Guides & Resources
How to become a paid poll worker in Kensington for the 2026 elections
Philadelphia needs poll workers for the May 19 primary, and Kensington divisions are some of the hardest to staff. The job pays $200 for one day.
Government & Policy
Government and policy news in Kensington, Philadelphia — city council, zoning, elections, public hearings and the decisions that shape the neighborhood.
Accountability
Kensington councilmembers vote to advance ICE Out legislation after all-day hearing
City Council unanimously advanced the seven-bill package after a five-hour hearing. All three councilmembers representing parts of Kensington voted yes.
Guides & Resources
Accountability
“Our families deserve a school they can walk to:” Stetson community rallies against closure
A Philadelphia school district official admitted the district has neglected Stetson’s building for decades. Students and educators questioned the district’s data and scoring of the school’s capacity.
Arts & Culture
‘It feels like we are grieving’: Philadelphia school communities fight school closure plan
Philadelphia school communities are pushing back against the district’s plan to close 20 schools. At Conwell Middle School, community leaders urged the district not to take resources away from the neighborhood.
Government & Policy
West Kensington Ministry leads immigrant justice vigil outside Philly ICE office
Faith leaders and community members braved the cold outside Philadelphia’s ICE office to reflect, pray and call for justice amid heightened immigration enforcement.
Accountability
“Conwell should not be on that list:” Lozada, parents resist district’s plans to close two Kensington middle schools
Despite declining enrollment, parents and City Council member Quetcy Lozada describe Conwell and Stetson as community anchors and resource hubs.
Conwell grad Councilmember Isaiah Thomas opposes middle school's closure
A key member of the Philadelphia City Council has already expressed opposition to parts of the district’s plan to close, relocate, and co-locate several schools.
Looking back at 2025: A year in photos from Kensington
A year in photographs from the neighborhood, made close and over time.
Housing & Shelter
Against Mayor Parker’s wishes, Council advances version of her housing plan
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, whose 7th District covers Kensington, said the vast majority of her constituents earn less than 60% AMI.
Arts & Culture
Kensington voters trickle out for judges, SNAP cuts, and inspiration from the NYC mayoral election
Voters turned out with the hopes of retaining Pennsylvania's Supreme Court Justices, and some were inspired by New York’s history-making mayoral election.
Guides & Resources
Election 2025: What you need to know about your Election Day voting rights in Pennsylvania
Voting in Pennsylvania? Here’s everything you need to know about your rights.
Guides & Resources
Pa. election 2025: How to vote, where to vote, and everything you need to know for Nov. 4
On Nov. 4, Pennsylvanians will vote on whether to retain three state Supreme Court judges and will fill vacancies on both the Commonwealth and Superior Courts.
Accountability
New Kensington ‘fast-track court’ lands most with warrants, back into the cycle of addiction and homelessness
Kensington Voice collected and verified data on 87 people who were arrested during the first months of the program and tracked their journeys through the court. Most ended up with Wellness Court bench warrants after the city lost contact with them.
Kids in Kensington
Community conversation marks first of many to inform citywide 25-year plan
Klean Kensington is one of eight organizations citywide selected for the Department of Planning and Development’s “Philadelphia 2050: Planning Together” initiative.
Arts & Culture
Harrowgate area to see art, improvements as part of citywide celebration for America’s 250th birthday
The Harrowgate area will see increased funding as part of the City of Philadelphia's celebration of America's 250th birthday.
Housing & Shelter
Are you exempt from the new SNAP work requirements? Here’s how to find out.
As of September 1st, people receiving SNAP benefits are required to work, volunteer, or be in an employment training program a minimum of 20 hours a week in order to continue receiving assistance. If they don’t comply and aren’t exempt, their benefits will terminate December 1st.
Accountability
Most of Philly’s opioid settlement money to go to Riverview Wellness Village recovery housing facility
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration plans to allocate more to Riverview than to all other opioid settlement money initiatives combined.
Government & Policy
Richmond Library reopens after eight-month renovation: ‘The community feels whole again'
After an August 18 reopening, the library held a ribbon-cutting event to shed light on the building’s importance to the lives of the Port Richmond community.
Accountability
Some Kensington business workers say overnight curfew has been a financial hit, as council votes to expand
An ordinance that expands a business curfew currently in effect in a section of Kensington will be enforced in much of North Philadelphia and more of Kensington in 60 days.
Accountability
Philly board of health approves city-wide permitting rules for mobile services
The Philadelphia Board of Health unanimously approved a regulation relating to Councilmember Quetcy Lozada’s mobile services ban in Kensington. The health department will now oversee a permitting process for all mobile medical providers in the city.
Accountability
What the mayor's new affordable housing plan could mean for Kensington
Mayor Cherelle Parker’s sweeping $2 billion housing plan—the Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) initiative aims to preserve and create 30,000 housing units over four years in response to the city’s housing crisis.
Arts & Culture
Opinion | Ending drug tourism in Kensington starts with calling the drugs what they are: poison
Real progress starts with branding Kensington’s drug supply for what it is: a source of brutal withdrawal and suffering.
Accountability
Board of health delays vote on Kensington mobile service rules amid legal, equity concerns
The Philadelphia Board of Health postponed a vote on Councilmember Quetcy Lozada’s mobile service regulations, citing legal, policy and equity concerns about a district-specific law affecting Kensington.
Public Space
McPherson Square Library to remain closed, with virtual Rebuild community engagement meeting scheduled
McPherson Square Library, which has been closed since June 21st due to a broken air conditioning system, may reopen by next Tuesday in time for a meeting with the City of Philadelphia’s Rebuild program.