Every summer, West Philadelphia experiences one of the city’s biggest rental turnovers as thousands of students around University City, Powelton Village, Mantua, and Spruce Hill prepare for new leases tied to the academic calendar at the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University.

According to a recent report from New Age Realty Group, the area’s student-heavy housing market creates unusually high annual tenant turnover, especially during late spring and summer leasing cycles. But for many renters, the biggest challenge is not simply moving — it is figuring out where to keep everything in between leases.

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Hundreds of local leaders, community partners, and neighborhood stakeholders gathered on Wednesday night for University City District’s (UCD) annual event, which served two purposes: celebrating a major transition in organizational leadership and marking the official release of The State of University City 2026 report.

The gathering was the formal send-off for longtime UCD President Matt Bergheiser, who was widely praised by attendees for his years of stewardship and community impact. The evening also was the official welcome for incoming President and CEO Sarah Steltz.

Steltz laid out a forward-looking vision for the district, emphasizing its position as an economic and civic anchor for West Philadelphia and its importance to the region’s overall economic success.

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Unofficial returns from Tuesday’s primary election are in, including ward and division data from the Philadelphia City Commissioners, and they shows a distinct pattern in how West and Southwest Philadelphia residents cast their ballots. Turnout followed typical primary trends, hovering around 21 percent citywide, but votes highlight a divide between progressive grassroots strongholds and traditional institutional bases.

Here is the breakdown of how West and Southwest Philly voted across the major contests:

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Voters across the city are heading to the polls on May 19 for the Pennsylvania primary election. Only registered Democrats and Republicans can cast ballots for their respective party’s nominees. However, these choices will set the stage for crucial matchups in the November general election.

Here are the key candidates that West Philly voters are watching closely on the ballot:

The 3rd Congressional District race

Because the 3rd District spans all of West and Southwest Philadelphia, the primary to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans is the most consequential race on the ballot. Since this is one of the most heavily Democratic districts in the country, the winner of this primary is virtually guaranteed the seat in November.

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Whether you are looking to get your hands dirty or help maintain the neighborhood’s “green lungs,” West Philadelphia and nearby Southwest Philly offer several opportunities to support urban agriculture and public parks. These organizations are seeking neighbors to help with seasonal stewardship as the spring season reaches its peak.

Park Stewardship & Cleanups

Bartram’s Garden: The 50-acre National Historic Landmark depends on volunteers to maintain its community farm, botanical gardens, and orchard. They host regular “Wednesday Workdays” and “Saturday Service Days” where you can help with weeding, planting, and trail maintenance. Continue Reading

Movies in Clark Park returns in August. (Photo courtesy UCD)

Summer is just around the corner and the University City District has unveiled a schedule of live events in the neighborhood. From the return of the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll to outdoor movies in Clark Park, here’s what’s in store for the next four months.

Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll
June 4 and September 3 | 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

The stretch of Baltimore Avenue between 40th and 51st Street will once again transform for the Dollar Stroll. Neighborhood businesses and community vendors will offer $1, $3, and $5 deals on everything from signature bites and pet supplies to theater tickets. In addition, expect live music and local arts and crafts scattered along the avenue. Go here for more details.

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