Panelists will address how non-profit leaders, community organizers, and researchers work to improve and maintain Philadelphia’s diverse public and underutilized spaces. PHS’s long running LandCare program has been the subject of interdisciplinary research at Penn for almost 15 years -- looking at its impact on real estate values, crime, safety, health, and well-being.

Through PHS’s programs like LandCare, Tree Tenders, and Community Gardens, it equips communities with resources while also serving as a trusted partner to expand green infrastructure and influence public policy across the region.

Panelists will also explore opportunities in research and practice to deepen the impact of programs such as these.

Panelists include:

Charles Branas, Chair and Gelman Professor of Epidemiology, Columbia University

Shane Jensen, Professor of Statistics and Data Science, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

Matt Rader, President, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

Tony Sorrentino, Incoming Chief Executive Officer, Fairmount Park Conservancy

James Wright, Project Manager for Strategy and Operations, Center for Health Justice, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

Moderated by:

Susan Wachter, Co-Director, Penn Institute for Urban Research; Albert Sussman Professor of Real Estate, Professor of Finance, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania