Moves on the Board: March 6 - 10, 2026
Denotes a Bellevue Strategies client.
♟️CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
Parker Administration
Mayor Parker opened the week's public appearances on Tuesday with remarks at the Visit Philadelphia and Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau's 2026 Philadelphia Tourism Outlook, held at the National Constitution Center. The event highlighted major tourism trends and the industry's capacity to drive regional growth in the year ahead.
The mayor then joined the Penn Political Union for a discussion on public safety, barriers to education, and the implications of federal budget cuts that are expected to ripple through public schools across the country.
Wednesday was a full day, anchored by a major announcement: Mayor Parker joined Chief Public Safety Director Adam Geer to announce the expansion of reentry support services in recognition of Second Chance Month, including the opening of a new Neighborhood Resource Center in North Philadelphia. The center is designed to scale access to reentry resources for justice-impacted residents, with the administration aiming to reduce recidivism and ease the transition for individuals returning to their communities.
The mayor also attended the Asian American Hotel Owners Association's Major Industry Convention, joining hospitality leaders to celebrate the organization's contributions to the hotel industry. The event honored generations of Indian American hotel owners who built prosperous, multigenerational businesses while navigating significant barriers.
Parker then spoke at the Carpenters EAS Event, where the discussion focused on combating tax fraud and equipping members with tools to protect themselves from fraudulent activity — part of the administration's broader effort to address tax fraud citywide.
The collapse of a parking garage at the Grays Ferry construction site also marked the week. Mayor Parker joined city officials to update the public on the emergency response, noting that all required permits had been properly issued and that inspections were up to date at the time of the incident. Governor Shapiro offered support in the rescue effort.
Philadelphia City Council
City Council’s FY2027 budget hearings this week focused on core service delivery, infrastructure, and quality of life. Tuesday’s Clean & Green and Streets hearings centered on trash collection, illegal dumping, and road maintenance, with Councilmembers raising concerns about service reliability and equitable resource allocation.
Wednesday’s Transportation & Infrastructure session highlighted water system investments and airport operations, with questions around aging infrastructure and cost impacts. The Public Safety & Quality of Life hearing focused on Licenses & Inspections, where Council pressed on inspection backlogs, code enforcement, and responsiveness to neighborhood concerns. Overall, Council emphasized accountability and improved performance across essential city services.
Council session included a special recognition of Sheryl Lee Ralph, who was in attendance alongside her husband, State Senator Vincent Hughes, as she was honored as one of Time Magazine’s 2026 Most Influential Women. The remainder of the agenda was largely procedural, with multiple bills related to street renaming. Other bills and resolutions of note are listed below.
Ordinances
Bill 260295 (Councilmember Gilmore Richardson on behalf of Council President) Approving a service agreement between the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development and the City.
Bill 260296 (Councilmember Gauthier) Approving amendments to the University of Pennsylvania Master Plan.
Next Week’s Moves
Coming Up:
On Monday, April 13, the Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss the ICE Out legislative package.
On Tuesday, April 14, the City Council will hold two budget hearings focused on public safety. In the morning, the Police Department and Office of Public Safety will testify, followed by an afternoon session with the Fire Department and Prisons. Discussions are expected to center on staffing, resource allocation, and public safety outcomes.
On Wednesday, April 15, Council will continue budget hearings with a morning session on transportation featuring SEPTA. In the afternoon, the focus will shift to arts, culture, and energy, with testimony from Mural Arts and the Philadelphia Energy Authority.
On Thursday, April 16, following the Council session, the Committee on Appropriations will meet to consider the Transfer Ordinance.
On Friday, April 17, the Joint Committees on Legislative Oversight and Parks and Recreation will convene to discuss the current state of Philadelphia’s public libraries.
♟️ COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Shapiro Administration
The Pennsylvania Departments of Labor & Industry, Health, and Corrections held a press conference this week to highlight the Administration's work to help returning citizens enter the workforce. The Administration has announced it will issue over 30 birth certificates to people at the Kintock’s Community Corrections Center. This move allows returning citizens to gain access to an essential form of documentation they need to apply for jobs, require identification, and register for workforce programs.
Governor Shapiro, in partnership with America250PA, has announced the “America250PA Commonwealth Concert Series,” a free, multi-city event celebrating local communities during Pennsylvania’s most important year. Performances will take place in cities such as State College, Erie, Hershey, Wilkes-Barre, and Pittsburgh, and will be part of the broader celebration of the 250th anniversary. Concerts will take place on May 23 and June 6, 13, 20, and 27. The headliners of the events include Cole Swindell & Gabby Barrett, The Fray, The Avett Brothers, Lady A, Third Eye Blind, and Nelly.
Governor Josh Shapiro unveiled the state's first subterranean state park this week. Laurel Caverns State Park, located in Fayette County, has become the state’s 125th state park. Through this announcement, the Governor stressed the importance of outdoor recreation to the economy and the environment.
Updates from the Governor’s Newsroom
Pennsylvania General Assembly
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate were in recess this week.
Committee News:
House:
The House Judiciary Committee held a vote this week, passing several bills out of committee, including HB1104, which will cap the fee for obtaining electronic medical records, and HB2356, which will lower the age for expungement for returning citizens.
Next Week’s Moves
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives will return to Harrisburg next week for a voting session on Monday, April 13, through Wednesday, April 15. The Pennsylvania Senate will return to Harrisburg for a voting session the following week, from Monday, April 20, to Wednesday, April 22.