Broad Street Brief: Mayor Parker Calls City Workers Back to Office

City Hall

Mayor Parker Calls All City Employees Back to Full-Time Office Work

Mayor Cherelle Parker announced that all City workers must return to the office five days a week beginning July 15, with the goal of enhancing workplace interaction and boosting Center City’s economy. The announcement has sparked backlash among the city’s union leaders, and City Council responded today with a resolution — introduced by Council member Jim Harrity (At Large) — to investigate the impact the policy would have on the City’s workforce.

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Parker Administration Commits to City-Wide Summer Block Cleaning

The Parker Administration announced plans to clean every block in Philadelphia over 13 weeks this summer, marketing the city’s largest effort to address the quality-of-life issue of cleanliness. Efforts will include trash collection, street sweeping, pothole filling, and more.

City Council Passes Outdoor Dining Permit Bill

City Council passed legislation sponsored by Council member Rue Landau (At Large) to streamline the process for obtaining outdoor dining permits. The measure would extend seating areas and provide “navigators” to help businesses, with the goal of supporting the dining sector’s recovery post-pandemic.

City Council May Subpoena Mayor Over Proposed Triage Center

City Council member Jeffery Young (District 5) introduced legislation on Thursday that would allow the legislative body to subpoena Mayor Parker and her administration to testify about the proposed development of a triage center in Fairmount.

City Council Committee Moves to Make EDP Permanent

Born early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Philadelphia’s Eviction Diversion Program (EDP) is on the verge of becoming permanent, as City Council’s Housing, Neighborhood Development & The Homeless Committee advanced legislation — sponsored by Council member Kendra Brooks (At Large) — on Wednesday removing the end date. The program has been extended several times since its inception and is currently set to end in June.

City Council Committee Seeks OHS Oversight

On Monday, City Council’s Committee on Law & Government advanced legislation to create a new department to oversee the Office of Homeless Services (OHS), addressing shelter conditions and alleged mistreatment of homeless individuals.

Reparations Task Force Holds Inaugural Meeting

The Philadelphia Reparations Task Force, which was created by City Council in 2023 to develop recommendations on reparations for Black Philadelphians affected by slavery and institutional racism, met for the first time on Tuesday.

Upcoming Committee Hearings

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

• The Public Safety Committee will meet Tuesday, May 28 at 10 a.m. to hear testimony regarding ordinances that propose expanding hate crime classifications, adding restrictions to rate-of-fire acceleration devices, and modifications to removal and suspension procedures for members of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission.
• The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Committee will meet Tuesday, May 28 at 2 p.m. to hear testimony regarding recreation center staffing, among other topics.
• The Committee of the Whole will meet Tuesday, May 28 at 5 p.m. regarding the adoption of FY25 Operating and Capital Budgets.
• The Housing, Neighborhood Development & The Homeless Committee will meet Wednesday, May 29 at 10 a.m. to hear testimony regarding an ordinance to clarify and enhance protections against housing discrimination for housing assistance program participants.
• The Committee of the Whole will meet Wednesday, May 29 at 2 p.m. regarding the adoption of FY25 Operating and Capital Budgets.
• The Committee of the Whole will meet Thursday, May 30 at 9 a.m. regarding the adoption of FY25 Operating and Capital Budgets.

Around Town

“TED Democracy” Talks in 2026 Will Honor Nation’s 250th Birthday

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and other city and state leaders gathered at the Franklin Institute on Tuesday to announce “TED Democracy,” a series of talks on democracy’s importance and its shaping over the past 250 years to commemorate the nation’s Semiquincentennial in 2026. Philadelphia will also be hosting several FIFA World Cup matches, the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament, and the MLB All-Star game during this banner year.

EPA Announces $2M Investment in Schuylkill Waterfront Biotech Development

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Monday that it will spend $2 million to clean up a former oil terminal, the final step in a large redevelopment project aimed at creating the Lower Schuylkill Biotech Campus along the Schuylkill waterfront in Southwest Philadelphia.

The Wilma Wins 2024 Regional Theatre Tony Award

Philadelphia’s Wilma Theater made history as the first Pennsylvania theater to receive the 2024 Regional Theatre Tony Award. The award honors the Wilma’s continuous artistic achievement and includes a $25,000 grant.

Election Update

VP Harris Speaks at SEIU Convention

Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, emphasizing the Biden Administration’s strong partnership with unions ahead of the 2024 election. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also delivered remarks at the convention, and while in town, met with Gov. Shapiro to discuss trade and protecting democracy.

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