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.
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.
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.
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.
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.