Influences What shapes the minds that make the news
Andrew Altman Age: 45 Profession: Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and Director of Commerce, City of Philadelphia.
Andrew Altman
Age: 45
Profession:
Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and Director of Commerce, City of Philadelphia.
What I do:
Mayor Nutter created this position, the first time authority for all of the planning and economic development functions of the city have been brought together under one official post.
Previous position:
I ran my own development company in New York. Also, I was previously the planning director of Washington.
Philly connections:
Grew up in Germantown. Bachelor's degree in geography and urban studies from Temple University.
Other degrees:
Master's degree in city planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
I took a pay cut to come here because:
I am passionate about making a difference in my home town.
Family:
Wife, Hillary, and sons Joshua (4 years old) and Eli (6 months).
Last book I read:
Maximum City
, by Suketu Mehta.
A movie I'd see again anytime:
High Fidelity
.
Hero from history:
Landscape
designer and architect Frederick Law Olmsted.
Proudest professional achievement:
Bringing a vision of the future to the Anacostia River and waterfront in Washington.
I'll know I'm doing a good job if, in five years from now:
I can say I have played a small part in restoring optimism
and a sense of greatness to Philadelphia.
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