Broad Street Brief: 911 Dispatch Challenges; Parker’s Winning Campaign Team

November 16, 2023

City Hall

City Council Passes New Zoning Overlay to Restrict Height Limits in North Philadelphia

On Thursday, City Council President Darrell Clarke moved to restrict building height limits in Brewerytown and Sharswood. One of Council President Clarke’s most lasting legacies will be helping to create a patchwork of mini-zoning codes throughout the city.

City Council Hears Testimony on 911 Dispatch Challenges

A Tuesday City Council Committee on Public Safety hearing featured testimony from police representatives, dispatchers, and members on 911 dispatch challenges. While improvements have been made following this summer’s mass shooting in Kingsessing, witnesses testified that ongoing department understaffing and underfunding is largely to blame for these pervasive problems.

Mayor-Elect Parker to be Sworn in January 2nd

While Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker’s term will officially begin at midnight on Monday, January 1 per Philadelphia’s Home Rule Charter, due to a 2024 calendar quirk and a scheduling conflict with the annual Mummers Parade, her swearing in ceremony will occur on Tuesday, January 2.

Upcoming Committee Hearings

Philadelphia City Council holds several public hearings throughout the legislative calendar. View here.

  • The Committee on Rules will discuss various proposed zoning ordinances on Monday, November 20 at 10 a.m.
  • The Committee on Public Health & Human Services will discuss several proposed ordinances concerning rules and requirements pertaining to tobacco retailers and permits, ending the unlawful deportation of noncitizen patients by hospitals, and exploring the impact of recent pharmacy closures on prescription access and health services for senior citizens on Tuesday, November 21 at 10 a.m.
  • The Committee on Commerce & Economic Development will discuss extending the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development on Tuesday, November 21 at 1 p.m.

Election Updates

Meet the Team Behind Mayor-Elect Parker’s Historic Victory

Campaign Manager Sinceré Harris and Senior Advisor Aren Platt are the dynamic team behind Cherelle Parker’s historic mayoral campaign, and are now switching gears to facilitate the administrative transition.

Around Town

Philadelphia Flower Show Announces Theme for 2024

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society announced “United by Flowers” as the 2024 theme for the annual Philadelphia Flower Show. Next year’s show will also introduce a new fee structure.

SEPTA to Facilitate Rider Navigation Experience through Rebrand

In 2024, SEPTA will be introducing SEPTA Bus, SEPTA Regional Rail, and SEPTA Metro Networks, revamping line names, wayfinding signage, and branding across the vast public transit system.

Philadelphia Libraries to Open on Saturdays

For the first time in years, some of Philadelphia’s public libraries will begin operating on Saturdays again. The library system has faced funding cuts and understaffing in recent years that severely hindered capacity.

Former City Councilmember Domb Weighs in on how Philadelphia Should Work to Eradicate Poverty

In a Philadelphia Magazine guest column, Allan Domb, a former council member and one-time mayoral candidate, proposes adjusting the City’s business tax rate in order to combat the perennial issues of poverty and economic inequity.

Weitzman Jewish History Museum CEO to Step Down

Weitzman Museum of American Jewish History CEO Misha Galperin, who led the institution through bankruptcy and the pandemic, announced that he will be stepping down.

Suburban Spotlight

Delaware County Council Democrats to Select Republican to Serve on Elections Board

After maintaining control during last week’s election, Delaware County Council Democrats must select a Republican to fill an upcoming vacancy on the county’s Board of Elections. State law requires a minority party representative on the three-member board, and due to a recent change in the nominating process, the Council may now reject the minority party’s nomination.

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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