Philadelphia · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Philadelphia public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Automated Services Displacement Tax introduced (Harrity)
Harrity introduced a bill to tax services performed by machines that replace human workers, with revenue earmarked for the Zero Fare transit program.
Zero Fare Program and Transit Access Fund
Council adopted a resolution authorizing hearings on expanding student fare passes beyond the current 1.5-mile, weekday-only limits. Advocates said families pay more for transit than summer camp, and 30,000 students get no pass at all.
Affordability crisis / We Make Philly agenda
Dozens of Power Interfaith and Transit Forward speakers urged Council to pass the We Make Philly agenda — a wealth tax, homestead exemption increase, and utility relief — citing doubled property taxes and rising costs.
Sheriff's office accountability
Activist Jeremy Blatstein demanded Council hold a hearing on the Sheriff's Office, citing roughly $20 million in unaccounted funds, and called for disbanding the office — speaking during comment on the Child Welfare Commission charter bill.
Community Reinvestment Act rollback
Council urged federal regulators to withdraw proposed CRA amendments that would weaken anti-redlining standards. Advocates warned the changes would hurt affordable housing financing and first-time homebuyers; the public comment period closes October 13.
Senior property-tax relief via digital ad tax
Councilmember Young introduced a resolution backing state legislation that would exempt long-term senior homeowners (75+) from school, county and municipal property taxes on their primary homes.
Mayor returns six bills unsigned
Mayor Parker returned six Council-passed bills unsigned, including water-rate assistance expansion, two Gauthier zoning bills, a U-Visa bill, and death benefits legislation — teeing up possible override votes.
Mayor Parker's $7 billion FY2027 budget
Council reported out the FY2027 operating budget with an extra $50 million for the School District, offset by spending cuts. The fight over recurring revenue for schools dominated closing speeches, with the PFT warning 340 position cuts loom without new ongoing money.
Fiscal 2026 budget amendments and capital program revisions
Appropriations Committee reported out bills revising the capital program, capital budget, and FY2026 appropriation transfers across general, water, transportation and other funds.
Resign-to-run repeal and the special election
A proposed charter change would let city employees run for public office without quitting their jobs first. The resolution and its special-election ordinance were held this week.
Generational wealth preservation — transfer tax exemption
Heirs inheriting a family home with an unpaid mortgage no longer pay the realty transfer tax on the remaining debt. Councilmember Gilmore Richardson said this could mean the difference between keeping and losing a family home.
Adult-use cannabis legalization push
Council asked Governor Shapiro and the legislature to legalize adult-use cannabis in 2026, citing lost revenue to New Jersey and harms of criminalization. One councilmember urged strong regulation so shops don't repeat the smoke-shop problem.
Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit
Council commended the state's new working-family tax credit; advocates urged the city to tie its underused wage-tax refund to it, noting fewer than 5% of eligible residents claim the local credit.
Rising property assessments and taxes
Council authorized hearings on the Office of Property Assessment after Lozada described seniors and low-income homeowners in the Seventh District struggling with rising tax bills as home values climb.