Broad Street Brief: Philly Voter Turnout Hits Decade High in Off-Year Election

City Hall

City Allocates $7M for Food Aid, Federal Worker Support

Mayor Cherelle Parker (D) signed an executive order directing $7 million to food pantries, vulnerable families, and rental assistance for furloughed federal workers as SNAP benefits remain disrupted during the ongoing government shutdown.

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City Expands Crackdown on Illegal Dumping

This week, the City deployed a new 40-member task force with authority to issue fines up to $5,000 per item under strengthened anti-dumping laws. The City Council is considering additional enforcement measures including towing vehicles used for dumping and leveraging surveillance technology.

Council Advances Plan for PhillySaves Retirement Program

Last week, the City Council introduced a bill calling for a ballot question in May about creating a board to oversee PhillySaves, a proposed program that would automatically enroll workers without employer retirement plans to contribute a portion of their wages to an IRA.

How the Capital Program Office Speeds up Public Projects

In a Hidden City op-ed, Deputy Managing Director Aparna Palantino explains how the Capital Program Office—created early in the Parker administration to centralize oversight of more than 200 projects—has accelerated timelines, delivered major upgrades, and expanded workforce training and small-business contracting to strengthen local economic impact.

City Sues CVS, Other PBMs Over Alleged Role in Opioid Crisis

Philadelphia filed a federal lawsuit alleging that CVS Health, Express Scripts, Optum, and other pharmacy benefit managers—companies that negotiate drug prices and manage prescription benefits for insurers—contributed to the opioid epidemic through over-distribution and deceptive marketing.

Upcoming Committee Hearings

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

• The Public Health & Human Services Committee will meet on Tuesday, November 10 at 10 a.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding a proposal to explicitly protect employees from discrimination on the basis of menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause.
• The Committee of the Whole will meet on Wednesday, November 12 at 10 a.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding the proposed Housing Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) Initiative annual program statement and budget.
• The Rules Committee will meet on Wednesday, November 12 at 1:30 p.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding proposed changes to the Philadelphia Code and Zoning Maps, including development impact tax exemptions, utility use permissions, zoning overlays, land rezoning, and regulations on catalytic converter trafficking.

Around Town

Fashion District Owner Signals Renewed Commitment After Arena Plans Shift

Macerich CEO Jackson Hsieh said the company is refocusing on leasing and revitalizing the Fashion District following the 76ers’ decision not to move forward with a proposed Center City arena, expressing cautious optimism about progress and potential support from city-led Market East initiatives.

South Korea Plans Nuclear Submarine Project at Philly Shipyard

President Donald Trump announced last week that South Korea intends to build a nuclear-powered submarine at Hanwha Philly Shipyard, a move that could boost regional shipbuilding and job growth.

Medetomidine Emerges as Dangerous New Threat in Philly Drug Supply

Medetomidine, a powerful veterinary tranquilizer now found in most illicit opioid samples in Philadelphia, is causing severe withdrawal symptoms and life-threatening complications, overwhelming hospitals and substance use disorder treatment systems.

School Closure Decisions Delayed Until Winter

The School District of Philadelphia postponed the release of its facilities master plan, opting instead to survey families this month and present a draft plan in the winter after additional data analysis and community engagement.

Philadelphia Art Museum Leadership Changes as CEO Departs

Museum CEO Sasha Suda was dismissed after three years in the role, with Louis Marchesano appointed to oversee operations while an interim leader is sought.

Election Update

Philly Voter Turnout Hits Decade High in Off-Year Election

Philadelphia’s voter turnout surged to 34% in the 2025 general election—the highest in at least a decade—driven by high-profile judicial retention votes, a contested district attorney race, and national political dynamics. Incumbent District Attorney Larry Krasner (D) secured reelection in a landslide over former judge Pat Dugan (R), while Christy Brady (D) defeated challenger Ari Patrinos (R) to secure her first full four-year term as city controller.

Suburban Spotlight

Khan Makes History as Bucks’ First Democratic DA

Democrat Joe Khan defeated Republican incumbent Jennifer Schorn to become Bucks County’s first-ever Democratic District Attorney, pledging to modernize the office and prioritize environmental accountability.

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