April 25, 2025
PHILADELPHIA CITY COUNCIL APPROVED NEARLY A DOZEN BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS DURING THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL SESSION
BILLS APPROVED
Council approved Bill #250148, known as the Safe Streets for Students Act, which authorizes the installation and use of automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras in some dangerous school zones in Philadelphia. The legislation was sponsored by Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, At-Large.
The legislation is part of a broader effort between City Council and Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s Administration to eliminate traffic fatalities in Philadelphia and follows Thomas’ recent hearing investigating progress toward achieving the city’s Vision Zero goals.
This is a five-year pilot program authorized by Pennsylvania House Bill 1284 (HB 1284) and will need to be renewed or made permanent in 2028 if it is to be continued. As required by HB 1284, engineering and traffic studies must be completed and an opportunity for public comment will be made available.
Locations were determined by transportation experts at the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS) using crash data and geographic spread across the city to maximize impact. Thomas’ ordinance authorizes automated enforcement in seven locations, though state law limits the use of ASE cameras to five designated school zones at a given time.
The seven authorized school zones are William L. Sayre High School (3rd District), High School of the Future (4th District), Visitation B.V.M School (5th District), KIPP North Philadelphia Charter School (5th District), John B. Stetson Middle School (7th District), Widener Memorial School (8th District) and Northeast High School (10th district)
Cameras would be active during school hours when school zone flashers are active.
Additional bills approved this week were:
- Bill #250208 (introduced by Councilmember Mark Squilla, 1st District) that would amend Section 12-1117 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Physically Handicapped and Disabled or Severely Disabled Veteran Parking,” as it will take effect pursuant to Bill No. 240613-AA (approved December 18, 2024), by revising the definition of disability parking space and further amending The Philadelphia Code by updating cross-references to Section 12-1117 that now appear in Title 9, entitled “Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions,” and Title 12, “Traffic Code,” all under certain terms and conditions.
- Bill #250209 (introduced by Squilla) that would amend Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Traffic Code,” to clarify penalties and procedures associated with smart loading zone parking enforcement, under certain terms and conditions.
Bill #250240 (introduced by Councilmember Brian O’Neill, 10th District) amending Chapter 12-900 (“Parking Regulations and Penalties”) and Chapter 12-2800 (“Administrative Adjudication of Parking Violations”) of The Philadelphia Code revising penalties related to parking certain large vehicles, including boats, motor homes, house coaches, house trailers, truck campers, recreational cargo trailers, and recreational trailers, under certain terms and conditions.
Bill #250271 (O’Neill) amending The Philadelphia Code by increasing the penalties for the prohibited parking or maintaining of semitrailers and truck tractors at residential properties, all under certain terms and conditions.
The final set of bills this week were Bills #250102 (Squilla), #250176 (Young), #250177 (Squilla), #250203 (introduced by Councilmember Jeffery Young, Jr., 5th District), #250241 (O’Neill), #250272 (Squilla).
All the bills approved will now go to Mayor Parker’s desk to either be signed into law or vetoed.
After being held by Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (7th District) for months, Bill #240665, which would regulate vehicular mobile service providers, was amended and the amendment was approved by a 12-3 vote. The no votes were Councilmembers Rue Landau, Kendra Brooks and Nicolas O’Rourke, all At-Large). The amended version of the Bill could come up for a final passage vote as soon as the May 1 Council session.
AMONG THE RESOLUTIONS APPROVED:
- Resolution #250337 (introduced by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, 3rd District) authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of land in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
- Resolution #250339 (introduced by Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, At-Large) authorizing the Committee on Education to create a taskforce investigating the current state of higher education as this pillar of the Philadelphia regional economy and cultural landscape undergoes generational change.
- Resolution #250342 (introduced by Councilmember Rue Landau, At-Large, for Council President Kenyatta Johnson, 2nd District) calling on the President Donald Trump Administration to reverse the mass termination of Health and Human Services (HHS) staff that manages the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which distributes $4.1 billion annually to state governments to assist low-income households in paying their utility bills, threatening the health and safety of vulnerable populations in extreme temperatures.
- Resolution #250343 (introduced by Councilmember Landau) calling on the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to pass the Ready to Rent Act and increase housing opportunities for Pennsylvanians by automatically sealing most eviction records. Pennsylvania State Representative Ismail Smith-Wade-El (49 th District / Lancaster County), the sponsor of the bill in the Pennsylvania House, came to Philadelphia to support the resolution.
- Resolution #250347 (introduced by Councilmember Jeffery Young, Jr., 5th District) calling on the National Football League to abandon proposed rule changes to halt the usage of the Philadelphia Eagles’ signature quarterback sneak, better known as the “Brotherly Shove” or the “Tush Push.”
- Resolution #250348 (introduced by Councilmember Young for Council President Johnson) authorizing the establishment of the Special Committee on Reform of Act 135, the Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act, to develop recommendations for reforming the Act to prevent its use for exploitation of vulnerable communities.
Resolution #250353 (introduction by Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke, At-Large, for Council President Johnson) urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to draft and pass bipartisan legislation that will secure necessary funding for SEPTA to prevent service closures, fare increases, and a decline in mobility and economic activity for the citizens of Philadelphia and neighboring counties.
Resolution #250361 (introduced by Councilmember Cindy Bass, 8th District) authorizing the creation of a “Special Committee on Child Separation in Philadelphia” to review child separation practices in Philadelphia’s child welfare system and develop recommendations to ensure compliance with state child protective services law, protect children, uphold due process rights of families, and prevent the unnecessary break-up of families.
Resolution #250386 (introduced by Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for Council President Johnson) calling for the Committee for Transportation and Public Utilities to hold hearings to examine the feasibility of a citywide daylighting initiative, and help determine best practices to protect cyclists, ensure pedestrian safety, and prevent needless traffic deaths.
Resolution #250394 (introduced by Councilmember Young) authorizing the Council Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities to hold hearings to investigate rail operators’ responsibilities for cleanup, maintenance, and beautification of transit entry points into Philadelphia.
Resolution #250395 (introduced by Councilmember Kendra Brooks, At-Large) honoring and expressing gratitude to Philly Black Pride for its ongoing work to center and support underserved Black and Brown folks in the LGBTQ+ community, and recognizing Thursday, April 24th through Sunday, April 27th as Philly Black Pride Weekend in the City of Philadelphia.
Resolution #250397 (introduced by Councilmember Jim Harrity, At-Large) authorizing The Committee on Labor and Civil Service and The Committee on Parks and Recreation to Hold Joint Hearings Investigating the City’ s Enforcement of the Healthy Outdoor Public Spaces (HOPS) Law and the Risks That Exposure to Synthetic Pesticides Pose to the Public and City Employees.
Resolution #250399 (introduced by Councilmember O’ Rourke) honoring SEPTA transit workers, the unsung heroes of Philadelphia, for their essential daily work to transport Philadelphians throughout the city, no matter the conditions.
Resolution #250400 (introduced by Councilmember Mike Driscoll, 6th District for Council President Johnson) honoring the life and legacy of His Holiness, Pope Francis, the 266th Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, known for his commitment to peace, social justice, and humility, on his passing on April 21, 2025. All Councilmembers stood in a moment of silence to honor Pope Francis. His funeral will take place on April 26.
BILLS INTRODUCED:
Bill #250373 (introduced by Councilmember Landau) amending Chapter 9-3500 of Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards,” to amend definitions, add clarifications, and enhance remedies, all under certain terms and conditions.
Bill #250375 (introduced by Councilmember O’Rourke) by providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for a mandatory annual appropriation for the Transit Access Fund, as approved by Resolution of the City Council; fixing the date of a special election for such purpose; prescribing the form of ballot question to be voted on; and, authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.
Bill #250376 (introduced by Councilmember O’Rourke) by adding Chapter 21-3500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled” Transit Access Fund,” to establish the purposes for which appropriations to the Transit Access Fund may be used, and to establish public reporting requirements related to the Fund.
Bill #250379 (introduced by Councilmember O’Neill) that would amend Ordinance (Bill No. 877), approved September 16, 1994, by amending an exhibit thereto, in order to increase the limit of the amount of funding any entity may receive in any fiscal year from the Philadelphia Activities Fund.
Bill #250380 (introduced by Councilmember O’Neill for Council President Johnson) by amending Section 19-1301.1 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled” Homestead Exclusion,” to increase the amount of the homestead exclusion, under certain terms and conditions.
Among the additional legislation introduced this week were Bills #250367 (introduced by Councilmember Anthony Phillips, 9th District). #250368 (introduced by Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for Council President Johnson), #250369 (introduced Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for Council President Johnson), #250370 (introduced Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for Council President Johnson), #250371 (introduced by Councilmember Gauthier), #250372 (introduced by Councilmember Gauthier), #250374 (introduced by Councilmember Young), #250377 (introduced by Councilmember Driscoll), #250378 (introduced by Councilmember O’Neill), #250381 (introduced by Councilmember Squilla), #250382 (Councilmember Squilla), #250383 (introduced by Councilmember Bass), and #250384 (Councilmember Bass).
Bills introduced in Council this week will be assigned to committees for future hearings.
For a complete rundown of all bills and resolutions currently before Council, go to City Council’s Legislative Information Center.
COUNCIL HEARINGS ON MAYOR CHERELLE PARKER’S PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET FOCUSED IN ON HER HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES MADE EASY PLAN
During the fifth week of hearings into Mayor Parker’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, Councilmembers asked tough questions to Parker administration officials about her proposal to borrow $800 million to fund the Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E) initiative.
The Mayor’s goal is to preserve or build 30,000 units of affordable housing over the four years through dozens of programs aimed at helping tenants, homeowners and prospective buyers. Not all Councilmembers are sold on Parker’s plan.
Council and the Administration will negotiate the best use of the proposed housing dollars during this budget process. Tiffany Thurman, Parker’s Chief of Staff, said H.O.M.E. projects could start this fall.
In addition to the $800 million in borrowed money, the administration is calculating the $2 billion price tag utilizing $1 billion worth of mostly vacant city-owned land, and $200 million in funding from the federal government, the city’s housing trust fund and other sources.
The Mayor’s office is expected to introduce a package of zoning bills to facilitate the construction and rehabilitation of residential units as part of the H.O.M.E. plan in early May.
President Johnson said administration officials would have to come back for an additional hearing about H.O.M.E. during what is called the department callback portion of budget hearings. No date or time has been set.
The hearings on the proposed Operating and Capital Budget with Parker administration leadership are held to help Philadelphians better understand the mayor’s spending proposal.
All FY 2026 budget hearings are held before the Committee of the Whole, chaired by Council President Kenyatta Johnson (Second District). 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.
THE LATEST NEIGHBORHOOD BUDGET TOWN HALL WAS HELD ON APRIL 22
The third of this year’s City Council Neighborhood Budget Town Halls took place on April 22 at the Julia De Burgos Elementary School in Kensington. The Town Hall was 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).
An estimated 150 people showed up and more than 500 people have shown up for all three Budget Town Halls held so far.
Among the Councilmembers that attended the meeting was Council President Johnson, Lozada, Driscoll, Squilla, Harrity, Gilmore Richardson (At-Large), Ahmad (At-Large), Jones (4th District), Young (5th District), Landau (At-Large) and Phillips (9th District). Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal and Pennsylvania State Senator Sharif Street were part of the audience.
Some of the remaining Neighborhood Budget Town Hall dates include:
- May 1, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oak Lane Presbyterian Church, 6637 North 11th St. (corner of 11th Street and Oak Lane). This is co-sponsored by Councilmember Anthony Phillips (9th District).
Council expects to host additional Neighborhood Budget Town Halls throughout the month of May.
All City Council budget hearings inside City Hall air live on Xfinity Ch. 64, Fios Channel 40, and stream at www.PHLCouncil.com/watch. All three Neighborhood Budget Hearings have been recorded by PHL GOV TV and air on Channel 64 at various times throughout the week. The Budget Hearings are available to watch on City Council’s FY 2026 budget page.
COUNCIL HIRES A NEW DIRECTOR FOR THE PHILADELPHIA OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
President Johnson has hired Gregory Wright as the Director of the Philadelphia Office of Veterans Affairs. Wright started his new position on April 21.
“Philadelphia is home to tens of thousands of veterans and has one of the largest veterans’ populations in Pennsylvania so the issues impacting veterans and their families are very important to City Council,” said Johnson, whose father served in the U.S. Army. “My team and I wanted to take the time and find the right person to be the new Director of Philadelphia Office of Veterans Affairs, and I am happy that Gregory Wright has agreed to lead the office.”
Wright, born and raised in North Philadelphia but currently living in Fox Chase, is a proud graduate of Girard College High School, where he developed a strong foundation in leadership and community service. He graduated from Peirce College with a degree in Criminal Justice and later earned his MBA from Eastern University.
His career includes law enforcement, military service, and human resources. He served for 14 years in the Pennsylvania National Guard as a Staff Sergeant E-6. His service included a deployment to the Middle East during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he earned several honors, including the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. He ended his time in the National Guard in October 2024.
The Director helps veterans and their families to navigate a wide range of veterans’ benefits, entitlements, and services, and serves as an advocate for them. He also works with the City of Philadelphia’s nine-member Veterans Advisory Commission in setting and effectuating an advocacy agenda for veterans in the community.
According to Resolution #190629, approved by City Council in September 2019, the Office of Veterans Affairs was established as a permanent office under the direction of City Council. Under the legislation creating the office, the permanent Director must be a veteran, which Wright is.
The Director position has been vacant since 2021, and the position was not filled by the time former Council President Darrell L. Clarke left office in December 2023. Johnson was elected Council President in January 2024.
Since 2021, the four-person office was managed by Wanda Pate, a former constituent-services specialist who was hired by Clarke in 2012. She will remain with the office and the hiring of Wright makes it now five-person office.
Since Council President Johnson came into office, four employees, including the Director, have been hired to bring new energy and experience into the office. The office now has three men and two women. Three of the staffers are U.S. Army veterans (two men and one woman). All staff works at the discretion of the City Council President.
In 2024, the office provided services to more than 13,000 veterans, including help with benefit claims, property tax exemptions, burials, and housing for homeless veterans.
The Office of Veterans Affairs can be reached at 215-686-3256 and is open during regular business hours Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Also, Council approved this week five resolutions (#250354, #250355, #250356, #250357 and #250358) confirming James Lamont Rozier, Myra Ralph, Dave Jannette, Darby Ford and Angela Dunston to the Veterans Advisory Commission. All the resolutions were introduced by Councilmember Mike Driscoll, 6th District, on behalf of Council President Johnson.
CITY COUNCIL HELD SEVERAL COMMITTEE HEARING THIS WEEK
It took several days of delays, but Council’s Committee on Appropriations finally voted out of committee on Bills #250204, #250205 and #250206 (all bills introduced by Councilmember Mark Squilla, 1st District on behalf of Council President Johnson) on April 24. The bills are all Fiscal Year 2025 and mid-year transfer bills.
The three bills were given first reading during the April 24 City Council session and are scheduled to for a possible final passage as soon as the May 1 session.
Council’s Committee on Public Property and Public Works also held a hearing on April 24 and voted several bills out of committee. Those bills can have a first reading during the May 1 Council session and have a final passage vote during the May 8 session.
Council’s Committee on Law and Government held a hearing on April 25 on Bill #250065, better known as the POWER Act. The bill was amended and was voted out of committee. A final passage vote could happen as soon as mid-May
SATURDAYS WITH CITY COUNCIL RADIO SHOW AIRS LIVE THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 26
Tune in and listen to the next Saturdays with City Council show on Saturday, April 26 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, SEPTA budget crisis and other issues.
The Saturdays with City Council in May will air on Saturday, May 10 and May 24 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Eastern Time each day on WURD Radio.
THE NEXT CITY COUNCIL SESSION WILL BE ON THURSDAY, MAY 1
The next Regular Stated City Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 1 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time at Philadelphia City Council Chambers, Room 400 (Fourth Floor), Philadelphia City Hall.
Tune in live 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…