City Counsel

City Counsel is the next iteration of OpenAccessPHL: a convening designed for people who move across sectors, stitch networks together, connect the dots and believe Philadelphia gets smarter, faster and better when we learn from past, present, and future dreamers and doers and figure out ways to collaborate and support each other.

This first session manifests a simple concept: go new places, learn old things, and meet the people who shaped the civic infrastructure Philadelphia is still building on.
It’s a cross‑generational, cross‑sector conversation - part reunion, part discovery, part “oh wow, I didn’t know you were the one who did that.”

Grateful to our host Kiersten Mailler at uCity Square. uCity Square exists at the intersection of world-class universities, research institutions, academic medical centers, and dynamic neighborhoods. Their mission is to facilitate collaboration that stimulates breakthroughs, drives inclusive economic growth, and expands our diverse and vibrant community.

Speakers: Alex Hillman leader of Indy Hall (e.g. invented co-working in the City plus so much more); Archna Sahay, formerly the City of Philadelphia’s Director of Entrepreneurial Investment who has maintained a formidable presence in the tech and innovation space; and Andrew Buss, architect of much of the City's internal innovation infrastructure.

Organizers are Jeff Friedman, Kelsey Hubbell and Cat McManus, Ed.D.