Broad Street Brief: July 16, 2026

City Hall

City Council Seeks Clarification From Parker Administration on Rising Property Assessments

Philadelphia’s new property assessments show notable increases in home values across many neighborhoods, which can raise tax bills even though the city did not change the property tax rate. After hearing from residents who received unexpectedly higher valuations, Councilmember Mike Driscoll and several of his colleagues sent a July 15th letter asking the Parker administration to explain how the assessments were calculated, with a response due August 15th. The Parker administration says the average residential values increased modestly overall, and while the citywide average residential property value rose by 3.8% following a one-year hiatus, several neighborhoods experienced much steeper spikes, including Kensington at 15.3% and West Philadelphia’s Mantua at 15%. Multiple reviews of the assessment process including a controller audit, a council hearing, and an outside consultant’s study are underway.

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Free Fest Returns in August with Expanded Health, Workforce Programs

Rapper Freeway and Council President Kenyatta Johnson will hold Free Fest on August 1st at the Navy Yard. The event is expected to draw more than 2,500 people and will include health services, workforce development programming, and civic engagement resources. This year’s additions include distributing 250 blood pressure cuffs and launching a Community Ambassador Program for nearly 100 participants. The festival will feature themed areas such as a Health and Wellness Village, Youth Village, Living Free Village, Marketplace, and a new Community Village. Early sponsors include Penn Medicine, Gift of Life Donor Program, the Leon H. Sullivan Trust, Community Behavioral Health, and Keystone First.

Parker Administration Moves to Renew Contract with Chester Incinerator

Philadelphia has moved to renew its waste‑disposal contract with Reworld, the Chester‑based trash incinerator. Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration issued notice of its intent to enter a new four‑year agreement after a bill to ban incineration failed to gain enough support in City Council. Council approval will be required, with the next meeting scheduled for September. Reworld was selected alongside Republic Services and Waste Management, which operate landfills. The city’s previous seven‑year contract expired in June and was extended for six months.

Small Businesses Seek BIRT Relief as Council Weighs Possible Changes

Philadelphia small businesses are facing higher Business Income & Receipts Tax (BIRT) bills after the city ended the $100,000 exemption, and several Councilmembers are now reviewing potential changes. Councilmember Mike Driscoll has introduced a bill to exempt sole proprietors and one‑person LLCs, and advocates have met with Councilmembers Jamie Gauthier and Cindy Bass as well as Council President Kenyatta Johnson as they push for the measure to advance. The Parker administration has expanded assistance programs but does not support the exemption proposal. Council is expected to revisit the issue this fall.

Around Town

House Judiciary Committee Subpoenas Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner

The U.S. House Judiciary Committee issued a subpoena to District Attorney Larry Krasner on July 15th, saying he did not provide immigration-related documents the committee first requested in May. The committee says it is seeking records as part of its review of local policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Krasner disputed the committee’s claim and said his office followed the law. The subpoena requires him to turn over the requested materials by July 29th.

Governor Shapiro Highlights New Funding for Philadelphia Schools in PA Budget

Pennsylvania’s new $50.8 billion state budget includes $157 million in additional funding for Philadelphia schools, part of a statewide $670 million increase. Mayor Cherelle Parker noted that the budget also closes a sales‑tax loophole expected to generate about $1.5 million annually for the city and includes $1.9 million tied to Medicaid waivers supporting homelessness and mental‑health services. State and district officials pointed to recent improvements in attendance, graduation rates, and academic growth as they discussed how the new funding will be used moving forward.

JPMorgan Chase Announces $24 Million Investment in Philadelphia Shipbuilding

JPMorgan Chase is investing $24 million in Philadelphia’s shipbuilding sector, including $13 million for Rhoads Industries at the Navy Yard to support a new submarine‑production facility expected to create hundreds of jobs. The bank is also providing funding for small‑business lending and workforce‑training programs run by local organizations. Mayor Cherelle Parker and Council President Kenyatta Johnson praised the investment, noting its alignment with ongoing efforts to expand manufacturing and job opportunities at the Navy Yard.

New Panels Installed Overnight at President’s House Site

Federal officials installed new exhibit panels at the President’s House on Independence Mall overnight on July 14th, replacing the long‑standing displays focused on the nine people George Washington enslaved at the site. City officials had challenged the removal of the original panels, but the courts ultimately ruled that the federal government has full authority over the site. The installation marks a shift in the ongoing legal dispute between the city and the administration, and stakeholders say they are reviewing next steps as the new exhibits remain in place.

Vacant Strawberry Mansion Church to Become Workforce Housing

Cornerstone Baptist Church on North 33rd Street will be converted into 44 income‑restricted apartments, with construction expected to begin this summer. Select Redevelopment, a private development company, purchased the long‑vacant building in April and is leading the $10 million project, which preserves the existing structure and offers units affordable to households earning under 80% of area median income. Funding comes from a construction loan and a community investment fund backed by TD Bank.

Election Updates

Several Council Districts Expected to Draw Multiple Candidates in 2027

All 17 Philadelphia City Council members plan to run for reelection in 2027 with three districts expected to be competitive. In the 5th District, at least four people are considering challenging Councilmember Jeffery Young Jr. In the 1st District, represented by Mark Squilla, progressive groups are preparing a potential challenge, and Will Gross is viewed as a likely candidate. In the 8th District, represented by Cindy Bass, Seth Anderson‑Oberman is leaning toward running again, and Jeff Jones has announced his candidacy. Potential 5th District candidates include Curtis Wilkerson, Jalon Alexander, Dustin Dove, and Max Tuttleman. Several people are also exploring at‑large bids, including David Alexander Jenkins, Jude Husein, Billy McCann, and Isaiah T. Martin.

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