Inform, Engage, Act

Black Lives Matter.

The Design Advocacy Group (DAG) stands in solidarity with all those who demand racial justice.

DAG will act to meet the challenges of this time.

DAG will advocate for anti-racist design and community-centered planning and preservation.

DAG will create public programming that serves the diverse interests of our diverse city.

DAG will increase BIPOC representation in its membership and leadership.       

DAG's full statement, prepared by Verónica Ayala-Flores (chair of our Design Equity Task Force) on behalf of DAG's Steering Committee, is here.

DAG's ultimate and overarching goal is to create a culture – shared by all Philadelphia's residents, neighborhood groups, city agencies, business interests and the development community – that accepts nothing less than excellence in design and planning throughout every Philadelphia neighborhood.

The responsible development of Philadelphia’s two riverfronts is a priority for DAG. On the Delaware, challenges continue despite the intensive citizen engagement and planning and zoning reforms of recent years. The Schuylkill requires, but has seen much less, concerted attention as development pressure builds on both its riverbanks.

Navigating Philadelphia’s dense urban core is an increasing challenge for
automobiles, bicycles, pedestrians and transit. DAG is committed to principles that support safety and mobility on its streets and sidewalks and for all modes of transportation.

Unprecedented development pressure, inadequate preservation planning and
under-resourced City agencies are an ongoing challenge to preserving Philadelphia’s historic buildings, neighborhoods and character. DAG is as concerned with the thoughtful reuse and rehabilitation of its building stock and streetscapes as it is with introducing sensitive new construction into the historic fabric of the city.