Broad Street Brief: Mayor Parker Transmits First HOME Initiative Bills to Council

May 1, 2025

City Hall

Mayor Parker Transmits First HOME Initiative Bills to City Council

During Thursday’s meeting, City Councilmember Jeffery Young, Jr. (District 5) introduced a bill  that would eliminate specialized zoning overlays in his district, including reducing the minimum lot size and allowing zoning bonuses for green roofs and affordable housing. The bill is the first of a five-bill package—a cornerstone of Mayor Cherelle Parker’s signature Housing Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) Initiative—transmitted by the mayor to the City Council to streamline zoning and land sale processes. The other four bills are still in review by members of Council.

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Budget Hearing Update

During Tuesday’s budget hearing, Mayor Parker announced the expansion of her “extended-day, extended-year” model to more schools starting in September. Despite ongoing funding challenges and deteriorating school buildings and facilities, the School District plans to use $300 million in reserves to avoid staff and program cuts next school year.

Department testimony will be wrapping up in the next week with the following hearings. The full schedule of FY26 budget hearings and a link to watch them can be found here.

  • Office of Homeless Services on Friday, May 2 at 10 a.m.
  • Fire Department and Licenses & Inspections (rescheduled) on Friday, May 2 at 1:30 p.m.
  • Register of Wills on Monday, May 5 at 10 a.m.
  • Department of Public Health and Department of Behavioral Health & Intellectual disAbilities on Monday, May 5 at 1:30 p.m.
  • Law Department, District Attorney, and Defender Association on Tuesday, May 6 at 10 a.m.
  • Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, May 6 at 1:30 p.m.
  • HOME Initiative (continued) on Wednesday, May 7 at 10 a.m.
  • Mural Arts and Department Callbacks on Wednesday, May 7 at 1:30 p.m.

City Officials, Advocates Rally for Higher Minimum Wage, Local Control

Public officials and union leaders rallied at City Hall Tuesday to advocate for a higher state minimum wage and local control for Philadelphia. Pennsylvania’s $7.25 hourly wage—among the nation’s lowest—has sparked growing calls for reform.

City Council Advances POWER Act to Strengthen Labor Rights

Last Friday, the City Council Committee on Law & Government advanced the “Protect Our Workers, Enforce Rights” (POWER) Act to enhance local worker protections and address concerns about the Trump administration’s workplace policies. The act includes provisions for direct financial compensation, thorough investigations, and new immigration protections for undocumented workers. In related news, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) is headlining a May Day rally hosted by the local AFL-CIO chapter on Thursday in support of workers’ rights.

Around Town

Coalition Proposes $200M Annual Increase for Affordable Housing Programs

A coalition of organizations and City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (District 3) proposed a $200 million annual increase to five housing programs, citing the need for transformative change to address the housing affordability crisis in Philadelphia.

City to Recruit 10,000 “Phambassadors” for 2026

Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation President & CEO Kathryn Ott Lovell announced plans to recruit 10,000 “Phambassadors” to serve as city champions, advocates, and storytellers ahead of America’s 250th birthday in 2026, aiming to enhance city pride and representation on the global stage.

Traffic Nightmare Looms for Region if Transit Cuts Proceed

New projections from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission indicate that cutting nearly half of SEPTA’s transit service could add 275,000 cars per day to Philadelphia’s roads, significantly worsening commute times and congestion, underscoring the importance of a permanent state funding solution.

Life Sciences Slowdown Impacts Development Projects

Economic challenges are delaying life sciences projects in Philadelphia, leaving lots empty and residents awaiting the promised grocery store. Developers struggle to secure tenants and financing amid high interest rates and federal policy uncertainty.

New Tool Protects Murals from Demolition, Development

A new preservation easement designed by developer Ryan Spak and Mural Arts obligates building owners to preserve or replace murals, offering stronger protection against demolition and development.

Overdose Deaths Dropped in 2023, Racial Disparities Persist

Philadelphia saw a 7% decrease in overdose deaths in 2023, but racial disparities remain, with significant increases in deaths among Black and Hispanic residents while deaths among white residents decreased.

Prince Edward to Visits Philadelphia, Dedicates Bicentennial Bell

Prince Edward visited Philadelphia this week to dedicate the Bicentennial Bell and honor students participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, promoting non-formal education and supporting arts, heritage, and conservation.

Election Update

Residency Challenge in Philadelphia Judicial Race Delays Mail Ballots

A legal dispute over judicial candidate Mike Huff’s residency eligibility in Philadelphia has delayed mail ballot distribution. A Commonwealth Court Judge upheld the disqualification on Wednesday; Huff plans to appeal the decision.

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