Broad Street Brief: City Council Eyes Affordability, Accessibility, Transit Ahead of 2026

October 9, 2025

City Hall

City Council to Investigate Cost of Living

During Thursday’s meeting, City Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke (WFP-At Large) introduced a resolution to create a cost of living task force as part of a new “Affordable Philly Now” initiative to help residents manage rising expenses.

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Advocates Urge Stronger Accessibility Measures for 2026 Events

During a hearing of the Committee on People with Disabilities, advocates called for stronger accessibility planning for World Cup and semiquincentennial events, urging clearer enforcement and inclusion of disability leaders. Officials highlighted upgrades like new ramps at Lemon Hill, sidewalk improvements, sensory-friendly spaces at Lincoln Financial Field, and a transit accessibility plan.

City Funds Bus Tickets for Unhoused Residents

Philadelphia’s Office of Homeless Services has spent more than $270,000 since 2021 on one-way bus tickets to help unhoused people relocate, assisting hundreds of participants. Officials say the program aims to end homelessness efficiently.

Upcoming Committee Hearings

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

  • The Technology & Information Services Committee will meet on Wednesday, October 15 at 10 a.m. at PhillyCAM to discuss the current status of artificial intelligence technologies and how Philadelphia can prepare for their impact across public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
  • The Commerce & Economic Development Committee will meet on Wednesday, October 15 at 2 p.m. to discuss a proposal to implement new minimum training requirements for security officers.

Around Town

Philadelphia Art Museum Unveils New Name, Logo

The Philadelphia Museum of Art rebranded as the Philadelphia Art Museum, adopting a bold griffin-themed logo to emphasize its local identity and digital presence. Leaders say the change reflects how people already refer to the institution and aims to make it more welcoming and recognizable.

Overdose Deaths Drop as City Expands Wellness Programs

Philadelphia’s overdose deaths have fallen for two consecutive years, aided by widespread Narcan distribution and new long-acting treatments. City officials credit a $100 million “wellness ecosystem” initiative, though critics question the effectiveness of programs like Wellness Court.

Poplar Reelected as Police Union President

Roosevelt Poplar won a three-year term as president of the city’s police union, along with his full slate, following a competitive race. The election drew strong turnout and highlighted contrasting views on leadership and financial transparency within the union.

SEPTA Upgrades City Hall Station Ahead of 2026 Events

SEPTA’s City Hall Station is getting new flooring, lighting, and fare gates ahead of major 2026 events, while other stations receive infrastructure improvements, including HVAC upgrades and water leak repairs. Meanwhile, federally mandated inspections of older railcars are causing cancellations and crowded trains, with work expected to continue for about a month, and the agency faces a class-action lawsuit regarding its recent fare increases.

Philly Hydrogen Hub Survives Federal Clean Energy Cuts

The MACH2 hydrogen hub in the Philadelphia region avoided federal funding cuts that eliminated similar projects in other states. Officials say the hub will continue advancing clean hydrogen production, though uncertainty over future support has made partners cautious.

Union Leaders Rally Over Federal Shutdown

Labor groups and lawmakers gathered near Independence Hall to protest the ongoing government shutdown, citing unpaid work and threats of layoffs for federal employees. The rally called for bipartisan negotiations to restore funding and protect workers’ rights.

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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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