Broad Street Brief: WNBA Expanding to Philly in 2030

July 2, 2025

City Hall

Philly to Invest in 15 More “Year-Round” Schools

Mayor Charelle Parker announced that Philadelphia will invest in 15 new extended-day, extended-year schools. The list comprises ten conventional Philadelphia public schools and five charters.

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Municipal Workers Begin Strike; Contract Negotiations Ongoing

Philadelphia’s largest municipal workers’ union, AFSCME District Council 33, is officially on strike following the expiration of its contract and ongoing negotiations with the City. The first in nearly 40 years, the strike is impacting key services including trash collection, public pools, and 911 response times.

311 Complaints Drop as City Expands Graffiti Cleanup

Philadelphia’s Office of Clean & Green Initiatives has ramped up graffiti removal citywide, leading to a drop in 311 complaints and cleaner public spaces. Officials hope the proactive approach, combined with outreach to graffiti artists through Mural Arts, will help prevent future vandalism.

Around Town

WNBA Philadelphia Expansion Team Set to Debut in 2030

Philadelphia was awarded a WNBA expansion franchise, set to begin play in 2030, marking a major milestone for the city’s sports landscape and women’s professional athletics. Philadelphia is cementing its place in the women’s sports movement, with the upcoming opening of two women’s sports bars, capitalizing on the demand for inclusive fan spaces.

Nicetown Residents Seek Stability After Deadly Explosion

Nicetown residents are returning to a damaged neighborhood following a fire and explosion that destroyed three homes and killed one person. Investigators are working to determine the cause as displaced families seek aid and housing.

Philly’s 3 Largest Employers Demand Sufficient State Funding for SEPTA

Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), and Comcast warn that cuts to SEPTA’s funding and services will be detrimental to the metropolitan area’s economy. Penn and CHOP expressed concern regarding significant disruptions in academia, research, and health care industries, while Comcast is concerned about the risks posed to employee productivity.

Crowley Launches Weekly Philly-Central America Shipping Route

Crowley Corporation added Philadelphia’s Gloucester Terminal to its Central America shipping route, offering weekly service to Guatemala and Honduras as U.S. importers seek alternatives to Chinese goods amid rising tariffs.

Future of Historic Atwater Kent Building Remains Uncertain

The Atwater Kent Building—which hosted the first iteration of the Franklin Institute and was later crowned the Philadelphia History Museum—has been vacant since 2018 and subject to looters and thieves. With the building under City Hall’s ownership now, Mayor Parker and City Council have not yet agreed on how to revitalize the property or the surrounding economically struggling area.

Busy West Philly Intersection to See Safety Adjustments

A month after a west Philadelphia cyclist was killed at the busy intersection of 58th Street, Cobbs Creek Parkway, and Baltimore Avenue, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said it will improve the complex traffic interchange. Residents say the archaic crosswalks and obsolete traffic signals have posed safety concerns for years, urging the department to act immediately.

Former Librarian of Congress Discusses Her Removal, the Legacy of Libraries

In a conversation hosted by the Free Library of Philadelphia, former Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden spoke with Philadelphia’s African American Museum CEO and President Ashley Jordan about her historic tenure as the first Black person and first woman to head the prestigious institution, as well as the positive impacts public libraries have on various communities throughout the nation.

Uber Boosts Driver Pay for Phillies Game Pickups

Following a slew of fan complaints about rideshare options from Citizens Bank Park, Uber has vowed to pay drivers $5 more if they pick up customers at the ballpark after a Phillies game. The rideshare agency increased the amount after realizing that low driver turnout stemmed from low take-home pay.

Tayyib Smith’s Lofty Dreams for Real Estate Development in Kensington

Local entrepreneur Tayyib Smith wants to take on a Kensington bank as a real estate prototype to assist underrepresented businesses. Hoping to create a model that addresses the racial wealth gap in Philadelphia, Smith aims to provide Black businesses with work space and tax incentives while revitalizing the city’s most forgotten neighborhoods.

Election Update

State Sen. Street Launches Congressional Bid for Philly Seat

State Senator Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia) officially entered the race to replace retiring U.S. Representative Dwight Evans (D-PA-03) this week. The open seat in the heavily Democratic-leaning Philadelphia district is expected to draw a crowded primary field, with several local lawmakers and newcomers already expressing interest.

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About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.

About Cozen O’Connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.

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