Broad Street Brief: City Council Hears From Parker Admin, Sixers on Arena

CITY HALL

City Prepares for Second Trump Term

Mayor Cherelle Parker is reportedly taking a cautious approach to preparations for President-elect Donald Trump’s second term, focusing on maintaining safety, cleanliness, and prosperity while addressing uncertainties about federal funding and sanctuary city policies. Facing depleted pandemic funds and growing Republican influence, the Parker Administration must balance its agenda with securing support from a potentially uncooperative Trump Administration.

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Arena Legislation Hearings Update

This week, City Council heard testimony from the Parker Administration and Philadelphia 76ers representatives regarding the proposed development, construction, and operation of a new arena in Center City. Council members questioned the details of the $50 million community benefits agreement, the potential financial burden on SEPTA, and the general project timeline.

The full schedule of arena legislation hearings and a link to watch them can be found here. The following hearings are coming up next week:

• Arena Legislation Hearing (Tuesday, November 19 at 10 a.m.)
• Public Testimony (Tuesday, November 19 at 1:30 p.m.)
• Public Testimony (Wednesday, November 20 at 10 a.m.)
• Arena Legislation Hearing (Wednesday, November 20 at 1:30 p.m.)
• Public Testimony (Thursday, November 21 at 6 p.m.)

City Council Weighs Elimination of “Resign-to-Run” Rule

During Thursday’s meeting, City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas (At Large) introduced legislation to repeal the long-standing “resign-to-run” rule, which requires City officials to resign before running for higher office, marking the fourth attempt in 20 years to eliminate it. Council also called on Governor Josh Shapiro to flex federal funding to assist SEPTA.

Upcoming Committee Hearings

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

• The Streets & Services Committee will meet on Thursday, November 14 at 2 p.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding various ordinances to address local infrastructure, parking, urban development, and safety.
• The Legislative Oversight Committee will meet on Monday, November 18 at 1 p.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding the City’s preparations for several high-profile events in 2026, including semiquincentennial celebrations.

Around Town

Philadelphia’s Largest City Union Poised to Strike

Philadelphia’s largest municipal union, AFSCME District Council 33, which represents over 9,000 blue-collar workers, including sanitation staff and crossing guards, is considering a strike over stalled contract negotiations with City Hall, demanding better pay, improved pensions, and relaxed residency requirements.

Philly’s Small, Private Universities Face Financial Crossroads

An analysis by The Philadelphia Inquirer found that many small, private universities in the Philadelphia area are struggling with operating losses, limited endowments, and intense competition for students. While some schools have shown signs of recovery through cost-cutting measures and new programs, others face more severe financial challenges.

Northeast Philly Schools Struggle with Overcrowding

Overcrowding in Northeast Philadelphia schools has led to students learning in hallways and repurposed spaces, with principals calling for immediate solutions and the district considering new building construction or repurposing.

Center City’s Grocery Boom

According to an analysis conducted by the Center City District, more than 18 supermarkets have opened in the greater Center City area since 2011, significantly improving grocery access, enhancing urban livability, and reflecting strong population-driven demand across many neighborhoods.

Despite Progress, Women CEOs Still Rare in Philly’s Top Public Companies

The Forum of Executive Women released a report showing that women hold CEO positions in only four of the 100 largest public companies in the Philadelphia area, with minimal progress made in representation among top leadership roles last year. Despite some gains over the past decade, such as a slight increase in women on boards, parity among top earners and executives remains a distant goal.

Former PPD Headquarters Denied Historic Status

The Philadelphia Historical Commission opted not to designate the Roundhouse — the former headquarters of the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) at 7th and Race Streets — as a historic landmark, opening the door for potential demolition of the iconic building despite significant community advocacy for its preservation. The building is known both for its distinctive architecture and as a potent symbol of police brutality.

Towing Companies Sue to Block PPA’s “Monopoly” on Abandoned Vehicle Towing

Ten local towing companies filed a lawsuit against the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA), alleging that a law signed by Gov. Shapiro in December 2023 unlawfully granted PPA a monopoly on towing abandoned vehicles.

Election Update

Meet Northeast Philadelphia’s New State Legislators

Last week, Joe Picozzi became the first Republican state senator elected to represent Philadelphia in more than two decades, flipping the traditionally Democratic SD-5 in the Northeast. Also in the Northeast, Democrat Sean Dougherty won his race for HD-172.

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