Broad Street Brief: City Council Introduces Flurry of New Bills

January 25, 2024

City Hall

Several Bills Introduced During First Regular City Council Meeting of 2024

The first meeting of 2024 back at City Hall — also the first with new City Council President Kenyatta Johnson (District 2) at the dais — saw the introduction of several new bills, including proposed regulations on Philadelphia’s for-profit eviction system, a requirement that retailers maintain video surveillance of customer parking areas, and an investigation into spending by the Office of Homeless Services during the previous mayoral administration.

Mayor Parker Leads City Emergency Response Through First Snowstorm of Administration

Last week’s snow storm brought the first true test of the City’s emergency response operations during Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration. The mayor cut short a trip to the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C. to lead a briefing at the City’s Emergency Operations Center, demonstrating interagency coordination.

Election Update

West Philadelphia Legislative District to See Rematch

State Representative Amen Brown, a two-term Democrat from West Philadelphia and one-time mayoral candidate, faces challenges from progressive Cass Green and community activist Sajda “Purple” Blackwell in the upcoming primary, setting up a rematch in Pennsylvania’s 10th legislative district.

Around Town

City to Use ARPA Funds to Combat Flooding Issues in Germantown, Minimize Wastewater Overflows In Port Richmond

Philadelphia is set to receive approximately $25 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for water infrastructure projects in Port Richmond, Germantown, and East Falls. The funding will address aging infrastructure, with investments in sewer improvements, water treatment plants, and capacity expansion for wastewater facilities to enhance water quality and stormwater management.

Part of I-95 North to Close First Weekend in February

Demolition of the existing concrete covering over I-95 between Chestnut and Walnut Streets — part of the $329 million highway cap and park construction project — will close I-95 North near Penn’s Landing the first weekend of February.

How Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park is Preparing for 2026

A mix of deferred maintenance and major renovation projects — including renovations to the First Bank of the United States, Welcome Park, Carpenters’ Hall, and the West Wing of Independence Hall — aim to prepare Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park for the nation’s semiquincentennial, FIFA World Cup games, and the MLB All-Star Game in 2026.

What Schuylkill River Park Level I Arboretum Designation Means

Schuylkill River Park in Fitler Square achieved recognition in 2022 as a Level I Arboretum, reflecting the park’s commitment to community engagement and investment in green spaces. The Fitler Forum has more about the significance of this designation and what it means for one of the City’s most significant green spaces moving forward.

New Philadelphia Poet Laureate Crowned

Germantown native Kai Davis — a Black queer writer, performer, and teaching artist — was named Philadelphia’s new poet laureate, selected from a record number of 16 applicants.

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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