Broad Street Brief: City Clears Kensington Homeless Encampment

May 9, 2024

City Hall

Police, Outreach Workers Clear Kensington Homeless Encampment

This week, police and outreach workers cleared a homeless encampment on Kensington Avenue. City Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (District 7), who represents a large section of Kensington, views the action as just the beginning of addressing deep-rooted problems in the neighborhood, noting existing challenges in connecting people with services.

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Details on Parker Admin’s Proposed Triage Centers Emerge from City RFP

Last Friday, Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking an outside consultant to assist in the development of plans for three to five “triage and wellness centers,” which would provide shelter and medical services for individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders. While funding for the centers is included in the mayor’s budget proposal, members of City Council and residents have criticized the lack of details.

City Council Recognizes Importance of Black Teachers

The City Council passed two resolutions championed by Councilmembers Rue Landau (At Large) and Isaiah Thomas (At Large), designating May 9, 2024, as Black Teacher Appreciation Day, and October as Black Male Educators Month respectively. Founder and CEO of the Center For Black Educator Development Sharif El-Mekki applauded the resolutions, saying “we know Black teachers are good for all students as well as our school system.”

Upcoming Committee Hearings

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

  • A Streets & Services Committee hearing on Friday, May 10 at 1 p.m. will include discussion regarding several parking and encroachment ordinances.
  • A Commerce & Economic Development Committee hearing on Monday, May 13 at 10 a.m. will include testimony regarding the proposed addition of new consumer protection regulations around unfair or deceptive business practices to the Philadelphia Code.
  • A Finance Committee hearing on Monday, May 13 at 1 p.m. will include testimony regarding a proposal for real estate tax forgiveness for low-income residents and investigation of significant overspending by the Office of Homeless Services, among other topics.

Around Town

Thomas Jefferson University Names New President

Thomas Jefferson University named Susan Aldridge the institution’s first female president. The seasoned higher education leader, who has been serving as interim president, aims to steer the university through a new era of growth and innovation.

Philadelphia NAACP Endorses Center City Sixers Arena

The Philadelphia chapter of the NAACP officially endorsed the proposed Center City Sixers’ arena, citing potential economic benefits for Black and brown communities.

Narcotics Officers’ Surveillance Video Contradicted Own Testimony, Unveiling Larger Misuse Problem

A recent investigation revealed misuse of surveillance cameras by Philadelphia narcotics officers, leading to wrongful arrests and raising concerns about privacy and accountability.

Meet the Philadelphia-Based Company Aiming to Improve Maternal Health Outcomes

Cayaba Care, a Philadelphia-based company, utilizes “maternity navigators” to improve maternal health outcomes, especially for underrepresented and high-risk individuals. CEO Adaeze Enekwechi shared the company’s unique approach with the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Election Update

VP Harris Visits Philadelphia-Area College to Discuss Reproductive Rights

Vice President Kamala Harris visited Salus University in Elkins Park with Abbott Elementary actress and wife of state Senator Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia) Sheryl Lee Ralph on Wednesday to discuss reproductive rights and rally support ahead of the November general election.

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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