Legislation

Council Proposes Question to Change City's Contractor Preference Policy in Upcoming Election Ballot

Councilors Johnson and Gilmore Richardson propose putting a question on the November ballot to change how the city buys goods and services, favoring small businesses and raising competitive bidding limits. The changes would go before voters in a special election.

260457

City Contractors Required to Disclose Bond Costs Under New Law

City contractors must now disclose and monitor the cost of performance and payment bonds for certain contracts. Changes take effect immediately under revised procurement rules.

260458

Council Proposes Preference for Small, Local Firms in City Contract Bidding Process

City Council proposes giving local and small businesses a new preference in bidding for City contracts, adding to existing preferences for community development corporations and minority-owned businesses.

260459

Philadelphia Council Updates Rules on Non-Bid Contracts Exemptions for Small Businesses

Philadelphia Council updates rules for non-bid contracts, exempting small businesses from certain requirements if they meet specific conditions. Small business entities will no longer be subject to certain contract restrictions under the updated rules.

260460

Philadelphia Commissions Lock in Stable Energy Prices Through Multi-Year Contracts

Philly's energy bills are about to get a lot more predictable: a new plan would lock in stable prices on electricity, natural gas, and diesel fuel for city buildings and vehicles through 2026.

260266

Philadelphia Bans Deals with Immigration Enforcement Contractors Amid Fierce City Council Debate

City workers would no longer partner with companies like ICE, under a new proposal aimed at severing ties with contractors who aid in immigration enforcement. Thousands of Philadelphians could be shielded from potential deportation risks.

260059

Council Introduces Bill Requiring Certification for Glass and Metal Technicians

City Council creates licensing program for Certified Glass and Metal Technicians, requiring them to meet certain qualifications and follow specific rules under new law that takes effect immediately. The ordinance sets out terms and conditions for licensure.

260024

City Council Makes Waves with Digital Revamp of Vital Records Database Launch

Philadelphia residents can now easily access their ancestors' birth certificates and other vital documents online after the city council voted to partner with Ancestry.com on a massive digital overhaul of its records database.

251066

City Awards Contract To Renovate Long-Vacant Frankford Avenue Health Clinic Location

Long-abandoned, but soon-to-be bustling, a century-old health clinic on Frankford Avenue is getting a major facelift after city officials greenlit a $1 million renovation deal with the property owner yesterday.

251023

City Rolls Out Citizens Bank as Official Partner for Employee Payroll Deposits

Philadelphia residents could see their city paychecks deposited directly into their Citizens Bank accounts under new city legislation that would make the bank the exclusive provider of payroll banking services. This move is expected to streamline city finances and save taxpayers an estimated $1 million annually.

250954

Fairmount Avenue Restaurant Wins Approval to Expand Outdoor Seating Permits

Restaurant at 1811 Fairmount Ave wins approval for two-table sidewalk café with eight seats, encroaching five feet onto Shirley Street. Councilmember Young sponsored the permit allowing MQZ LLC's outdoor expansion.

250806

Contractors on Philly Public Works Projects Must Train Local Construction Workers

Public works contractors in Philadelphia are now required to train local workers and document compliance, a move aimed at boosting workforce development.

250607

City Council Votes to Strip L&I of Authority Over Fair Trade in Weights and Measures

Philadelphia City Council Passes Bill Limiting Food Stamp Recipients from Buying Cigarettes The measure restricts use of Electronic Benefit Transfer cards at retail stores that sell tobacco products, affecting thousands of low-income residents who rely on government assistance for groceries.

250572

York Street Landmark Café Plan Gets Green Light Amid Community Concerns About Noise and Crowding

This bill allows a sidewalk café to be built near 2101 E York St in Philadelphia, subject to certain conditions.

250570

Philadelphia Signs Landmark Renewable Energy Deal With Local Solar Firm Abes Run

City Hall goes green as Philly signs historic deal to purchase solar power from local company Abes Run Solar, fueling city buildings and marking a major step towards clean energy.

250487

Council Approves Contract for Christmas Market Vendor at Love Park

Philadelphia's first-ever Christmas market is coming to a historic park, but critics argue it will displace long-time vendors who rely on the space for their own holiday sales. The City Council voted to bring in an outside operator for the winter festival.

250492

Philadelphia Council Moves to Toughen Plumbing License Requirements Amid Rising Safety Concerns

Philadelphia Council seeks to strengthen plumbing license requirements by creating and administering exams for master plumbers and journeyman plumbers, aiming to boost safety standards in the industry.

250496

Girard Avenue Café Set for Sidewalk Debut as Council OKs Conditional Permit

Small Business Owners Relieved as Council Approves Bill Allowing Outdoor Seating on Some Busy Philly Streets, But Residents Concerned About Noise and Parking Issues Remain Unaddressed.

250374

City Expands Permit Process for Street Vendors in Popular Tourist Areas Downtown

Philadelphia's Small Businesses Would Pay Lower Parking Fees Under New Rate Structure Proposal Business owners say reduced parking costs will help struggling small businesses stay afloat in the city, but some critics argue it could lead to increased congestion and competition for limited spaces.

250325

Philadelphia Council Votes to Greenlight Sidewalk Café on Busy Wolf Street Corner

Neighborhood Business Owners Clash Over Proposed Parking Meter Rate Hikes That Could Hit Low-Income Areas Hardest; Council votes on rate increases for meters along Main Street's high-traffic stretch.

250177