. Use: Funds may be used for certification, equipment, and Read more

 

Local elected officials, organizations gather to celebrate funding for street rehabilitation in Washington Square West

(Sep 17, 2024)

Today, state Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., hosted a news conference at the intersection of Locust Street and Quince Street to celebrate state funding for the rehabilitation of historic streets in the Washington Square West neighborhood. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Sep 17, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program Who May Apply: All fire companies, emergency medical services, and volunteer rescue squads Use: Eligible projects include but are not limited to facility renovations, equipment purchases, debt reduction, training, education, and recruitment and retention. Funds: Awards may range from $2,500 to $20,000 for fire/rescue companies and $2,500 to $15,000 for EMS companies. Application Deadline: October 20, 2024 More information: OSFC Website Drug and Alcohol Programs: Substance Use Disorder Drop-In Centers Who May Apply: Applicant must have at least two years of experience as of July 1, 2024, in providing SUD prevention, intervention, harm reduction, treatment, or recovery support services, drop-in center services or relevant services and shall have the capacity to provide SUD drop-in center services to individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and other concurrent SUD. Use: DDAP will provide funds from the Opioid Settlement to drop-in centers or other human service organizations looking to expand their community-driven harm reduction support services to increase overdose prevention and linkage to SUD treatment and recovery support services. The goal is to provide hope, support, and resources to assist those on their road to recovery Funds: DDAP expects to award approximately 14 grants totaling $1,875,000 each. Application Read more

 

Grants: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Sep 11, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Main Street Matters Who May Apply: Units of local government, redevelopment and/or housing authorities, nonprofits, economic development organizations, housing corporations, community development corporations, business improvement districts, neighborhood improvement districts, downtown improvement districts, and similar organizations incorporated as authorities. Use: A flexible tool for use in community and economic development for a variety of uses including planning activities, façade grant programs, business improvement grant programs, accessible housing programs, and district development grants. Funds: $20 million was allocated for this program in the 2024/25 budget. Individual grant awards vary depending on the type of grant. Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 More information: DCED Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence Intervention and Prevention Program Who May Apply: Community-based organizations (i.e., active, registered 501(c)(3)s), institutions of higher education, municipalities, counties, and district attorneys. Use: Reducing community violence through, among other things, increasing access to support services and behavioral health, providing health services and intervention strategies, providing mentoring and other intervention models, and fostering and promoting communication between schools, the community, and law enforcement. Read more

 

State lawmakers, former UArts staff & students call for better oversight of higher education in PA

(Sep 05, 2024)

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 5 – In wake of the devastating closure of the University of the Arts, state legislators representing Philadelphia and faculty and students from the now-closed UArts met today for a news conference in front of the former UArts administrative building to discuss new higher education oversight measures to help hold colleges and universities accountable to the communities they serve. UArts suddenly and unexpectedly announced its closure on May 31 due to its precarious financial situation. This left more than 1,000 students without a school to attend, more than 300 staff members without a job, and placed the burden of uncertainty on both of their futures. State Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., who represents the legislative district in the PA House where UArts was located, has spearheaded legislative efforts to enhance accountability and transparency in higher education institutions statewide. Included in this year’s state budget were provisions he worked on with state Rep. Bob Merski , D-Erie, requiring the Pennsylvania Board of Education to develop procedures by July 1, 2026, that will ensure orderly closures, teach-out plans, and preservation of student and administrative records when institutions close. Notably, institutions intending to cease operations will risk losing Commonwealth funding under these new regulations. "The sudden closure of UArts left thousands of our constituents in a state of Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Sep 04, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Statewide Who May Apply: Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies, redevelopment authorities, land banks, or councils of government. Non-profits may partner with an eligible applicant to apply on their behalf. Use: Projects in the public interest. Projects that improve the quality of life of citizens in the community. Eligible projects must be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization. See program guidelines for specific eligible uses of funds. Funds: The PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest. Grant requests must be at a minimum $25,000 and no more than $1,000,000. Application Deadline: November 30, 2024 More information: DCED Website Department of Education: Hunger-Free Campus Grants Who May Apply: Institutes of Higher Education. Use: Funding may be used to ensure students have access to healthy, nutritious food. Funds: Institutions with 3,000 or fewer students are eligible for $20,000 awards. Institutions with 3,001 to 7,000 students are eligible for $40,000 awards. Institutions with greater than 7,000 students are eligible for $60,000 awards. Application Deadline: September 23, 2024 More information: PDE website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR Read more

 

More than $1.4 million in state funding comes to Center City for Washington Square West

(Aug 22, 2024)

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 22 – Today, state Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., announced that a state grant worth more than $1.4 million is coming to Center City for the rehabilitation of five streets in the Washington Square West Historic District. “The rehab of these streets will help make it easier for all of our neighbors and visitors to get around Washington Square West while preserving the historic infrastructure that characterizes the neighborhood and connects us to Philadelphia's past,” Waxman said. “This funding from the state is a much-needed investment for the Washington Square West neighborhood and Center City as a whole.” The streets that will be the recipients of this rehab include sections of Quince, Irving, Manning, Hutchinson and Bonaparte. The rehab of these streets will consist of granite block repointing/resetting, select areas of new granite block, resetting granite header and installing ADA ramps. It will be focused in two location clusters of the neighborhood. This funding comes from a more than $51 million total investment across Pennsylvania from the Multimodal Transportation Fund , which provides financial assistance to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, and ports and rail freight entities. By improving transportation assets, this program seeks to enhance communities, pedestrian safety and transit Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Aug 20, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County: Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund Who May Apply: Municipalities, authorities, councils of government, non-profits and for-profit businesses in Allegheny County. Use: Economic development projects, infrastructure development projects, job training, community improvement projects, public safety projects, and public interest projects. Funds: Project budgets must be between $150,000 and $500,000. Application Deadline: August 30, 2024 More information: RAAC Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2024-25 Advanced Law Enforcement Training Initiative Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to non-profit organizations with experience in facilitating and hosting in-person law enforcement trainings in Pennsylvania. Use: To support advanced comprehensive evidence-based training courses for law enforcement. Funds: A total of $80,000 in Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $80,000 over the one-year project period. Application Deadline: August 29, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Project Safe and Smart 2025 Who May Apply: Community-based organizations that can successfully demonstrate their reach and partnership with K-12 school entities. Preference will be given to applicants that demonstrate that they Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Aug 13, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: School Safety and Mental Health Grants Who May Apply: Eligible school entities as defined under 24 P.S. §13-1314.1-B of the PA Public School Code. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: $100 million is available to be distributed via a formula that stipulates school districts are to receive $100,000 base average and an additional amount based on their 22/23 Adjusted Average Daily Membership. Other eligible school entities are to receive $70,000. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools Who May Apply: Nonpublic schools as defined under Section 924.3-A of the PA Public School Code, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, or approved vendors. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: A total of $19,665,000 in state school safety and security funds is being announced to support this initiative. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PennDOT: Rail Freight Assistance Program/Rail Transportation Assistance Program Who May Apply: Railroad company, transportation organization, municipality, municipal authority, user Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jul 31, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program Who May Apply : Applicant must be a nonprofit organization based in the Commonwealth designated as a 501(c)(3) and principally serve individuals, groups, or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in its Hate Crime Statistics Publication under the Uniform Crime Reporting program. Use : Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, safety and security planning, purchase of safety and security equipment, purchase of security related technology (metal detectors, protective lighting, deadbolts, etc.), safety and security training, upgrades to existing structures that enhance safety and security, and more. Funds : $10 million has been appropriated by the General Assembly to the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund. Applicant requests must be between $5,000 and $150,000. Application Deadline : August 27, 2024 More information : PCCD Website Historical & Museum Commission: Cultural and Historical Support Grants Who May Apply: Museums and official county historical societies. Use: Funds are intended to strengthen the museum community and provide operating support to museums and historical societies. Funds: Nearly $2 million in funds are available. Application Deadline: August Read more

 

Waxman celebrates state budget victories supporting higher education and nonprofit security

(Jul 12, 2024)

HARRISBURG, July 12 – State Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., is celebrating significant achievements in the Pennsylvania state budget signed by the governor Thursday night, highlighting victories in both higher education accountability and nonprofit security funding. Waxman, alongside state Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, spearheaded efforts to enhance accountability and transparency in higher education institutions statewide, a critical initiative spurred by the closure of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. The provisions integrated into the state budget require the Pennsylvania Board of Education to develop procedures by July 1, 2026, ensuring orderly closures, teach-out plans, and preservation of student and administrative records when institutions close. Notably, institutions intending to cease operations risk losing Commonwealth funding under these new regulations. Reflecting on this achievement, Waxman emphasized, “Our students deserve stability and transparency. These provisions are essential to safeguarding their educational paths and supporting our education workforce.” “I was so proud to work with Representative Bob Merski on this effort, and I’m incredibly grateful to my colleagues in the General Assembly and Governor Shapiro who recognize the importance of these kinds of provisions in supporting our students, workers, and taxpayers,” Waxman stated. Simultaneously, Waxman also played a Read more

 

Beat the Heat

(Jul 01, 2024)

Suggestions form a running coach on how to stay cool during the summer Read more

 

Waxman Works to Limit AI Deception in Campaigns

(Jun 25, 2024)

As Artificial Intelligence continues to work its way into our daily lives, PA state Rep. Ben Waxman wants to make sure AI isn’t used to spread misinformation through campaign ads. Waxman says that’s why he voted to advance legislation introduced by his colleague, Rep. Tarik Khan, out of the House State Government Committee. This legislation would establish rules and penalties for fraudulent or deceptive use of AI in campaign materials. Read more

 

The latest UArts hearing discusses red flags before closure, a failed move to save the school, and an accusation of ‘cowards’ on the board

(Jun 18, 2024)

High-level University of the Arts administrators tried to halt the university’s abrupt June closure, but were stonewalled and frozen out, one said Monday at a state hearing on the sudden shutdown. Read more

 

Students, faculty, alumni detail UArts closure

(Jun 17, 2024)

“This has been a terrible time for the University of the Arts students, staff and alumni,” said Policy Committee hearing host state Rep. Ben Waxman, who represents portions of Philadelphia including the UArts campus in Center City. “They have been treated in such a way that is frankly unacceptable. The University of the Arts’ leadership has refused to provide information, even after throwing the lives of thousands of people into chaos because of their incompetence.” Read more

 

Democratic lawmakers to introduce bill increasing transparency for institutions of higher education

(Jun 13, 2024)

HARRISBURG, June 13 – State Reps. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., and Bob Merski, D-Erie, announced today that they will be introducing legislation to help prevent abrupt closures of higher education institutions in Pennsylvania. This announcement comes roughly one week after the sudden closure of The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. This legislation would require colleges or universities to provide financial information yearly if they receive commonwealth funds or federal funds distributed by the commonwealth. The lawmakers believe that this proposal would ensure transparency for the commonwealth, students, and staff of higher education institutions and continued good stewardship of taxpayer dollars. The University of the Arts is located in Waxman’s legislative district, covering center city Philadelphia. “When I heard about UArts’ closure, I immediately shared feelings of anger and disappointment with the students who won’t have the same school to attend and faculty who will be losing their jobs,” Waxman said. “I want to ensure no student or school faculty member in Pennsylvania has to go through what those at UArts are going through right now. By requiring these schools to regularly notify us of their financial information, we can create greater accountability and transparency across the board.” The lawmakers say that having this information from schools on a yearly Read more

 

Statement from PA state Rep. Ben Waxman on the closure of the University of the Arts

(May 31, 2024)

PHILADELPHIA, May 31 – State Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., issued the following statement today on the sudden announcement of the upcoming closure of the University of the Arts: “I am profoundly disappointed and frustrated by the University of the Arts loss of accreditation and upcoming closure. This esteemed arts school has been a cornerstone of creativity and culture in Center City Philadelphia for generations. Its loss is a significant setback and not only a devastating blow to our local community, but also a significant setback for the arts and education in our city at large. “I share the anger and sorrow of students, faculty, alumni and the wider community who are grappling with this loss. It is unacceptable that such a cornerstone of our cultural and educational landscape has shut its doors in such an abrupt and shocking manner. “I am committed to doing everything in my power to find answers as to decisions that led to this sudden closure. Additionally, my office will work tirelessly to provide resources, assistance and advocacy. We will ensure displaced students can continue their education and explore every avenue to ensure that faculty and staff receive the support they deserve during this difficult transition. “My thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this devastating and shocking news. Together, we must find ways to sustain and celebrate the creative spirit that this institution fostered for so many Read more

 

Waxman welcomes $5 million in state funding to district for redevelopment projects
Nov 01, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Oct 29, 2024

Waxman applauds more than $4 million in state grants for local projects
Oct 22, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Oct 01, 2024

Local elected officials, organizations gather to celebrate funding for street rehabilitation in Washington Square West
Sep 17, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 17, 2024

Grants: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 11, 2024

State lawmakers, former UArts staff & students call for better oversight of higher education in PA
Sep 05, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 04, 2024

More than $1.4 million in state funding comes to Center City for Washington Square West
Aug 22, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Aug 20, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Aug 13, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jul 31, 2024

Waxman celebrates state budget victories supporting higher education and nonprofit security
Jul 12, 2024

Beat the Heat
Jul 01, 2024

Waxman Works to Limit AI Deception in Campaigns
Jun 25, 2024

The latest UArts hearing discusses red flags before closure, a failed move to save the school, and an accusation of ‘cowards’ on the board
Jun 18, 2024

Students, faculty, alumni detail UArts closure
Jun 17, 2024

Democratic lawmakers to introduce bill increasing transparency for institutions of higher education
Jun 13, 2024

Statement from PA state Rep. Ben Waxman on the closure of the University of the Arts
May 31, 2024