City Hall
Mayor Parker Unveils Program Funding Details of $800M HOME Initiative
Mayor Cherelle Parker unveiled details about the programs to be funded by her signature Housing Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) Initiative on Monday. More than 75% of the $800 million bond amount will be allocated to seven key programs: $161 million for affordable housing preservation, $112 million for the Turn the Key program, $84 million for the Basic Systems Repair Program, $79.5 million for affordable housing production, $70 million for one-time payments for back rent, $50.7 million for the One Philly Mortgage program, and $50 million to expand the Philly First Home program. The Initiative, which aims to build or repair 30,000 housing units, also includes funding for more than two dozen other programs to address various housing needs across the city.
City Council to Consider Mobile Service Providers Bill
During a lengthy Thursday meeting, the City Council passed a flurry of bills, including the installation of speed cameras in school zones and changes to parking and loading zones. Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (District 7) introduced a bill regarding mobile service providers in Kensington, and notable resolutions honored SEPTA workers, declared April as Second Chance Month, recognized Philly Black Pride weekend, and supported the West Philadelphia Zoo Scholars Program.
Budget Hearing Update
City Council members pressed for more details on the $2 billion HOME Initiative during a day-long hearing on Wednesday, specifically asking about its impact on low-income residents, community involvement in zoning decisions, and efforts to ensure diversity in the construction workforce. Next week’s budget hearings will focus on education. The full schedule of FY26 budget hearings and a link to watch them can be found here. The following hearings are coming up next week:
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School District on Tuesday, April 29 at 10 a.m.
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Community College of Philadelphia on Tuesday, April 29 at 1:30 p.m.
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Public Testimony regarding the School District on Wednesday, April 30 at 10 a.m.
Upcoming Committee Hearings
The Philadelphia City Council holds several public hearings throughout the legislative calendar year. Watch here.
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The Law & Government Committee will meet on Friday, April 25 at 10 a.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding proposed amendments to worker protection laws, including wage theft, domestic worker protections, retaliation claims, and employer record keeping.
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The Licenses & Inspections Committee will meet on Monday, April 28 at 10 a.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding amendments to regulations around license suspension for non-compliant businesses, scrap metal sales licensing, and tobacco sales violations.
Around Town
Pew Report Shows Bright Spots, Challenges in City’s Post-Pandemic Recovery
The Pew Charitable Trusts released its 2025 “State of the City” report on Monday, highlighting Philadelphia’s post-pandemic recovery, marked by significant declines in violent crime and poverty rates, as well as increases in population and employment. However, the city continues to grapple with overdose deaths, entrenched poverty, rising homelessness, and a slight decline in the percentage of adults with college degrees, indicating uneven progress across demographic groups.
Mogerman Leads Zoo with Focus on Community Engagement
Jo-Elle Mogerman, the first Black woman to serve as president and CEO of the Philadelphia Zoo, reflected on her first 18 months in office, emphasizing the importance of engaging with the local community and honoring the history of the beloved institution.
Researchers Investigate Economic Mobility Challenges in Philadelphia
Researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia found that economic stability is a key factor holding back Philadelphians from climbing the economic ladder, despite low unemployment and declining poverty rates. In related news, economist Anna Paulson, formerly of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, was appointed as the next president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, effective July 1.
PHA Advances Affordable Housing Plans at Former UC Townhomes Site
The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) is moving forward with plans to construct a 75-unit affordable apartment building on the former University City (UC) Townhomes site, with construction expected to start next year following a legal settlement and community engagement process.
Proposed SEPTA Service Cuts Could Slash $20B from Property Values
A report estimates that SEPTA’s proposed service cuts could reduce property values in Greater Philadelphia by $20 billion, impacting tax revenues and the local economy.
Nicetown’s Resilience Relies on Tight-Knit Community
The Philadelphia Inquirer published an overview of Nicetown’s history, outlining how the community’s tight-knit culture has helped it survive through highway construction, the crack cocaine epidemic, and gentrification.
Tranq Crisis Leads to Surge in Amputations
The rise of xylazine—widely known as “tranq”—is further complicating Philadelphia’s opioid crisis, with health care professionals noting a dramatic spike in amputations among drug users due to severe infections. The slow public health response, inconsistent medical treatment, and limited substance use disorder treatment capacity have exacerbated the situation.
Philadelphians Honor Pope Francis’ Legacy at Memorial Mass
Philadelphia residents gathered for a mass to mourn Pope Francis’ death and celebrate his impactful legacy, recalling his historic 2015 visit to the city.
Suburban Spotlight
Delco Hospitals to Close Despite $40M Lifeline
Prospect Medical Holdings will close two hospitals in Delaware County after failing to find a buyer, despite receiving $40 million in state aid, resulting in significant job losses and reduced healthcare services.
