City Hall Roll Call: May 29th, 2025
Council Introduces H.O.M.E. Financing BIll
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Welcome to City Hall Roll Call, a summary of City Council’s weekly Stated Meeting. Reminder, the information provided below is not an official or complete record. City Council’s official legislative database can be accessed through Legistar.
For a full play-by-play of the Council session be sure to follow me on Blue Sky.
Session Recap:
On the 2019 campaign trail, Mayor Cherelle Parker (D) announced an ambitious goal to build or preserve 30,000 units of housing in response to Philadelphia’s steadily rising housing prices. While not as expensive when compared to our peer cities, Philadelphia’s housing prices are resulting in the reduction of affordable options for our large population of low-income and middle-income residents. To reach that 30k goal, Mayor Parker announced the Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) Initiative - a interdepartmental effort to reduce the barriers and costs of constructing new housing, while providing financial support to existing programs designed to improve housing access. It’s price tag? An estimated $2 billion over the course of the programs.
This year’s spring legislative session had two legislative components of the H.O.M.E. Initiative. The first was a tranche of bills transmitted to Council that would make various reforms to the Zoning Code, as detailed in a past newsletter. Four of those five bills were introduced by Council for consideration, with the proposed reform to the Land Bank process the sole bill to languish outside of the formal legislative process.
The second major element of this year’s H.O.M.E. Initiative is the financing element to borrow an approximate $800 million to pay for the various programs under the plan. With its final Stated Meeting scheduled for June 12th, Council waited until the last possible session to introduce the bill for passage before its summer recess. The legislation authorizes the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to issue $800 million in general obligation debt.
The delay in introduction signaled some hesitancy by Council at issuing the new debt, however, a provision to create a “Project Review Team” to oversee and control the spending was added to alleviate concerns and get the bill introduced.
Under the proposed bill, the Project Review Team will be made up of one Mayoral appointed member and two City Council President appointed members. The legislation also explicitly grants authority and oversight to City Council in how the funds are spent. Formal Council approval is required for any proposed changes to spending that exceed 2% of the annual budget. Moreover, the legislation contains a provision that requires Council appointees to obtain District Councilmember sign-off for “an authorization [that] will have a material effect on a Council District, prior to authorization.” The bill also contains annual reporting requirements to the Mayor.
Final Countdown
City Council is heading into what some staffers jokingly refer to as “Hell Week.” It’s the final four days of the spring calendar where Council can report legislation out of committees in time to be passed prior to the summer recess. Council will hear testimony on over forty (40) different bills and resolutions next week, including the FY26 budget bills scheduled for the Committee of the Whole on June 4th.
Bills reported out of committee next week will be able to have their first reading on June 5th, with a suspension of the rules. This will enable those bills to have a second reading and be voted on at Council’s June 12th Stated Meeting. Should negotiations break down between the Mayor and Council regarding the budget, Council President Kenyatta Johnson (D-2nd) built in flexibility to the Council calendar and could schedule an additional Stated Meeting, if needed. City Council has until June 30th, the last day of the FY25 fiscal year, to pass its budget.
Council stands adjourned until Thursday, June 5th at 10:00 AM.
Bills and Resolutions Introduced Today (By Subject Matter)
Due to the volume, ceremonial resolutions introduced by Councilmembers that honor or memorialize individuals or organizations will not be listed below, but can be found on Legistar.
🔏 Contract / Authorizations
Bill repealing in its entirety, the following ordinance approved December 23, 2024, Bill Number 240964-AA, authorizing the city of Philadelphia to organize an authority to be known as the Arena Services District Authority. (Squilla)
Bill authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of a service agreement between the city of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority relating to the financing of a Housing Opportunities Made Easy,” H.O.M.E. Plan…approving the issuance by the Authority of bonds, notes of other evidences of indebtedness… (Johnson)
Bill authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an amendment to an agreement with 2401 Walnut, LLP for use by the city of all or a portion of the premises located at 2401 Walnut Street. (Johnson)
🗺️ Land Disposition / Acquisition
Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2878 Amber Street, located in the 1st Councilmanic district in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of the Philadelphia Code. (Squilla)
Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 100 Emily Street, 2315 South Marshall Street, 518, Pierce Street, 2549 South Third Street, 2117 South Sixth Street, located in the 1st Councilmanic district in the in accordance with the terms of chapter 16-700 of the Philadelphia Code. (Squilla)
Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1343, South Colorado Street, 1508 And 1509 South Cleveland Street, 1700 South Ringgold Street, 1808, Vernon Street, 1932 Watkins Street, 2024 and 2026 Garrett Street, 2603 Wilder Street and 2635 Latona Street, located in the second Councilmanic District. (Johnson)
Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1811, 2114 and 2123 Vernon Street, 1930 and 1932 South Norwood Street, 1629, 1642, 1648 and 1652 Point Breeze Avenue, 1824 South 20th Street and 1835 South 22nd street, located in the Second Councilmanic district. (Johnson)
Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank a deed conveying title to 1225 South 17th Street, located in the Second Councilmanic district, pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act. (Johnson)
Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of various properties located in the 8th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of chapter 16-700 of the Philadelphia Code. (Bass)
💼 Business Regulation
Bill amending Section 2-112 of the Philadelphia code, entitled “City Commissioners” by removing the powers and duties of the Department of Licenses and Inspections over matters relating to weighted measures… (Johnson)
Bill authorizing the Director of Planning and Development on behalf of the city to file applications with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for Community Development Block Grant to file applications… (Johnson)
Resolution approving the final Neighborhood Preservation Initiative Program statement and budget, which allocates the expenditure of the remaining $50 million of funding by various agencies for the Neighborhood Preservation Initiative Program. (Johnson)
🚦Streets
Bill authorizing various encroachments in the vicinity of 2654 South 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148. (Squilla)
Bill authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 2101 East York Street, Philadelphia. PA, 19125. (Squilla)
Bill regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Gorgas Lane between Ridge Avenue and Walton Street. (Jones)
Bill authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 426 through 28 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19123. (Young)
💸 Finance / Budget
Bill constituting the 28th Supplemental Ordinance to the restated General Water and Wastewater Revenue Bond Ordinance of 1989 as supplemented, authorizing the bond committee to issue and sell one or more series or sub series of tax exempt or taxable water and waste water, revenue bonds and revenue refunding bonds… (Johnson)
Bill amending Chapter 19-700 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, “Finance, Taxes and Collections” to allow for refunds of the realty transfer taxes to victims of deed fraud. (Gilmore-Richardson)
Bill amending Chapter 17-1400 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, “Non-competitively bid contracts and financial assistance to modify exemptions and provide for reporting and record keeping in connection with invocation of such exemptions.” (Gilmore-Richardson)
⚖️ Privileged Resolutions (Authorizing Hearings / Urging Action)
Resolution calling on the Office of Youth Engagement to expand its collaboration with the City Council's Committee on Parks Recreation and Cultural Affairs and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department (PPR) to strengthen youth leadership, civic participation and cross agency coordination, thereby ensuring youth voices are meaningfully integrated into city decision making. (Phillips)
Bills and Resolutions Introduced Today (By Member)
Due to the volume, ceremonial resolutions introduced by Councilmembers that honor or memorialize individuals or organizations will not be listed below, but can be found on Legistar.
Councilmember Mark Squilla (D-1st)
B: Repealing in its entirety, the following ordinance approved December 23, 2024, Bill Number 240964-AA, authorizing the city of Philadelphia to organize an authority to be known as the Arena Services District Authority.
B: Authorizing various encroachments in the vicinity of 2654 South 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148.
B: Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 2101 East York Street, Philadelphia. PA, 19125.
R: Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2878 Amber Street, located in the 1st Councilmanic district in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of the Philadelphia Code.
R: Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 100 Emily Street, 2315 South Marshall Street, 518, Pierce Street, 2549 South Third Street, 2117 South Sixth Street, located in the 1st Councilmanic district in the in accordance with the terms of chapter 16-700 of the Philadelphia Code.
Council President Kenyatta Johnson (D-2nd)
B: Authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of a service agreement between the city of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority relating to the financing of a Housing Opportunities Made Easy,” H.O.M.E. Plan…approving the issuance by the Authority of bonds, notes of other evidences of indebtedness…
B: Amending Section 2-112 of the Philadelphia code, entitled “City Commissioners” by removing the powers and duties of the Department of Licenses and Inspections over matters relating to weighted measures…
B: Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an amendment to an agreement with 2401 Walnut, LLP for use by the city of all or a portion of the premises located at 2401 Walnut Street.
B: Constituting the 28th Supplemental Ordinance to the restated General Water and Wastewater Revenue Bond Ordinance of 1989 as supplemented, authorizing the bond committee to issue and sell one or more series or sub series of tax exempt or taxable water and waste water, revenue bonds and revenue refunding bonds…
R: Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1343, South Colorado Street, 1508 And 1509 South Cleveland Street, 1700 South Ringgold Street, 1808, Vernon Street, 1932 Watkins Street, 2024 and 2026 Garrett Street, 2603 Wilder Street and 2635 Latona Street, located in the second Councilmanic District.
R: Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1811, 2114 and 2123 Vernon Street, 1930 and 1932 South Norwood Street, 1629, 1642, 1648 and 1652 Point Breeze Avenue, 1824 South 20th Street and 1835 South 22nd street, located in the Second Councilmanic district.
R: Authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank a deed conveying title to 1225 South 17th Street, located in the Second Councilmanic district, pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act.
B: Authorizing the Director of Planning and Development on behalf of the city to file applications with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for Community Development Block Grant to file applications…
R: Approving the final Neighborhood Preservation Initiative Program statement and budget, which allocates the expenditure of the remaining $50 million of funding by various agencies for the Neighborhood Preservation Initiative Program.
Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. (D-4th)
B: Regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Gorgas Lane between Ridge Avenue and Walton Street.
Councilmember Jeffery Young (D-5th)
B: Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 426 through 28 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19123.
Councilmember Cindy Bass (D-8th)
R: Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of various properties located in the 8th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of chapter 16-700 of the Philadelphia Code.
Councilmember Anthony Phillips (D-9th)
R: Calling on the Office of Youth Engagement to expand its collaboration with the City Council's Committee on Parks Recreation and Cultural Affairs and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department (PPR) to strengthen youth leadership, civic participation and cross agency coordination, thereby ensuring youth voices are meaningfully integrated into city decision making.
Councilmember Katherine Gilmore-Richardson (D-AL)
B: Amending Chapter 19-700 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, “Finance, Taxes and Collections” to allow for refunds of the realty transfer taxes to victims of deed fraud.
B: Amending Chapter 17-1400 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, “Non-competitively bid contracts and financial assistance to modify exemptions and provide for reporting and record keeping in connection with invocation of such exemptions.”
Bills and Resolutions Passed by City Council at Today’s Session
Resolutions:
📛 250403 (Johnson): Appointing Chris Cullom to the Board of Directors of the Center City District.
📛 250404 (Johnson): Appointing Allan Domb to the Board of Directors of the Center City District.
📛 250405 (Johnson): Appointing Jim Pearlstein to the Board of Directors of the Center City District.
📛 250406 (Johnson): Reappointing Carol Watson to the Board of Directors of the Center City District.
📛 250407 (Johnson): Reappointing Tina Byles Williams to the Board of Directors of the Center City District.
🏆 250547 (Young): Also naming the 1900 block of N. Judson Street as “Sister Mary Scullion Way”.
🏆 250548 (Young): Also naming Firth Street between 15th Street and Sydenham Street as “Earl Young Way.”
🗣️ 250550 (Brooks): Calling on the Federal government to maintain its antitrust litigation that would break up Meta’s social media monopoly.
🏆 250554 (Squilla): Also naming 7th Street between Bigler Street and the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) as “SEYAA Way” to honor the Southeast Youth Athletic Association.
🏆 250### (Thomas): Recognizing Philadelphia as America's Original Music City, celebrating its dedication to the arts, its legacy of producing world class musicians across genres, and its powerful economic impact generating billions in revenue, jobs, tourism and local business growth.
🏆 250### (Johnson): Celebrating June as re-entry Awareness Month and honoring the achievements of returning citizens in our city.
🏆 250### (Johnson): Recognizing the month of May as Jewish American Heritage Month in the city of Philadelphia.
🏆 250### (Bass): Honoring Myra Brown as she completes her service as Board Chair of Women's Way, celebrating her pioneering leadership, entrepreneurial spirit and lifelong commitment to equity, women's empowerment and workforce development.
🏆 250### (Ahmad): Recognizing May 2025 as Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month in Philadelphia.
Bills:
🚦 250266 (Gauthier): Regulating the direction of movement of traffic on 47th Street between Chestnut Street and Kingsessing.
🚦 250267 (Gauthier): Amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Designation of Bicycle Lanes,” to authorize a bicycle lane and removal of a travel lane on 47th Street.
🚦 250325 (Gauthier): Amending subsection 9-203 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Street Vendors,” by permitting vendors licensed to operate on certain City streets from certain otherwise prohibited conduct.
🚦 250327 (Jones): Authorizing an encroachment in the nature of a staircase in the vicinity of 5313 Haverford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19139.
🚦 250367 (Phillips): Amending Section 2 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 180560), approved July 10, 2018, entitled “An Ordinance Authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 250 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portion of Montour Street from Adams Avenue to Foulkrod Street, under certain terms and conditions” by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein.
🚦 250368 (Johnson): Authorizing an encroachment in the nature of planters and benches in the vicinity of 2300 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
🚦 250369 (Johnson): Authorizing various encroachments in the vicinity of 2700 S 10th St., Philadelphia, PA 19148.
🚦 250370 (Johnson): Authorizing an encroachment in the nature of a staircase in the vicinity of 1855 Gladstone Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145.
🚦 250374 (Young): Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 115 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125.
🚦 250377 (Driscoll): Authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 306 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Brill Street from Richmond Street to Salmon Street, striking from the City Plan and vacating Salmon Street from Brill Street to the northeasterly required right-of-way line of Bridge Street, and reserving and placing on the City Plan rights-of-way for various public utility purposes and authorizing acceptance of the grant to the City of the said public utility rights-of-way.
🚦 250381 (Squilla): Authorizing an encroachment in the nature of pedestrian lights in the vicinity of 416-38 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123.
🚦 250382 (Squilla): Establishing parking regulations on the 1000 block of Ludlow Street between 10th Street and 11th Street.
📆 Upcoming City Council Public Hearings
(Click on the Committee listing to download the full agenda of bills and resolutions for the meeting.)
Monday, June 2nd
Committee on Public Safety, 10:00 AM - the committee will hear two (2) bills, one which require licensed firearms dealers to post signs warning that purchasing firearms for another is criminally punishable and a bill modifying the criminal screening process for hirees.
Tuesday, June 3rd
Committee on Streets and Services, 10:00 AM - the committee will hear fifteen (15) bills related to encroachments, designation of bicycle lanes and other streets related matters.
Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless, 1:00 PM - the committee will hear three (3) bills related to landlord and tenant relations and anti-displacement measures.
Wednesday, June 4th
Committee of the Whole, 10:00 AM - the committee will consider the FY26 budget bills.
Committee on Rules, 1:30 PM - the committee will hear nine (9) bills related to zoning, including the four (4) H.O.M.E. Initiative bills.
Friday, June 6th
Committee on Public Health and Human Services, 10:00 AM - the committee will hold a hearing on the policies of the Department of Health and Human Services regarding child welfare protections.
Thursday, June 12th
Committee on Rules, 9:00 AM - the committee will hear a bill allowing for Religious Assembly uses in certain Special Purpose districts.