Official:Authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of a Service Agreement between The City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development relating to the financing of the buildout, construction, equipping, installation and implementation of improvements for the development of a forensics laboratory for the Philadelphia Police Department at a specified property or properties owned or leased, and operated, by the City; approving the issuance by such Authority of bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness in one or more series to finance or refinance the costs of such project and authorizing and approving the obligation of the City to pay in full when due the Service Fee and other amounts payable under the Service Agreement; authorizing certain City officers to take certain actions required to issue such bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness; covenanting that the City will make necessary appropriations in each of the City’s fiscal years to provide for, and will make timely payments of, the Service Fee and other amounts due under the Service Agreement; and authorizing City officials to take other necessary or appropriate actions to effectuate the purposes of this Ordinance; all under certain terms and conditions.
Sponsor: Council President Johnson
Introduced: September 17, 2026
Signed: October 15, 2026
: Committee on Finance
Status: Signed into Law, step 4 of 4
This bill authorizes the City of Philadelphia to enter into a Service Agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to finance the construction of a new forensics laboratory for the Philadelphia Police Department.
AI-written. Every figure is checked against the bill text.
AI-written arguments. Every figure is checked against the bill text.
By passing Bill 260691, Philadelphia will provide its police department with a modern and state-of-the-art forensic laboratory, enhancing their ability to investigate crimes and bring perpetrators to justice. The new lab will be financed through a public-private partnership, allowing the city to invest in public safety while minimizing the burden on taxpayers. The city's police officers and the public will benefit from the improved forensic capabilities, helping to reduce crime rates and ensure safer communities.
This bill commits the City of Philadelphia to a long-term debt obligation without voter approval, potentially burdening taxpayers with tens of millions of dollars in interest and repayment costs over decades. By authorizing the issuance of bonds and notes, the city will take on additional debt, increasing the financial risk for residents and future generations.
Neither side is the site's position. They are here so you can weigh the bill yourself.
Add your view and see how other readers lean. One vote per person.
to cast your vote
City Council Approves Financing Pact for New Police Headquarters at North Broad and Callowhill Streets
260527 · Signed Into Law · 2026
City Transfers 2.5 Million from Special Grants Fund to Fire Department's Personnel Budget Suddenly
230549 · Lapsed · 2023
Finance Director Gets Green Light to Transfer $2 Million for Philly Police Department Needs
230010 · Lapsed · 2023
City Council Approves Intergovernmental Agreement for State Funding of Emergency Medical Services in Philadelphia
220529 · Signed Into Law · 2022
Philadelphia Council Adds Security Cameras to Safe Play Zones Amid Rising Crime Concerns
210783 · Signed Into Law · 2021
City Leasing Victory Gardens and Emerson Landfill for Operating Engineers Joint Apprenticeship Training Facility
260763 · Awaiting Mayor · 2026
Zoning designations changing in Philadelphia area bounded by Wharton Street, Broad Street, Reed Street, and Carlisle Street.
260760 · Introduced · 2026
Zoning designations to be changed in area bounded by Wharton Street, 28th Street, Reed Street, and Newkirk Street.
260759 · Introduced · 2026
Every City Council bill since 2000, summarized in plain English.