Philadelphia · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Philadelphia public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.