Broad Street Brief: Philadelphia Electeds Represent at DNC

City Hall

City Controller Recommends “Streetery” Application Process Reforms

City Controller Christy Brady is criticizing Philadelphia’s new “streetery” licensing system for its complexity and high costs, which could deter restaurants from applying and cause financial losses for both the City and businesses. A new report published by the Controller’s Office suggests simplifying the application process, reducing fees, and reevaluating parking policies to improve the program’s effectiveness and accessibility.

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City Seeks to Fill Vacancies in Top Health Leadership Positions

Philadelphia is searching for new leaders to fill top health-related positions — critical to the City’s strategy for addressing myriad public health challenges including homelessness, poverty, and racial health disparities — following several high-profile departures in the last year. The task has not been easy, as candidates must have a unique blend of public health expertise, financial acumen, and an understanding of the city’s complex needs. Maintaining staffing across City departments has been a challenge for several years now, though Mayor Cherelle Parker has successfully increased Philadelphia’s workforce by nearly 700 jobs during her first few months in office by focusing on filling key roles in the Mayor’s Office, Managing Director’s Office, the Police Department’s civilian staff, and the Streets Department.

Council President Johnson Urges Gov. Shapiro to Address Public Transit Funding Deficit

City Council President Kenyatta Johnson (District 2) penned a letter to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro urging him to address SEPTA’s $240 million deficit, as current state funding falls short. Gov. Shapiro supports public transit funding, while his Republican colleagues in the state Senate floated a proposal to tax skill games to help close the gap.

City Hall to Exhibit Artwork by Former UArts Students, Staff

Philadelphia City Hall will display artwork by former University of the Arts (UArts) students and staff in November, aiming to highlight the impact of the institution’s sudden closure and support the arts community.

Election Update

Philadelphia Elected Officials Represent at the DNC

Philadelphia officials represented a significant portion of Pennsylvania’s delegation at this week’s Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, with leaders including Mayor Parker, City Council President Johnson, state Senator Sharif Street, and state Representatives Morgan Cephas and Malcolm Kenyatta all highlighting the Keystone State’s crucial role in determining the next president. For more CPS coverage of the DNC, listen to the latest episode of the Beltway Briefing podcast here.

National Constitution Center to Host First Presidential Debate

The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia will host the first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on September 10. The debate will be moderated by ABC’s Linsey Davis and David Muir.

Around Town

Property Assessments Spike in Philadelphia’s Black, Latino Neighborhoods

According to analysis by The Philadelphia Inquirer, property assessments in Philadelphia are spiking most rapidly in low-income Black and Latino neighborhoods near gentrifying areas, due to factors like redlining, gentrification, and subjective assessment methods.

VA Loans Not Popular Among Philadelphia-Area Veterans, Service Members

Mortgages backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, more commonly known as VA loans, offer significant benefits like no down payment and lower rates. Yet many veterans and service members in the Philadelphia area are unaware of the program or concerned about the stigma surrounding VA loans among home sellers.

SDP Did Not Apply for Special Education State Grant

Despite a severe special education teacher shortage, the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) opted not to apply for the state Developing Future Special Educators Grant, focusing instead on larger grants for crucial facility improvements.

FloatLab to Offer Views, Environmental Education at Bartram’s Garden

Construction will soon begin on FloatLab, a $6 million, 75-foot-wide floating art installation and environmental center on the Schuylkill River at Bartram’s Garden, designed to offer a 360-degree view of the surroundings and serve as a community resource.

Thousands Petition Mayor Parker, City Council to Protect Bike Lanes

More than 5,200 people petitioned Mayor Parker and City Council to demand concrete barriers for bike lanes to enhance safety following recent traffic fatalities.

DVRPC Approves $200M for New Trails in Philadelphia, Collar Counties

A $200 million federal funding boost — approved by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) — will support the development and expansion of key trails in the Philadelphia region, including the Spring Garden Connector, enhancing pedestrian and bicycle access across multiple counties.

Several Center City Streets to Be Car-Free on Last 4 Sundays in September

Seven blocks in Center City will be car-free on the last four Sundays in September, creating open streets for pedestrians with various activities and dining options to boost foot traffic near Rittenhouse Square.

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