Moves on the Board: March 20 - 24, 2026

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♟️CITY OF PHILADELPHIA

Parker Administration

Mayor Parker opened the week on Monday with remarks at the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia's Global Business Forum 2026, where business leaders from around the world convened to discuss strategies for expanding global trade, attracting foreign investment, and deepening Pennsylvania's ties to international markets.

The mayor then joined the grand opening of the Lincoln Financial Center at Cobbs Creek. This 42,000-square foot facility marks the latest milestone in the historic West Philadelphia golf course's ongoing revitalization. The ribbon-cutting celebrated the center's driving range, restaurant, pro shop, and event space — and launched the first full season of golf at Cobbs Creek since restoration efforts began.
Parker continued her budget town hall series Monday evening at Imhotep Institute Charter High School, where she presented an overview of the administration's proposed $6.98 billion FY2027 budget. The town halls allow residents to ask questions and learn about the administration's progress. Click here to view the full schedule of upcoming town halls.

On Tuesday, the city announced the launch of the Philadelphia Peacekeepers Institute. Developed in collaboration with the Office of Public Safety, the initiative is designed to strengthen the skills and well-being of Community Violence Intervention (CVI) practitioners — often called “credible messengers” — with a focus on trauma-informed practices and interpersonal development, equipping CVI workers in the field.

Tuesday also brought a contentious City Council budget hearing, where Parker's administration defended the proposed $1-per-ride rideshare fee before the Council's Committee of the Whole. The tax, directed at Uber and Lyft trips originating in Philadelphia, is projected to generate $48 million annually. In addition, the Parker administration has proposed amendments to the Use & Occupancy tax (U&O tax) related to cellphone towers, which would generate an estimated $2.4 million in new revenue dedicated to the School District, totaling $50.4 million in new recurring revenue for the School District of Philadelphia, which faces a $300 million structural deficit. There is also a change in the percentage of property taxes that will go to the School District of Philadelphia, but that number is not included in the $50.4 million total. Councilmembers pushed back, raising concerns about the tax's impact on low-income riders. On Wednesday, Parker delivered remarks at the Education hearing, acknowledging that some residents in lower-income neighborhoods use rideshare services regularly but challenging the claim that those riders make up the majority of users. She also called on Uber to absorb the cost rather than pass it on to passengers — a position Uber has publicly rejected.

On Thursday, Parker celebrated the U.S. Army Reserve's 118th Birthday at Independence Hall. Country music artist and Warrant Officer Craig Morgan performed the national anthem, and the ceremony featured enlistment of new soldiers, reenlistment of current members and a cake cutting in honor of Army Reserve soldiers. 

Philadelphia City Council 

This week, City Council’s Committee of the Whole continued its budget hearings, alongside action from the Committee on Appropriations.

On Monday, the Committee on Appropriations reconvened its recessed hearing on the mid-year transfer, continuing discussions around adjustments to the City’s current fiscal year budget. They reported all bills with a favorable recommendation. 

Budget hearings followed with the Managing Director’s Office, including the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS), where testimony focused on interagency coordination, service delivery, and infrastructure oversight. In the afternoon, the Office of Homeless Services outlined its ongoing efforts, funding needs, and challenges in addressing homelessness across the city.

On Tuesday, the Committee examined tax policy and property assessment. The Office of Property Assessment (OPA) was meant to provide updates on assessment practices and administration, but the session was bogged down by discussion of tax-related bills. The afternoon session was dedicated to public testimony, with residents and stakeholders weighing in on the proposed tax measures and their potential impacts. 

On Wednesday, hearings shifted to education, with the School District of Philadelphia presenting on its budget priorities, funding outlook, and operational needs. Public testimony featured input from educators, advocates, and community members, highlighting concerns and priorities regarding school funding and student resources.
City Council met on Thursday for its regular council session, which focused heavily on the current landlord-tenant bills and the ICE Out legislative package. Both passed out of council and have been adopted. Other bills of note introduced this week are listed below. 

Ordinances 

• Bill 260380 (Councilmember Gilmore Richardson) Changing the standard for determining violations relating to the dumping of debris and short dumping.  

• Bill 260381 (Councilmember Gauthier) adds requirements for specific permit applicants to provide notice of particular murals to the Department of Licenses and Inspections.

• Bill 260387 (Councilmember Young) Extending low-income tax provisions to trusts that own property for the benefit of a natural person. 
  Bill 260388 (Councilmember Young) Extending senior citizen low-income tax provisions to trusts that own property for the benefit of a natural person. 
  Bill 260389 (Councilmember Young) extends the longtime owner-occupants of residential properties tax provision to trusts that own property for the benefit of a natural person. 
  

Next Week’s Moves

Coming Up: 

• On Monday, April 27, the Committee on Public Property and Public Works will meet to discuss a variety of bills related to deeds and lease agreements in the City.

• On Monday, April 27, the Committee on Streets and Services will discuss parking regulations, sidewalk cafe encroachments, and designated bicycle lanes. 
  On Tuesday, April 28th, the morning budget session at 10 am will center on Public Safety & Justice within the legal system, featuring testimony from the Law Department and the Defenders Association. The afternoon session at 1 pm will continue this focus with hearings from the First Judicial District and the Sheriff’s Office.

• On Wednesday, April 29th, the budget hearings will shift to planning and economic priorities. At10 am, the Committee will hear from Planning & Development, followed by a 1pm session with the Department of Commerce to discuss economic development initiatives and priorities.

♟️ COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

Shapiro Administration

Governor Josh Shapiro and Lt. Governor Austin Davis joined state and local officials in Pittsburgh this week for the ribbon-cutting for the newly designed Market Square. This $15 million project has modernized downtown Pittsburgh by improving safety and expanding accessibility and public use. Market Square hosts more than 250 events each year, supporting 49 businesses and welcoming over 3 million visitors. This project is just one phase of the Governor’s 10-year Downtown Pittsburgh Revitalization Plan. 
Updates from the Governor’s Newsroom

• Governor Shapiro and Lt. Governor Davis Reopen Redesigned Market Square in Downtown Pittsburgh, Marking Completion of Another Key Piece in Downtown Revitalization Plan

• Shapiro Administration Files Motion to Enter Consent Decree to Maintain Reliable, Affordable Power by Allowing Keystone and Conemaugh Plants to Continue Operating with Improved Environmental Controls and Upgrades

• Creating Jobs in Allegheny County: Governor Shapiro Announces Mondi Bags USA Selects Pennsylvania for Manufacturing Expansion, Creating Approximately 170 New Jobs

• Statement from Governor Shapiro on Today’s Decision from the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania Striking Down the State Ban on Medicaid Coverage for Abortion Care

Pennsylvania General Assembly

The Pennsylvania Senate was in Harrisburg this week for a voting session, from Monday, April 20 to Wednesday, April 22. 

Legislative Movement:
The Senate passed several bills out of its chamber this week, including: 

• SB323 (The Keystone National Finance Authority)

• SB998 (Nursing Education Capacity)

• SB1293 (Fairness in Women’s Sports Act)

• HB797 (Closing the Firefighter Pension Loophole)

• HB1251 (Expanding Midwifery Access)

• HB2163 (Easing Restrictions on Dental School Faculty)

• SR211 (Conducting an LBFC Study on the Municipal Planning Code)

• SR284 (Condolences on the passing of Kevin L. Brehm)

• SR285 (100th Anniversary of the Curtis Institute of Music)

• SR287 (Condolences on the passing of the Honorable Katherine True)

Committee News:

• House: The House Education Committee held two informational meetings this week regarding the use of artificial intelligence in public schools, grades K-12, and in teacher preparation programs. Testimony highlighted that states nationwide are actively addressing AI through guidance, legislation, and task forces focused on educator training, data privacy, ethical use, and equitable access. Testifiers and lawmakers agreed that AI has strong potential to enhance instruction through personalization, adaptive feedback, and data-driven tools. Still, its success depends on teacher involvement, proper training, and ethical implementation. It was stressed that AI presents both opportunities and risks, requiring careful policy development, increased AI literacy, and collaboration to ensure it supports student learning and teachers in the classroom.

• The House Democratic Policy Committee held a public hearing on rising utility prices. Testimony was provided by representatives from PJM, PECO, the PUC, the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP), Community Legal Services (CLS), and the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate. The discussion focused on wholesale market dynamics, capacity costs, and long-term infrastructure investments as the key drivers of higher rates. The regulatory processes’ aim to balance affordability, reliability, and utility, and financial health was also highlighted. Testimony emphasized the growing burden on low- and moderate-income households, citing rising shutoffs, widespread utility debt, and the need for reforms to rate-setting practices, assistance programs, and consumer protections. 

Next Week’s Moves

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives will be in Harrisburg next week for a voting session from Monday, April 27 to Wednesday, April 29. 

♟️ ON THE TRAIL

Federal Races

Pennsylvania Congressional District 3Congresswomen Madeline Dean and Chrissy Houlahan announced this week that they are endorsing Dr. Ala Stanford in the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District. Stanford has also previously received endorsement from Congressman Dwight Evans and Former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter.