Broad Street Brief: Mayor Parker Unveils “Mission 30,000” Housing Plan

City Hall

Mayor Parker Unveils “Mission 30,000” Housing Plan

Mayor Cherelle Parker outlined her “Mission 30,000” plan to build, preserve, and repair 30,000 housing units in Philadelphia during the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia’s annual luncheon on Wednesday. She also announced the creation of a housing advisory group and a major financial investment to support the initiative.

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City Officials Prepare for Tax Reform Discussions

Mayor Parker may propose changes to Philadelphia’s unique tax structure — characterized by a relatively low property tax burden and the nation’s highest wage tax — in the upcoming budget cycle by incorporating recommendations from the Tax Reform Commission’s two impending reports that will propose short- and long-term tax reforms. Though the Commission and the Advisory Committee have differing views on the best approach, efforts continue to balance business-friendly tax policies with essential revenue needs amid uncertainties regarding federal funding.

Mayor Parker Proposes $40M for Semiquincentennial

Mayor Parker proposed an initial $40 million to cover urgent costs for celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary in Philadelphia. While her upcoming budget is expected to include additional funds, state officials are still debating further allocations and some City Council members argue the amount remains insufficient. Public hearings and potential amendments to the funding plan will take place later this month.

City Council to Consider Imposing Limitations on Late Fees

During Thursday’s meeting, City Councilmember Jeffery Young, Jr. (District 5) introduced a bill to amend the City’s landlord-tenant regulations to place limits on late fees. He also introduced a resolution authorizing the Transportation Committee to hold hearings investigating potential locations for new intercity bus terminals in Philadelphia.

Calls Grow for Affordable Housing Support

This week, advocates urged members of City Council’s Housing, Neighborhood Development & The Homeless Committee to increase funding for low-income residents, provide more rental and repair assistance, and revise restrictive zoning rules. Philadelphia has become one of the least affordable metro areas for renters, with median rents requiring an income significantly higher than the area’s median income.

Upcoming Committee Hearings

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

• The Legislative Oversight Committee will meet on Tuesday, February 18 at 1 p.m. to investigate the City’s progress in achieving its Vision Zero goals and examine opportunities to increase safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists.

Around Town

DOGE Commission Sparks Uncertainty for Philly’s Federal Workers

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is driving federal workforce cuts and policy overhauls, leaving Philadelphia’s federal employees facing job insecurity and office return mandates. President Donald Trump’s hiring freeze and DOGE-driven budget slashes could strain agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs, which employs the most federal workers in Pennsylvania.

School District Proposes Pre-Labor Day Start to Academic Year

Following community feedback on prioritizing long breaks and diverse holidays, Philadelphia School District officials are proposing the school year start in late August for 2025-26 and 2026-27. The school board will consider the calendars later this month, with approval expected.

Jefferson Health Invests Millions in Upgrading 2 Hospitals

Jefferson Health is investing millions to modernize its trauma centers at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital, including expanding treatment bays and improving emergency department facilities, to enhance patient care and accessibility.

Flower Show Envisions a Botanical Future

The Philadelphia Flower Show’s pop-up display at King of Prussia Mall showcases fictional hybrid flowers and gardening archetypes, previewing the “Gardens of Tomorrow” theme for the main event starting in March.

City EV Charger Projects at Risk Due to Federal Freeze

Philadelphia’s plans to install electric vehicle chargers using federal funds are threatened by President Trump’s freeze on green energy infrastructure spending. Under the Biden administration, the city and nearby counties were awarded over $20 million.

Super Bowl Parade Set for Valentine’s Day

A victory parade celebrating the Philadelphia Eagles’ decisive 40-22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl will begin at 11 a.m. on Valentine’s Day, proceeding from Broad Street and Pattison Avenue and ending at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Suburban Spotlight

Montco Expands DEI Office Amid Federal Rollbacks

Despite the Trump administration’s rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Montgomery County is expanding its DEI office by hiring four new staff members.

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