Broad Street Brief: City Council Passes POWER Act, Mobile Service Provider Regulations

City Hall

City Council Passes POWER Act, Mobile Service Provider Regulations

During Thursday’s meeting, the City Council passed the POWER Act—which empowers Philadelphia’s Department of Labor to enforce existing worker protection laws related to wage theft, paid sick leave, and domestic worker rights, while also expanding workers’ rights and financial compensation for damages—as well as regulations on mobile service providers aimed at addressing litter, nuisance behavior, and safety concerns in Kensington. The Council also observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the MOVE bombing on its 40th anniversary.

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Budget Hearing Update

This week marked the final FY26 budget hearings, which saw Mural Arts leaders advocating for increased funding to avoid program cuts; the Sheriff’s Office requesting a budget increase and new facilities to address staffing and training challenges; and Mayor Cherelle Parker’s Housing Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) Initiative facing questions from Council members about the targeting of funds and program eligibility criteria.

Kensington Wellness Court Resumes with Renewed City, Court Commitment

The Kensington Wellness Court resumed this week after a brief hiatus due to adjustments in its procedures. Both City and Court officials have committed to ensuring the program’s success, focusing on immediate treatment rather than criminalization.

City Prepared to Litigate Against Sanctuary City Executive Order

The Parker administration is prepared to litigate if Philadelphia is targeted by President Donald Trump’s sanctuary city executive order, which could threaten federal funding, with City Solicitor Renee Garcia rejecting the term “sanctuary city” and emphasizing the City’s compliance with federal law and previous legal victories.

Upcoming Committee Hearings

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

• The Education Committee will meet on Friday, May 9 at 10 a.m. to investigate community engagement efforts by higher education institutions and the impact of federal diversity, equity, and inclusion program rollbacks on Philadelphia’s tax-exempt higher education institutions.

Around Town

Navy Yard Secures $30M for Life Sciences, Manufacturing Development

Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration awarded a $30 million grant to Ensemble Real Estate Investments and Mosaic Development Partners for the redevelopment of South Philadelphia Navy Yard, supporting up to 700,000 square feet of new life sciences and manufacturing facilities.

Wells Fargo Center to Be Renamed Xfinity Mobile Arena

The Wells Fargo Center will become the Xfinity Mobile Arena on September 1, with the naming rights agreement lasting until the Flyers and 76ers move to a new arena at the South Philly sports complex in the 2030-31 season.

SEPTA, PPA Launch AI-Powered Bus Cams to Ticket Illegally Parked Drivers

This week, SEPTA and the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) officially began using AI-powered cameras on buses to ticket drivers parked illegally in bus lanes. The initiative follows a successful pilot program that identified thousands of violations on just two routes.

Federal Cuts Threaten Chinatown Stitch, Education Programs

The latest proposed federal cuts threaten Philadelphia’s “Chinatown Stitch” project, aimed at reconnecting Chinatown by capping I-676, and AmeriCorps funding, jeopardizing 11 key education programs. Community leaders and city officials are seeking alternative solutions to preserve these crucial initiatives for neighborhood redevelopment and essential services for the city’s youth and underserved communities.

Center City Shows Strong Economic Recovery Post-Pandemic

Center City’s economy is rebounding well with increased foot traffic, job growth, and new housing developments—despite persistent challenges like office vacancies and public perception issues—according to an analysis by the Center City District.

Broad Street Run Attracts 40,000+ Participants

The 46th annual Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run saw more than 40,000 runners competing with enthusiastic crowds cheering them on throughout the 10-mile course.

LL Cool J to Headline Fourth of July Celebration

LL Cool J will headline the Welcome America concert on July 4th, part of Philadelphia’s 16 days of celebrations from Juneteenth to Independence Day, featuring various events including performances by Jazmine Sullivan and Marvin Sapp, block parties, and cultural celebrations.

Midtown Village to Go Car-Free on Sundays in June

Midtown Village will close portions of 13th and Sansom Streets to vehicles on the last four Sundays in June, expanding Center City’s “open streets” initiative that has boosted business since its launch in Rittenhouse last September.

Election Update

Voters to Decide on OHS, Housing, Prison Oversight Ballot Measures

This month, Philadelphia primary voters will decide whether to approve amendments to the Home Rule Charter that would create a new position within the Office of Homeless Services (OHS), require the City spend more money on building and maintaining affordable housing, and create a Prison Oversight Office and Board.

PAC-Funded Ads Target Krasner in DA Race

With less than three weeks until the Democratic primary, a super PAC funded by Philadelphia unions and building industry leaders is running ads critical of incumbent District Attorney Larry Krasner, attempting to link increased shooting rates and crimes committed by individuals released on bail to his tenure. DA Krasner and challenger Patrick Dugan will participate in a debate on Thursday, potentially their final opportunity to do so before the May 20 primary.

Suburban Spotlight

Collar County Leaders Warn SEPTA Cuts Would Negatively Impact Suburbs

Elected leaders, college officials, and students gathered at Bryn Mawr train station to emphasize SEPTA’s crucial role in Montgomery County’s economic success and urged state lawmakers to prevent drastic transit service cuts. Chester County legislators also expressed concerns about the negative impact on local businesses, property values, and overall quality of life should funding cuts impact the Paoli/Thorndale line.

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