Charter Schools Have Built a Profitable Patronage Network in Philadelphia

The privatization of public schools has never been about improving education. The goal was to create opportunities for businesses while diminishing the political power of parents, educators and the community.

Philly powerresearchFebruary 14, 2025charter school, education

Who is Your Landlord Supporting in the May 2023 Primary?

The Real Estate & Building Industry sector has outspent every other sector in this year’s mayoral primary.

Who Runs PhillyPhilly powerresearchMay 12, 2023campaign finance, Real estate, housing, eviction

Money for Housing, Not Police

To build safer communities, the City needs to ensure that people’s fundamental material needs are satisfied. There is an ongoing housing crisis in Philly, where over 200,000 residents struggle to cover housing costs and 4,000-6,000 people may be homeless on any given night.

Money for Violence Prevention, Not Police

Far too often, money is used to fund programs that emphasize surveillance and threats of incarceration, rather than focusing on providing the types of material, social, and emotional support needed to truly build healthy and safe communities.

Money for Schools, Not Police

Youth who are actively involved in schools and afterschool programs are less likely to become victims of violence.

Beyond PolicingPhilly powerresearchMay 11, 2022education, schools, violence, community college

Money for Community Centers, Not Police

A key part of any anti-violence strategy should be supporting thriving community centers where people of all ages can drop in to access resources, connect with other community members, and participate in activities that support their physical, mental, and emotional health.

Money for Healthcare and Harm Reduction, Not Police

Using police as the primary response to mental and behavioral health crises is dangerous.

Philadelphia Police: A History of Brutality

Throughout the history of the police department, Philadelphia police have used a variety of tactics to target, intimidate, and imprison Black, Brown, immigrant and working class Philadelphians, all while demanding more and more funding from the city at the expense of community services.

Beyond PolicingPhilly powerresearchMarch 24, 2022

Philadelphia Police: A History of Corruption

Police corruption has existed in Philadelphia for as long as the police department itself.

Beyond PolicingPhilly powerresearchFebruary 10, 2022police

Leadership of New Pro-Police PAC Has History of Violence and Hateful Social Media Posts

Protect Our Police PAC has raised at least $750,000 since forming in June 2020. Its leadership includes retired police officers with a history of violence and hateful social media posts.

Philly powerresearchAugust 19, 2020police, PPD, PAC, POPPAC

Who is Profiting from the Philly Police Budget?

Find out which companies are profiting off of Philly Police operations. We compiled a list of all of the contractors included in the FY21 PPD Budget.

Philly powerresearchJune 26, 2020police, budget

Takeaways from the Latest Philly Campaign Finance Filings

Rise of Working Families Party candidates, Libertarian-backing hyper-capitalists, evolving donor bases, and more

Follow our blog as we investigate Philly’s most powerful people, organizations, and corporations.