Moves on the Board: Week of June 9 - 13
♟️CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
Parker Administration
On Monday, June 9, the Parker administration announced a $2 million investment in one of Mayor Parker’s signature initiatives, the City College for Municipal Employment (CCME). CCME will partner with four organizations – the Center for Black Educator Development, Black Brain Campaign, Unite Here, and SEIU 32BJ – to upskill and train employees to strengthen Philadelphia’s talent pipelines for critical industries
On Monday evening, the Mayor joined Governor Josh Shapiro at the Big Brothers Big Sisters National Conference in Philadelphia to celebrate the 110th anniversary of Bellevue client Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence.
The Mayor and Governor attended a second event together on Tuesday, June 10, honoring Jumpstart Philly’s 10th anniversary, supporting affordable housing and responsible development.
On Wednesday, June 11, Mayor Parker, Council President Kenyatta Johnson, Councilmember Mark Squilla, and other officials joined Bellevue Strategies’ client, Philadelphia Soccer 2026, to unveil the official countdown clock and officially mark one year until FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off in Philadelphia.
On Thursday, June 12 City Council passed the FY26 City Budget and the Mayor’s landmark Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) legislation. After the Council session, the Mayor held a joint press conference with administration officials, City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, and members of City Council. Mayor Parker ended her week with a splash, sending students at Tanner G. Dukery School off on their last day of school and opening Philadelphia’s public pools for summer fun.
Philadelphia City Council
City Council passed many pieces of legislation, ranging from the city budget, H.O.M.E., zoning, and more, during their final meeting of the year. Here are some of the highlights:
Legislation Passed This Week
FY26 City Budget
Bill No. 250196 - FY26 Operating Budget & Bill No. 250214 - Five-Year Operating Plan
Bill 250197 - FY26 Capital Budget & Bill No. 250198 - Six-Year Capital Budget
Other Notable Pieces of Legislation
Bill No. 250044-A - Establishing a security deposit payment schedule between landlords and tenants.
H.O.M.E. legislative package, including the authorization for an $800 million bond to support affordable housing in the City of Philadelphia.
Board & Appointments
Council appointed Frank W. McKelvey, Michael J. Hill, and Mack Duncan to the Veterans Advisory Commission.
Council appointed Ryan McAdams to serve on the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
New legislation was introduced during yesterday’s session, but it won’t be considered until City Council returns in the Fall. Here are the highlights:
New Legislation We’re Watching
Councilmember Thomas introduced Bill No. 250647, which would create a new tax credit under the Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT) to incentivize businesses, like hotels and restaurants, to hire Philadelphia-based performing artists. This is part of the Councilmember’s desire to bring additional focus to Philadelphia as a music city.
Councilmember Young introduced Bill No. 250650, which would put a referendum question on the November ballot asking voters whether they would support amending the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to include a call to the Pennsylvania General Assembly to provide sustainable funding to mass transit throughout the state, including SEPTA.
Next Week’s Moves
Thursday’s legislative session concluded Philadelphia City Council’s voting business for the first half of the year. Council will reconvene its regular voting session in early September!
♟️COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Shapiro Administration
The biggest news this week from the Governor’s office is Amazon’s landmark $20 billion investment in the Commonwealth. Amazon announced development at two sites in Bucks and Luzerne Counties for data centers supporting artificial intelligence and cloud computing technologies.
As noted in the City section of this update, Governor Shapiro attended several events in Southeastern Pennsylvania this week. On Wednesday, June 11, the Governor delivered West Scranton High School’s Commencement Address and celebrated the Class of 2025. Click here to listen to the Governor’s remarks.
📰 Updates from the Governor’s Newsroom
♟️PENNSYLVANIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The House of Representatives moved several pieces of legislation this week, but most notable was the passage of House Bill 1549. HB 1549 passed the House with a party-line vote, 102-101. HB 1549 would raise the minimum wage of counties of the first class (Philadelphia only) to $15 an hour, effective January 1, 2026. The minimum wage of other counties would gradually rise to either $15 an hour or $12 an hour, depending on their classification and population size. The minimum wage, after a set date, would increase according to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers.
Another important piece of legislation the Bellevue team is tracking is HB 1189, which also passed the House on a party-line vote, 102-101. This bill would unlock federal funding for the Solar for All program and allow Pennsylvania to begin spending the $156 million that was competitively awarded to the Commonwealth in April 2024.
The Pennsylvania Senate also met this week and moved legislation related to energy and the Commonwealth’s shortage of certified public accountants. The Senate unanimously confirmed the Shapiro administration’s nomination of former state senator Jim R. Brewster to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.
Next Week’s Moves
The Pennsylvania State Senate has the upcoming week off from legislative session, but the House of Representatives will be in session Monday, June 16, through Wednesday, June 18.