10,000 Friends seeks growth and development that will support the economic and social viability of Pennsylvania’s cities and towns, conserve fiscal resources, and protect our state’s exceptional natural landscapes, environmental quality, and heritage resources.
OUR MISSION
We are committed to achieving the following objectives :
* Revitalize existing communities and business districts
* Strengthen local, regional, and Commonwealth land use planning and consistency of implementation through legislation, education, and incentives
* Encourage future development near existing infrastructure
* Reduce traffic congestion and air and water pollution
* Provide housing for people of all ages and incomes in our communities
* Protect historic, natural, agricultural, and recreation areas
* Reduce land and resource consumption
* Conserve fiscal resources
In order to accomplish these objectives, we are working to :
* Seek adoption of policies, including legislation, providing for consistent, sustainable, long-term growth strategies that address property tax reform, incentives for investment in existing communities, and the need for diversity in our local communities
* Provide leadership, information, and funding to achieve these objectives
* Educate, assist, and build consensus among state and local leadership
* Build a constituency to provide ongoing leadership
These principles were adopted in 1996 by the seven founding organizations of 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania.
We ask individuals and organizations to endorse these principles when they become a Friend of Pennsylvania or a Friend of Pennsylvania organization.
Program for 2005
This year, our work program includes a comprehensive program of research, education and advocacy to support revitalization of Pennsylvania’s communities and conservation of our natural and historic resources. 10,000 Friends’ immediate legislative agenda includes the Growing Greener bond issue, provision of adequate and dedicated funding for transit ; and a historic preservation tax credit.
Bringing Back Our Cities and Towns
Our work on the rehab code, housing and vacant property, and the nascent Campaign to Renew Pennsylvania will focus on policies and tools to support revitalization of Pennsylvania’s older communities through housing rehabilitation and redevelopment.
Teaching and Encouraging Smart Growth
Our work on multi-municipal planning and implementation, and encouraging smart growth development projects, will support sound land use planning and implementation throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania by promoting tools and solutions to regional land use and governance issues.
Protecting Rural Resources
Finally, our work with the agriculture community and local governments will provide new tools and models to support rural agricultural economies in ways that protect the environment and quality of life in surrounding communities.
Research for Better Policy Solutions
Our research and communications on targeting state spending will support both objectives as we try to influence investments and other decisions at the state level that impact land use and community development on the ground.
10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) organization and is funded primarily through contributions from private foundations and individual donors.