Broad Street Brief: Teachers Union Reaches Tentative Contract

August 28, 2025

City Hall

Teachers Union Reaches Tentative Contract as School Year Begins

The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers secured a tentative three-year deal with the School District that includes economic provisions, potential parental leave, and changes to sick time penalties, averting a strike and bringing relief to educators and families on the first day of school. Meanwhile, Philadelphia’s school safety officers are calling for improved compensation, training, and equipment to better serve students and ensure a safe learning environment as their contract deadline approaches.

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City Solicits Feedback on Plan to Revitalize 52nd Street Corridor

Philadelphia is partnering with local organizations and soliciting public feedback on plans to redesign the historic 52nd Street commercial corridor with traffic calming, transit upgrades, and streetscape improvements, aiming to enhance safety, accessibility, and community engagement.

DA Krasner Defends Cashless Bail as President Trump Threatens Funding Cuts

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner (D) criticized President Donald Trump’s executive order targeting jurisdictions with cashless bail, calling it an “authoritarian power grab.”

Jane Golden to Step Down as Mural Arts Executive Director in 2026

After more than four decades leading Mural Arts, Jane Golden will leave her role next July. She will continue to support the organization through its leadership transition and upcoming projects, serving in an ambassadorial capacity. A national search for her successor begins this fall.

Around Town

SEPTA Cuts Go Into Effect Amid State Funding Stalemate

SEPTA’s sweeping service cuts, caused by continued political gridlock in Harrisburg and subsequent stalled funding, were implemented this week. Commuters face longer travel times and unreliable routes, prompting schools to adjust attendance policies, businesses to reconsider city operations, and cultural institutions to brace for reduced turnout. The cuts have sparked a lawsuit over their disproportionate impact on low-income communities and raised alarms nationally, as other transit agencies confront similar budget crises. State lawmakers may be inching toward a compromise on transit funding, with House Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D-Montgomery) and Governor Josh Shapiro (D) expressing openness to using the Public Transportation Trust Fund, if paired with a long-term revenue solution.

Immigrants Drive Growth in Philadelphia, New Report Finds

Immigrants play a vital role in shaping Philadelphia’s population, economy, and civic life, according to a new report from the Welcoming Center. WHYY will host a public forum on September 18 to discuss the findings and explore how immigration trends impact the region’s workforce and communities.

PMA Restores Free Student Busing, Plans Major Education Center Expansion

The Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) is bringing back its popular free busing program for students and preparing a major renovation of its learning and engagement center, which will eventually span 20,000 square feet and serve as a welcoming hub for learners of all ages. The initiative aims to foster lifelong connections to the arts by making museum visits more accessible, interactive, and student-centered.

Michelin to Reveal Philly Restaurant Ratings at Kimmel Center Event

Philadelphia will host the Michelin Guide’s Northeast Cities launch on November 18, spotlighting local restaurants for the first time alongside dining scenes in New York, Chicago, D.C., and Boston.

Richmond Library Reopens After Repairs to Roof, Ceiling

After closing in December due to leaks and falling plaster, the Richmond Library in Port Richmond reopened with a new roof, replastered ceiling, and updated HVAC system.

Election Update

Building Trades Unions Withdraw Dugan Support Over Party Flip in DA Race

After supporting Pat Dugan in the Democratic primary, Philadelphia’s building trades unions withdrew their backing following his decision to run against incumbent DA Krasner as a Republican. Union leaders cite concerns over campaign promises and party alignment, while Dugan maintains his focus on public safety and reform.

Authors

About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

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.

About Cozen O’Connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.

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