This week in Council

Philadelphia Council Votes to Move Curfews Earlier for Minors Aged 13 to 15 Across City Limits

This bill revises the evening curfew hours for minors in Philadelphia, setting different times depending on age.

220577

Red Light Cameras Headed to Kelly Drive and Eakins Oval Under City Council Plan

This bill allows for the installation of red light cameras at the intersection of Kelly Drive and Eakins Oval, with certain terms and conditions.

220575

Red Light Cameras Set to Be Installed at 20th Street and JFK Boulevard Intersection

This bill authorizes the installation of red light cameras at the intersection of 20th Street and John F Kennedy Boulevard to prevent red-light violations.

220574

City to Buy Solar Power Directly from New Northeast Philly Facility Starting Next Year

Proposal Would Raise Taxes on Luxury Real Estate Deals Across Philly, Generating an Estimated $2 Million for Affordable Housing Funds A newly introduced measure aims to slap higher transfer taxes on high-end property sales in the city, directing the revenue toward affordable housing initiatives.

220573

City Council Approves Intergovernmental Agreement for State Funding of Emergency Medical Services in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Residents Could Face Higher Parking Fines under Proposed Council Ordinance, with Revenue Hiked from $120 to $200 for Repeat Offenders within Six Months. Proposal to Create Citywide Affordable Housing Trust Fund Advances through Philadelphia City Council, potentially unlocking millions in funding for low-income residents and community development projects.

220529

Newsstand Removal Regulations Tightened with 10-Day Notice and Retrieval Fees

Local vendors are crying foul as the City Council introduces new rules forcing businesses to give street sellers 10 days' written notice before yanking their permits, sparking concerns about lost revenue.

220527

Philadelphia Extends Protections to Thousands of Airport Service Employees, Parking Workers Amid Rising Industry Displacement

Airport service workers, who often make minimal wages, will now be eligible for benefits like paid time off and severance pay when their contracts are terminated or reassigned; local activists hail it as a major win for low-income families.

220526

Philadelphia Hands Over Land to Pennsylvania Under Certain Terms

This bill allows the City of Philadelphia to give some or all of a specific parcel of land to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania under certain terms and conditions.

220525

City Leases Interstate 95 Property to Prepare for Waterfront Development and Public Amenities

Philadelphia Businesses Face Higher Taxes Under Proposed New Tax Classification System. A new tax classification system would shift certain businesses, including food trucks and pop-up shops, into higher tax brackets starting next year.

220524

City Unveils Plans to Transfer Properties Near 12th and Wharton Streets, Leases City-Owned Building to PAID

Philadelphia is about to see changes in its property landscape as city officials prepare to hand over several long-neglected buildings near 12th and Wharton streets, while also leasing a nearby building to the PAID agency.

220522

City Agrees to Contract with Provider to Host and Manage Philly's Human Resources Systems

Philadelphia Workers Face Longer Wait Times as City Considers Outsourcing HR Services; Thousands of City Employees Could See Changes in Payroll, Benefits Management under Proposed Deal.

220521

Philadelphia City Council Approves $187 Million Budget Boost for Aging Philadelphia Gas Works Infrastructure

Philly residents could soon see lower gas bills as the city council votes to pump $187 million into aging pipes and infrastructure, aiming to reduce leaks and outages that cost homeowners thousands each year.

220511

City Treasurer to Sign New Deal with Citizens Bank for Payroll Services Under 2-Year Pact

Tighter Controls on Philly's Gun Sales Hinge on Council Approval, But Foes Say Measure is "Overreach" A proposed law would require gun buyers to store unloaded firearms in locked containers, a move opponents claim will only drive sales underground and harm legitimate businesses.

220510

Philadelphia Seeks Record $45 Million in Federal Grants for Housing and Anti-Blight Efforts

Philadelphia Seeks Record $45 Million in Federal Grants: With blighted neighborhoods still scarred by 2015's devastating flood, the city will apply for massive funding to revitalize waterfront areas and revitalize local economies.

220509

Philadelphia City Council Approves 42 Million Dollar Boost for Affordable Housing Initiatives

Low-Income Families May See Rent Hikes After Proposed 5% Tax Increase on Vacant Properties Councilmanic Proposal Would Levy Additional Tax on Abandoned Buildings to Fund Homelessness Services

220508

Philadelphia City Signs Deal to Shine Bright with New Energy-Efficient Street Lighting System

Philly's streets are about to get a brighter, greener glow: the City has partnered with the Philadelphia Energy Authority on a $200 million plan to swap outdated streetlights for energy-efficient models that will reduce carbon emissions by 50%.

220506

City Council Signs Bill Redrawing Permit Parking District Boundaries Across Philadelphia

This bill amends the boundaries of permit parking districts in Philadelphia, affecting several neighborhoods.

220504-A

Low-Income Seniors Get Reprieve on Tax Filing Deadline Amid Pandemic Financial Strains Downtown

Philadelphia's elderly residents are breathing a sigh of relief as City Council passes measure extending deadline for low-income seniors to apply for crucial property tax relief, just in time for another pandemic winter.

220499

Council Votes to Revamp Tax Breaks for Longtime Homeowners in Philly Adjusting Income Limits and Valuation Methods

Philadelphia Homelessness Rate Sees Sharp Decline with New City Council Bill Offering Supportive Housing Incentives Property owners who provide permanent supportive housing can now receive tax abatements for up to 10 years, boosting affordable housing options in the city.

220497

City Gives Green Light for PECO Transmission Lines Across Schuylkill River Waterfront Properties

This bill allows PECO Energy Company to install transmission lines across a portion of the City's property in the area bounded by 34th Street, Grays Ferry Avenue and the Schuylkill River Pierhead Line.

220496

Philadelphia Airports Must Comply with City Labor Laws and Pay Prevailing Wages

Philadelphia City Council Targets Predatory Lending Practices in Low-Income Neighborhoods with New Restrictions on High-Interest Loans A proposed ban on payday lending services would affect thousands of residents, capping interest rates and fees for short-term loans to prevent financial exploitation.

220493

Saint Joseph's University Cleared to Build Underpass Beneath Busy City Avenue in West Philly.

This bill allows Saint Joseph's University to install a pedestrian underpass beneath City Avenue in West Philadelphia, subject to certain conditions and regulations.

220490

City Takes Steps to Clarify Tax Laws for Out-of-Town Businesses

This bill amends the Philadelphia Code to change how businesses are taxed on income and receipts inside and outside of the city.

220485

City Plan Revised to Widen Hillcrest Avenue and Modify Intersection with Germantown Avenue

Hillcrest Avenue residents face longer commutes starting tomorrow as part of the street is slated for a surprise widening, while neighbors on nearby side streets worry about increased traffic congestion around Germantown Avenue's modified intersection.

220459

South Philadelphia Overlay District Zoning Regulations Altered to Allow More Office and Commercial Space

Developers of new projects in South Philly's bustling job market will have more freedom to build offices under updated zoning rules, but must now set aside space for low-income residents as part of every new development.

220458

City Given Authority to Execute Deals and Sign Agreements for Delaware River Waterfront Development

Philadelphia Renters Could Face Mandatory Lease Renewals Under New Council Proposal, Forcing Landlords to Offer Tenants a 90-Day Extension of Current Terms to Maintain Stability in Rent-Regulated Buildings.

220457

Zoning Maps Altered for Public Open Space Development Above Delaware Expressway

Residents near the Delaware River are set to see new parks and green spaces sprout up along their waterfront, as Council members aim to boost recreation options and revitalize neglected parcels of land.

220456

City Council Eyes Boost to Philly Public Transportation with New TOD Designations in Five Neighborhoods

This bill amends Philadelphia's zoning code to designate five additional transit stations as areas for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), which aims to increase density and efficiency around public transportation hubs.

220452

Zoning designations changed in West Philly area bounded by Arch Street and 54th Street.

Councilmember Bass's proposal would label swaths of West Philly as 'Innovation Districts', sparking concerns among residents about gentrification and increased commercial activity on quiet side streets. The changes could bring new shops and jobs to the area.

220451

Zoning Changes Set for Woodland Avenue Commercial Corridor as City Council Approves Land Use Shifts

Woodland Avenue business owners brace for change as city council votes to rezone a 2-block stretch, paving the way for taller buildings and more intense development in the historic commercial corridor.

220450

Northeast Philly Neighborhoods See New Zoning Designations Sprout Amid Revitalization Efforts Underway

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations for certain areas of land in Northeast Philly, bounded by Cottman Avenue and others.

220445

Homeowners Can Breathe Easier as City Council Approves Pause on Property Tax Penalties During Appeals Process

Philadelphia Homeowners Face Steep Hikes as City Council Approves Bill Eliminating Exemptions for Large Lots A new law would require property owners with lots larger than one acre to pay a higher rate, impacting thousands of residents in suburban neighborhoods where big homes and sprawling yards are the norm.

220413

City Creates Fund to Arm RCOs with Lawyers in Zoning Battles and Appeals

Philadelphia residents may soon have more firepower at zoning battles, as a new city fund aims to provide low-income communities with the legal muscle they need to fight for their homes and neighborhoods.

220417

Philadelphia's Zoning Code Revised to Set New Standards for On-Site Landscapes and Trees

This bill revises and clarifies landscaping requirements in Philadelphia's Zoning Code to ensure that new developments and renovations meet certain standards for on-site landscapes and trees.

220414

Philadelphia Taxes to Get Slight Relief Starting July 1 as City Council Votes on Rate Cuts

Philadelphia Homeowners to Pay Lower Water Bills Under Proposed City Council Plan that Would Freeze Rate Increases Through 2024 Under the proposal, a two-year freeze would keep water rates for residential customers flat until 2024, providing relief to thousands of Philadelphians struggling with utility bills.

220410

Nonprofit to Build Free Alexander Calder Museum on Parkway in Public-Private Partnership Deal

This bill authorizes a lease with a nonprofit corporation to build and operate an Alexander Calder museum on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, exempting it from certain regulations.

220366

Zoning Changes Adopted Near Schuylkill River, Impacting Penn's 2910 South Street Development

This bill makes zoning changes and updates the University of Pennsylvania's Master Plan in a specific area bounded by South Street, the Schuylkill River, 34th Street, University Avenue, Civic Center Boulevard, and Health Sciences Drive.

220363

Ridge Avenue Business Owners Face New Zoning Rules Limiting Space and Windows in Central Philly

This bill amends zoning regulations for the Ridge Avenue /NCA district in Philadelphia, limiting commercial floor space and requiring clear glass facades.

220358

Temple U Plans Major Overhaul in West Philly Campus as New Health Building Nears Reality

Temple University is revamping its West Philly campus, making way for a state-of-the-art health facility that will significantly expand the university's medical programs and draw in hundreds of students and healthcare professionals every day.

220357

Additional Transit-Oriented Development Stations Designated Along Market-Frankford Line Under New City Code

Philadelphia residents near 60th Street and Erie Avenue may soon see a surge in new businesses as City Council votes to create "transit-oriented" zoning rules, paving the way for developments along the Market-Frankford Line. Small business owners hope for a boost from increased foot traffic.

220323

Philadelphia Council Votes to Install Bike Lane Along Woodland Avenue in Southwest Philly Neighborhood

This bill adds a bike lane on Woodland Avenue from The Woodlands driveway to the VA Medical Center Driveway and removes parking spaces along that section of road.

220321

Philadelphia City Council Moves to Clarify Powers of Philadelphia Energy Authority as it Expands Clean Energy Efforts

Philadelphia residents may see lower energy costs as City Council proposes new rules for the Philadelphia Energy Authority, which would allow it to purchase power directly from renewable sources and increase its oversight of city buildings.

220294

Philadelphia Amending PACE Program Participation to Align with New State Legislation Requirements

Small businesses across Philadelphia may soon be able to finance energy-efficient upgrades without upfront costs, but a contentious council proposal seeks to overhaul the city's PACE program to comply with new state regulations.

220293

Philadelphia Creates Demolition Fund to Raze Blighted Properties and Boost Economic Growth Across City Neighborhoods

Philadelphia's most neglected neighborhoods could see a major facelift, with the city creating a $10 million fund to raze abandoned buildings and charge developers a small price to speed up tear-downs. Homeowners near these blighted properties might finally get some peace from crime and decay.

220288

Philadelphia Lawmakers Raise Recording Fees for City Documents

This bill increases certain fees for recording deeds and mortgages with the Philadelphia City Recorder.

220287

City Council Approves Record-Breaking $5 Billion Operating Budget for Philadelphia's Fiscal Year 2023

Philadelphia Homeowners Face New Property Tax Bill with Proposed Increase of Up to 20% Over Five Years; City Council votes on measure that would raise taxes for nearly 300,000 property owners in the city.

220286

Council Approves Record-Breaking $3.567 Billion Capital Budget For Philadelphia's Infrastructure Upgrades This Year

Philadelphia's crumbling roads and bridges are one step closer to repair with the passage of a massive infrastructure upgrade package, set to pump nearly $4 billion into city coffers over the next year. Council Approves Measure to Ban Single-Use Plastics in Philly Restaurants by 2025 Philadelphia restaurants will no longer be allowed to hand out single-use plastics like straws and bags starting

220285

City Unveils $11.06 Billion Capital Plan for Six-Year Budget Cycle

This bill establishes a 6-year capital program (2023-2028) with an estimated budget of $11.06 billion to fund city projects and infrastructure.

220284

Philadelphia City Council Proposes Creating Standalone Aviation Department for City's Airports Operations

City Workers Could See Salary Increases Under New Proposed Bill Requiring Minimum Wage for Municipal Employees; It would affect over 10,000 employees who earn less than the current minimum wage for contractors working on city projects.

220187

Philadelphia City Hall Slows Down Demolition Permits for Historic Houses of Worship Amid Community Fears

Neighborhood churches, synagogues, and mosques face longer waits to be torn down as City Council passes measure requiring public meetings before demolition permits are issued for historic places of worship older than five decades.

220110

Loud Motor Vehicle Noise Prohibition Signed into Law

Disgruntled neighbors will soon have less say in what they deem too loud as a new measure aims to balance noise complaints with the rights of drivers, who face fines up to $500 for excessive exhaust or music.

210870

Philadelphia Mandates Licenses for Mechanical Contractors Amid Overhaul of Trade Licensing Laws

This bill requires Mechanical System Contractors to be licensed and modifies the licensing requirements for Sheet Metal Systems Technicians in Philadelphia.

210740-A

Two-Hour Parking Regulations Established in Multiple Philadelphia Neighborhoods Across the City

This bill establishes two-hour parking regulations in various locations throughout Philadelphia, including specific streets and intersections.

210478

Philadelphia Business Owners Face Slight Tax Relief Starting Next Year with Revised Income Tax Rates.

Local Landlords Could See Rent Control Expansion Under Proposed New Guidelines. A city council measure would limit annual rent increases for certain rental units, affecting thousands of tenants in gentrifying neighborhoods.

210284

Zoning Overhaul Revamps Building Limits Along Major Arteries Like Walnut and Chestnut Streets

Neighborhood Watchdogs Object as Developers Eye Sky-High Skyscrapers on Broad Street Corridor" Philadelphia residents who live near the Broad Street corridor are fighting back against a proposed zoning change that would allow for taller buildings in their neighborhoods.

200118

Philadelphia Homeowners Set to Save Thousands as City Boosts Homestead Exclusion Threshold to $80,000 Next Year

Philadelphia Homeowners Set to Save Thousands as City Boosts Homestead Exclusion Threshold to $80,000 Next Year, Saving Median Homeowner $1,300 Annually; Over 30,000 Local Families Will Benefit from the Tax Break Starting in January.

200012

CTE Grads Get Boost on City Jobs as Council Approves Preference for Qualified Candidates

Philadelphia's Career Tech students get leg up on city jobs as Council votes to give priority to recent grads in hiring process, potentially saving hundreds of hours spent re-taking civil service exams.

200007-A

City Council Pushes Ballot Question on Preferential Treatment for Tech Ed Grads in City Jobs

Proposal Aims to Boost Local Developers' Access to Affordable Housing Incentives City Council has introduced legislation to widen eligibility for tax breaks and other benefits aimed at encouraging private developers to build more affordable housing units in under-served neighborhoods.

200006-AA

Council proposes zoning overhaul for Ninth District Overlay District in Philadelphia.

This bill amends the zoning rules for a specific area in Philadelphia, known as the Ninth District Overlay District.

220446

Council Adds $10 Million to Local Capital Budget for Two Major Recreation Projects

Council adds $10 million to local capital budget for two major recreation projects in the Eighth Council District. The funds will support improvements at Barrett Playground and Jerome Brown Recreation Center.

220640

Philadelphia Updates Residential Construction Codes to Align with 2018 National Standard

Homeowners who plan to build or renovate may face increased costs as new building codes take hold, affecting construction timelines and budgets for projects valued over $1 million in Philadelphia neighborhoods.

220638

Council sought to make body armor sellers and residents comply with record-keeping and registration requirements.

Philadelphia residents who buy or own body armor must register it with the city under a new law requiring sellers to keep records and submit sales data. Sellers also must maintain these records for future audits by Philadelphia authorities.

220636

Prison Oversight Board Proposal Heads to Philly Ballot in May 2023 Special Election

Philly voters will weigh in on creating an independent Prison Oversight Board with powers determined by City Council at a May 2023 special election, thanks to a City Council proposal.

220635

North Philly Aims to Shine with New Business Improvement District on Bustling North Broad Street

A proposed business district on North Broad Street could bring a brighter future to the area's struggling small businesses and residents, who would see their property taxes increase to pay for upgrades.

220634

City Plan Change Clears Swanson Street, Vandalia Street Alterations

In a move to alleviate chronic flooding, Council proposes ripping up 2 blocks in Southwest Philly, removing Swanson and Vandalia Streets to make way for new sewers and storm drains. Homeowners must agree to waive claims for lost value by next year.

220639

Trucks Prohibited on Morrell Avenue Under New City Ordinance

This bill establishes a 'no truck parking' regulation on Morrell Avenue in Philadelphia, prohibiting trucks from parking at any time and making it a tow-away zone.

220637