[ikka]

If Philly gets rid of its corrupt Democratic politicians; its union thuggery and kleptocracy; and takes care of its crime problem, it will reverse the trend and start growing.

However I doubt it will happen... "the brothers and sisters are running the city now!" - quote from current mayor John Street.

[Tallguy]

Philly's problems are a lot deeper than a corrupt mayor or crime. The demographic shift to the suburbs, which started in the post-War years, continues.

Philly's declining population is really just a technicality. If you include the population of the bordering counties (including S. Jersey), the population continues to grow. Can Phoenix say the same? Given their geographic limitations (Water), I'd guess not.