Moves on the Board: June 15 - 19, 2026
Denotes a Bellevue Strategies client.
♟️CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
Parker Administration
On Monday, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling in a long-running legal battle over skill games. The court ruled that skill games are essentially slot machines and are therefore subject to the same regulations as traditional slot machines. The court granted a 120-day grace period for businesses currently operating skill games, during which no enforcement action will be taken. Mayor Parker issued a statement supporting the ruling, emphasizing that these machines have disproportionately impacted vulnerable communities and compounded challenges that society is already working to address. Philadelphia City Council unanimously banned skill games within city limits in 2024.
On Tuesday, Parker joined Adam Geer, Chief Public Safety Director, Councilmember Curtis Jones, and the Office of Public Safety to announce $2 million in anti-violence grants, naming the 47 organizations that will share in the funding. The administration has committed to awarding a total of $25 million to more than 150 organizations by the end of 2026 — an investment aimed at restoring dignity, promoting safety, and supporting the grassroots organizations doing the work closest to the communities that need it most.
Philadelphia hosted its first FIFA World Cup match on June 14, with 68,274 fans attending the opening game at Philadelphia Stadium and more than 100,000 visitors passing through the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill during its first four days. Five more matches are scheduled in Philadelphia, with games on June 19, June 22, June 25, June 27, and July 4.
On Wednesday, Parker joined the Greater Philadelphia YMCA's Youth Civic Engagement program for the first Philadelphia Youth City Government Summit — a full-day experience introducing high school students to both the executive and legislative branches of Philadelphia city government. That evening, Parker attended the opening concert of the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, celebrating the venue's 50th anniversary alongside the nation's 250th birthday.
On Thursday, Parker signed a declaration of public safety emergency for the former Bartram Village site. The project envisions demolishing the existing development and replacing it with 688 new energy-efficient, mixed-income rental units and affordable homeownership opportunities. The plan also includes storefront improvements, vacant lot beautification, and investments in education centers in the surrounding Kingsessing neighborhood.
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Shapiro Administration
Shapiro traveled to Allentown with Nokia CEO Justin Hotard to announce a $30 million investment by Nokia of America Corporation to expand its photonic semiconductor advanced test and packaging operations in Lehigh County. The expansion, located at Nokia's existing facility in Upper Macungie Township, will advance the company's AI chip manufacturing operations. The Commonwealth is contributing more than $3 million to support the project, which will create more than 250 new jobs.
The Administration also announced a $6.5 million investment from Ezeflow USA-Flowline, a manufacturer of pipe fittings serving the oil and gas and aerospace markets, to expand operations in Lawrence County. The expansion will add 20,000 square feet to its existing New Castle facility to support U.S. Navy submarine and aircraft construction contracts, create 30 new jobs over the next four years, and retain 81 existing positions. The Commonwealth is contributing $210,000 through a DCED grant.
Updates from the Governor’s Newsroom
Pennsylvania General Assembly
Legislative Movement:
Passed House Chamber:
HB2084 - Pennsylvania Promise Program
HB2307 - Special education program expenses
HR567 - "Gun Violence Awareness Month"
HB1620 - Grant to the Philadelphia Housing Authority certain lands
HB2285 - School health services
HB2632 - Educational tax credits
HB634 - School safety and security coordinator.
HR499 - "Juneteenth Independence Day"
Committee News:
House: On Monday, June 15th, the House Transportation Committee held a hearing on HB 1633 by Rep. Emily Kinkead. HB 1633 would allow municipalities throughout the Commonwealth to opt-in to permitting the use of e-scooters. Rep. Kinkead discussed how e-scooters act as a form of micro-mobility, often providing transportation where there were not options previously. Rep. Kinkead also highlighted the confusing status of e-scooters in the Commonwealth, individuals are currently permitted to purchase an e-scooter but not permitted to ride an e-scooter. Testimony from Pittsburgh officials, Lime, and mobility advocates emphasized the transportation, equity, and economic benefits of shared e-scooters, citing strong ridership data and existing tools such as geofencing, GPS tracking, and operator accountability measures to address safety concerns. Testifiers argued the bill would improve safety, expand transportation options, and build on lessons from Pittsburgh’s successful e-scooter pilot program, while opponents from the Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania raised concerns about liability, insurance coverage, enforcement, and whether smaller municipalities have the resources to adequately oversee scooter-share programs.
Next Week’s Moves
Coming Up:
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives will return to Harrisburg for session on Monday, June 22, through Tuesday, June 30. The Senate will return to Harrisburg for session on Monday, June 22, through Friday, June 26.