April 11, 2025
COUNCIL APPROVES BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS DURING THE APRIL 10 COUNCIL SESSION
Philadelphia City Council approved one bill and many resolutions at this week’s Council session.
BILLS:
Council approved Bill #240333, introduced by Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (7th District), that amends Section 14-533 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “/MIN, Mixed Income Neighborhoods Overlay District,” to update the illustrative maps to reflect recent redistricting changes, and Councilmember Jeffery Young, Jr. (5th District) formally placed Bill #240427-AA—his nonconformities bill –on the suspension calendar. No word if the bill will ever receive a final passage vote.
Bill #240333 will now go to Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker to be either approved into law or vetoed.
Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke (At-Large) introduced Bills #250329, #250330 and #250331, which are part of his Safe Healthy Homes (SHH) Act. O’Rourke says the legislative package will strengthen critical rights for tenants. The package pairs with the SHH city budget platform that calls for funding proactive City Licenses and Inspections (L & I) Department inspections in rental properties and the Philadelphia Energy Authority’s Built to Last program.
The SHH Act will address persistent landlord-tenant disputes by strengthening tenants’ private right-of-action against bad landlords and automating rental license suspension for landlords neglecting properties deemed “unsafe” by L & I.
RESOLUTIONS:
Council approved the appointments of six members of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission. The new members on the nine-person board are Malika Rahman (Resolution #250250), Gilberto Gonzalez (Resolution #250251), Michelle Enix-Kenney (Resolution #250252), LaTanya Whitehead (Resolution #250253), and Erika Stewart (Resolution #250305). Council also approved a resolution reappointing Haakim Peay (Resolution #250254) to the Commission. All of the resolutions were sponsored by Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. (4th District).
Some of the other resolutions approved this week include:
- Resolution #250336, introduced by Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson (At-Large), recognizing April 11 – 17, 2025, as “Black Maternal Health Week” in Philadelphia.
- Resolution #250298, introduced by Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson (At-Large) for Council President Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District), calling on the Trump Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services to preserve funding and administrative support for Head Start, prevent program disruptions, and protect access to early childhood education for low-income families.
- Resolution #250299, introduced by Gilmore Richardson for President Johnson, calling on the Trump Administration to reverse the termination of an U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant awarded to the City of Philadelphia to support efforts to address flooding in Eastwick, a community that has been disproportionately impacted by environmental injustice and hardship.
- Resolution #250317, introduced by Councilmember Cindy Bass (8th District) for President Johnson, responding to U.S Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Scott Turner’s ill-informed understanding of public housing development and call for deregulation by reinforcing the importance of the continued preservation of local control over housing development decisions to ensure development aligns with the needs and desires of our communities, and calling on Turner to preserve the Choice Neighborhood Initiatives program which enables the Philadelphia Housing Authority to preserve and expand its affordable housing stock.
- Resolution #250318, introduced by Councilmember Nina Ahmad (At-Large) for Council President Johnson, demanding that the Trump Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture restore the funding that was cut for programs supporting Pennsylvania food banks and schools accessing local produce, which will endanger food security for vulnerable children and families in Philadelphia and further deepening the crisis of hunger in the city.
For a complete rundown of all resolutions and bills introduced or approved this week, go to City Council’s Legislative Information Center.
CITY COUNCIL HOSTED FIFA PRESIDENT GIANNI INFANTINO THIS WEEK
Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) President Gianni Infantino visited this week’s City Council session as part of his first ever visit to Philadelphia. FIFA is soccer’s world governing body.
Infantino was in town as part of his tour to visit all the U.S. cities hosting the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 matches this summer. The first-ever 32-team FIFA Club World Cup will take place in the U.S. in June and July, with 12 venues across the nation chosen to host matches. Philadelphia will host eight matches at Lincoln Financial Field.
Infantino was accompanied by Daniel Hilferty, Chairman of Philadelphia Soccer 2026, a non-profit organization that serves as the operational Host Committee charged with planning and executing FIFA World Cup ‘26 in Philadelphia.
FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the largest competition ever hosted by FIFA. Philadelphia will host five Group Stage matches (June 14, June 19, June 22, June 25, and June 27, 2026), and a Round of 16 match on the United States semiquincentennial, July 4, 2026.
Those games will also be played at Lincoln Financial Field. During the FIFA World Cup ’26 games, it will be known as Philadelphia Stadium.
Infantino also announced that FIFA would give the City of Philadelphia $1 million to build soccer fields in Philadelphia and organize activities with local soccer associations.
For information on the FIFA Club World Cup, go to fifa.com
COUNCIL HEARINGS IN CITY HALL ON THE MAYOR CHERELLE PARKER’S PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET CONTINUES
This was the third week of City Council’s hearings on Mayor Parker’s proposed $6.7 Billion Fiscal Year 2026 budget.
The first day of hearings (April 8) featured the Philadelphia Police Department and the Office of Public Safety.
The proposed FY 2026 budget for the Police Department is $872 million, the most of any City department. That is a $20 million increase than what the Police Department expects to spend in the current Fiscal Year 2025 budget, which ends on June 30.
Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel is overseeing a department that is seeing a significant drop in gun violence, but he said he wants to invest in technology to help improve safety. The Police Department has nine drones and wants to purchase another 18. His goal is for drones to be on the scene of high priority 911 calls within two minutes within the next four to five years.
During the hearing, Council President Johnson surprised everyone in Chambers when he showed a fake pellet gun that looked like a real firearm. He said he got it from a constituent who found the item in their grandson’s possession.
Johnson said he displayed the fake gun to continue discussions about Philadelphia businesses selling the items, some of which are illegal. Bethel said the Police will take “immediate action” against stores selling these realistic looking fake guns.
Public Safety Chief Adam Geer received pushback from Councilmembers concerning the City’s Wellness Court and Riverview Recovery Center, major parts of Mayor Parker’s plan to improve life in Kensington. Councilmembers pressed Geer for more data about the initiatives, saying Parker wants another $100 million in the FY 2026 budget for the wellness center despite having no evidence of its effectiveness.
The final day of hearings this week (April 9) included the Managing Director’s Office (MDO) and the Philadelphia Department of Prisons. The MDO works in coordination with individual operating departments to implement the Mayor’s vision about Philadelphia.
Managing Director Adam Thiel did bring some good news to Council during his budget testimony- Mayor Parker has reconsidered her decision to end a program that provides free SEPTA passes to low-income Philadelphians.
The City of Philadelphia is in talks with SEPTA to extend the Zero Fare pilot program, which has provided SEPTA Key cards to 24,000 low-income residents. The Mayor will also restore full funding for the SEPTA Key Advantage program, which provides free passes to City workers. She had proposed cutting the funding for the program from $9 million this year to $5 million in FY 2026.
SEPTA unveiled a budget proposal this week that includes deep cuts to services across the board, including fare increases and shutting down all rail services by 9 p.m. if SEPTA does not get significant funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The cuts would begin on August 24 and a 21% fare increase would begin on September 1. SEPTA is facing a $213 million structural deficit. SEPTA is scheduled to appear at a Council budget hearing on April 16.
Council President Johnson, O’Rourke and Gilmore Richardson attended a press conference/ rally outside of City Hall on April 11 to demonstrate Council’s commitment to saving SEPTA. The event was done in partnership with Philadelphia State House and State Senate Democratic leaders, Transit Forward and Transit 4 All PA!
The hearings on the proposed Operating and Capital Budget with Parker administration leadership is meant to understand the mayor’s spending proposal.
All FY 2026 budget hearings are held before the Committee of the Whole, chaired by President Johnson. These hearings include testimony from department heads and independently elected offices to support their proposed budgets and answer questions from councilmembers.
The City’s budget is the mayoral administration’s plan for spending, adjusted as needed to obtain City Council approval and passage before the start of each fiscal year beginning on July 1.
During the Budget hearings, City Council also holds public comment sessions for residents to provide feedback on the proposed budget. The days for public comment at City Hall will be April 30 and May 13-14.
Before the budget is approved, City Council may adjust funding levels for departments and programs.
City Council passes legislation approving the new budget before the end of the current (Fiscal Year 2025) budget on June 30, and the mayor signs the adopted budget legislation. Fiscal Year 2026 starts on July 1.
To learn more about Mayor Parker’s budget address, Operating and Capital Budgets, proposed FY25-30 Five Year Plan and dates/times/locations of Neighborhood Budget Town halls, visit City Council’s FY 2026 budget page. The FY 2026 Budget Hearing Schedule is subject to change so check back often for updates.
NEIGHBORHOOD BUDGET TOWN HALLS CONTINUE ON APRIL 14
The next City Council Neighborhood Budget Town Hall will take place on April 14, from, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Center, 4200 Wissahickon Avenue. It will be co-sponsored by Councilmembers Jones, Jr. (4th District) and Bass (8th District).
The remaining Neighborhood Budget Town Hall dates are:
- April 22, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Julia De Burgos Elementary School, 401 West Lehigh Avenue, Co-sponsored by members of the Kensington Caucus – Councilmembers Mark Squilla (1st District), Mike Driscoll (6th District), Quetcy Lozada (7th District) and Jim Harrity (At-Large).
- May 1, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oak Lane Presbyterian Church, 6637 North Eleventh St. (corner of 11th Street and Oak Lane. Co-Sponsored by Councilmember Anthony Phillips (9th District).
All City Council budget hearings inside City Hall will air live on Xfinity Ch. 64, Fios Channel 40, and stream at www.PHLCouncil.com/watch. Neighborhood Budget Hearings are also being recorded by PHL GOV TV and will air on Channel 64 on a future date.
CITY COUNCIL HELD TWO COMMITTEE HEARINGS THIS WEEK
Council’s Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and The Homeless held a hearing on April 7 concerning:
- Bills #250044, An Ordinance amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Landlord and Tenant,” to establish requirements related to security deposits for residential rentals and establishing remedies for violations, and Bill # under certain terms and conditions.
- Bill #250045, An Ordinance amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Landlord and Tenant,” to establish requirements related to fees charged by landlords to individuals applying for residential tenancy.
Both bills are sponsored by Councilmember Rue Landau (At-Large) and were held in committee at the request of the sponsor.
Council’s Committee on Streets and Services voted more than a dozen bills out of committee on April 7. The bills had a first reading at the April 10 Council session and could have a final passage vote as soon as the April 24 session.
The bills voted out of Committee were Bills #250102 (introduced by Councilmember Mark Squilla, 1st District), #250148 (At-Large Councilmember Isaiah Thomas’ automated speed cameras within specified school zone in Philadelphia), #250176 (introduced by Councilmember Jeffery Young, Jr., 5th District) , #250177 (Squilla), #250203 (Young Jr.), #250208 (Squilla), #250209 (Squilla), #250240 (introduced by Councilmember Brian O’Neill, 10th District), #250241 (O’Neill), #250266 (introduced by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, 3rd District), #250267 (Gauthier), #250271 (O’Neill), #250272 (Squilla) and #250274 (introduced by Councilmember Cindy Bass, 8th District).
Bill #250273 (Squilla), which would amend Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Traffic Code,” to revise procedures for operation of an automated vehicle noise enforcement system and creating Section 12-1138, entitled “Automated Vehicle Noise Enforcement,” was held in committee.
Council’s Committee on Appropriations was scheduled to meet on April 10, but that hearing was cancelled. Bills #250204, #250205 and #250206 (all bills introduced by Squilla on behalf of Council President Johnson–Fiscal Year 2025 and mid-year transfer bills—were on the agenda. No word when the hearing will be rescheduled.
PHILADELPHIA PARKS AND RECREATION SUMMER JOB FAIR THIS WEEKEND
The Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department has jobs to fill this summer. Attend their annual job fair on Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mander Playground, 2140 North 33rd St (corner of 33rd and Diamond Street) in North Philadelphia. This new location replaces The Dell Music Center.
Whether you’re looking for a new career, a seasonal job, or local opportunities, this event is for Philadelphians of all ages and experience levels. Youth employment opportunities are available starting at age 14. For additional information, email [email protected] or contact the Parks and Rec main number at (215) 683-3600.
SATURDAYS WITH CITY COUNCIL RADIO SHOW AIRS LIVE THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 12
Tune in and listen to the next Saturdays with City Council show on Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Eastern Time for Saturdays with City Council on WURD Radio (900 AM/96.1 FM) or online at wurdradio.com
The show is hosted by Council Communications Director Vincent Thompson, and this week’s topics include Mayor Parker’s proposed FY 2026 budget and other issues.
The final Saturdays with City Council show in April will air on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Eastern Time on WURD Radio.
THE NEXT CITY COUNCIL SESSION WILL BE ON THURSDAY, APRIL 24
Council will not have a session on April 17 due to the Easter holiday.
The next Regular Stated City Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 24 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time at Philadelphia City Council Chambers, Room 400 (Fourth Floor), Philadelphia City Hall.
Tune in live on April 24 by watching Xfinity Channel 64 and Fios Channel 40 if you have cable TV in Philadelphia, stream online at www.PHLCouncil.com/watch or listen to WURD Radio (900 AM/96.1 FM) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Source: phlcouncil.com…