City Hall

Mayor Parker's Housing Plan Relies on $800M in Bonds

Mayor Cherelle Parker’s Housing Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) Initiative aims to build or preserve 30,000 housing units in Philadelphia, primarily funded through $800 million in taxable City bonds. While City Council members broadly support the housing goals, they raised concerns about the long-term financial burden on taxpayers and risks of issuing bonds during a period of economic uncertainty, particularly given the likelihood of higher interest rates.

Budget Hearing Update

During this week’s budget hearings, City Council members questioned the effectiveness of the Philadelphia Land Bank, which has only sold 1,017 vacant properties in over a decade, raising concerns about its ability to support Mayor Parker’s ambitious HOME Initiative. Council members also expressed support for SEPTA—with Council President Kenyatta Johnson (District 2) stating that the agency’s “doomsday scenario” would not happen on his watch—but questioned some spending decisions.

The full schedule of FY26 budget hearings and a link to watch them can be found here. The following hearings are coming up next week:

• Fire and Licenses & Inspections (including Quality of Life and Inspections, Safety & Compliance) on Tuesday, April 22 at 10 a.m.
• Mural Arts on Tuesday, April 22 at 1:30 p.m.
• HOME Initiative on Wednesday, April 23 at 10 a.m.

Upcoming Committee Hearings

The Philadelphia City Council holds several public hearings throughout the legislative calendar year. Watch here.

• The Appropriations Committee will meet on Monday, April 21 at 2 p.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding proposed mid-year transfers in appropriations for FY25 across various City funds and departments.

Around Town

FIFA President Visits Philly, Promotes 2026 World Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited Philadelphia to promote the upcoming Club World Cup and 2026 World Cup, announcing a $1 million donation for the city's soccer development. He praised Philly's sports culture and history, highlighting preparations and community engagement efforts for the tournaments.

Region Sees Significant Increase in Home Down Payments

The median down payment for homes in the Philadelphia metro area rose by 32% from 2023 to 2024, reaching $52,406, driven by high demand and limited housing supply.

Low-Income Households Miss Out on City Wage Tax Refunds 

Despite being eligible for a City wage tax refund, fewer than 1% of low-income Philadelphia households apply, missing out on an average refund of $300 to $400.

St. Chris Receives $76M Medicaid Boost

St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children received a $76 million annual Medicaid funding boost for five years, significantly improving its financial outlook and helping the North Philadelphia safety-net provider strengthen clinical programs and support low-income patients.

School District Reforms “Rubber Room” Process

The Philadelphia School District is implementing changes to improve efficiency and transparency in its “reassignment rooms” for employees under investigation, following calls for reform by Chair of City Council’s Education Committee Isaiah Thomas (At Large). New measures include weekly case monitoring, an intake process, and stricter timelines for investigations.

Philly School Buses Use AI to Catch Illegal Passers

The School District of Philadelphia is launching a pilot program with AI-backed cameras on 20 buses to capture license plate numbers of cars illegally passing when the stop arm is out to enhance student safety.

Philly School Libraries at Risk Due to Federal Funding Cuts

Federal funding cuts are threatening the Philadelphia School District’s efforts to revive school libraries—including restoring school libraries and hiring certified librarians—jeopardizing a grant intended to develop a national model for urban districts.

Election Update

Krasner Leads, Dugan Gains Diverse Support Ahead of DA Primary

With weeks until the Democratic primary, a poll commissioned by incumbent District Attorney Larry Krasner’s campaign shows him leading challenger Patrick Dugan by 37 points. Despite DA Krasner’s strong lead, Dugan has gained traction—securing endorsements from key Democratic wards and unions and drawing support from conservative voters in Northeast Philadelphia. Dugan has withdrawn from an April 22 debate.