Moves on the Board: Week of May 26 - 30, 2025
♟️CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
Parker Administration
On Tuesday, Mayor Parker celebrated the inaugural graduation of the City College for Municipal Employment (CCME), a groundbreaking initiative launched in October 2024. The program supports City residents and employees to grow their careers through skills-based training and development, creating viable pathways to sustainable economic opportunity. Since its inception, more than 70 participants have enrolled in CCME programs. This week, 24 participants were honored at a formal graduation ceremony at the Community College of Philadelphia.
The Mayor toured Amazon’s facilities in Southwest Philadelphia with ACANA as part of her signature Philadelphia Taking Care of Business (PHL TCB) Program.
On Wednesday, the Mayor joined Bellevue client Mural Arts Philadelphia to unveil an Abbott Elementary-themed mural in West Philadelphia. The mural wraps around Andrew Hamilton School and depicts its students and teachers. At the same event, Mayor Parker presented Quinta Brunson with a key to the city.
Mayor Parker continued to tout her proposed H.O.M.E. plan at a housing town hall meeting this week, which took place in Oxford Circle.
Mayor Parker also signed two major pieces of legislation this week. The POWER Act, sponsored by Councilmember Brooks, strengthens labor and workplace protections for employees. She also signed a bill sponsored by Councilmember Lozada to establish a permitting and regulatory system for mobile medical units serving Kensington residents.
Philadelphia City Council Voting Legislative Session
Final Passage
Bill No. 250325, sponsored by Councilmember Gauthier, passed the full Council yesterday. This bill regulates the operation of food trucks on a portion of Drexel University’s campus and permits them to remain parked overnight on the street. As passed, this bill presents significant challenges for Drexel, including the loss of valuable parking spaces and obstruction of other retail establishments on campus. Additionally, the onboard propane tanks that power many of the trucks also pose a significant public safety concern when left on the street overnight.
New Legislation We’re Watching
Councilmember Thomas introduced Bill No. 250583, which recognizes Philadelphia as the Original Music City. The bill celebrates the city’s diverse musical history and its contribution to an industry supported by jobs, tourism, and emerging artists. Supporters of the ordinance packed City Council chambers, including Bellevue client Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance.
Reports from Committee
The Committee on Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs met on Thursday, May 29, to advance Bill No. 250379, introduced by Councilmember O’Neill. The ordinance increases the maximum grant that an organization can receive from the Activities Fund to $9,500. The bill is scheduled for first reading at the next Council session.
Next Week’s Moves
Coming Up:
The Committee on Public Safety will meet on Monday, June 2, to discuss Bills 241057 and 250373 regarding the unlawful transfer of firearms and fair criminal record screening standards. Fair criminal record legislation remains a major priority for several of our clients, who have been working closely with Councilwoman Rue Landau, the prime sponsor. Amendments are anticipated at the upcoming hearing.
The Committee on Streets and Services will meet on Tuesday, June 3, to review fifteen bills related to street lines and grades, traffic direction regulation, and parking rules.
The Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development, and the Homeless will meet on Tuesday, June 3, to review Bills 250329, 250330, and 250331, which propose amendments to the “Landlord and Tenant” Code.
The Committee of the Whole will meet on Wednesday, June 4, to discuss eleven bills and two resolutions related to the “Wage and Net Profits Tax” and the FY26 budget. Discussion will include Bill Number 250202, which concerns the “Authorization of Realty Use and Occupancy Tax.” As Council and the Mayor work to negotiate a budget, the meeting may be recessed to a later date.
Tentative: Committee on Finance—June 4
The Committee on Rules will meet on Wednesday, June 4, to consider nine bills related to zoning and planning.
The Committee on Public Health and Human Services will meet on Friday, June 6, to discuss Bill Number 250362, authorizing the Committee to hold hearings on the Department of Health and Human Services' policies regarding child welfare protections.
♟️COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Shapiro Administration
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured Jersey Acres Farm in Schuylkill County on Tuesday to highlight significant agricultural innovation advancements due to state funding support. The event underscored the administration’s commitment to supporting farmers and the Governor's proposed $13 million increase to the Agriculture Innovation Grant program.
Pennsylvania Department of Education Deputy Secretary of Postsecondary and Higher Education Dr. Lynette Kuhn joined officials from the Department of Human Services, Temple University, and the JED Foundation to honor 15 postsecondary institutions for their commitment to student mental health. These schools received the PA CARES designation for their efforts to prevent suicide and promote wellness among students.
Governor Shapiro and Secretary of Community and Economic Development Rick Siger joined leaders at the University of Pittsburgh on Tuesday to discuss a proposed $50 million investment in innovation across the Commonwealth. The Governor specifically highlighted the life sciences sector, projecting it as a $50 billion industry that could bring more than 100,000 jobs to Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich joined state and local leaders on Wednesday to launch PA Carekit, a new resource created through Aging Our Way, PA, a long-term strategic plan used to advance service delivery for caregivers. This program supports the 1.5 million unpaid caregivers who are helping friends and family live independently. Governor Shapiro and Secretary Kavulich later visited White Rose Senior Center on Thursday to continue to promote the investment of Aging Our Way, PA and amplify the need to improve services for older adults.
📰 Updates from the Governor’s Newsroom
♟️PENNSYLVANIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The General Assembly did not meet this week. The House and Senate will be back in session next week and throughout June to pass a state budget and related bills.
Next Week’s Moves
The House and Senate will reconvene for a voting session next week from Monday, June 2, to Wednesday, June 3.