City Hall
Mayor Parker Delivers FY26 Budget Address
Mayor Cherelle Parker presented her $6.7 billion FY26 budget proposal to the Philadelphia City Council today, highlighting an $800 million housing plan, significant business tax cuts, and the expansion of the extended-year school pilot program. The proposal also includes increased funding for public safety, the newly opened Riverview Wellness Village, infrastructure improvements, and more, setting the stage for three months of budget negotiations. FY26 budget hearings are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, March 25.
City Council Approves $91M for 2026 Celebrations, Transit
Last week, the City Council approved a $91 million transfer to fund preparations for the 2026 Semiquincentennial celebrations and mass transit improvements. The funds will support events, security, infrastructure upgrades, and various community projects—though notably, they will no longer include a proposal, spearheaded by former Pennsylvania Governor and Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell, to build a national monument in LOVE Park.
City Council Considers Low-Income Tax Freeze Program Deadline Extension
Last week, City Councilmembers Jamie Gauthier (District 3) and Rue Landau (At Large) introduced legislation to extend the application deadline for the Low-Income Real Estate Tax Freeze program to September 30. The program aims to prevent the displacement of low-income homeowners by freezing their property taxes, regardless of increases in assessments or tax rates.
Sheriff’s Office Issues Delay Land Bank’s Acquisition of Lots
Philadelphia’s Land Bank has been unable to acquire tax-delinquent lots for community gardens and affordable housing due to ongoing operational issues in the Sheriff’s Office and its contractor, despite City Council's efforts to streamline the process.
Upcoming Committee Hearings
The Philadelphia City Council holds several public hearings throughout the legislative calendar year. Watch here.
- The Joint Committees on Public Safety and Public Health & Human Services will meet on Monday, March 17 at 10 a.m. to investigate the effectiveness and potential expansion of mobile mental health units administered by the Department of Behavioral Health & Intellectual disAbility Services.
- The Public Property & Public Works Committee will meet on Monday, March 17 at 2 p.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding proposed land and rights acquisitions for development and infrastructure improvements in Northeast Philadelphia.
- The Joint Committees on Housing, Neighborhood Development & the Homeless and Licenses & Inspections will meet on Tuesday, March 18 at 10 a.m. to examine the conditions of rental housing, rental code enforcement, and the need for rental repairs throughout the city.
- The Technology & Information Services Committee will meet on Wednesday, March 19 at 10 a.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding the operation of the Philadelphia 311 non-emergency hotline and its engagement with City departments.
- The Rules Committee will meet on Wednesday, March 19 at 2 p.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding proposed updates to the Mixed Income Neighborhoods Overlay District to reflect recent redistricting changes.
Around Town
City Planning Director Talks Market East, Housing
At a Q&A session hosted by the Design Advocacy Group last week, City Planning Director Jessie Lawrence emphasized the need for dense housing and mixed-use development to revitalize the Market East corridor, aligning with the mayor’s goal of creating or preserving 30,000 housing units. Lawrence also discussed potential renovations or demolition of the historic Roundhouse, as well as the need for a permanent Greyhound bus station.
Mantua’s Youthful Shift Resulting in Rising Housing Costs
The median age in Philadelphia’s Mantua neighborhood is dropping as Drexel University students move in, making it one of the city’s youngest neighborhoods—but also driving up housing costs and reducing affordability for long-term residents.
Philly’s Federal Footprint Shrinking
The Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the federal government’s presence in Philadelphia and elsewhere have led to job cuts, canceled office leases, and terminated contracts, with the potential to significantly impact the local economy.
Election Update
Influential Black Dems Back DA Krasner
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner secured support from several influential Black Democratic leaders—including City Council President Kenyatta Johnson (District 2) and State Senator Sharif Street (SD-03)—as he seeks a third term. Meanwhile, DA Krasner and primary challenger Pat Dugan discussed the city’s murder rate, retail theft, and capital punishment during a candidate forum this week.
Suburban Spotlight
Crozer Health Hospitals Receive Funding, Avoiding Immediate Closure
Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital secured short-term funding to remain open for the time being, following a six-hour negotiation last week involving the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and the Foundation for Delaware County.
