City Hall

City Council Begins Repeal of Center City Sixers Arena Legislation

During Thursday’s meeting, the City Council initiated the repeal of legislation for the since-abandoned Center City Sixers arena project. The Council also passed a zoning bill introduced by Councilmember Jeffrey Young (District 5) last May, aimed at preventing property owners from reverting to a previously approved “grandfather” use without obtaining a new permit, ensuring community input on property use changes.

City Council Discusses Potential Improvements to 311 Call System

During a hearing on Wednesday, the City Council’s Technology & Information Services Committee discussed potential solutions to address persistent issues with the City’s 311 call center, including picture confirmations and better accountability between departments and 311.

City May Start Proactive Rental Home Inspections

During a hearing on Tuesday, the Joint Committees on Housing, Neighborhood Development & the Homeless, and Licenses & Inspections discussed the possibility of implementing proactive inspections of rental homes for safety and health, rather than relying solely on tenant complaints.

PICA Recommends Abolition of Sheriff’s Office, Register of Wills

The Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (PICA), Philadelphia’s financial watchdog, unanimously recommended that the City Council and mayor absorb the Sheriff’s Office and Register of Wills into other departments due to ongoing mismanagement and financial issues. The resolution is largely symbolic, as PICA lacks the authority to independently abolish municipal offices.

Upcoming Budget Hearings

The full schedule of FY26 budget hearings and a link to watch them can be found here. The following hearings are coming up next week:

• Five-Year Plan and Capital Program on Tuesday, March 25 at 10 a.m.
• Mayor’s Office (including Deputy Mayors and Labor) on Tuesday, March 25 at 1:30 p.m.
• Department of Finance, Board of Pensions, City Treasurer & Sinking Fund, Department of Revenue, Office of Property, and Tax Bills on Wednesday, March 26 at 10 a.m.
• Public Testimony regarding Tax Bills on Wednesday, March 26 at 1:30 p.m.

Around Town

Report Finds Progress Amid Challenges for Philly Students

Though Philadelphia students face significant challenges due to underfunding, poverty, and mental health issues—likely exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic—a new report by Children First indicates improvements have been made in areas such as substance use and violent crime. The report urges lawmakers to address these issues to better support students’ educational and personal development.

Mobile Crisis Teams Seek Expansion to Meet Rising Demand

Philadelphia’s Community Mobile Crisis Response Teams handle an average of 20 mental health emergencies daily and are requesting additional funding to meet increasing demand, improve response times, and support residents more effectively.

Industrial Chemical Found in City’s Fentanyl Supply Raises Health Concerns

BTMPS, an industrial chemical used in plastics, has been found in 17% of fentanyl samples collected in Kensington, raising concerns among public health experts about its potential health risks. The average sample contained about twice as much BTMPS as fentanyl.

Arts Organizations Struggle with Shifting Federal Funding Guidelines

Philadelphia arts organizations are facing challenges due to federal funding guideline changes from the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities, mandated by the Trump administration. The uncertainty has led some organizations to forgo federal funding, while others are closely monitoring the situation and seeking support on Capitol Hill.

PGW Explores Geothermal Energy for School, Rec Center

Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) is studying the installation of a geothermal energy system to heat and cool John F. McCloskey Elementary School and Dorothy Emanuel Recreation Center to diversify energy sources and reduce emissions. This pilot project is part of a broader effort to explore renewable energy solutions.

Election Update

DA Election Voter Guide

WHYY published a voter guide for those looking for more information about the candidates for Philadelphia’s district attorney.

Suburban Spotlight

DelCo to Ban Ghost Guns, Rapid-Fire Devices

Delaware County is poised to be the first Philadelphia suburb to ban ghost guns and rapid-fire devices, with strong County Council support for the gun violence reduction measure.

Upper Darby Residents Sue to Block New Income Tax

Upper Darby residents filed a lawsuit to block a 1% earned income tax recently approved by the Council, arguing that procedural errors invalidate the ordinance. The Council maintains that  the tax is necessary for township revenue.

Crozer Patients Face Uncertainty During Health System’s Financial Woes

The future of Crozer-Chester Medical Center and its sister hospitals remains uncertain as financial challenges threaten their closure, raising concerns about patient access to care. The Foundation for Delaware County provided temporary funding to keep the hospitals open until March 28 while officials work toward a long-term solution.