Broad Street Brief: Calder Gardens to Open This Weekend

September 18, 2025

City Hall

City Council to Consider Requiring Retailers to Charge Fee for Paper Bags

During Thursday’s meeting, City Councilmember Mark Squilla (D-District 1) reintroduced a bill that would require retailers to charge a fee for paper bags to customers with the goal of reducing reliance on disposable bags following the City’s plastic bag ban, which led to a surge in paper bag use. Previous legislation was pocket vetoed by then-outgoing Mayor Jim Kenney (D) in 2023. Councilmember Nina Ahmad (D-At Large) also introduced legislation that would require that rental suitability certificates include voter registration information to tenants.

Subscribe

Expanded Business Curfew Becomes Law

Mayor Cherelle Parker (D) allowed a bill expanding the 11 p.m. business curfew to more neighborhoods to take effect without her signature, citing concerns about enforcement while supporting its intent. The law, aimed at reducing nuisance activity and improving public safety, will cover large parts of North and Northwest Philadelphia and raise fines to $1,000.

Around Town

Calder Gardens to Open This Weekend

The new Calder Gardens, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, will open September 21 as an underground sanctuary focused on the work of Philadelphia sculptor Alexander Calder.

PHL Unveils New Logo, Slogan Ahead of 2026 Travel Surge

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) introduced the slogan “Good Things Start Here” and a redesigned logo as part of $2 billion in upgrades to prepare for major 2026 events like the FIFA World Cup and Fan Festival on Lemon Hill, U.S. semiquincentennial, and the returning Philadelphia Cycling Classic. Improvements include terminal renovations, better transit access, and expanded dining options to enhance the traveler experience.

Philadelphia Job Growth Outpaces Peers, But Office Vacancies Persist

A new report from the Center City District shows Philadelphia’s job growth has surged in the health care, arts, and hospitality sectors, but office-sector employment has barely increased, leaving vacancy rates above 20%. Experts say firms remain uncertain about space needs post-pandemic, and incentives may be needed to boost office demand.

Regional Housing Market Sees $41.5B Value Surge in One Year

The Philadelphia metro area ranked third nationally for housing wealth gains, with home values rising 3.4% and total market value reaching $932 billion. Experts attribute the growth to strong demand and new construction driven by the region’s relative affordability.

Philly Activists Rally to Protect President’s House History

Community leaders and advocates gathered to oppose a federal directive that could alter slavery-related exhibits from the President’s House site, arguing the displays are vital to telling a complete American story.

Philly Dems Host Town Halls Around Potential National Guard Response

Following President Donald Trump’s deployment of troops to other cities, city leaders held community meetings this week to discuss potential federal intervention, giving residents a voice and emphasizing that local crime rates are declining. During one such town hall, District Attorney Larry Krasner (D) encouraged residents to document any potential federal troop actions with video, framing it as a way to protect civil rights and resist authoritarian overreach.

Suburban Spotlight

Suburban Voters to Weigh Local Initiatives

This November, Chester and Montgomery County voters will weigh in on ballot measures to fund local police services and increase taxes to preserve open space, parks, and natural resources.

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.

Explore Articles and News

See All News