

State of Young Philadelphia: Living, Working & Playing in Philly
A conversation on the forces shaping how young Philadelphians live, work, and play in our city.
State of Young Philadelphia is YIP's signature convening on the issues that matter most to young people building a life in this city. This year's theme — Living, Working & Playing in Philly — brings together City leaders, advocates, and practitioners for three fast-paced panel conversations on housing, jobs, and what Philadelphia's blockbuster 2026 (FIFA World Cup, MLB All-Star Game, America250) actually delivered for residents.
What we're covering:
Living — Housing affordability and density, viewed through NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani's "Block by Block" housing plan and how it stacks up against Philly's own H.O.M.E. Initiative and SEPTA-station upzoning push.
Working — How Philadelphia attracts and keeps employers, and what that means for early-career talent deciding whether to stay.
Playing — An accountability check on Philly's 2026 legacy investments: what was promised, what got built, and who actually benefited.
Panelists to be announced — stay tuned.
Light bites and networking included. Grab a ticket, bring a friend, and be part of the conversation shaping Philly's next chapter.
Schedule
12:00 PM - Registration, check-in & networking
12:30 PM - Welcome & opening remarks
12:45 PM Panel 1 — Living: Housing, framed through Mamdani's NYC playbook
1:20 PM Panel 2 — Working: How Philly attracts (and keeps) employers
1:50 PM Break
2:00 PM Panel 3 — Playing: What Philly's 2026 actually bought us
2:30 PM Closing remarks
2:45 PM - Reception / open networking
3:00 PM - Event ends
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