CITY HALL
Mayor Parker Shares Details on Sixers Arena Agreement
On Wednesday, Mayor Cherelle Parker announced the terms of the City’s agreement with the Philadelphia 76ers for the proposed $1.55 billion Center City arena, which includes an economic opportunity plan for a diverse workforce and a $50 million community benefits agreement. Mayor Parker also shared drafts of nine bills and two resolutions that will be sent to City Council with the first reading expected on October 24.
City Council Considers Curbing “Anti-Competitive Practices” in Landlord-Tenant Laws
During Thursday’s meeting, City Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke (At Large) introduced legislation to amend the City’s landlord-tenant laws to prohibit “anti-competitive practices” and urged the Pennsylvania General Assembly to ban algorithms that “anti-competitively” set rental rates, fees, and occupancy levels.
City Appeals Opioid Settlement Spending Ruling
Philadelphia is appealing the Pennsylvania Opioid Trust’s decision rejecting its proposal to use $7.5 million in opioid settlement funds for its “Kensington Plan,” comprising projects aimed at revitalizing and addressing trauma in the neighborhood. The City argues that these efforts will help prevent substance use disorder and overdose deaths. The Trust will revisit its ruling in early October.
City Council Hosts Property Tax Relief Workshops After Recent Assessments
With the help of City officials and legal services staff, City Council is hosting a series of property tax relief workshops to educate homeowners about available tax relief programs following recent property assessments.
Land-Use, Planning Meetings to Resume In Person
Philadelphia is transitioning back to in-person meetings for land-use and planning decisions after nearly five years of remote sessions. The City plans to implement a hybrid model, allowing public participation both in-person and online, as it strives for increased accessibility and responsiveness in municipal decision-making.
Upcoming Committee Hearings
Philadelphia City Council holds several public hearings throughout the legislative calendar year. Watch here.
· The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Committee will meet on Monday, September 30 at 10 a.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding recreation center staffing and more.
· The Commerce & Economic Development Committee will meet on Monday, September 30 at 1 p.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding proposed updates to the rules for Economic Opportunity Plans, proposed changes to the definition of “critical nuisance businesses” and clarification about what constitutes an obstruction of an investigation, and commercial office building market viability in Center City.
· The Joint Committees on Public Safety and Streets & Services will meet on Tuesday, October 1 at 10 a.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding illegal street racing meetups and Philadelphia Police Department precinct policies and practices for approving and denying block party permits.
Around Town
Local NAIOP Leader Urges City to Lower Business Taxes
In an interview with The Philadelphia Business Journal, NAIOP Greater Philadelphia Executive Director Sarah Maginnis advocated for lowering business taxes in order to help streamline office building conversions and make the city more attractive for business headquarters.
SEPTA Launching Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Pilot, Advancing Zero-Emission Goals
SEPTA is launching a pilot program with 10 hydrogen fuel cell buses this fall as part of its commitment to having a zero-emission fleet by 2040. The buses offer longer range and faster refueling, helping SEPTA explore cleaner, more efficient transit solutions for both city and suburban routes.
Four Local Schools Earn 2024 Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Honors
Four local schools, including Central High School in Philadelphia, were awarded the 2024 Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education for their exceptional academic performance or significant progress in closing achievement gaps.
Montgomery Avenue Bridge Reopens Thanks to BIL Funding
Federal and City officials gathered Tuesday to celebrate the reopening of the Montgomery Avenue Bridge, Philadelphia’s first project completed using Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funds.
Homelessness Rises for Third Consecutive Year
Homelessness in Philadelphia has risen for the third consecutive year, with more than 5,200 people estimated to have experienced homelessness this year, up nearly 10% compared to last year. Mayor Parker recently appointed new leadership to the City's Office of Homeless Services, which overspent its budget by approximately $15 million in recent years.
Election Update
Philadelphia’s 2 Competitive U.S. House Races
In November, Democratic U.S. Representatives Brendan Boyle (PA-02) and Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), both incumbents representing districts in the Philadelphia area, will face off against Republican challengers Aaron Bashir and Alfeia Goodwin, respectively, in competitive races. With increased voter turnout expected due to presidential and Senate elections, these races could impact control of the U.S. House.
