Moves on the Board: Week of April 28 - May 2
♟️CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
Parker Administration
Last week, Mayor Parker announced that Philadelphia Water Department Commissioner Randy E. Hayman will resign effective mid-July 2025 for a new role as Executive Director of the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board. A national search to replace Commissioner Hayman is underway to fill the position before the Commissioner’s July departure.
On Monday, April 28, the Parker Administration’s Office of Legislative Affairs announced the launch of a new fiscal notes website to increase transparency about legislation impacting city finances. Only legislation with a measurable fiscal impact will require a fiscal note. Mayor Parker attended the SEIU 32BJ’s Raise the Wage rally on the North Apron of City Hall on Tuesday, April 29. The Mayor has publicly called for the Pennsylvania General Assembly to increase the state minimum wage to $15 an hour or exempt Philadelphia from the Commonwealth’s uniformity clause, permitting the city to establish its own minimum wage.
Mayor Parker was joined by His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, on Wednesday, April 30, to dedicate the Bicentennial Bell. Queen Elizabeth gifted the bell to the United States in 1976. The bell was placed in storage while Benjamin Rush Garden was restored, and Wednesday’s dedication officially re-opened the garden ahead of the Semiquincentennial next July. The same evening, Mayor Parker attended the Police Athletic League’s Annual Awards Gala.
On Thursday, May 1, the Parker administration transmitted the first five bills in the legislative package for the Mayor’s signature initiative, Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.). The bills are part of Mayor Parker’s Executive Order to streamline the housing development process. During Thursday’s Council legislative session, Councilmember Young introduced one of the five bills in the package, which deals with zoning in North Philadelphia. The Parker Administration has indicated that these five bills are part of Tier 1 of the legislative package. Mayor Parker has urged Council to approve these bills without further delay, noting they are “common-sense improvements” and reduce red tape. Council has yet to introduce the rest of the bills in Tier 1, indicating they may need more time to consider these proposals. The second group of proposals is expected to be sent out later this month.
City Council
This week, the City Council held budget hearings on the School District, Community College, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, Office of Homeless Services, Fire Department, and Licenses & Inspections.
Key Takeaways from the Hearings:
The Community College of Philadelphia reported growing enrollment for the third year in a row, with over 18,000 students now enrolled and an 8% increase in spring enrollment. They highlighted workforce development initiatives, including the City College for Municipal Employment, a new Navy-funded welding program, and strong growth in healthcare training programs like nursing. The College will celebrate 1,700 graduates at its May 3 Commencement, featuring Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis as the keynote speaker.
The School District highlighted that it could temporarily cover a $306 million deficit using reserve funds but warned of a growing structural gap that could exceed $774 million by FY2030. Rising costs from upcoming union contracts, charter school payments, and long-term expenses will outpace funding, especially as federal COVID-19 relief funds run out. District leaders thanked City Council for recent funding increases and supported a proposed 0.5% property tax millage hike that would send an additional $12 million to public schools next year.
New Legislation We’re Watching
Councilmember Squilla introduced legislation to prevent illegal dumping and enhance enforcement through camera systems.
Next Week’s Moves
If you’d like to keep up with City Budget hearings, check out City Council’s Budget Center for the full schedule and relevant documents. The following departments will testify during budget hearings next week:
Monday, May 6
Register of Wills (Rescheduled from May 6)
Department of Public Health
Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities
Tuesday, May 7
Law
District Attorney
Defender Association
Sheriff’s Office
Wednesday, May 8
H.O.M.E. Initiative continued
Mural Arts (Rescheduled from April 22)
Callbacks
Coming Up:
The Committee on Streets and Services will meet on Thursday, May 8, to discuss twelve bills relating to city planning, encroachments, street vendors, and more.
The Committee on Education will meet on Friday, May 9, to discuss Bill Nos. 240842 and 240185, which authorize the committee to hold hearings investigating the community engagement and outreach of Philadelphia's higher education institutions in adjacent neighborhoods and the effects of federal DEI program rollbacks on these institutions.
♟️COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Shapiro Administration
On Thursday, May 1, Governor Shapiro launched a new consumer protection tool to protect Pennsylvanians from scams and predatory practices. The announcement was part of the Shapiro Administration’s effort to protect Pennsylvania consumers and address the gaps left by weakened federal protections.
On Wednesday, April 30, First Lady Lori Shapiro, State Senator Carolyn Comitta, Acting Secretary of Education Carrie Rowe, and the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement visited West Chester University to discuss menstrual hygiene equity on campus. Governor and First Lady Shapiro remain committed to providing students with the resources they need to thrive in the classroom without distractions. Last year, the Shapiro administration appropriated $3 million for free menstrual products in K-12 schools.
📰 Updates from the Governor’s Newsroom
♟️PENNSYLVANIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Press Conferences:
On Monday, April 28, the Pennsylvania Departments of Labor & Industry and Health launched a pilot program allowing pre-registered Pennsylvanians to receive on-the-spot birth certificates at PA CareerLink® Lancaster County, aiming to reduce employment barriers.
On Wednesday, April 30, State Representative Jesse Topper shared updates with ABC27 on various legislative issues. He provided updates on REAL ID, the arson at the Governor’s Mansion, SEPTA funding, energy generation, and Gov. Shapiro’s 2025–26 budget proposal. He criticized the proposed SEPTA funding as unrealistic. Topper supported exploring privatization options for SEPTA and emphasized the need for sustainable energy initiatives while opposing the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
Committee News:
House:
The House Democratic Policy Committee met on Monday, April 28, for a public hearing to discuss the role of community-based workforce centers in education and economic development. Speakers from local schools and organizations emphasized the need for stronger partnerships, increased funding, and expanded training programs to meet workforce demands. Lawmakers raised questions about student outcomes, technological impacts, and capacity challenges. The hearing highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in building a skilled, future-ready workforce.
The House Democratic Policy Committee held a hearing on Wednesday, April 30, to discuss boosting economic development through arts and culture, led by Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz. Artists, educators, and business owners testified about the arts' $25 billion annual impact on Pennsylvania's economy, its role in job creation, education, mental health, and community engagement. Speakers emphasized the need for increased funding, policy support, and collaboration to sustain the arts sector. Lawmakers discussed expanding the state film tax credit, improving grant accessibility, and promoting local art initiatives. The hearing underscored the arts as essential to community well-being and economic growth.
Next Week’s Moves
The Senate and House return to a voting session next week from Monday, May 5, to Wednesday, May 7.