City Hall

Mayor Parker Holds Town Hall on Proposed Center City Arena

On Wednesday evening, Mayor Cherelle Parker hosted a community meeting at the Pennsylvania Convention Center regarding the proposed $1.55 billion Center City Sixers arena, drawing nearly one thousand project supporters and detractors. Mayor Parker did not indicate her stance on the arena, but promised a decision on the matter soon.

Mayor Parker Plans Biannual Expansion of City Cleaning Program

Mayor Parker announced plans to repeat this summer’s 13-week citywide cleaning initiative twice a year as part of regular operations. While the program made significant progress, Mayor Parker acknowledged that ongoing efforts from both the City and residents are essential to maintain cleanliness moving forward.

City Council to Investigate Impact of AI, Outreach Best Practices

City Council approved resolutions to hold hearings to investigate current uses of AI and its impact on public, private, and nonprofit sectors and best practices in outreach and combating substance use disorder in Kensington.

Upcoming Committee Hearings

Philadelphia City Council holds several public hearings throughout the legislative calendar year. Watch here.

• The Licenses & Inspections Committee will meet on Monday, September 16 at 10:30 a.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding ordinances that would update the City’s construction rules to require proof of certain insurance certificates, clarify and amend Necessary Urgent Repair Program requirements, and introduce new rules for operating and maintaining electric vehicle charging stations at commercial and residential properties.
• The Streets & Services Committee will meet on Tuesday, September 17 at 10 a.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding several ordinances authorizing sidewalk cafes, protected bike lanes, and more.

Around Town

Despite Progress, Philadelphia Remains the Nation’s Poorest Major City

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau show that Philadelphia’s poverty rate saw its largest decline in a decade — more than one percentage point between 2022 and 2023 — but the city remains the poorest among major U.S. cities.

West, Southwest Philadelphia Residents Seek Property Tax Relief Following Reassessments

Residents in West and Southwest Philadelphia are facing steep property tax increases due to new assessments that were released in August, prompting concerns over gentrification and calls for increased access to tax relief programs. An analysis by The Philadelphia Inquirer revealed that the census tracts most impacted by the reassessments are predominantly Black, while those with the smallest value increases are primarily white. City officials are working to educate homeowners on relief options.

“Turn The Key” Program Celebrates Milestone 100th Property Sold

Philadelphia’s signature Turn The Key program celebrated the sale of its 100th property last week, demonstrating its success in providing affordable homeownership opportunities and supporting working-class residents in building wealth.

Election Update

VP Harris, Former President Trump Debate in Philadelphia

The National Constitution Center hosted a heated debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on Tuesday evening, further cementing Philadelphia’s role as a focal point for national politics. Given the Keystone State’s pivotal role in the upcoming election, it remains unclear if either candidate swayed undecided voters.

City Leaders Planning to Ensure Fair Elections

Philadelphia leaders, including District Attorney Larry Krasner, vow to ensure a fair election by prosecuting anyone who interferes with the voting process. Plans include setting up ballot drop-off locations, and election workers are being offered de-escalation training as a precaution to prevent disruptions at the polls.