Broad Street Brief: February 19, 2026

February 19, 2026

City Hall

Council Examines District’s 20-School Closure Plan

City Council President Kenyatta Johnson and Education Committee Chair Isaiah Thomas held a hearing on the district’s plan to close 20 schools, with Council President signaling he may withhold city funding even with the school board having the final vote. District officials said the facilities process is intended to improve educational quality and equity for 115,000 students, not cut costs, and Superintendent Tony Watlington shared new recommendations. The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers argued the district’s $2.8 billion plan lacks the data and transparency needed to justify closures, co‑locations, and repurposing. Tilden Middle School is among the schools proposed for closure; despite years of investment — including support through the city’s soda‑tax‑funded community schools program — the district cites declining enrollment, a poor building rating, and a shift toward K‑8 models as reasons for phasing it out by 2030.

Mayor Parker & Council President Back Federal Decision to Restore President’s House Slavery Exhibits

U.S. District Judge Cynthia M. Rufe ordered the federal government to restore the President’s House Site to its condition as of January 21, 2026 — the day before the slavery exhibits were removed. Council President Johnson voiced support for the ruling, stating that the decision affirms that historic truths cannot be altered or “whitewashed” and emphasizes the exhibit’s essential story about slavery at Independence National Historical Park. Mayor Cherelle Parker also praised the court’s decision, stating that “We will not allow anyone to erase our history.” However, the Trump administration has appealed the ruling, to which Judge Rufe issued an injunction mandating the exhibits’ immediate return and prohibiting further changes without the city’s consent.

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Around Town

PPA Launches Speed‑Camera Pilot in Five Philadelphia School Zones

Philadelphia’s new school‑zone speed‑camera pilot launched with a 60‑day warning period, during which drivers caught speeding in five high‑priority school zones will receive warnings before fines begin on April 20, 2026. The Philadelphia Parking Authority says the program is designed to curb dangerous driving and protect students, citing major reductions in speeding on Roosevelt Boulevard after similar enforcement. The selected zones include areas around Stetson Middle School, KIPP North Philadelphia, Widener Memorial School, the High School of the Future, and Sayre High School.

City Controller Finds Nearly All Philly School‑Zone Speed Bumps Installed Incorrectly

A new report from City Controller Christy Brady found that 99% of speed cushions installed near Philadelphia schools failed to meet required design standards, with many steep enough to damage vehicles or cause drivers to swerve, creating additional safety risks. Brady said the issues stem from poor oversight of city crews and private contractors during installation and urged the city to correct the defects. The Streets Department is reviewing the findings.

Advocates Push City to Fast‑Track Two New Northeast Philly Health Centers

Community leaders in Northeast Philadelphia are urging the city to accelerate construction of two long‑planned health centers, arguing that the current 2029–2030 timeline leaves residents without adequate access to care. Advocates delivered a proposal to the Parker administration and City Council calling for a 24‑month buildout of the Friends Hospital campus site, citing long appointment wait times and the region’s status as a “health desert.” City officials say both centers remain high priorities, with one project still in design and the other slated for construction in 2027.

Philly‑Area College Students Protest U.S. Customs and Border Protection Recruiting at Career Fairs

Students at Thomas Jefferson, Villanova, Temple, and Rowan universities pushed back against U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s participation in campus career events. Petitions, social media campaigns, and on‑site protests emerged in response to CBP’s planned recruitment, leading some events to be canceled or modified. University officials emphasized that employer participation did not constitute institutional endorsement, while student activists argued that CBP’s presence was inappropriate given recent enforcement actions and community harm.

Authors

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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