Broad Street Brief: Mayor Parker Appoints New Housing Initiative Leader

City Hall

Mayor Parker Appoints New Housing Initiative Leader

Mayor Cherelle Parker appointed Angela Brooks, who currently serves as director of the Corporation for Supportive Housing in Illinois, to oversee the Housing Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) initiative, which aims to create or preserve 30,000 housing units in Philadelphia. The initiative will also include forming an advisory group and engaging stakeholders to shape the mayor’s housing plan.

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City Launches Office for Crime Victims

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel has appointed Ayanna Greene-Davis as the Executive Director of the new Office of Victim Advocacy and Engagement, aiming to bridge the gap between law enforcement and crime victims. The office will provide emotional support and services to victims within 24 to 48 hours of an incident.

City Council Committee Advances Funding Legislation for 2026 Events

On Thursday afternoon, the City Council Appropriations Committee advanced legislation to transfer funds from the Grants Revenue Fund to the General and Transportation Funds preparations for the 2026 Semiquincentennial and World Cup games.

Upcoming Committee Hearings

Philadelphia City Council holds several public hearings throughout the legislative calendar year. Watch here.

• The Streets & Services Committeewill meet on Monday, February 24 at 1:30 p.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding various proposed encroachments, parking regulation updates, and bike lane designations.
• The Special Committee on Kensingtonwill meet on Tuesday, February 25 at 10 a.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding the year-end report on the Kensington Community Revival Plan.
• The Special Committee on Kensingtonwill meet on Wednesday, February 26 at 2 p.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding the effectiveness of the current and past diversion programs to assist individuals suffering from substance use disorder.

Around Town

Eviction Filings Drop Thanks to Diversion Program

Philadelphia’s Eviction Diversion Program, which was made permanent last year, has significantly reduced eviction filings by resolving landlord-tenant disputes outside of court, helping tenants stay in their homes and landlords receive missed rent.

Federal Firings Impact Independence Park, FAA Office

Mass firings by the Trump administration have affected Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park — leading to staff shortages as the park prepares for the nation’s 250th anniversary — and a local Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) office. Jacqueline Romero, Philadelphia’s first woman of color to serve as top federal prosecutor, also stepped down amid the federal justice system overhaul.

UArts Library Sold to Forman Arts Initiative

The University of the Arts’ (UArts) 60,000-volume library has been acquired by the Forman Arts Initiative, a community-based foundation supporting artists and cultural organizations, and will be relocated to the organization’s new Kensington arts campus. Meanwhile, three of UArts’ nine buildings have been sold to new owners for educational, commercial, and residential use.

Kensington Corridor Trust Expands With New Acquisitions

The Kensington Corridor Trust, a community-controlled real estate entity, celebrated its fifth anniversary with eight new property acquisitions in 2024. The trust aims to revitalize the Kensington corridor by involving residents in decision-making and maintaining affordable housing and commercial spaces.

City Plans to Recruit More Teachers of Color to Address Shortage

Philadelphia officials plan to recruit 900 teachers of color over the next five years and increase teacher retention rates. The Philadelphia Citywide Talent Coalition is leading efforts to address the city’s teacher shortage through various support and recruitment programs.

School Board Reviews ELA Curriculum Progress

At a “Goals and Guardrails” meeting, Philadelphia’s school board discussed the steady progress of the new “science of reading” English language arts (ELA) curriculum. Despite challenges, the district is seeing incremental improvements in student literacy and teacher preparedness.

Unique Racket Club Opening This Spring

The VIVA Padel & Pickleball Club will open in North Philadelphia this spring, offering four padel and four pickleball courts, along with social and educational events.

Election Update

DA Krasner to Run for Third Term

District Attorney Larry Krasner announced his bid for a third term Tuesday, emphasizing his commitment to criminal justice reform. He will face Patrick Dugan, a former local judge and more moderate Democrat, in a race that will likely be impacted by President Trump, Elon Musk, and the city’s unions.

Suburban Spotlight

MontCo Officials Outline 2025 Plans

Montgomery County Commissioners Neil Makhija, Jamila Winder, and Tom DiBello presented their vision for 2025, which includes deploying creative solutions and working in partnership with local governments to address challenges like homelessness.

Upper Darby Passes 2025 Budget After Court Strikes Down Tax Plan

The Upper Darby City Council approved a $97.8 million budget for 2025, more than six weeks past the deadline, after a court ruling invalidated a planned income tax. The budget relies on reserve funds to fill the gap left by the lost tax revenue.

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