Broad Street Brief: January 8, 2026

City Hall

Newly Elected Controller Brady to Examine HOME Program Spending & Port Economic Strategy

On January 5th, City Controller Christy Brandy vowed to broaden oversight of Mayor Parker’s H.O.M.E. initiative to ensure all borrowed funds are properly used and accounted for. She also pledged to focus on Philadelphia’s waterfront and port assets, emphasizing their role as major economic engines and committing to evaluate whether the city is maximizing their financial impact.

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Around Town

Philadelphia Welcomes New Judges in Joint Inauguration Ceremony

During Monday morning’s inauguration ceremonies, nearly three dozen Philadelphia judges were sworn in alongside District Attorney Larry Krasner and Controller Christy Brady at the Kimmel Center’s Marian Anderson Hall. Krasner began his third term by emphasizing the importance of crime prevention and modern enforcement strategies, noting broad agreement among city leaders on those priorities.

Philadelphia Sees Historic Drop in Homicides

For the first time in more than half a century, Philadelphia has recorded fewer than 225 homicides in a single year—222 in 2025—marking the city’s lowest annual total since 1966. The total represents a decline of 17% from 2024, and a 60% drop from 2021. Adam Geer, the city’s director of public safety, highlighted the decline as an important development, while underscoring the need for sustained efforts.

Commissioner Bethel Details 2026 Plan to Strengthen Public Safety

Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel’s 2026 plan outlines priorities that include further reducing property crime and gun violence, expanding the department’s drone program, and implementing the city’s public safety plan to be released later this month. The drone program, now active in four districts, is expected to help with investigations and barricade situations. Bethel also plans to increase police visibility in commercial corridors, strengthen partnerships with community organizations, and continue targeted enforcement in areas experiencing persistent crime.

Construction Begins on Philadelphia’s New Commerce Connector

Philadelphia has begun construction on the Commerce Connector, a $2.7 million pedestrian path in Old City that will link the Independence Visitor Center and Carpenters Hall. Led by the Independence Historical Trust in partnership with the city and local organizations, the 2,000‑foot connector will feature seating and plantings, improve walkability, and help manage increased tourism expected for the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Gather Food Hall to Serve 5,000 Free Meals to Food‑Insecure College Students

In partnership with the nonprofit Believe in Students, Gather Food Hall plans to address college food insecurity by providing 5,000 free meals this year. The initiative aims to support vendors, attract commuters and professionals, and ensure students in need have reliable access to food. The free‑meals program is backed by a 10‑year, $250,000 commitment from Brandywine Realty Trust.

Suburban Spotlight

Montgomery County Secures $1M for New Supportive Housing Facility

Montgomery County has received a $1 million commitment from local resident Nand Todi to support the new short‑term supportive housing facility under construction in Lansdale. The facility will accommodate approximately 20 individuals at a time and is projected to reduce homelessness in the area by up to 75%. On-site wraparound services, provided by Resources for Human Development, will assist residents with permanent housing placement, behavioral health needs, and access to additional supports. Referrals will be coordinated through local outreach teams and the County’s Your Way Home partnership.

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