Philadelphia · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Philadelphia public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
School District meal quality
Students described moldy sandwiches, spoiled milk, and inedible lunches and urged the School District to overhaul meal quality. Council held the resolution but adopted a separate resolution authorizing joint hearings on district meal policies.
Land Bank property dispositions
Council approved dispositions of dozens of vacant properties across the 3rd, 4th, and (held) 5th Districts to move land back into productive use.
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.
Incineration of Philadelphia's trash in Chester
An ordinance would bar companies hauling the city's trash, recycling, and compost from burning discarded material. It's an air-quality and environmental justice measure that could change how Philadelphia's waste is handled.
H.O.M.E. housing plan oversight (Resolution 260934)
Both minority leader Kendra Brooks and majority leader Gilmore Richardson called for Finance Committee hearings on the nearly billion-dollar housing bond plan, amid reports that bond money isn't being spent.
Fifth District Overlay zoning change
A zoning map change and overlay amendment for the area around Girard Avenue and Ridge Avenue would shape what can be built in that North Philadelphia/Art Museum-adjacent area.
Center City park land acquisition and Love Park concession
Council will consider acquiring parcels between Vine Street, Fairmount Avenue, 8th and 12th Streets for park use, and a multiyear food-and-beverage deal for the Love Park "Saucer" building.
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.
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.
Unsheltered homelessness
Joint hearings will examine unsheltered homelessness in public spaces and whether city agencies are effectively connecting people to housing and services.
PGW residential shutoffs
Councilmember Jones flagged a nearly 30% spike in gas shutoffs and said he'll introduce a resolution next week examining whether to suspend PGW shutoffs, citing homelessness risk for seniors and working families.
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.
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.
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.
Tenant protections and proactive rental inspections
Tenants organized by the Citywide Tenant Union are withholding a mandatory $25 monthly 'resident benefits package' fee charged by New Age Realty, citing mold, elevator outages, and unfulfilled benefits. Council honored their organizing, and speakers urged citywide legislation against junk fees.