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.
Hilton Garden Inn labor dispute
Council backed Unite Here Local 274 workers at the only unionized Center City hotel without a new contract. POWER Interfaith members packed the chamber in support, tying it to a broader affordability agenda.
Victory Gardens/Emerson Landfill remediation and training facility
An ordinance would let the City lease the Victory Gardens and Emerson Landfill site to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for environmental cleanup and a training facility.
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.
Public Art Funding
The Philadelphia Portal—the live-video art link to other cities at City Hall—was about to get pulled, but an anonymous donor stepped in to save it. If you like free weird stuff downtown, it’s staying for now.
Academy of Natural Sciences closure
Young reported a hearing on the announced closure of the museum; Ahmad introduced a task force resolution; the administration drew criticism for not sending a representative.
Tobacco retailing zoning regulation
A bill would treat selling tobacco to minors and unlicensed tobacco sales as nuisance behaviors, with training required before a cease-operations order is lifted.
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.
Vision Zero traffic safety hearings
Controller's findings question whether traffic calming near schools was built and inspected as designed; Council will hold hearings to find out.
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.
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.
Charter school transparency hearings
Council authorized hearings on charter school funding, authorization, and renewal practices. Councilmember Lozada said roughly 64,000 traditional charter students and 14,000 cyber charter students deserve answers about uneven renewal terms.
Indigenous Peoples' Day recognition
Council recognized October 12, 2026 as Indigenous Peoples' Day, but a long line of Indigenous residents and allies urged Council to go further and make it a permanent city holiday by ordinance, citing a 1,300-signature petition and a Commonwealth Court ruling that the decision rests with Council.
City-supported grocery stores and food access
Council authorized hearings on whether Philadelphia should establish city-supported grocery stores through public-private partnerships to expand access to affordable, nutritious food — part of a broader food and nutrition security package introduced the same day.
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.
Starbucks workers' boycott endorsement
Council formally backed the Workers United-SEIU boycott of Starbucks until the company signs a fair union contract. Baristas testified about 89-day unpaid transfers, lost health insurance, understaffing, and sudden store closures. It's a symbolic but high-profile stand with the city's unionized workers.
2026 General Election Guide
Philadelphia's 2026 general election ballot is set, and The Philadelphia Citizen has put together a quick rundown of what's on it. The races and questions on that ballot decide who runs city government and how your tax dollars get spent — so it's worth ten minutes of your time.
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.
Sales Tax Loophole Closure
Philadelphia just closed a loophole that let out-of-city businesses skip the city sales tax on online sales. That means more tax money for city services—and possibly higher totals on some online purchases.
Citywide EV charging network
Council approved concession agreements with It's Electric and Positive Energy to build and operate public EV charging stations at curbside locations and city lots, plus fast chargers at the airport cell phone lot — with camera-based enforcement of EV parking spaces.
Carriage horse ban
The bill restricting carriage horse businesses was amended and held for a final vote next week. Animal welfare advocates urged a full ban; one horse owner warned of lost jobs and history.
Creative Philadelphia charter amendment
Council advanced a charter amendment creating a permanent cabinet-level arts and culture office, 'Creative Philadelphia,' which will go to city voters in a special election. Artists and arts administrators testified in support.
FDR Park lease to Fairmount Park Conservancy
Council passed the bill leasing portions of FDR Park to the Fairmount Park Conservancy on consent. Opponent Rich Garella called it a 'blank check' privatizing public park space with no required public benefits or revenue sharing.
$25 Minimum Wage Advocacy
Council adopted a resolution urging the General Assembly to let first-class cities raise the minimum wage to $25 an hour. It's symbolic — Harrisburg would have to act.
Ranked choice voting
Council asked the state legislature to let Philadelphia and other cities adopt ranked choice voting. Supporters said it boosts turnout and kills 'spoiler' dynamics; opponents called it confusing and questioned election integrity.
US policy toward Cuba
Council weighed in on federal foreign policy, urging the removal of Cuba from the state sponsors of terrorism list and an end to the embargo. Dozens of residents testified on both sides — some citing the humanitarian crisis on the island, others saying Council should focus on Philadelphia's own crises.
2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan
Mayor Parker transmitted a resolution adopting the 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan as the city's official plan; it was introduced and placed on next week's final passage calendar.
City employee de-escalation and emergency training
Bass won approval for hearings on mandatory conflict resolution/de-escalation training and CPR/overdose-awareness training for all city workers, building on her district's 'Playing It Safe' rec center program.
Green stormwater infrastructure expansion
Council authorized hearings on how the Green City, Clean Waters program is performing and whether vegetated GSI should expand, especially on private and commercial properties. Advocates say it cuts sewage overflows, cools neighborhoods, and improves water quality.
Germantown Town Hall redevelopment
Council passed the deed transfer of the long-vacant Germantown Town Hall property to clear the way for a roughly $13 million redevelopment by a Black-led development team. Neighbors pushed for an enforceable reversion clause so the property can't sit undeveloped again.