Broad Street Brief: PPD to Ramp Up Drug Law Enforcement in Kensington
February 15, 2024
February 15, 2024
Following the Parker Administration’s decision to split the Streets and Sanitation Department, the mayor also separated the Licenses and Inspections Department. The administration is also considering instituting an in-office work mandate for City employees as remote work in the Philadelphia metro area declines.
The City received $1.47 million in federal funds for its Plug In Philly initiative aimed at training 45 diverse Philadelphians for electric vehicle supply and equipment careers. Supported by partnerships with organizations like IBEW Local 98, the program is focused on bolstering America’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.
City Council President Kenyatta Johnson (District 2) introduced a resolution to reconvene the Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission, which was initially established in 2003 to propose strategies for lowering taxes in order to grow Philadelphia’s economy. Councilmember Jeffery Young (District 5) also introduced legislation that would impose additional Economic Opportunity Plans criteria for large-scale developments.
In an opinion piece published by City & State Pennsylvania, City Council President Johnson argues why state legislators should raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage after 25 years of stagnation.
Philadelphia City Council holds several public hearings throughout the legislative calendar year. Watch here.
As Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel ramps up enforcement of drug laws in Kensington, the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) will begin to inform individuals through community outreach ahead of an anticipated crackdown in April. The goal is to address the neighborhood’s rampant open-air drug market and associated issues.
New signage for SEPTA’s updated wayfinding system — aimed at simplifying navigation and improving clarity and visibility — debuted earlier than expected at Drexel Station at 30th Street.
The City is considering a major overhaul of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, potentially converting the area into a park and making broader improvements to create a more inviting public space. Initial grant-funded work on Eakins Oval is underway, with plans for further redesign to be announced soon.
The deadline to apply for a position on the Board of Education has been extended to February 23. The board is responsible for managing a $4.5 billion budget and determining the future of approximately 200,000 students in the Philadelphia School District and city charters.
Abandoned vehicle complaints surged in 2023, topping all Philly311 service requests, which addresses residents’ non-emergency inquiries.
Boathouse Row’s new LED light system, capable of 16 million color combinations and various effects, will be unveiled during a public relighting event next month following a $2.1 million replacement project.
Democrat Jim Prokopiak was elected to the state House Tuesday following a special election in Bucks County, a closely monitored Philadelphia suburb that may serve as a bellwether for the 2024 presidential election.
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.
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October 3, 2024
October 3, 2024
October 2, 2024