Broad Street Brief: Council Pres. Race; Kingsessing 911 Error; Bus Frustrations

City Hall

Race for City Council President

Although the upcoming November City Council elections are just around the corner, experts have already changed gears and are looking ahead to the January 2024 council president race eager to see who will succeed the outgoing Council President Darrell Clarke. While the next cohort of City Council members is relatively inexperienced, there are three contenders who are well positioned to take on the prestigious role: frontrunners Majority Leader Curtis Jones Jr. and District 2 Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson, as well as Majority Whip Mark Squilla. Only time will tell if other lawmakers vie for the position.

Around Town

Commissioner Outlaw Announces Internal Investigation Following 911 Dispatch Misstep the Weekend of Kingsessing Shooting

During a Monday press conference on the July 3 Kingsessing shooter, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw revealed that one of the shooter’s victims had been shot and killed almost two days earlier. In the early hours of July 2, police received a 911 call, but officers were mistakenly dispatched to the wrong address. While the reason for the error is not immediately clear, an internal investigation is now underway.

New Greyhound Bus “Station” on Market Street Causes Chaos

Last month, Greyhound officially relocated its Philadelphia stop from its terminal on Filbert Street to the 600 block of Market Street as a cost-cutting measure. This national trend of intercity bus carriers reverting to curbside operations has resulted in confusion and discomfort among bus riders and disruptions to businesses along the corridor and SEPTA bus services, prompting calls on the city to implement a more permanent solution.

Center City Weekend Foot Traffic Nears Pre-Pandemic Numbers

According to cell phone data released by the Center City District this week, weekend foot traffic in Center City has improved significantly, up 94% from the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, helping many downtown businesses in their recovery process.

New PIDC President Outlines Vision for the City

Last month, Greyhound officially relocated its Philadelphia stop from its terminal on Filbert Street to the 600 block of Market Street as a cost-cutting measure. This national trend of intercity bus carriers reverting to curbside operations has resulted in confusion and discomfort among bus riders and disruptions to businesses along the corridor and SEPTA bus services, prompting calls on the city to implement a more permanent solution.

New PIDC President Outlines Vision for the City

Philadelphia native Jodie Harris began her tenure as president of the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) last month, and has already begun outlining her vision for the city, which includes vibrant communities — beyond Center City — that are “open for business.” Harris recently left a position with the U.S. Treasury Department, where she oversaw the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund.

INHP to Transform First Bank Into Museum of the American Economy

The centuries old First Bank of the United States on 3rd and Chestnut Streets has been closed to the public since the 1970s. Now, the Independence National Historical Park (INHP) is embarking on a $50 million renovation project to transform the iconic building into a museum of the American economy, with the goal of opening in time for the semiquincentennial in 2026.

Merger, Acquisition Trend Emerges in Greater Philadelphia Higher Education Arena

Philadelphia has long been an “eds and meds” town. But in recent years, many of its esteemed institutions of higher education have been merging with or acquiring one another for myriad strategic reasons.

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