Broad Street Brief: Philly No Longer Nation’s Poorest Big City

City Hall

City Council Bill Targets Smoke Shops Selling Unregulated Drugs

During Thursday’s meeting, City Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson (D-At Large) introduced legislation to close loopholes and strengthen enforcement against stores selling hemp-derived THC, kratom, and other unregulated substances. The proposal includes tougher penalties, streamlined shutdown procedures, and hearings that could pave the way for a local ban. In the last half of the year, the City Council will focus on advancing Mayor Cherelle Parker’s $2 billion Housing Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) Initiative, preparing the city to host several big events in 2026, and potentially imposing a paper bag fee on retailers, among other priorities.

Subscribe

City Leaders Unveil New Broad Street Speed Cameras

This week, Philadelphia officials unveiled a new speed camera system at 15 intersections along Broad Street, aiming to reduce traffic fatalities on one of the city’s most dangerous roads. The cameras will begin issuing warnings next week, followed by fines after a 60-day grace period.

City Launches First-in-Nation System to Prevent Deed Fraud

Mayor Parker announced that the City will use an automated system to verify that property owners are alive before deeds are recorded to stop fraud targeting deceased owners. The measure will be implemented by the Department of Records and is intended to support the HOME Initiative, which was approved by the City Council in June.

Health Board Approves Citywide Permitting for Mobile Medical Providers

The Philadelphia Board of Health unanimously approved a new regulation creating a permitting process for all mobile health services, expanding oversight citywide and aiming to ensure quality care standards. It follows earlier debate over a Kensington-specific ordinance, which will be implemented once the more uniform permits are in place.

Upcoming Committee Hearings

Philadelphia City Council holds several public hearings throughout the legislative calendar year, which can be streamed here.

• The Special Committee on Kensington will meet on Tuesday, September 16 at 2 p.m. to examine how chronic trauma from exposure to the opioid crisis impacts children’s emotional, mental, and behavioral health and explore how to support them.

Around Town

Woods Opens Learning Lab at Cobbs Creek Golf Course

Golf legend Tiger Woods visited Cobbs Creek Golf Course in West Philadelphia this week to launch the second location of his TGR Learning Lab, which offers free STEM and career programs for students. The lab is part of a larger $180 million project to restore the historic course and expand community resources.

Philly No Longer America’s Poorest Big City as Poverty Rate Hits Historic Low

According to new data released by the U.S. Census Bureau, for the first time since at least 1979, Philadelphia’s poverty rate fell below 20%, a shift credited to steady economic gains and local anti-poverty initiatives. The milestone means Philadelphia is no longer the poorest big city in the nation, though City officials remain committed to addressing deep poverty and racial disparities.

SEPTA Gets Temporary Lifeline to Avoid Service Cuts

Last week, PennDOT approved SEPTA’s request to use $394 million in capital funds for operations, allowing the agency to restore service and delay major cuts for two years amid a state budget stalemate. The recent 20% service cuts will be reversed next week.

Gun-Violence Reduction Program Expands to West Philly

The Safe Steps initiative, which hires local workers to clean litter in high gun violence areas, will launch in West Philadelphia this month, covering 275 blocks to promote safety and community pride.

Cyclists Demand Concrete Barriers for Center City Bike Lanes

Hundreds rode through Center City on Friday calling for full concrete protections instead of partial plans following the death of longtime bike safety advocate Harry Fenton during a hit-and-run. Fenton’s death has galvanized advocates, who say the City must act now to prevent more tragedies.

Bok Building Marks 10 Years as Hub for Small Businesses

Once a shuttered school, the Bok Building now hosts hundreds of jobs and creative ventures, demonstrating the success of Scout Ltd.’s low-rent, short-term lease model. The developer is celebrating its economic impact while expanding the concept to South Broad Street with the redevelopment of the former University of the Arts’ Hamilton and Furness Halls.

School District Updates Selection Rules for 2026-27

The Philadelphia School District will now limit accepted standardized tests, expand sibling preference to some schools, and revise zip codes that receive priority for selective programs. Applications are open, and officials say the changes aim to improve equity and access.

Suburban Spotlight

Montco Creates Human Relations Commission

Montgomery County has created a new commission that will handle discrimination complaints in housing, employment, and public accommodations, offering residents a local alternative to the state process. Officials say it strengthens protections, especially for LGBTQ+ residents, and will begin appointing members within 180 days.

Share

Share this...

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Linkedin