Moves on the Board: Week of November 3 - 7, 2025
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♟️CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
Parker Administration
The Parker administration kicked off last weekend with powerful news: the launch of its One Philly (SNAP) Support Plan, a $14 million lifeline for households, small businesses, and furloughed federal workers weathering the federal shutdown. This collaborative effort brings together $7 million from the City, $6 million from the philanthropic community, and $1 million from the Commonwealth. Building on this momentum, yesterday Mayor Parker announced an exciting expansion of the One Philly Produce Project, now backed by an investment from Aramark to provide healthy meals for students in the Extended Day Extended Year Program.
This swift action comes at a critical moment. Following last week's announcement of a record $1.187 billion fund balance, the City's strong financial position is proving essential as state and federal shutdowns threaten SNAP benefits and other vital funding streams that support nearly 500,000 residents. While the One Philly Support Plan addresses immediate needs, city leaders remain vigilant about the cascading effects of the prolonged federal shutdown and state budget impasse on Philadelphia families.
Meanwhile, the Office of Clean and Green rolled out the next phase of the One Philly, A United City Citywide Cleaning Program on Monday. This comprehensive initiative tackles quality-of-life issues—litter, illegal dumping, and graffiti—head-on. The fall campaign launched on November 3 and will follow a 13-week schedule to ensure every block across the city receives attention.
There's also exciting news for Philadelphia's creative community: Creative Philadelphia, in partnership with City Council, announced that applications are now open for this year's Illuminate the Arts Grants. A total of $1.5 million is available to support artists and creative entrepreneurs. Initially established by City Councilmembers Isaiah Thomas and Katherine Gilmore Richardson during the pandemic, this funding continues to champion Philadelphia's vibrant arts scene and individual artists.
Philadelphia City Council
The Committee on Public Health and Human Services met on Wednesday to discuss the City of Philadelphia’s One Philly (SNAP) Support Plan (described above). Through the Support Plan, $4 million has been made available to food banks throughout the region, with half the funds disbursed through a grant process that closed earlier this week.
The Committee on Commerce & Economic Development met on Wednesday to discuss three bills addressing: enforcement of unauthorized restaurant reservation services, the Polish American Cultural Center Museum, and encroachments of lighting fixtures along Haverford Avenue. All bills were reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
City Council did not meet this week due to the election. They will reconvene next Thursday, November 13, marking the start of the month-long countdown for City Council’s winter recess until December 11th.
Next Week’s Moves
City Council is not in session next Thursday. They reconvene on Thursday, November 13.
Coming Up:
Monday, November 10, at 10 AM: The Committee on Public Health and Human Services to discuss Bill 250849 regarding protections against unlawful discrimination in the workplace.
Wednesday, November 12, at 10 AM: The Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss Resolution 250955, the Parker Administration’s Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) program budget. The Mayor’s Office and Office of Council President Kenyatta Johnson have negotiated this legislation over several months. This hearing will be the first time that the Mayor’s signature piece of legislation has a public hearing.
Wednesday, November 12, at 1:30 PM: The Committee on Rules will review a variety of bills related to zoning as well as the unlawful trading, theft, and trafficking of catalytic converters and motor vehicle parts.
♟️COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Shapiro Administration
Lt. Governor Austin Davis and Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding joined state and local leaders this week to share significant progress on the administration's efforts to support food banks across the Commonwealth. Governor Shapiro's recent announcement of a $5 million investment in Feeding Pennsylvania is already helping to replenish food bank shelves statewide. In another major victory, a D.C. judge ruled in favor of the lawsuit brought by the governors of 25 states, including Governor Shapiro, against the Trump Administration, ordering the federal government to tap billions of dollars in Congressionally approved contingency funds to keep SNAP benefits flowing during the shutdown.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday also delivered updates on his collaborative work with District Attorneys in Montgomery, Bucks, and Delaware counties to combat drug trafficking in Philadelphia. Throughout September and October, his office conducted over 100 arrests, seized 12 illegal firearms, and confiscated more than $365,000 worth of illegal drugs—a clear demonstration of the impact of coordinated law enforcement efforts.
📰 Updates from the Governor’s Newsroom
♟️PENNSYLVANIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The General Assembly was not in session this week. Much of this week’s activity happened behind the scenes as leaders continued to meet in private to—hopefully—reach a state budget deal. The House Environmental and Natural Resource Protection Committee met in Chester County to discuss the liquified natural gas (LNG) export terminal. The hearing saw a range of views from public officials, some in support and some in opposition to the project.
Next Week’s Moves
The General Assembly is not in session next week, but both chambers will return to legislative session on Monday, November 17, through Wednesday, November 19.
Coming Up: The Senate Democratic Policy Committee will kick off its discussion Monday on the needs of home care workers, then return Friday to address protections for residential water wells. Meanwhile, the Senate Republican Policy Committee will meet on Monday to tackle protections against harmful forms of AI. The Senate Labor and Industry Committee will also convene to explore local workforce development initiatives, while the House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to review a number of bills on Wednesday.
♟️On The Trail: Pennsylvania General Election 2025 Recap
On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, voters across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania took to the polls to cast their votes in judicial and municipal elections. In Philadelphia, voter turnout was about 35%, with 130,000 more votes cast compared to the 2021 election, which was the last odd-year election. The following recaps the notable results of the election in the Commonwealth.
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania Supreme Court - Retention Vote
Democrats maintained control of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, with Justices Christine Donahue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht, who were retained for another 10-year term. The Court will now maintain its 5-2 liberal majority, following an expensive and contested election.
Pennsylvania Superior Court - Election Vote
Democrat Brandon Neuman won the open seat on the Pennsylvania Superior Court, defeating Republican Maria Battista and Liberal Party candidate Daniel Wassmer.
Pennsylvania Superior Court - Retention Vote
In the Pennsylvania Superior Court, Judge Alice Beck Dubow was retained for an additional term on the fifteen-person court. Dubow has served on the Superior Court since 2016.
Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court - Election Vote
Democrat Stella Tsai was elected to fill the open seat in the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, defeating Republican Matt Wolford.
Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court - Retention Vote
In the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, Judge Michael Wojcik was retained for an additional term on the nine-person court. Wojcik has served on the Commonwealth Court since 2016.
CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
District Attorney
Incumbent Larry Krasner successfully won a third consecutive term as Philadelphia’s District Attorney, securing four more years in the position after defeating candidate Pat Dugan, who ran as a Republican after losing the Democratic Primary in May.
City Controller
Philadelphia City Controller Christy Brady defeated Republican challenger Ari Patrianos, securing a full four-year term after being appointed by Mayor Jim Kenney as acting controller in 2022 after Rebecca Rynhart’s decision to resign to run for Mayor.
Court of Common Pleas - Election Vote
The Court of Common Pleas had a total of eleven vacant seats, all of which were filled by Democrats. The following judges were elected to the court: Will Braveman, Sarah Jones, Deborah Watson-Stokes, Kia Ghee, Irina Ehrlich, Larry Farnese, Leon A King II, Brian Kisielewski, Anthony Stefanski, Joseph J Russo, and Jennifer A Santiago, maintaining the party’s longstanding dominance within the city’s judiciary.
Court of Common Pleas - Retention Vote
Thirteen judges on the Court of Common Pleas were up for a retention vote this election, and voters retained all. The judges retained include Ann M. Butchart, Christopher Mallios, Daine A. Grey Jr., Frank Palumbo, Gwendolyn N. Bright, Lyris Younge, Michael Fanning, Rainy Papademetriou, Scott DiClaudio, Stephanie M. Sawyer, Susan I. Schulman, Tracy Roman, and Walter J. Olszewski.
Municipal Court - Election Vote
There were four open seats on the Philadelphia Municipal Court this election, with Democrats Amanda Davidson, Sherri Cohen, Michael Parkinson, and Cortez Patton filling them.
Municipal Court - Retention Vote
Five Municipal Court judges were up for retention this election: David Conroy, Henry Lewandowski, Jacquelyn Frazier-Lyde, T. Francis Shields, and Wendy Pew. All five received a majority vote and were retained for another six-year term.
NOTABLE PENNSYLVANIA RACES
Bucks County
Bucks County saw a slew of Democrats elected to various seats. Most notably, Joe Khan has become the first Democrat elected as District Attorney. In the Sheriff’s race, Democrat Danny Ciesler defeated Republican incumbent Fred Harran. Additionally, multiple school board seats were filled by Democrats throughout the county.
Delaware County
Democrats in the Delaware County Council maintained unanimous control. Richard Womack and Controller Joanne Phillips each defeated their Republican opponents.
In Media, Democratic nominee for Mayor, Joi Washington, was elected after defeating Republican nominee, Kevin Kellogg, who ran unsuccessfully in 2021 as well. Washington has made history by being the first woman and first person of color elected mayor of the borough.
Mayor of Pittsburgh
Corey O’Connor, Democrat, defeated his Republican opponent, Tony Moreno, and will be sworn in as Pittsburgh's 62nd Mayor. O’Connor’s father was elected Mayor of Pittsburgh roughly 20 years ago, but passed away shortly after taking office due to a form of brain cancer.
Mayor of Downingtown
Erica Deuso, Democrat, was elected Mayor of Downingtown and is the first openly transgender person to be elected mayor in the Commonwealth.
Mayor of Harrisburg
Democratic Mayor Wanda Williams was reelected against City Treasurer Dan Miller. Williams defeated Miller in the Democratic primary earlier this year. Still, he received enough votes to run on the Republican ticket.
Mayor of Allentown
Democratic Mayor Matt Tuerk won reelection to a second four-year term after defeating Ed Zucal, who originally ran as a Democrat but received enough votes for the Republican nomination.
Mayor of Scranton
Democratic Mayor Paige Cognetti was reelected to another term, defeating three candidates in the general election. Cognetti is also running for the 8th Congressional District, aiming to unseat Republican Congressman Robert Bresnahan in 2026.