This week in Council

City Creates "Opportunity Zones" Program to Bring Affordable Workforce Housing to Underdeveloped Neighborhoods Throughout Philadelphia

Low-Income Families May Lose Homeless Services Amid Proposed Cuts to City's Budget; Council Members Worry About Long-Term Consequences for Vulnerable Population. New Law Requires Large Developments in Philly to Include Affordable Housing Units, Aimed at Curbing Gentrification and Preserving Community Character.

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City Designates Cecil B Moore Area As First Target Zone for 1,500 New Affordable Homes

Philadelphia's Zoning Code Gets Major Overhaul: Council Votes to Ease Restrictions on Building Height and Density Downtown, Sparking Concerns About Shadowing Historic Landmarks.

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City Unveils Plan to Borrow $137 Million Through Public Vote to Fund Major Capital Projects and Expenses

Philadelphia Homeowners Face Higher Property Taxes as Council Votes on Bill to Raise Levy by $100 Million, Directing Funds towards Aging Schools and Parks Infrastructure. A proposed property tax hike of nearly 10% could be on the ballot soon if Philadelphia City Council passes legislation authorizing a $100 million increase in municipal revenue.

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Philadelphia City Council Votes To Replace Police Advisory Board With New Commission Under Stakeholder Leadership

Philadelphia's Police Advisory Board is being replaced with a new commission, renamed the Police Advisory Commission, under leadership from various city stakeholders. The commission's appointment process will be redefined accordingly.

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Council Submits Plan for Independent Police Oversight Agency to Voters in Upcoming May Ballot

City Council has submitted a plan to create an independent police oversight agency to voters in the May ballot, asking if they want to establish a Police Advisory Commission to oversee the Philadelphia Police Department.

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Minimum Wage Hike and Tax Credits for New Jobs Signed into Law

A proposed overhaul of Philly's rent control law aims to shield low-income seniors from costly evictions, but critics warn it could stifle neighborhood revitalization efforts with its complex rules and exceptions.

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Philadelphia Expands Tax Credit for Businesses Hiring Veterans to $5,000 Per Year

Veteran Homelessness Task Force Bill Aims to Shelter Thousands in Philly by 2025 A new city council resolution sets ambitious goals for reducing veteran homelessness, requiring the creation of a comprehensive plan to house over 2,500 homeless vets within the next two years.

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Neighborhood Designations Changed in North Philly Area Bounded by Cedar and Venango Streets

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations of certain areas within a specific neighborhood bounded by Cedar Street, Venango Street, Gaul Street, and Tioga Street.

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Philadelphia Bars Given Limited Time to Apply for Smoking Waivers Under New Law

Smoke Break: Philadelphia Bars Can Now Apply to Light Up, But Only Those that Meet Strict Requirements Will Get the Green Light to Bring Back the Ashtrays.

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Zoning Maps Overhaul: City Council Votes to Revamp Land Use Rules Along Key Philly Roadways

This bill changes the zoning designations for certain areas of land in Philadelphia, bounded by Oregon Avenue, Delaware Expressway, and Front Street.

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Zoning designations changed in South Street area near Spruce and Pine Streets.

Philadelphia's commercial corridors could get a major facelift as City Council debates a proposed overhaul of zoning regulations on South Street, potentially allowing for more dense development and taller buildings.

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Mobile Food Vendors Must Pass Propane Safety Inspection to Operate in Philly

Proposal Aims to Curb Noise Complaints on South Street with Stricter Curfew Rules; Bar Owners Worry about Loss of Revenue from Late-Night Crowds.

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City Requires Developers To Disclose Full Ownership Details For Every Large Project Moving Forward

Philadelphia's largest developments will soon be under a microscope as city council passes new law mandating transparent ownership details for all major projects.

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City Contractors Ordered to Buy Local Goods in New Push for Philly-Made Products Everywhere

City Council orders contractors to buy locally-sourced materials for city projects, mandating quarterly reports on costs and origins. Contractors will be penalized for violating this new requirement.

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City Council Proposes Tax Breaks For Homeowners Who Received Government Housing Help

Low-income families who relied on Section 8 vouchers and other government subsidies may soon get a break on their Philadelphia property taxes, thanks to a proposed new tax exemption policy.

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Air Gun Sellers Face Tougher Penalties, Possible License Suspension for Violating Law

This law increases penalties for selling non-firearm devices that forcefully propel pellets, such as air guns and spring guns, to minors.

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Philadelphia Councilors Rewrite City's Zoning Maps to Revamp Land Use on Busy North Philly Corridors

Philadelphia Homeowners Face Higher Property Taxes Under Proposed Bill Aimed at Increasing Revenue for Cash-Strapped City Services; Average homeowner could see 10% hike in annual tax bills.

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Woodland Avenue Gets Greenlight for Sidewalk Vendors with New Designated Business District Established Today

Sidewalk vendors get greenlight on Woodland Avenue as a new designated business district is established, outlining rules for vendor locations and stand dimensions between 48th and 58th streets.

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City Planners Clear Path for New Sewer Line on Keely Court Amid Ongoing Negotiations with Homeowners Nearby

Philadelphia Council Votes to Expand Tax Credit Program for Low-Income Homebuyers, Providing Up to $20,000 in Rebates Amid Growing Housing Affordability Concerns

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Trucks Banned From Parking on Both Sides of Rising Sun Avenue Between 5600 and 7200 Blocks

Councilmember Tasco's bill bans trucks from parking along Rising Sun Avenue between the 5600 and 7200 blocks on both sides. Trucks will no longer be able to park in these areas.

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Homeowners Get Temporary Reprieve on Filing Deadline for Homestead Exclusion Relief

Homeowners have a temporary reprieve on filing deadlines for homestead exclusion relief, with the deadline now extended from September 13 to October 31.

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Philadelphia City Council Approves Hall Street Revision Amid Plans to Revamp City Road Maps Forever

This bill allows for a change to City Plan No.

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City Limits Street Parking for Large Vehicles and Vending Carts to 15 Days Only

Philly residents fed up with oversized parking jobs will see relief: a new city law limits street parking for large vehicles and vending carts to just two weeks, starting this summer.

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City Council Votes to Redraw Boundaries of Area 1 and Area 2 in South Philly Zoning Regulations

A proposed rezoning of South Philly's Area 1 and Area 2 could displace long-time residents of two existing buildings, while also paving the way for new development in the sought-after neighborhood.

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Philadelphia Council Bills Grant Smoking Waivers to Select Bars Amid State COVID Restrictions

Philadelphia Council Bill Eases Zoning Rules for Affordable Housing Projects, Sparking Concerns Over Community Displacement A proposed change to the city's zoning code would streamline permits for affordable housing developments, but critics warn it could lead to gentrification and displace long-time residents in vulnerable neighborhoods.

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City Council Gives Green Light for Two-Sided Farmers Market on Ryan Avenue Amid Protests Over Noise Concerns

Residents along Ryan Avenue face a double-edged harvest as City Council's approval paves the way for dual-sided farmers markets, but noise concerns from nearby residents remain unresolved.

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