Philadelphia · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Philadelphia public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month and survivor services
A Public Safety Committee hearing was authorized to examine how the courts, Sheriff, DA, and police protect abuse victims — Ahmad linked it to the Keda Scott case.
FOP contract public hearings (Resolution 260932)
Council authorized the hearings required before executing a labor agreement with the police union — a step in the police contract bargaining process.
Child Welfare Commission charter amendment
An ordinance would send a charter amendment to voters in a special election to create a Philadelphia Child Welfare Commission — a new oversight body for how the city handles child welfare.
50th Anniversary of Women in Patrol
Council honored the first 100 women hired for street patrol in 1976, noting women now make up 22% of the department versus a 12% national average.
Unsheltered homelessness
Joint hearings will examine unsheltered homelessness in public spaces and whether city agencies are effectively connecting people to housing and services.
Universal healthcare resolution (Senate Bill 1465)
Council formally asked the state legislature to pass a single-payer healthcare plan covering all Pennsylvanians. Supporters, including a healthcare union president and resident physicians, said over 300,000 Pennsylvanians risk losing Medicaid coverage; opponents warned about proposed payroll taxes of 2.5% on workers and 7.5% on employers.
Police forensics laboratory financing
Council advanced a service agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to finance a new state-of-the-art police forensics lab in West Philadelphia — a $40 million bond Councilmember Ahmad said will speed crime clearance.
Disability access: personal care attendant fees
A 13-year advocacy fight paid off: state human relations guidance now says venues can't charge people with disabilities for a second ticket for their personal care assistant. Council honored advocate Michael Anderson of The Arc of Philadelphia.
Lower Northeast rodent infestation
Councilmember Phillips introduced a resolution declaring the Northeast's rat problem a public health emergency, citing research that 70% of regional rats now resist poison. He wants emergency enforcement, fines instead of 60-90 day cure periods, and a city blitz in Oxford Circle and Castle Gardens.
City response to sexual violence
Council authorized hearings on the City's response to sexual violence. Councilmember Ahmad cited 463 reported rapes so far in 2026, the unsolved Raymond Horsch-era disappearances, and an unaddressed spa assault, calling for better survivor support and prosecution.