Broad Street Brief: City Supports Small Businesses as Tax Break Ends

City Hall

City Offers Support for Small Businesses as Tax Exemption is Phased Out

Philadelphia is supporting small businesses through flexible payment plans, free tax assistance, and access to grants as it phases out a longstanding business tax exemption to comply with legal standards. City officials say the changes will help create a fairer system while ensuring that small firms have the tools to thrive and grow.

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City Moves to Condemn Railway for Elevated Park Project

Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration is seeking federal approval to condemn an unused railway viaduct in North Philadelphia to build the $110 million Viaduct Greenway park. The outcome hinges on a Surface Transportation Board ruling, with City officials urging swift action amid opposition from property owner Reading International.

Philadelphia Teachers Union Readies for Possible Strike

Philadelphia’s teachers union is preparing for a potential strike that could disrupt the start of the school year. Key unresolved issues include salary increases, paid parental leave, and changes to the sick leave policy. Negotiations are taking place amid a worsening teacher shortage, characterized by heavy reliance on underprepared emergency-permit educators and insufficient support, prompting calls for systemic reform and increased funding.

Around Town

Black Chamber Tour Mobilizes Tri-State Businesses for 2026

The African American Chamber of Commerce for Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware launched a regional tour to help Black-owned businesses prepare for Philadelphia’s 2026 semiquincentennial tourism boom. Despite federal rollbacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, local governments are expanding support and contracting opportunities for historically disadvantaged businesses.

Dranoff Joins Redevelopment of Former UArts Building

Developer Carl Dranoff is partnering with Dwight City Group to transform the former University of the Arts’ (UArts) Anderson Hall into 84 apartments with retail and parking, contributing his adjacent garage to expand the project footprint. The redevelopment is part of a broader effort to revitalize South Broad Street and enhance the Avenue of the Arts corridor.

SEPTA Cuts, Fare Hikes Set to Reshape Transit Starting Late August

SEPTA warns that it will be forced to reduce service by 20% and raise fares by 21.5%—affecting buses, subways, trolleys, and Regional Rail with overcrowding and longer wait times—unless new state funding is secured by August 14. The changes coincide with the start of the school year and could deepen if state funding remains unresolved.

Kensington Opioid Grants Shift, Leaving Some Groups Behind

Although the City of Philadelphia awarded $2.2 million in opioid prevention grants to 22 organizations through a new invite-only process, many past grantees were excluded, with some affected groups saying the funding loss has forced program cutbacks. City officials promise a broader grant round later this year.

Sixers Arena Plans Force Major Rethink of South Philly Sports Complex

The Sixers’ decision to stay in South Philadelphia rather than construct a new arena in Center City has delayed components of Comcast Spectacor’s redevelopment plans, including key projects like housing, hotels, and retail.

Market Street Upgrades Bring Long-Term Gains, Short-Term Strain

Philadelphia’s $16 million Market Street Old City Improvement Project is enhancing sidewalks, curbs, accessibility ramps, bike lanes, and public spaces to revitalize the area and support long-term economic growth. Local businesses are leaning on grants, marketing strategies, and community support to weather the temporary disruption.

Endangered Big Cats Join Philly Zoo Breeding Program

The Philadelphia Zoo welcomed an Amur tiger and an Amur leopard this summer as part of a species survival plan to help protect the critically endangered animals through future breeding.

Fairmount Park Conservancy Names New CEO

Tony Sorrentino will lead the Fairmount Park Conservancy starting October. With a background in urban planning and community development at the University of Pennsylvania, he steps in as the Conservancy advances major projects like the $250 million FDR Park renovation.

Drexel Students Map Philly’s 28 Happiest Places

Psychology students at Drexel University created a map of Philadelphia’s happiest spots, highlighting parks, cultural centers, and hidden gems like a cat-filled Mantua park. The project aims to help young people reconnect with joy and urban belonging.

Court Overturns Kenney’s Order Replacing Columbus Day

A Pennsylvania appeals court ruled that former Mayor Jim Kenney lacked authority to unilaterally replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day, invalidating his 2021 executive order for bypassing the City Council.

Suburban Spotlight

Revised Sanctuary Jurisdiction List Removes Collar Counties

The Trump administration released a shortened list of sanctuary jurisdictions, keeping Philadelphia on it while removing Montgomery, Delaware, and Chester Counties and the state of New Jersey.

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