DIG DEEP FOR DAG 2025

In 2025, the Design Advocacy Group (DAG) has promoted advocacy in the excellence and equity of design, planning, architecture, and preservation. Looking ahead, we have a lot planned, as well as some uncertainty, for 2026.

 

Founded in 2001, DAG turns 25 in 2026 and we are celebrating our anniversary with the pursuit for a new home. With the closing of the Center for DesignPhiladelphia, DAG will be on the move. While we are sad to depart, we give enormous thanks to DesignPhiladelphia and AIA Philadelphia for hosting and supporting us for so many years. Wherever we end up, we will be spending more to provide the type of programming that we strive to create, so this year, more than others, your support is particularly critical in helping DAG maintain our momentum.

 

We appreciate your support and generosity as we look forward to our next chapter as an organization with a continued commitment to our mission of engaging and educating the citizens of Philadelphia and advocating for excellent and equitable design across our city. 

 

In total, we hosted 18 public, free to attend, events in 2025, including:

- One-on-on interviews with Angela Brooks, Philadelphia's Chief Housing & Urban Development Officer, Jesse Lawrence, Philadelphia's Director of Planning and Development, and Councilman Mark Squilla

- Project specific looks at 17 Market West, Westpark, 2300 Market Street, and The Clay Studio

- Public space redevelopment and improvements at The Rail Park, The Schuylkill River Trail, and Reading Terminal Market

- A record breaking night for DAG when more than 270 people attended a special event on Scout's Redevelopment of former UArts Buildings on Broad Street

- And more!

 

In addition to being free to attend, all events have been recorded and posted to our website for continued viewing and reference.

 

We have advocated for an intercity bus terminal, the reuse and redevelopment of the Roundhouse, a proactive and equitable planning process on Market East and for the federal government to leave the President's House alone, among many other topics. 

 

Your tax-deductible contribution helps DAG present our free, monthly, open-to-the-public meetings and special events and supports DAG’s advocacy initiatives. Even a small contribution is a signal to potential funders and decision makers that DAG matters! DAG is careful with your dollars; we run on volunteer power with only one, excellent, part-time staffer. 

Your contribution to DAG is tax-deductible because DAG is a project of CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia, a charitable 501(c)(3) trust supporting diverse cultural practices in the Philadelphia region.