City Hall

Council President Johnson Introduces “Philly Food Affordability Act”

Council President Kenyatta Johnson introduced the “Philly Food Affordability Act,” a legislative package aimed at addressing rising food prices and federal reductions to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Introduced on Johnson’s behalf by Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson, the primary bill proposes a Home Rule Charter amendment to establish a city Office of Food and Nutrition Safety, which would require approval from Council and voters in the May 2027 primary. In addition, Council approved resolutions for public hearings led by Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke to examine the feasibility of municipally supported or community-partnered grocery stores, and by Councilmember Rue Landau to investigate dynamic, algorithmic, and surveillance pricing practices in the grocery industry.

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Mayor Parker Renews Call to Expand Involuntary Commitment Laws

Following the fatal shooting of Police Officer Shane Seiber and the wounding of a second officer in West Philadelphia, Mayor Parker renewed her call for Pennsylvania state leaders to expand involuntary commitment laws to cover substance use disorder and severe behavioral health issues. Administration officials stated the request reflects broader public safety and mental health concerns across the city. State Senator Anthony Williams indicated plans to reintroduce stalled legislation amending the state’s Mental Health Procedures Act.

City Council Reviews Sheriff’s Office Operations Following $20M Discovery

Following news that the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office held $20 million in unremitted property sale proceeds, City Council members are considering options to address agency administration. Members expressed interest in examining how the funds were managed, and Council President Johnson noted his support for internal reforms and increased operational transparency over structural changes. Other Council members shared a range of perspectives, with some suggesting thorough financial reviews and others pointing to upcoming municipal elections as the standard process for public oversight.

City Council Focuses on SEPTA Student Fares, Charter School Oversight

During a Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities hearing, Councilmember Rue Landau examined potential expansions to the SEPTA Student Fare Program, raising concerns over SEPTA’s billing structure that charges the School District of Philadelphia an $88.60 monthly fee whenever a student taps a pass just once in a month. School District Superintendent Tony Watlington noted that expanding the fare program to cover all Philadelphia students would double its current cost to approximately $64 million annually. Additionally, Councilmember Quetcy Lozada introduced a resolution calling for public hearings to review the state of charter education, focusing on district oversight, funding, and charter authorization and renewal practices.

City Council Authorizes Hearings on Sexual Violence

City Council unanimously passed a resolution introduced by Councilmember Nina Ahmad authorizing public hearings into the city’s response to sexual violence. The hearings, to be conducted by the Committee on Public Health and Human Services, will examine survivor support services, police handling of complaints, criminal investigations, and prosecution efforts. Pointing to 467 recorded rape cases as of early October along with unresolved long-term investigations and high-profile cases, Ahmad criticized what she characterized as a culture of negligence surrounding sexual assault investigations and emphasized that official crime figures fail to reflect unreported incidents.

Around Town

Developers Argue Proposed 20-Year Tax Abatement Would Boost City Revenue

At a recent Center City forum, real estate developers argued that Mayor Parker’s proposed 20-year tax break for turning empty office buildings into apartments would boost city tax revenue. Industry leaders say high interest rates and construction costs have stalled new housing projects, and that converting unused buildings would raise property values and build the tax base over time. The Parker administration is drafting legislation to authorize the extended tax break, though the plan faces pushback from City Council members who point to public opposition against developer tax incentives.

JPMorgan Chase Relocates Center City Hub to 2400 Market St.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. announced plans to move its Philadelphia Center City office to 2400 Market Street, doubling its regional corporate footprint by leasing 62,000 square feet on the fifth floor. The financial institution will relocate 250 employees while creating over 100 new positions in corporate banking, investment management, and private banking over the next few years. In addition to the corporate hub, JPMorgan is opening a public branch nearby at 22nd and Market Streets.

District Attorney Krasner Again Demands Recusal of Federal Judge

District Attorney Larry Krasner filed a court brief reiterating his call for U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond to recuse himself from an ongoing federal habeas corpus case, alleging the judge has shown “apparent bias” and “twisted the landscape” of the proceedings. The filing follows a September memorandum in which Judge Diamond referred Krasner and Conviction Integrity Unit chief Matthew Stiegler to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for potential criminal investigation. Krasner denies all wrongdoing, characterizing the allegations as baseless, while also appealing Judge Diamond’s decision to disqualify him and his supervisor from participating in the underlying case.

Election Updates

Progressive Ward Leader Signals Challenge to Councilmember

South Philadelphia’s 2nd Ward Democratic Leader Will Gross, owner of OX Coffee in Queen Village, announced plans to run for Philadelphia City Council in the 1st District, setting up a potential Democratic primary challenge against four-term incumbent Mark Squilla. Gross, a labor organizer and democratic socialist who actively opposed the proposed Center City 76ers arena, aims to build a platform focused on working-class economic policies, housing affordability, and environmental initiative.

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