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CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
Parker Administration
Housing and homeownership were prominent on Mayor Parker’s agenda this week. On Monday, Parker, joined by U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans, State Senator Sharif Street, and Kelvin Jeremiah the Philadelphia Housing Authority for the groundbreaking of the Dwight Evans Senior Residences, a 63-unit affordable housing development in North Philadelphia. Named in recognition of Evans’ decades of public service, the development will provide housing for residents aged 62 years and older.
At an Axios event on Tuesday, Parker discussed the One Philly Mortgage program, which the city expects to launch by year’s end. Through partnerships with banks, the program will help low and moderate-income residents become first-time homeowners by lowering monthly payments and eliminating mortgage insurance costs.
On Wednesday, Parker delivered remarks at the inaugural Appraiser and Assessor Career Expo at Temple University. Organized through the city’s Home Appraisal Bias Program, the event introduced students and other prospective applicants to careers in property valuation and assessment. It is part of the city’s broader effort to address appraisal bias and develop a more diverse workforce in the field.
Parker kicked off the second annual One Philly HBCU Week, the city’s six-day celebration of historically Black colleges and universities. Hosted with the Philadelphia Eagles and community Partners, the week brought together students, alumni, and employers through cultural programming and career opportunities. Events included Monday’s clergy appreciation gathering, Tuesday’s high school and community band showcase, and Wednesday’s collegiate choir competition.
HBCU continued Friday with a collegiate and alumni step show and the One Philly Opportunity Fair at Lincoln Financial Field. The fair connected residents with more than 100 employers, educational institutions, and city resources, linking this week’s cultural celebration with access to educational opportunities.
Philadelphia City Council
Philadelphia City Council’s Committee on Legislative Oversight held a hearing Monday, October 26, examining the closure of the Academy of Natural Sciences’ public museum. Council members questioned Drexel University and Academy representatives about the financial circumstances surrounding the closure, the decision-making process, and potential options for reopening the museum and preserving public access. Council also discussed the possibility of public and private funding partnerships, historic preservation protections, and the need for a long-term plan. The hearing was recessed and is scheduled to resume November 16, with Council indicating that subpoenas will be issued to secure additional testimony.
During this week’s City Council session, members introduced a range of bills and resolutions addressing education, public safety, economic development, consumer and worker protections, and city operations. Several resolutions focused on authorizing committee hearings to further examine ongoing policy issues, while others recognized local organizations and community contributions. Notable areas of discussion included Philadelphia School District meal practices, the FOP contract, theCity’s H.O.M.E. program, protections for victims of abuse, and proposed regulations concerning recurring memberships and automated services. Councilmembers also introduced measures related to the future of the Academy of Natural Sciences and Philadelphia’s child welfare system.
Ordinances
Bill 260927 (Councilmember Harrity) Amending Title 19 - adding a new chapter, "Automated Services Displacement Tax" new tax on automated devices for services otherwise performed by human beings (delivery / car services).
Resolutions
Resolution 260933 (Councilmember Jones) Honoring Share Food Program.
Resolution 260934 (Councilmember Brooks) Authorizing committee on Finance to conduct hearings on the H.O.M.E. program.
Resolution 260944 (Councilmember Ahmad) Authorizing Public Health and human services to form a task force regarding the Academy of Natural Sciences.
Next Week’s Moves
Coming Up:
City Council will not hold their regular session on Thursday next week due to the midterm elections. The Committee on Streets and Services will meet on Friday November 6 to discuss the Philadelphia Parking Authority’s enforcement during the FIFA World Cup events.
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Shapiro Administration
On Monday, Governor Shapiro visited Lenape Middle School in Doylestown’s Central Bucks School District to sign Senate Bill 1014, a bipartisan legislation establishing a bell-to-bell cellphone ban in schools. Beginning with the 2027-28 school year, schools must implement policies prohibiting students’ cellphone use throughout the day, including during lunch, recess and between classes, with limited exceptions. The law seeks to reduce distractions and help students focus on learning.
On the economic development front, Shapiro on Wednesday announced a $4.4 million investment by Superior Huntingdon Composites to expand its fiberglass manufacturing operations in Huntingdon County. Supported by more than $1.8 million in state financing, the project will restart a production line idled since 2012. The expansion is expected to create 26 jobs over the next three years and retain 74 existing full-time positions.
Updates from the Governor’s Newsroom
Pennsylvania General Assembly
The Pennsylvania General Assembly has recessed as lawmakers turn their attention to the General Election on Tuesday, November 3. The upcoming election will be particularly consequential for the Commonwealth, with voters deciding the gubernatorial race, all 203 seats in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and 25 of the 50 seats in the State Senate. The results will help determine the balance of power in Harrisburg heading into the next legislative session. Governor Josh Shapiro is seeking reelection against Republican nominee Stacy Garrity, with Libertarian candidate Ken Krawchuk also on the ballot.
Next Week’s Moves
Coming Up:
The House is set to return for session on Monday, November 9 and Tuesday, November 10. The Senate will return Tuesday, November 17 and Wednesday, November 18.