Broad Street Brief: City Council to Tackle Affordable Housing

January 30, 2025

CITY HALL

City Council Turns Attention to Affordable Housing, Rental Regulations

During Thursday’s meeting, Philadelphia City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (District 3) introduced a legislative package to streamline zoning and permitting processes to boost affordable housing development, while Councilmember Rue Landau (At-Large) introduced legislation to establish caps on security deposits and application fees for residential rentals.

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City Expands Speed Camera Program

Mayor Cherelle Parker signed legislation to install speed cameras along Route 13 in West and North Philadelphia, aiming to improve road safety by reducing speeding and accidents. Fines for violations start after a two-month warning period.

Around Town

ICE Arrests Spark Protests

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested seven migrants at a North Philadelphia car wash, prompting protests outside the city’s ICE field office. Adding to the uncertainty during an already turbulent time for Philadelphia’s migrant community, the City’s Executive Director of Office of Immigrant Affairs resigned last week.

Challenges Persist in City’s Juvenile Justice Reform Efforts

Philadelphia’s juvenile justice reform initiatives have encountered obstacles, as some practices previously condemned by District Attorney Larry Krasner have been reinstated. Despite early successes in reducing youth incarceration, the number of teens awaiting trial as adults has risen, and several key reforms have faced setbacks or reversals.

Eagles’ Super Bowl Return Spurs Business Boom

The Philadelphia Eagles’ return to the Super Bowl is creating significant revenue opportunities for various industries, including hospitality, travel, retail, and sports betting. Local businesses and fans are gearing up for increased activity as the team prepares to face the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans.

SEPTA Plans Key 2.0, Bus Network Revamp Implementation

SEPTA will invest $230 million in a new Key 2.0 payment system and expects to implement its Bus Revolution initiative in the fall, enhancing transit services and efficiency.

Libraries Continue to Face Heating Issues

In 2024, 29 Philadelphia library branches closed at least once due to heating problems, impacting their role as essential community hubs. Efforts are underway to repair and upgrade HVAC systems, but progress is slow, affecting services for vulnerable populations.

Indego Unveils 2025 Expansion Plans

Philadelphia’s official bike share program Indego plans to add 40 new stations and 400 electric bikes in 2025, expanding service to new areas and enhancing accessibility in existing neighborhoods.

Suburban Spotlight

Philadelphia Region Leads PA’s Population Growth

The Philadelphia region accounted for over half of Pennsylvania’s population growth from 2019 to 2023, with Montgomery and Chester counties seeing the most growth.

PA Officials Strive to Save Crozer Health Amid Prospect Bankruptcy

The Shapiro administration and the new Pennsylvania attorney general are working to transition Crozer Health back to nonprofit ownership to preserve essential health care services and jobs in Delaware County following the bankruptcy of its for-profit owner, Prospect Medical Holdings. The plan seeks to stabilize Crozer financially within six months and ensure continued access to vital services for the community.

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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