Broad Street Brief – September 25, 2025

City Hall

Councilmember Introduces Bill to Stop Philly from Burning Trash

City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (D-District 3) introduced legislation to ban Philadelphia from signing new waste disposal contracts with companies that incinerate the city’s solid waste or recyclables, such as Reworld, which runs a waste-to-energy incinerator in Chester. Gauthier argued that banning trash incineration contracts would “end [Philly’s] role in perpetuating environmental racism in Chester.”

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City Council President Condemns Trump Plans to Alter Slavery Exhibits

During last Thursday’s meeting, City Council President Kenyatta Johnson (D-District 2) introduced a resolution opposing President Trump’s reported plans to alter exhibits about slavery at Independence National Historical Park. Johnson said he is in talks on potential next steps should the site be altered by the Trump administration.

Mayor Parker Leads MLK Drive Bridge Reopening Ceremony

Mayor Cherelle Parker led a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday afternoon to celebrate the official reopening of the Martin Luther King Drive Bridge. The $20.1 million rehabilitation of the bridge began in March 2023.

Upcoming Committee Hearings

Philadelphia City Council holds several public hearings throughout the legislative calendar year, which can be streamed here.

• The Streets & Services Committee will meet on Monday, September 29 at 1 p.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding proposed changes to streets, traffic, and parking regulations.
• The Public Health & Human Services Committee will meet on Tuesday, September 30 at 1 p.m. review policies related to child welfare protections.

Around Town

School Security Officers Unanimously Approve Contract

The School Police Association of Philadelphia ratified a contract on Saturday that will give school security officers 3% raises, parental leave, bulletproof vests, and bonuses—$1,000 for all and $500 for those who participate in a student mentoring program.

Philadelphia Office Buildings See Decline in Market Value

A Philadelphia Inquirer analysis of 197 office buildings worth $5 million or more saw flat or declining market values between 2019 and 2025, with about 10% of those buildings shedding 25% or more of their value.

Philadelphia Fed President Talks Jobs, Manufacturing, and Tariffs

Anna Paulson, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, spoke with The Inquirer about job simulations, Fed independence, Philadelphia’s manufacturing sector, and tariffs.

Shepard Fairey Unveils “Uplift Justice” Mural

Street artist Shepard Fairey, known for designing the Barack Obama “Hope” poster, unveiled a new mural at 1421 Arch St. The mural, titled “Uplift Justice,” replaces Peter Pagast’s “Declaration of Independence” and is intended as a preview of the country’s 250th anniversary celebration in 2026.

AIDS Walk Philly to Retire After 38 Years

Organizers announced Monday that AIDS Walk Philly is officially being retired after 38 years, noting “rising costs, limited resources and the shifting landscape of HIV awareness and funding.” The annual event will be replaced with a retrospective and fundraiser held in partnership with the William Way LGBT Community Center.

Luxury Home Sales Remain on the Rise in Philly

According to a new report from Drexel University, the volume of homes that sold for $1 million or more has risen by nearly 500% over the last five years, a trend economists say could raise prices across the housing market amid an affordability crisis.

PennDOT Begins Construction on New Bike Lane Around City Hall

PennDOT has begun a repaving project to create a new bike lane encircling City Hall. The lane will be marked with a green pavement coating and separated from traffic with flexible plastic posts.

Philly Police Launch Campaign to Combat Carjackings

The Philadelphia Police Department is launching a campaign aimed at reducing “high-tech” carjackings involving vehicles with keyless entry and key fobs.

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