Affordable Philly Now Nicolas ORourke
Background

America has been growing more unequal for decades, but the years since COVID’s emergence threw everyday people into a new dynamic. Many Philadelphians are in a constant battle with inflation, and the numbers show it. When Pew surveyed residents in early 2025, just 42% of people said their financial situation was “good or excellent.”

But Philly isn’t new to this — affordability has been a crisis for too many neighbors. Philadelphia’s median household income (~$60.5k) remains the lowest among the nation’s 10 most populous cities. Too many families have been stuck in generational cycles, as Philly residents struggle with economic mobility. Studies from the Philly Fed and Harvard note that lack of access to reliable caregivers, transportation, health care, and high wage jobs are barriers to upward mobility.

After years of economic turbulence, 2025 has found many Philadelphians in an economic emergency: A full blown affordability crisis

To that end, Minority Whip Nicolas O’Rourke (WFP - At Large) has launched Affordable Philly Now (APN), an ongoing policy initiative to address the cost of transit, utilities, housing, care, and more. The APN agenda launched with four planks:

  • The Philadelphia Cost of Living Task Force — A project of the Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy, this first of its kind task force will study the cost of life’s essentials and offer actionable policy solutions in partnership with the committee.
  • The Transit Access Fund — Would appropriate 0.5% of the General Fund to free access programs, like SEPTA’s Zero Fare program, and other initiatives that help more Philadelphians afford transportation.
  • The Philadelphia Rent Refund — Would provide annual rent refunds to low-income seniors, widows, and people with disabilities, streamlining and stacking the benefit on top of a similar state-level refund.
  • The “We Own It” Proposal — Would outlaw the privatization of the Philadelphia Water Department, as water system privatization around the Commonwealth has consistently led to sharp rate hikes between 40-160%.
In the News

Nicolas O’Rourke proposes Zohran Mamdani-inspired affordability package

Councilmember seeks to prevent Philly from privatizing Water Department

Philly’s low-income renters could become eligible for new rebate under proposed legislation

O’Rourke proposes rent rebate and permanent funding for free SEPTA passes

City Councilmembers O'Rourke, Brooks, community leaders address Cost of Living Crisis

Resources

Read the APN platform:

Watch Councilmember O’Rourke’s invitation to be part of the Affordable Philly Now initiative!

Here’s who’s on the Cost of Living Task Force!