Broad Street Brief: Council Advances Paper Bag Fee, Smoke Shop Crackdown

City Hall

Council Evaluating Mayor Parker’s Proposed First-Year HOME Initiative Budget

The City Council is currently reviewing a resolution transmitted by Mayor Cherelle Parker (D) at the beginning of the month detailing the $194.5 million first-year budget for her signature Housing Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) Initiative, which aims to build and preserve 30,000 housing units citywide. The proposal includes major investments in home repair programs, affordable housing preservation, and mortgage assistance, with allocations still under negotiation during the 60-day review period ending in November. Mayor Parker has also taken steps to reshape the Philadelphia Land Bank board to accelerate land transfers for the City’s existing Turn the Key program, one of the central components of the HOME Initiative.

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Council Expected to Pass Paper Bag Fee Bill

A bill requiring Philadelphia retailers to charge 10 cents per paper bag appears likely to pass City Council after receiving first reading on Thursday, but Mayor Parker has not committed to signing it. Although the administration supports the bill’s intent, it has expressed concern that the fee could burden low-income residents and small businesses.

Council Eyes Landlord Accountability as Smoke Shop Crackdown Advances

Two bills to close loopholes and shut down unlicensed smoke shops received first reading on Thursday, with the Parker administration signaling strong support. Lawmakers indicated that future measures could impose higher fines and penalties on landlords who knowingly lease to illegal operators.

Tech Committee Hearing Highlights Gaps in AI Preparedness

During the City Council Technology Committee’s first hearing focused on artificial intelligence (AI) last week, City officials outlined plans for responsible AI use but provided limited details on current practices, prompting calls for clearer safeguards. Council members and advocates emphasized the need for stronger privacy protections and oversight.

Land Bank Buys 35 Garden Lots to Boost Community Green Space

The Land Bank purchased 35 parcels previously tied up in private tax liens, enabling them to be transferred to gardeners and nonprofit land trusts. These lots will be preserved for community gardens and urban agriculture, helping protect long-standing green spaces from development and supporting local food access.

Upcoming Committee Hearings

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

• The Labor & Civil Service Committee will meet on Monday, October 27 at 10 a.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding the impact of the sugar-sweetened beverage tax on Philadelphia businesses, trades, and consumers.
• The Joint Committees on Streets & Services and Transportation & Public Utilities will meet on Tuesday, October 28 at 10 a.m. to examine water main breaks and sinkholes in District 7, assess their causes, and explore solutions to prevent and reduce their occurrence.
• The Streets & Services Committee will meet on Tuesday, October 28 at 12:30 p.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding proposed ordinances on parking regulations, bicycle lane designations near City Hall, and authorizations for sidewalk cafes and right-of-way encroachments in various city locations.
• The Joint Committees on Children & Youth and Technology & Information Services will meet on Wednesday, October 29 at 10 a.m. to examine the use of electronic monitoring and GPS for youth involved in Philadelphia’s juvenile justice system.

Around Town

CCP Names New President

Alycia Marshall, who has served as interim president of the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) since April, was unanimously endorsed by CCP’s board for the permanent role, following her tenure as provost and vice president for academic and student success.

Philly Launches SPARK Academy to Boost Nonprofit Digital Skills

The city’s new SPARK Innovation Academy offers a free nine-week course to help nonprofit professionals master digital tools and strategies for collaboration and efficiency. Participants will learn platforms like Microsoft 365, Google Suite, and AI tools to improve operations and share knowledge within their organizations.

Philly Immigration Court Denies Most Asylum Claims

Asylum denials have surged to 74% under President Donald Trump’s second term, up from 61% under former President Joe Biden, as policy changes and faster case processing make approvals harder. Attorneys warn that the shift disproportionately harms detained and unrepresented applicants.

Study Reveals Unequal Access to Youth Sports in Philly

A City-funded report found racial and economic disparities in sports facilities and programs, prompting calls for long-term investment to improve equity and reduce violence.

Pew Grants $2.6M to Boost Philly Communities

The Pew Charitable Trusts awarded $2.6 million to improve public spaces, strengthen nonprofits, and expand workforce training programs across Philadelphia.

Developer Hosts Tours of Bellwether District

HRP Group is transforming a 1,300-acre former oil refinery in South Philadelphia into the Bellwether District, offering public tours to showcase new warehouses, environmental cleanup efforts, and plans for an industrial and life sciences campus expected to create thousands of jobs.

Suburban Spotlight

Delaware County Council Race Centers on Property Tax Hikes

With two seats up for grabs on the Delaware County Council, Republicans are campaigning against a recent 23% property tax increase and pledging to curb spending, while Democrats defend the hike as necessary to address years of underinvestment and maintain County services.

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