City Hall
Mayor Parker Endorses Center City Sixers Arena
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker announced via social media that her administration has reached an agreement with the Philadelphia 76ers over their proposed Center City arena. City Councilmember Mark Squilla (District 1), who represents Chinatown and the proposed arena site, has committed to making drafts of legislation for the arena public 30 days before introduction, making October 24 the earliest possible date for introduction.
Former Project HOME VP Appointed to Lead OHS
Mayor Cherelle Parker appointed former Project HOME Executive Cheryl Hill to lead Philadelphia’s Office of Homeless Services (OHS), tasked with managing homelessness programs and addressing the department’s overspending issues.
Upcoming Committee Hearings
Philadelphia City Council holds several public hearings throughout the legislative calendar year. Watch here.
· The Joint Committees on Public Safety and Streets & Services will meet on Tuesday, September 24 at 10 a.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding illegal street racing meetups and Philadelphia Police Department precinct policies and practices for approving and denying block party permits.
Around Town
Inquirer Editorial Board Calls for Proper Funding for SEPTA
The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Editorial Board contends that adequate funding for SEPTA is vital for the city’s overall economic well-being. They warn that cuts and fare increases could lead to diminished ridership and worsen financial difficulties and that neglecting SEPTA’s budget crisis might result in broader regional problems, such as increased traffic congestion and stunted economic growth.
PennDOT to Invest $14M to Install EV Chargers in Philadelphia
PennDOT plans to invest at least $14 million in federal funds to install electric vehicle (EV) chargers in Philadelphia by 2026, while the City remains cautious about prioritizing electric vehicle infrastructure over other transportation options.
Center City Office Market Rebounds with High-Profile Sales at Steep Discounts
This summer, Center City’s office market saw a flurry of activity with multiple buildings sold at significant losses, driven by declining real estate values. While some properties are being converted to residential use or repurposed, the market remains challenged by high vacancy rates and ongoing financial losses for investors.
$100M Plan Would Revamp Historic District with Bike Lanes, Green Spaces, New Plazas
Philadelphia’s $100 million Historical Philadelphia Vision Framework aims to transform the city’s historic district with more bike-friendly and pedestrian-friendly streets, new plazas, green spaces, and improved connectivity to Independence National Historical Park.
Historical Commission Approves Washington Square West Historic District
The Philadelphia Historical Commission unanimously approved the creation of the Washington Square West Historic District, encompassing 26 blocks of historically significant properties spanning from the colonial era to the 1980s.
Gates Foundation Backs $35M Investment in Philadelphia-Area Biotech Company
Radiant Biotherapeutics, a biotech firm with labs in Toronto and a U.S. office in West Chester, secured $35 million in new financing, including significant support from the Gates Foundation. The funds will advance its Multabody technology, designed to target diseases like cancer, COVID, and HIV with enhanced binding capabilities.
Election Update
VP Harris Visits Philadelphia for WHYY/NABJ Interview, National Voter Registration Day at CCP
On Tuesday, Vice President Kamala Harris participated in an interview hosted by WHYY and the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), answering questions from a panel on critical topics including the economy, Gaza, reparations, reproductive rights, and race relations, while highlighting the achievements and future plans of the Biden-Harris Administration. She also visited the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP), where she engaged with Philadelphia-area students and reminisced about her first campaign experience on National Voter Registration Day.
Philadelphia Democrats Run Unopposed in State House Special Elections
Democratic candidates Keith Harris, a community activist, and Andre Carroll, a city and state government veteran, are running unopposed in special elections to fill two vacant Philadelphia state House seats previously held by Representatives Donna Bullock and Stephen Kinsey, both of whom resigned in mid-July to pursue new jobs. The elections are crucial to maintaining the Democrats’ narrow 102-101 majority in the state House.