City Hall

FY25 Budget Will Not Include Wage, Business Tax Cuts

City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas (At Large) confirmed Thursday that Philadelphia’s FY25 budget will not include cuts to wage or business tax rates. This decision comes after plans to reduce these rates were abandoned to align with Mayor Cherelle Parker’s budget priorities. City lawmakers await recommendations from the new Tax Reform Commission, which are expected next fall.

Mayor Parker Points to Atlanta’s Battery as Model for Mixed-Use Development

Mayor Parker, pivotal in the decision on the 76ers’ proposed Center City arena, is exploring successful arena developments like Atlanta's Battery, hinting Philadelphia could benefit from a similar project that maximizes economic opportunities. Meanwhile, some Philadelphians have proposed transforming the struggling Market Street East into a “Welcoming District” for immigrants to centralize services and support for newcomers while potentially revitalizing the struggling commercial corridor.

City Council Makes EDP Permanent

City Council voted today to remove the end date for its nationally recognized eviction diversion program (EDP), making it permanent. Council also voted to put the creation of an Office of the Homeless Services Ombudsperson on the ballot during a special election, investigate existing barriers to treatment bed access in Kensington, and allow interested parties — including prior owners — to request open bidding when the Land Bank seeks to acquire property.

Upcoming Committee Hearings

Philadelphia City Council holds several public hearings throughout the legislative calendar year. Watch here.

• The Streets & Services Committee will meet on Monday, June 3 at 10 a.m. to hear testimony regarding several encroachment and parking ordinances, among other items.
• The Licenses & Inspections Committee will meet on Monday, June 3 at 1:30 p.m. to hear testimony about several proposed operating hour regulations and a proposed regulation regarding the operation and maintenance of electric vehicle charging stations at commercial and residential properties.
• The Rules Committee will meet on Tuesday, June 4 at 10 a.m. to hear testimony regarding several proposed zoning regulations and adjustments.
• The Transportation & Public Utilities Committee will meet on Tuesday, June 4 at 2 p.m. to hear testimony regarding two ordinances regarding City agreements with Philadelphia International Airport.
• The Finance Committee will meet on Wednesday, June 5 at 10 a.m. to hear testimony regarding proposed updates to the Keystone Opportunity Zone, Economic Development District, and Strategic Development Area.
• The Housing, Neighborhood Development & The Homeless Committee will meet on Wednesday, June 5 at 2 p.m. to hear testimony regarding a proposed licensure requirement for individuals responsible for carrying out tenant evictions at residential properties.
• The Committee of the Whole will meet on Wednesday, June 5 at 4 p.m. regarding the adoption of FY25 Operating and Capital Budgets.

Around Town

SEPTA Board Greenlights Bus Revolution

Last week, SEPTA’s board approved a comprehensive bus-route overhaul following years of research, extensive public input, and revisions to address equity concerns raised by City Council members. The agency aims to fully implement its “Bus Revolution” by 2025. Learn more about the proposed changes here.

A Look into Philadelphia’s Emerging Bellwether District

Hilco Redevelopment Partners is developing a major warehouse district and life sciences campus on the 1,300-acre former oil refinery site in South Philadelphia. The emerging Bellwether District is poised to reconnect long-inaccessible land to the rest of the city, facilitating economic mobility for surrounding neighborhoods and addressing the region’s booming demand for warehouse space driven by online shopping.

Kensington’s Transformation: Residents Foster Community Pride

Kensington residents are working to shift the neighborhood’s negative reputation — due to perineal challenges including drug use, homelessness, crime, and violence — by fostering community pride and focusing on positive programs and resources like the Kensington Soccer Club and Kensington Library.

Proposal to Preserve Historic Washington Square West Sparks Debate

The debate over designating entire Philadelphia neighborhoods as historic reignited when an advisory group recommended the historic status of Washington Square West, raising concerns about increased costs and stunted development versus preserving architectural and cultural heritage.

PDS Teachers Rally Against Controversial “3-5-7-9” Policy

Philadelphia School District (PSD) teachers are protesting a controversial “3-5-7-9” policy that penalizes them for using their contractually guaranteed sick days, arguing it is unfair and discourages necessary absences. Superintendent Tony Watlington has indicated that changes are on the table.

Election Update

President Biden, VP Harris Launch New Campaign Strategy in Philadelphia

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris visited Girard College in Philadelphia this week to unveil a campaign strategy aimed at regaining support among Black voters through community engagement and an eight-figure investment.