Broad Street Brief: Mayor Parker Rallies Support for SEPTA

August 21, 2025

City Hall

Mayor Parker Outlines Behind-the-Scenes Efforts to Secure SEPTA Funding Amid PA Budget Talks

Mayor Cherelle Parker (D) has been actively working with state lawmakers across party lines to support SEPTA as the transit agency faces a $213 million budget gap and impending service cuts that could impact the greater Philadelphia region and disrupt Amtrak routes across Pennsylvania and the Northeast Corridor. Mayor Parker noted that the City has increased its local subsidy and is focused on building consensus. The City also plans to boost traffic enforcement and explore temporary parking solutions to manage an expected surge in vehicle traffic and longer commutes. Meanwhile in Harrisburg, a proposal circulated by state Representative Melissa Shusterman (D-Chester) would allow southeastern Pennsylvania to keep more of its own tax revenue to support services like SEPTA, which could help stabilize transit and economic activity in the region.

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City Announces $343M Police Contract Focused on Staffing, Wellness

Philadelphia’s new $343 million police contract includes pay increases, wellness benefits, and a plan to shift some administrative duties to civilian staff. City officials say the changes will improve officer retention, enhance neighborhood safety, and ensure more efficient use of police resources.

Around Town

Philly Businesses Push Back on Expanded Citywide Curfew

A coalition of Philadelphia business owners and advocates is urging City leaders to halt a planned curfew expansion, set to take effect in September, arguing it will harm local commerce and disproportionately affect nighttime workers and essential services. The curfew was implemented to crack down on “nuisance” businesses and reduce crime and quality-of-life issues.

Frankford High Reopens After $30M Renovation to Address Asbestos

After being closed for more than two years due to asbestos, Frankford High’s historic building is back in use with major upgrades to safety, ventilation, and classroom facilities. The reopening marks a significant investment in the school’s future and a renewed commitment to the surrounding community. Meanwhile, as the Philadelphia School District prepares to close schools, the Preservation Alliance is advocating for the preservation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings.

Speed Cameras Coming to Broad Street to Curb Deadly Crashes

The Philadelphia Parking Authority will soon activate 30 speed cameras along Broad Street to address rising traffic fatalities, especially among pedestrians and cyclists, as part of the City’s Vision Zero safety initiative. There will be a 60-day warning period once the cameras go live.

City Seeks Input on $21.7M McPherson Square Library, Park Renovation Plans

The City is planning major upgrades to McPherson Square, including a new playground and improved library facilities. During a recent virtual meeting, Kensington residents raised concerns about closing the library during construction and called for more shade and safety measures in the park.

Philly Libraries Launch Esports Leagues

Nerd Street and the Free Library of Philadelphia will host youth esports leagues this fall at ten branches, offering teens structured gaming opportunities, in-person tournaments, and community-building through games like Super Smash Bros.

PHS Supports Greening, Cleanup Efforts Across Philadelphia Neighborhoods

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) is helping revitalize communities citywide, from maintaining vacant lots on West Monmouth Street to planting 400 trees and creating 12 gardens in Nicetown-Tioga.

PHL to Display One of Original Rocky Statues

The Philadelphia International Airport will soon display one of only three original Rocky statues, one of which is displayed at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The 10-foot bronze statue will be installed in Terminal A-West to welcome travelers to the city.

Exhibits at Independence Park Remain Under Review After Missed Federal Deadline

The National Park Service has yet to decide the fate of over a dozen slavery-related displays at Independence Park, including those at the President’s House, after missing the August 18 deadline set by the Trump administration for reviewing potentially “disparaging” historical content.

Suburban Spotlight

Foundation to Cover Crozer Patient Record Costs in $3M Settlement

If approved by a bankruptcy judge, the Foundation for Delaware County will pay $3 million to allow thousands of former Crozer Health patients to access their medical records for free, ending years of litigation with Prospect Medical Holdings.

Authors

About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.

About Cozen O’Connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.

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