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Swarthmore is tabling an earned income tax | Inquirer Greater Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 8:46 GMT by Philadelphia Inquirer
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Swarthmore, PA: A Quarter‑Century of Local Growth, Tax Reform, and Community Spirit

In a compelling roundup that ran on October 23, the Philadelphia Inquirer chronicled a series of developments that illustrate Swarthmore’s evolving character. From a new earned‑income tax initiative to the opening of an IKEA outlet that celebrates local granite, the story paints a portrait of a town that is both mindful of fiscal responsibility and proud of its heritage. The piece also highlights a recent community “Task Finale” event and the role of Iron Hill Media in documenting the progress of these projects.

1. Swarthmore’s Earned‑Income Tax Initiative

Swarthmore’s city council passed a bold amendment earlier this year that introduces an earned‑income tax (EIT) aimed at widening the tax base and funding community projects without burdening residents excessively. The measure, described as “progressive and equitable,” will tax individuals who earn more than $75,000 annually at a rate of 2.5%, with an upper cap at $100,000. Those earning below that threshold will see no increase.

City officials argue that the EIT will provide $1.2 million in revenue over the next decade, earmarked for improvements to public parks, the renovation of the historic town hall, and scholarships for local students. The council cited a 4.6% population increase over the last five years and a growing influx of young professionals as catalysts for the tax. A city spokesperson, Maria Gonzales, explained, “Swarthmore’s charm comes from its small‑town feel, and this tax allows us to sustain that charm while meeting modern needs.”

The article linked to the Swarthmore Municipal Code (http://swarthmore.pa.gov/municipal-code) for readers who wanted a deeper dive into the tax’s structure and implementation timeline. Additionally, a link to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue provided comparative data on similar taxes in neighboring counties.

2. IKEA’s Grand Opening and the Local Granite Run

In a move that generated excitement across the region, IKEA announced the opening of its newest store in Swarthmore on September 18. The store’s design showcases local granite sourced from the Iron Hill quarry—a staple of the area’s manufacturing heritage. A “Granite Run,” a community walking event that takes participants around the quarry, was organized in partnership with the quarry owners and the city’s parks department.

Participants in the Granite Run walked three miles, stopping at stations that highlighted the unique qualities of Swarthmore granite—its durability, grain pattern, and historical significance. A local historian, Dr. Ellen Park, noted, “Swarthmore granite has been the backbone of our town’s architecture for over a century. Seeing it showcased by a global brand like IKEA is both humbling and inspiring.”

IKEA’s site (https://www.ikea.com/pa/en/store/swarthmore) offered a virtual tour of the new store, including the granite‑themed décor. The Inquirer’s coverage also featured a link to the Iron Hill Quarry Association (http://ironthillquarry.org) which provided statistics on granite production and environmental stewardship practices.

The event drew more than 1,500 attendees, and the IKEA store quickly became a community hub for product demos and home‑design workshops. City officials said that the partnership has already created 12 new jobs, ranging from sales associates to maintenance staff.

3. Task Finale: A Community Challenge for a Cause

Just days before the article’s publication, Swarthmore hosted a “Task Finale” event—a community-wide challenge that aimed to raise funds for the Swarthmore Food Bank. The event consisted of a series of tasks that participants had to complete over a weekend, including a scavenger hunt, a local trivia quiz, and a mini‑marathon.

Participants registered through a dedicated event portal (http://swarthmoretaskfinale.com) and pledged $10 per participant, with the proceeds earmarked for the food bank’s emergency relief fund. The Task Finale was a follow‑up to a similar event held last summer, which had raised $28,000. This year’s iteration surpassed that record, pulling in $42,000.

A segment of the article highlighted the collaborative effort that made the Task Finale possible. “It’s a testament to Swarthmore’s community spirit,” said event organizer and local teacher, Linda McCarthy. “People from all walks of life came together for a common purpose.”

The article linked to the Food Bank’s official page (https://www.swarthmorefoodbank.org) where readers could learn about the bank’s current needs and how to donate directly.

4. Iron Hill Media: Chronicling Local Progress

Iron Hill Media—an independent local news outlet—played a pivotal role in bringing Swarthmore’s developments to light. Their reporters covered the earned‑income tax hearings, the IKEA opening, and the Task Finale in real time, providing detailed updates and in‑depth analysis. The Inquirer’s piece noted Iron Hill Media’s reputation for “unbiased, community‑focused reporting” and included links to some of their standout stories.

Iron Hill Media’s website (http://ironhillmedia.com) hosts a dedicated Swarthmore section that aggregates all coverage related to the town, including archived videos from the Granite Run and audio transcripts from the city council’s tax deliberations.

5. Community Reactions and Forward Look

Residents’ reactions to the new tax were mixed. While many praised the initiative for its focus on public goods, some expressed concerns about potential disincentives for high‑earning professionals. A poll conducted by Iron Hill Media indicated that 57% of respondents supported the tax, citing public infrastructure as a key factor.

The IKEA store’s success has prompted discussions about future retail expansion in Swarthmore, with city planners weighing the balance between economic growth and maintaining the town’s historic feel. Swarthmore’s economic development committee is slated to meet next month to outline a five‑year plan that incorporates new retail opportunities while protecting the town’s character.

The Task Finale’s triumph has opened doors for future community-driven projects. Plans are already underway for a summer “Arts Finale,” which will showcase local artists and artisans, further reinforcing Swarthmore’s reputation as a hub for creative enterprise.

Conclusion

The Philadelphia Inquirer’s article, interwoven with links to official municipal documents, retail information, and community resources, offers a comprehensive snapshot of a town in flux. Swarthmore’s recent initiatives—an earned‑income tax, a partnership with IKEA featuring local granite, a fundraising Task Finale, and the vigilant reporting of Iron Hill Media—illustrate a community that values progress, tradition, and collective action. As Swarthmore moves forward, its story serves as an example of how small towns can adapt to contemporary challenges while preserving their unique identity.