Broad Street Brief: Krasner Wins Democratic DA Primary

City Hall

City Council Advances Bill to Hold Developers Accountable for Affordable Housing Promises

The City Council Rules Committee advanced legislation Wednesday that would require developers to formalize their commitments to include affordable housing units in their residential projects when seeking zoning variances. The proposal would give the Zoning Board of Adjustment more authority to ensure these agreements are legally documented, with provisos to be enforced by the City Department of Planning & Development.

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City Backs State Push for Involuntary SUD Treatment

Philadelphia officials are widely supportive of a state proposal to classify substance use disorder (SUD) as a mental illness, which would enable involuntary treatment as part of Mayor Cherelle Parker’s broader crackdown on the opioid crisis. In related news, City officials and health leaders urged Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz to protect Medicaid from proposed cuts during a recent visit to Kensington, emphasizing the program’s critical role in SUD recovery and care for vulnerable residents.

Upcoming Committee Hearings

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

• The Housing, Neighborhood Development & The Homeless Committee will meet on Tuesday, May 27 at 10 a.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding affordable housing permitting, security deposit regulations, and application fee limits for residential rentals.
• The Special Committee on Kensington will meet on Tuesday, May 27 at 1 p.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding Philadelphia’s transportation infrastructure in response to the opioid crisis and explore the use of art therapy as a low-barrier intervention to address substance use disorder and mental illness during and after incarceration.
• The Licenses & Inspections Committee will meet on Wednesday, May 28 at 10 a.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding proposed changes to how the City creates and manages exams for master and journeyman plumbers.

Around Town

SEPTA Riders, Lawmakers Rally Against Deep Cuts, Urge State Funding

Riders and legislators alike expressed alarm over proposed SEPTA service cuts and fare hikes tied to a $213 million deficit during the transit agency’s public budget hearings this week, raising pressure ahead of the June 30 state budget deadline.

PHA Acquires 1,300+ Apartments Across City

The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) acquired 1,329 apartments across the city for $235 million, 21% below projected costs, as part of its Opening Doors initiative to expand affordable and market-rate housing. With a planned $900 million investment over two years, PHA is capitalizing on favorable market conditions to buy existing properties at a significantly lower cost than new construction.

Region’s ER Wait Times Surge Past 3.5 Hours, Outpacing National Average

Emergency room visits in the greater Philadelphia region now average three and a half hours—50 minutes longer than the national norm—driven by hospital closures, rising patient loads, and staffing issues. Some hospitals like Cooper University have improved efficiency through better internal coordination.

Calder Gardens, Parkway’s Newest Cultural Landmark, Opens Sept. 21

Calder Gardens, a tribute to sculptor Alexander Calder, will open to the public on September 21 along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Designed as a space for art, nature, and reflection, the site will feature rotating exhibitions curated by the Calder Foundation, though the opening lineup of works is still being finalized.

Philly Climbs in National Park Rankings Thanks to Boost in Access, Amenities

Philadelphia rose four spots to 28th in the Trust for Public Land’s 2025 ParkScore Index, thanks to improved park access, increased spending, and a high number of splash pads and recreation centers.

City Installs Speed Slots on Lincoln Drive to Curb Crashes

The City is piloting speed slots along Lincoln Drive in West Mount Airy to reduce speeding and improve safety on the busy residential stretch. The project, developed with PennDOT, follows years of community advocacy and aims to lower crash rates.

American Airlines Opens New PHL Premium Lounges

American Airlines opened two new premium lounges at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), enhancing traveler amenities ahead of new nonstop international flight routes to Edinburgh and Milan.

Election Update

DA Krasner Poised for Third Term Following Primary Win

District Attorney Larry Krasner defeated challenger Patrick Dugan in the Democratic primary, solidifying his path to a third term with no Republican opponent in the race. Although the Republican City Committee-funded write-in campaign to nominate Dugan proved successful, Dugan has stated that he would decline the nomination.

Voters Approve Homelessness, Housing, Prisons Ballot Measures

Philadelphia voters approved ballot measures on Tuesday to create an independent homelessness ombudsperson, require more dedicated funding for affordable housing, and establish new oversight bodies for the City’s prison system.

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