Broad Street Brief: Mayor Parker Signs POWER Act

City Hall

Mayor Parker Signs POWER Act Into Law

On Wednesday, Mayor Cherelle Parker signed the POWER Act into law, expanding protections for City workers by increasing penalties for employer retaliation, extending sick leave to tipped workers, and safeguarding undocumented laborers. The legislation, championed by Councilmember Kendra Brooks (At Large), is expected to benefit 750,000 workers and includes funding for enforcement and education efforts.

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City Council Approves 47th Street Safety Upgrades

During Thursday’s meeting, the City Council passed bills adding a protected bike lane and implementing additional safety measures on 47th Street. City Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson (At Large) also introduced legislation that would allow the City to partner with the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to fund Mayor Parker’s Housing Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) Initiative.

City Council Advances Bills to Speed Up Affordable Housing, Ease Rental Costs

The Philadelphia City Council advanced legislation to fast-track affordable housing approvals and reduce rental move-in costs by capping application fees and allowing installment payments for security deposits.

Upcoming Committee Hearings

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

• The Public Property & Public Works Committee will meet on Friday, May 30 at 10 a.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding the acquisition of property for public use and renaming of a recreation center.
• The Public Safety Committee will meet on Monday, June 2 at 10 a.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding proposed regulatory requirements for licensed firearms dealers and amendments and clarifications of “Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards.”
• The Streets & Services Committee will meet on Tuesday, June 3 at 10 a.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding proposed ordinances related to street and traffic changes, including road vacations, one-way designations, parking regulations, bicycle lanes, sidewalk cafés, and enforcement measures for illegal dumping and hydrant parking in Philadelphia.
• The Housing, Neighborhood Development & The Homeless Committee will meet on Tuesday, June 3 at 1 p.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding proposed ordinances to strengthen tenant protections, enhance property inspection and accountability, and establish an Anti-Displacement Fund to address housing stability.
• The Committee of the Whole will meet on Wednesday, June 4 at 9 a.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding proposed FY26 operating and capital budgets, tax rate changes, and financial planning measures, including revisions to real estate, business, and school taxes, as well as updates to the city’s five-year financial plan.
• The Committee on Rules will meet on Wednesday, June 4 at 1:30 p.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding proposed amendments to Philadelphia’s zoning code, including changes to overlay districts, parking requirements, affordable housing provisions, historic preservation notifications, and the creation of a new residential zoning district.

Around Town

PHA Unveils $6.3B Plan to Rebuild, Expand Public Housing

The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) launched a $6.3 billion, decade-long initiative to rehabilitate all 13,000 of its existing units, build 3,000 new ones, and acquire 4,000 from the private sector, aiming to restore its portfolio to 21,000 units despite federal funding cuts and staffing challenges. CEO Kelvin Jeremiah’s strategy emphasizes preservation, tenant return rights, and smart acquisitions to address Philadelphia’s affordable housing crisis and support the HOME Initiative.

Philly in Search of LOVE Park Vendor for 2026 Festivities

For the city’s semiquincentennial celebration, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is striving to fill the long-empty Welcome Center with a passionate vendor that mirrors Philadelphian energy. After unsuccessful attempts to occupy the space in 2019 and 2023, the City says it is considering a wide array of ideas from a café to a rotating food and beverage residency.

Jefferson Extends CEO’s Contract Through 2029

Thomas Jefferson University announced the extension of CEO Joseph Cacchione’s contract by two years through 2029, recognizing his leadership during a major expansion that included acquiring Lehigh Valley Health Network and reshaping the health system’s executive team.

Fairmount Park Mass Shooting Prompts Greater Police Presence

Gunshots rang out of Fairmount Park on Memorial Day, killing two and injuring nine. With investigations into the gunman’s motives ongoing, Philadelphia Police vowed to increase police presence on Lemon Hill, especially as the Mann Center prepares to host the Roots Picnic this weekend.

New Program to Hold Negligent Landlords Accountable

The Repair and Deduct Project—a nonprofit initiated last year by Face to Face, Community Legal Services, and Rebuilding Together Philadelphia—is designed to safeguard low-income tenants by holding negligent landlords accountable. The nonprofit strives to advocate for tenants whose homes require non-cosmetic repairs.

Philly Schools to Spend $5M on Math Curriculum Improvement

The Neubauer Family Foundation will fund a School District-led initiative—with assistance from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education—to improve its algebra curriculum. Fewer than 33% of School District students passed Pennsylvania’s standardized algebra assessment last year.

Economic Growth in University City Outpaces the Rest of Philly

The University City District’s (UCD) annual “State of University City” report noted an increase in the neighborhood’s salaries and residential property values, despite threats of federal funding cuts to its key industries: education and medicine. With three-quarters of jobs tied to these sectors, UCD President Matt Bergheiser warned that federal cuts could topple the neighborhood’s progress.

Peter Pan CEO Proposes Turning Roundhouse into Bus Terminal

Peter Pan Bus Lines CEO Peter Picknelly offered to buy and redevelop Philadelphia’s vacant Roundhouse into a new intercity bus terminal. The City Council and residents have voiced growing frustration over the City’s prolonged failure to establish a permanent, sheltered station.

PGA Seeking Local Business Partners

With the PGA Championship at Newtown Square’s Aronimink Golf Club less than a year away, the PGA VendorMatch program is encouraging local businesses to apply for subcontracting positions in 19 service categories. The deadline to apply is June 3.

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