Mayor Cherelle L. Parker Announces
Two New Appointments to the Philadelphia Land Bank Board of Directors

October 20, 2025
Contact: press@phila.gov

PHILADELPHIA – Today, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker announced two new appointments to the Philadelphia Land Bank (PLB) Board of Directors. The appointees will begin their service prior to the next public board meeting on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.  

“It is clear from the Land Bank’s success with its Turn the Key program that a strong and effective Land Bank is essential for reaching the H.O.M.E. initiative’s goal to produce and preserve 30,000 homes,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “That is why I am very pleased to appoint these dedicated, knowledgeable, and experienced professionals to the board. They will provide invaluable guidance and leadership.” 

Departing from the PLB board are retired City Council staff member Herb Wetzel and Nicetown CDC official Majeedah Rashid. In a letter dated Friday, October 17, 2025, Mayor Parker thanked both former board members and expressed her appreciation for their service to the board and the City of Philadelphia.  

“I thank both Herb Wetzel and Majeedah Rashid for their service on the Land Bank board and for our City,” Mayor Parker said. “Herb Wetzel has been a subject matter expert for me on any housing issue that I’ve worked on throughout my career as an elected official, and I have always relied on his counsel. He will continue to be part of my circle of advisers on housing issues, just in a different capacity. Majeedah Rashid has worked with me on economic development issues dating to my time in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, and her advice has been invaluable. Our City is stronger for Herb’s and Majeedah’s public service.”  

The new appointees are:   

Alex Balloon 
Alex Balloon is the Executive Director of the Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Corporation (PARC) in South Philadelphia. In this role, Alex oversees strategic initiatives in commercial corridor development, neighborhood revitalization, and community investment. Prior to joining PARC Alex was Executive Director of the Tacony Community Development Corporation in Northeast Philadelphia. He served on the PLB Board from 2020 to 2024. Alex holds a master’s degree in Historic Preservation and Urban Redevelopment from the University of Pennsylvania School of Design and a bachelor’s degree from the College of Wooster. He is a certified Main Street America Revitalization Professional (MSARP). 

Angela D. Brooks, FAICP 
Angela D. Brooks is Chief Housing and Urban Development Officer in the Office of the Mayor. Prior to joining the City of Philadelphia, Angela was Director of the Illinois office of the Corporation for Supportive Housing. Angela previously served at the Chicago Housing Authority and in the Office of Housing in her hometown of Seattle, Washington. 

Angela recently completed a two-year term as President of the American Planning Association (APA), where she also served on the Board of Directors. She is co-chair of the national Housing Supply Accelerator, a joint project of the APA and National League of Cities.  

Angela holds a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from Jackson State University and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of New Orleans. She is a Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners.