Philadelphia City Council convened for its final meeting before the summer break, passing the city’s 2026 Fiscal Year budget while navigating a crowded atmosphere of activism and legislative fervor.
The meeting took place on Thursday at City Hall, where Council President Kenyatta Johnson spoke at the podium flanked by Mayor Cherelle Parker and Councilmembers Anthony Phillips and Jim Harrity.
Halls were filled with protestors advocating for larger investments in housing and protections for renters, amidst a gathering that also included a press conference highlighting a bill by Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Residents and activists voiced their dissatisfaction over the budget and its implications for affordable housing.
Protesters from OnePA Renters United Philadelphia and Philly Thrive, among other advocacy groups, expressed concerns that while the budget allocated $800 million for Mayor Parker’s H.O.M.E (Housing Opportunities Made Easy) plan, more substantial funding and focus were needed in specific areas, particularly housing.
This year’s $6.8 million budget witnessed a rise from Mayor Parker’s initial proposal, reflecting additional priorities set forth by the City Council.
Nonetheless, critics argued that it fell short, particularly regarding the insufficient support for renters facing unsafe living conditions.
The package of Safe, Healthy Home bills introduced by Council Minority Whip Nicolas O’Rourke included a proposal allowing the Department of Licenses and Inspections to provide relocation funds for renters forced to move.
However, the lack of budgetary provisions for this fund triggered a strong response from advocates.
Activist Melissa Monts urged that the city must integrate adequate funding for relocation and necessary repairs within the H.O.M.E plan.
“This isn’t just a renter’s issue. It affects the neighborhoods. We also need to be clear, renters need the full package of protections,” Monts asserted.
She and fellow activists indicated their plans to return to advocate for the other two bills in the Safe and Healthy Homes package come fall.
In addition to housing financial considerations, activists criticized the cuts to the Business, Income, and Receipts Tax, which many believe will hinder small business growth across the city.
Despite notable dissent among activists, the budget ultimately passed with a vote of 15-1, with Council Minority Leader Kendra Brooks casting the only opposing vote.
Brooks articulated her concerns over the substantially unchanged nature of the budget compared to the mayor’s proposal, especially during a time of ongoing federal cutbacks.
“The budget that we are voting on today is largely unchanged from the mayor’s proposal. City services are cut at a time when we need them the most across the country,” Brooks commented, vowing to protect the interests of Philadelphians.
On the other hand, Council President Johnson and Mayor Parker took a moment in the aftermath to highlight the budget’s merits.
“This budget represents our unwavering commitment to the people of Philadelphia,” Parker declared, emphasizing the budget’s strategic investments amid national uncertainties.
“This is a balanced budget that reflects the needs of the citizens of Philadelphia,” added Johnson, reaffirming the city’s commitment to ensuring residents have safe living conditions.
Following the conclusion of the meeting and the passage of the budget, City Council will be on hiatus until September 11.
During this break, councilmembers will continue community engagement, albeit without formal sessions taking place.
When they reconvene in the fall, discussions regarding the Safe and Healthy Homes package of bills will be prioritized, according to Johnson.
As the city gears up for more legislative action, the emphasis on housing and community welfare will likely remain at the forefront of advocacy efforts.”
The summer break marks a time for both reflection and preparation as Philadelphians and their representatives navigate the complexities of city governance and community needs.
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