Broad Street Brief: City Council Green Lights Bike Lane Expansion

March 6, 2025

City Hall

City Council Green Lights Bike Lane Expansion

During Thursday’s meeting, the City Council approved legislation introduced last week by Councilmember Jeffery Young, Jr. (District 5) to add bike lanes to high-traffic streets in Center City, near Temple University, and in the Spring Garden neighborhood to improve safety and connectivity for cyclists.

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Trump Admin. Freezes $12M for Philly Tree Plan

The Trump administration froze a $12 million federal grant intended to support Philadelphia’s Philly Tree Plan, which aims to increase the city’s tree canopy to 30% across neighborhoods.

Philadelphians Urge City Council to Tackle Illegal Dumping

During a City Council hearing Monday, Philadelphia residents expressed frustration over persistent illegal dumping in their neighborhoods, calling for increased funding for education and enforcement measures. City officials acknowledged the issue and discussed ongoing efforts to improve enforcement and prevent dumping.

Probation Check-Ins Go Virtual Amid Deputy Shortage

Philadelphia’s probation check-ins are now virtual, and urine tests are suspended as deputies are reassigned to courthouse security. Despite some improvements, a deputy shortage still threatens probation supervision and other functions.

Upcoming Committee Hearings

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

  • The Streets & Services Committee will meet on Tuesday, March 11 at 10 a.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding ordinances related to street openings and excavations, two-way street regulations, various encroachments, and the use of automated speed enforcement in school zones.

Around Town

City Traffic Reform Cuts Stops, Disparities Persist

Three years after Philadelphia limited police stops for minor infractions, research shows a significant reduction in traffic stops, particularly among Black men, though racial disparities persist.

City Needs Targeted Investments for Equitable Economic Growth

Philadelphia’s economic growth shows promise, with a 32% increase in real median household income. However, persistent racial disparities and high poverty rates among Hispanic and Black residents indicate the need for targeted investments and poverty reduction strategies to ensure equitable progress.

Philadelphia Housing Prices Remain High, But Solutions Exist

Philadelphia’s housing prices have surged in recent years, but strategies like expanding home-repair programs, streamlining development processes, reinstating full tax abatements, and promoting density could help restore affordability and increase housing stock.

Major Developments to Watch in 2025

Philadelphia’s skyline and neighborhoods are undergoing significant changes with major projects like Chubb’s new headquarters, the Bellwether District, and Navy Yard apartments and other proposed projects in the pipeline.

2026 FIFA World Cup Poster Unveiled at Flower Show

Philadelphia Soccer 2026 unveiled the official Host City poster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dramatic floral recreation—featuring hydrangeas, carnations, roses, and more—at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s (PHS) annual Flower Show.

SEPTA to Test Longer Green Lights for Buses in Pilot Program

Philadelphia will pilot a program using GPS technology to give SEPTA buses priority at traffic signals, aiming to improve bus speed and reliability at 20 intersections, funded by a $200,000 federal grant. After successfully managing the Eagles parade, SEPTA is committed to analyzing and improving transit plans in time for major 2026 events.

School Leaders Urged to Support Immigrant Students

At a packed Board of Education meeting, students and educators called on the School District of Philadelphia to enhance support for immigrant students and families following the end of a federal policy restricting immigration enforcement in schools.

Independence Park Hit by National Park Layoffs

The Trump administration’s federal employee cuts have led to nearly two dozen layoffs at Pennsylvania national parks, including Philadelphia’s Independence National Historic Park, raising concerns about reduced services and preparations for the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Election Update

No Republican DA Candidates Emerge for 2025 Race

Despite extensive efforts by local party leaders to find a candidate, no Republicans will be running for district attorney this election cycle, meaning the outcome of the May 20 primary will determine the city’s next DA, regardless of Democrats’ 6-1 registration advantage.

Suburban Spotlight

Measles Case Identified in MontCo

A child in Montgomery County—who was too young to be vaccinated—was diagnosed with measles over the weekend, prompting contact tracing and issuance of exposure warnings.

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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