City Hall
FY26 Budget Negotiations Entering HOME Stretch
Thursday marks the final opportunity for the City Council to advance bills—including those tied to Mayor Cherelle Parker’s $6.7 billion proposed budget and Housing Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) Initiative—in time for passage before summer recess on June 12. While the Council passed several bills, including a requirement that developers include long-term affordable housing in residential projects and a cap on rental application fees, Council President Kenyatta Johnson (District 2) recessed rather than adjourned Thursday’s meeting. This allows committees to reconvene and advance legislation in the hopes of staying on track. The Council is expected to reconvene this evening at 6 p.m.
Upcoming Committee Hearings
The Philadelphia City Council holds several public hearings throughout the legislative calendar year. Watch here.
- The Public Health & Human Services Committee will be meeting on Friday, June 6 at 10 a.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding City child welfare protections policies.
- The Joint Committees on Labor & Civil Service and Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs will be meeting on Tuesday, June 10 at 10 a.m. to investigate how the City is enforcing the Healthy Outdoor Public Spaces law and the risks that exposure to synthetic pesticides pose to the public and City employees.
- The Rules Committee will be meeting on Thursday, June 12 at 9 a.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding the allowance of religious assembly uses in certain special purpose districts in the City zoning code.
City Workers Union Plans Strike Vote
AFSCME District Council 33, which represents many of Philadelphia’s municipal workers, has scheduled a June 10 strike vote over a contract proposal that includes contested changes to health benefits, sick leave, and overtime.
Around Town
SEPTA’s Interim GM Appointed to Position Permanently
Scott Sauer assumed the full title of General Manager at SEPTA after running the public transit agency on an interim basis. With 35 years of dedicated service, Sauer steps into his new permanent role ready to navigate significant challenges—including a $213 billion deficit, fare adjustments, and service realignments—with a steady hand and a commitment to long-term sustainability and improvement.
Federal “Sanctuary Jurisdiction” List Disappears, Causing Confusion
On Monday, Philadelphia appeared on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) “Sanctuary Jurisdiction” list, which has since been removed from the DHS website, creating uncertainty for cities and municipalities nationwide. President Donald Trump had previously threatened to withhold federal funds from listed jurisdictions.
Transforming the Wanamaker Building: Revitalized Public Spaces, Loft Apartments
New York developer TF Cornerstone will convert upper floors of the historic Wanamaker building into 600 loft-style apartments while preserving office space, retail, and cultural features like the Grand Court and Wanamaker Organ. The redevelopment, set to begin in early 2026, aims to revitalize Center City by blending residential living with historic preservation and community engagement.
Philadelphia Approves First New Charter School Since 2018
Last week, the Philadelphia Board of Education approved the Early College Charter School, the city’s first new charter in seven years. While some board members and community voices expressed concerns about resource allocation and staffing, supporters emphasized the school’s potential to expand educational opportunities for underserved students through early college access.
North Philadelphia School Touts Improved Student Outcomes
Robert Morris Elementary School earned honors for “most-improved” student scores in math and reading at the Accelerate Philly awards, a ceremony known for recognizing the city’s best schools. Robert Morris joined Central, Penn Alexander, and Masterman on the podium.
Cobbs Creek Golf Course Restoration Highlighted in Upcoming Documentary
The extensive $150 million restoration of West Philadelphia’s historic Cobbs Creek Golf Course, which will commence this summer, will be the subject of a three-part NBC Sports docuseries detailing the project called, “Cobbs Creek Rising: Headwaters to Horizons.”
Ed Rendell Honored at Great Stages Gala
Former Philadelphia Mayor and Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell called on Philadelphians to continue to strive for greatness by prioritizing civic engagement and supporting the city’s arts and cultural institutions during a powerful speech at the Academy of Music that highlighted the creation of the Avenue of the Arts.
City’s Competitive Real Estate Market Sees Spring Bidding
According to Zillow, buyers from New York have taken an interest in Philadelphia real estate listings. Each Philadelphia Metropolitan area listing saw web traffic from nearly eight interested home hunters.
