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CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
Parker Administration
Week of November 9 - 13, 2026
Bellevue Strategies hosted a midterm election webinar last week in place of our regular government relations update. Read our election recap here.
CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
Parker Administration
On Tuesday, Mayor Parker joined Welcome America! and city partners at City Hall to preview holiday festivities ahead of the December 3 tree lighting. The city will extend its holiday decorations along Market Street from City Hall to Sixth Street. Parker said the city expects about 3 million visitors this holiday season, highlighting the boost that holiday tourism brings to local businesses.
Also on Tuesday, Parker signed an executive order establishing an independent Child Welfare Review Committee after the death of 10-year-old Malayshia Alford, who was in the legal custody of the city’s Department of Human Services. The committee will examine how children are placed in foster homes and how those homes are monitored. It will recommend reforms to improve child safety and is due to report to the mayor within 120 days of convening, unless she grants an extension. Its work is separate from the state-mandated Act 33 review of Aldford’s death and the criminal investigation.
On Wednesday, Parker joined former University of Pennsylvania presidents Judith Rodin, Amy Gutmann, and Penn professor Virginia Man-Yee Lee for a panel marking 150 years of women at Penn. NBC News correspondent Andrea Mitchell moderated the discussion at the David and Lyn Silfen University Forum, where panelists reflected on their leadership experiences and the importance of mentoring the next generation.
On Thursday, Parker took part in a ceremony naming the 5200 block of Lancaster Avenue Sharif El-Mekki Way. The designation honors El-Mekki, founder of the Center for Black Educator Development, for decades of work with Philadelphia students, educators and schools. Parker later attended the Asian American Federation of the United States’ 22nd annual banquet, where she recognized the cultural and economic contributions of the city’s Asian American community.
On Friday, Parker joined Penn Medicine to announce a $3 million investment in Deeply Rooted. The initiative will plant trees and create green spaces in West and Southwest Philadelphia to help neighborhoods recover from storms and better withstand future severe weather. The investment aligns with Parker’s broader clean and green agenda, which emphasizes improving conditions in neighborhoods across the city.
The Streets Department, PennDOT, local elected officials and the Schuylkill River Development Corporation marked the opening of the Schuylkill Crossing Swing Bridge with a ribbon-cutting Friday afternoon. The bridge provides a new trail connection between South and Southwest Philadelphia, expanding access to green space and creating another route for pedestrians and bikers.
Philadelphia City Council
Philadelphia City Council continued its fall legislative session this week, with several public hearings addressing city services, public safety, and oversight of municipal programs. Councilwoman Cindy Bass introduced a resolution calling for public hearings to examine Philadelphia’s child welfare system, including the oversight and operations of Community Umbrella Agencies (CUAs) and the School District’s hiring and screening practices. The resolution follows the tragic death of 10-year-old Malayshia Alford and seeks greater accountability and scrutiny of the systems responsible for protecting children in foster care.
Council also introduced resolutions addressing broader child welfare oversight following the same incident. These measures call for a review of DHS oversight, foster care placements, and the responsibilities of contracted agencies. Other legislation introduced at the November 12 stated meeting addresses city operations, sanitation, parking regulations, land dispositions, and public space.
On Friday, November 13, the Committees on Transportation and Public Utilities and Public Safety held a joint hearing examining youth safety on and around SEPTA, including strategies to prevent violence and improve safety for student riders.
Bills and Resolutions of note introduced can be found below;
Ordinances
Bill 260975 (Councilmember Young) Bill amending 14-500 to reorganize various overlays in the 5th Councilmanic District.
Bill 260976 (Councilmember Driscoll) Bill authorizing PPA to install additional smart loading zones.
Bill 260977 (Councilmember Driscoll) Bill authorizing additional parking violations subject to enforcement using camera-based systems.
Resolutions
Resolution 260982 (Councilmember Phillips) Authorizing the Children and Youth Committee to hold hearings on policies and practices that keep children safe.
Resolution 260986 (Councilmember Gauthier) Authorizing the Committee on Housing to hold hearings examining the potential sale of the 900-unit affordable housing portfolio.
Resolution 260987 (Councilmember Jones) Authorizing the Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities to hold hearings on PECO, PGW, and PWD to determine customer eligibility for programs.
Resolution 260993 (Councilmember Brooks) Authorizing the Committee on People with Disabilities to hold hearings re: Philadelphia community umbrella system and foster system.
Resolution 260998 (Councilmember Harrity) Calling upon the General Assembly to enact legislation regarding adult-use cannabis.
Resolution 260995 (Councilmember Bass) Authorizing the Committee of the Whole to hold public hearings on Community Umbrella Agency (CUA) and School District of Philadelphia hiring and screening practices.
Next Week’s Moves
Coming Up:
Monday, November 16, The Committee on Legislative Oversight will reconvene its hearing on the closure of the Academy of Natural Sciences, examining the closure’s impact on Philadelphia and potential options for preserving public access to the institution.
Monday, November 16, The Committee on Public Health and Human Services will hold a hearing examining the City’s response to sexual violence, including survivor support, law enforcement response, investigation and prosecution, and prevention efforts.
Tuesday, November 17, The Committee on Rules will review proposed amendments to the Philadelphia Zoning Code.
Tuesday, November 17, The Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities will consider legislation establishing a Transit Access Fund to promote economic mobility and improve public transportation accessibility for Philadelphians.
Wednesday, November 18, The Committee on Law and Government will review legislation proposing a special election to amend the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to establish an Office of Food and Nutrition Security and a Food and Nutrition Security Advisory Commission.
Wednesday, November 18, The Committee on the Environment will review proposed agreements with vendors for the processing and marketing of recyclable materials, as well as contracts for the collection, transfer, and disposal of municipal solid waste.
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Shapiro Administration
On Monday, Governor Shapiro and Secretary of Labor and Industry Nancy Walker, announced a $7.8 million child labor settlement with Walmart, the largest enforcement action of its kind in Pennsylvania history. State investigators found that minors worked excessive hours and missed required breaks. The agreement also requires Walmart to take steps to prevent future violations.
On Tuesday, the administration held its first same-day small business certification clinic at the York County Economic Alliance. State staff helped business owners complete their applications, and eligible applicants with the required paperwork could receive certification that day. Certification gives businesses access to certain contracting opportunities reserved for small firms.
On Thursday, Shapiro joined Eli Lilly for the groundbreaking of its $3.5 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Upper Macungie Township, Lehigh County. The plant will make injectable medicines, including obesity treatments. Eli Lilly expects the project to create 850 jobs at the facility and 2,000 construction jobs.
Updates from the Governor’s Newsroom
Pennsylvania General Assembly
The Pennsylvania General Assembly returned to Harrisburg for limited legislative activity this week as lawmakers continued addressing outstanding business before the end of the legislative session. The House convened on November 9 and 10, referring legislation to various committees, including measures concerning transportation, health, human services, energy, environmental protection, and local government. The House also advanced House Resolution 676, which would formally censure Representative Aaron Bernstine following allegations of homophobic remarks. The House Rules Committee unanimously approved the resolution, paving the way for a full House vote next week. The House adjourned until November 19.
At the same time, Pennsylvania Senate Democrats began preparing for their transition into the majority for the 2027–28 legislative session. On November 12, the caucus elected its new leadership team, with Senator Jay Costa nominated for President Pro Tempore and Senator Maria Collett selected as Majority Leader. Philadelphia Senator Vincent Hughes will continue to chair the Appropriations Committee.
In the House, the Collar County Chairs are as follows;
Bucks County – Rep. Tim Brennan
Montgomery County – Rep. Ben Sanchez
Chester County – Rep. Paul Friel
Delaware County – Rep. Lisa Borowski
Next Week’s Moves
Coming Up:
Both the Pennsylvania House and Senate are scheduled to return to Harrisburg next week to continue legislative business ahead of the end of the 2025–26 legislative session. With the post-election transition underway and several outstanding measures remaining, lawmakers are expected to focus on moving priority legislation before the session concludes.