October 24, 2025
COUNCILMEMBERS APPROVE LOADING ZONE LEGISLATION FOR MUCH OF CENTER CITY AND OBSERVE A MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR KADA SCOTT
Councilmembers approved three bills and two resolutions on the final passage calendar for the October 23 meeting.
Notable bills and resolutions approved include:
- Bill #250718-A, introduced by Councilmember Jeffery Young, Jr. (5th District) on behalf of Council President Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District), authorizes loading zones of any type within the area bounded by Bainbridge Street, the Schuylkill River, Market Street, North 15th Street, JFK Boulevard, Broad Street, Spring Garden Street, and the Delaware River. All regulations of the Department of Streets for establishing these loading zones are hereby confirmed and reestablished. The Department of Streets is authorized to promulgate additional regulations consistent with this ordinance.
The bill was amended last week on the Council floor because Johnson and Councilmember Mark Squilla (1st District) wanted to ensure that Philadelphia’s Streets Department has the authority to install loading zones in Center City where needed and to protect existing loading zones from legal challenges.
The amendment also aligns with the implementation of the “Get Out The Bike Lane” law, sponsored by Johnson and signed into law by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker in December 2024. The law bans stopping, standing, or parking in bike lanes citywide and was enacted following the July 2024 death of Dr. Barbara Friedes in a bike lane crash along Spruce Street in the Second Council District.
- Resolution #250892, introduced by Councilmember Anthony Phillips (9th District) for Council President Johnson, approves the Rebuild Philadelphia Project Statement for Fiscal Year 2026 pursuant to Bill #1702060.
Under Bill #1702069, the City Council must approve the Rebuild Project Statement annually by resolution to authorize the use of proceeds from Rebuild bonds. Rebuild is a Philadelphia initiative funded by the city’s sweetened beverage tax to improve neighborhood parks, recreation centers, and libraries.
- Bill #250654, introduced by Councilmember Nina Ahmad (At-Large), amends Chapter 17-1600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Economic Opportunity Plans,” to add two more business community members to the Economic Opportunity Review Committee.
The bill was approved with a 14-2 vote. The no votes came from Minority Leader Kendra Brooks and Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke (both At-Large).
Councilmember Brian O’Neill (10th District) was excused from Council this week and did not cast a vote on any bills or resolutions.
Other legislation approved from the final passage calendar includes Bills #250493-A (Young) and Resolution #250897, introduced by Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. (4th District).
Bill #250646, introduced by Councilmember Isaiah Thomas (At-Large), was held. If passed, it would amend Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, titled “Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions,” by adding a new chapter called “Minimum Training For Security Officers.” This bill is expected to undergo additional amendments before a final vote.
Other legislation held includes Resolution #250303 (Thomas) and Bill #250721 (O’Neill). All bills approved during this week’s Council session have been forwarded to Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker for her signature or veto.
EIGHT NEW BILLS INTRODUCED ON OCTOBER 23
Councilmembers introduced eight bills during this week’s session. Among the notable bills are:
- Bill #250917 (Young, Jr.) that would amend Section 14-529 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “VDO, Fifth District Overlay District,” to establish building requirements to prevent vacant lots in the Fifth District.
- Bill #250915 (Thomas) that would amend Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Business Income and Receipts Taxes,” to establish a partial exemption for certain childcare service businesses.
If approved, the bill would reduce the gross receipts portion of the City’s Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT) by 50%, as well as the net income rate, but only for childcare providers.
- Bill #250913 (Council President Johnson) that would rename the Paschalville Library to the “Hardy Williams Library of Paschalville” in honor of Pennsylvania State Senator Anthony Hardy Williams, a distinguished politician and trailblazer for the African American community.
The other bills introduced were Bills #250914 (introduced by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, 3rd District), #250916 (Jones, Jr.), #250918 (Young, Jr.), #250919 (Young, Jr.), and #250920 (Squilla). All the bills will be referred to a Council Committee for further consideration.
VOTES ON NON-PRIVILEGED RESOLUTIONS
Councilmembers also introduced and approved over a dozen non-privileged resolutions during Thursday’s Council session. Among the notable non-privileged resolutions are:
- Resolution #250936, introduced by Ahmad for Johnson, authorizes the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings to examine the impacts of the current crisis threatening the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and SNAP-Ed on food and nutrition security in Philadelphia, including barriers to accessing benefits, disruptions to nutrition education and outreach, consequences for residents, and opportunities for coordinated city and community response.
Due to the federal government shutdown and lack of federal funding, November 2025 SNAP benefits will not be paid in Pennsylvania. Starting October 16, SNAP benefits will not be issued for new approved applications or to households already receiving SNAP until the shutdown ends and funds are released to Pennsylvania. Visit dhs.pa.gov/SNAP for updates. If you need immediate food assistance, call 211 or visit feedingpa.org or pa-navigate.org/
- Resolution #250932, introduced by Councilmember Mike Driscoll (6th District), requests Mayor Parker to return Council Bill No. 250771, titled “An Ordinance Authorizing 3419 Kensington Partners or a subsequent owner to install, own, and maintain an encroachment at 3423 Kensington Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19134, under certain terms and conditions,” for reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which the bill passed. The Council received the bill back from the mayor for future review.
Resolution #250929 (Young) authorizes the Council Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings to investigate the City’s payment and refund systems for municipal taxes.
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Resolution #250924 (Council President Johnson) recognized Chris Gale, Executive Director of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, for his outstanding work and advocacy in promoting the safety and inclusivity of cyclists across Philadelphia.
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Resolution #250922 (Council President Johnson) honors the life and legacy of the late National Association of Black Journalists-Philadelphia President Michael Days for his extensive career serving Philadelphians as a reporter and editor for the Philadelphia Daily News and later as the Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion at the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Days died on October 18 at age 72 and will be buried on October 25 in Trenton, N.J.
The other non-privileged resolutions approved this week include Resolutions #250923, introduced by Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson (At-Large); #250925 (Thomas); #250926 (Council President Johnson); #250928, introduced by Councilmember Rue Landau (At-Large); #250931, introduced by Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke (At-Large); #250933 (Council President Johnson); #250934 (Council President Johnson); #250935, introduced by Councilmember Cindy Bass (8th District); and #250937 (Ahmad).
To find all the bills and resolutions in progress at City Council, visit City Council’s Legislative Information Center. The site offers quick and simple public access to information about Philadelphia City Council bills and resolutions.
COUNCILMEMBERS EXPRESS SADNESS AND OUTRAGE AT THE DEATH OF PHILADELPHIAN KADA SCOTT
Philadelphians are devastated by the news earlier this week that the remains found buried in a wooded area behind the former Ada H. Lewis Middle School in Northwest Philadelphia are those of Kada Scott, a 23-year-old woman who had been missing for about two weeks.
In a statement released by her family this week, Scott was remembered as a source of “light, kindness and beautiful spirit.” They said their hearts are “shattered” and asked for prayers. She was reported missing after leaving an overnight shift at her job in Chestnut Hill.
Scott lived in Councilmember Anthony Phillips’ 9th District. The Council approved Resolution #250921, sponsored by Phillips, honoring Scott with a moment of silence.
As a result of Scott’s death, the Council approved Resolution #250927, introduced by Jones on behalf of President Kenyatta Johnson, which authorized the Committee on Public Safety to hold a hearing to examine the City of Philadelphia’s strategies, laws, and policies for protecting victims of abuse and domestic violence within the justice system, including the Courts, the Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, and the Philadelphia Police Department. There is no information yet on when the hearing will take place.
Phillips’ District office has been accepting donations this week to support the Scott family during this heartbreaking time — including self-care items, non-perishable food, and gift cards for meals or general stores. These gifts will go directly to Kada’s mother, father, and high school-aged sister.
Donations can be dropped off at Philadelphia’s Wadsworth District Office, located at 1514 Wadsworth Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19150. The office will be open on Saturday, October 25, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. For more information, contact Phillips’ office at (215) 686-3454.
Council President Johnson, Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson, and Minority Leader Brooks (both At-Large) released statements on Scott’s passing.
Brooks and O’Rourke attended vigils in memory of Scott this week.
Councilmember Bass sent a letter to the School District of Philadelphia officials calling for the immediate demolition of the Ada Lewis Middle School, citing it as a site linked with criminal activity and tragic violence.
The building is in Bass’s District posted a letter on social media.
Keon King, 21, of Dover, Delaware, has been arrested and charged with murder, theft, robbery, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and other offenses. The murder investigation remains ongoing.
COUNCILMEMBERS VISITED HOBOKEN, NJ THIS WEEK TO LOOK AT THAT CITY’S VISION ZERO SAFETY EFFORTS
Council President Johnson, Councilmember Phillips, and Pennsylvania State Representatives Darisha Parker (18th State House District / Philadelphia County) and Napoleon Nelson (154th State House District / Montgomery County) traveled to Hoboken, New Jersey, on October 22 for an educational visit to examine Hoboken’s successful Vision Zero transportation safety initiatives.
Hoboken is widely recognized as having one of the most successful Vision Zero programs in the United States. The last traffic-related fatality in Hoboken occurred in January 2017, according to Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla’s office.
This week’s visit included meetings with Mayor Bhalla and Hoboken officials, Philadelphia City Council members and their staff, leadership from the Philadelphia Parking Authority, and leaders of local community groups. This trip was organized in partnership with the Philadelphia Crosstown Coalition’s Safe Streets Committee and the Queen Village Neighbors Association, among other groups.
The purpose was to exchange ideas and best practices between city officials, give participants a chance to see Hoboken’s projects firsthand, and foster relationships between elected officials and staff from both cities.
Hoboken lies along the Hudson River, directly across from New York City. It has approximately 61,000 residents and is the birthplace and hometown of the late singer and actor Frank Sinatra. Several streets and parks in the city are named after him.
SATURDAYS WITH CITY COUNCIL RADIO SHOW AIRS LIVE ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25
Tune in and listen to the Saturdays with City Council radio show on Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on WURD Radio (900 AM/96.1 FM) or online at wurdradio.com.
Council Communications Director Vincent Thompson hosts the show, which features news and updates about the City Council and government issues at the local, state, and federal levels.
Vincent’s guests this week will include Councilmember Phillips and a discussion of the 30th Anniversary of the Million Man March. A rally is taking place in Center City, Philadelphia, on October 26.
The Saturdays with City Council radio shows will air on WURD Radio on November 8 and 22, both from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
PHILADELPHIA TO CELEBRATE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MILLION MAN MARCH ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26
Thirty years ago, on October 16, 1995, nearly two million African American men gathered peacefully on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for the Million Man March. Thousands of men from Philadelphia attended that original march, including Councilmember Jones (4th District) and several City Council staff members.
The Philly Truce Foundation and partners have invited African American men and their supporters to participate in the nation’s largest 30th-anniversary tribute to the Million Man March, which concludes with the “Brotherly Action 5K Walk” on Sunday, October 26.
People will gather at locations in North, West, and South Philadelphia, starting at 8 a.m. on October 26, then walk to LOVE Park in Center City starting at 9 a.m. The goal is for everyone to arrive at LOVE Park (15th and John F. Kennedy Boulevard) by 10:30 a.m. to join a rally from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Event organizers are urging Philadelphians to honor and remember this history, to renew the commitment to atonement and accountability called for in 1995, and to continue working toward a more just and fair future.
For more details on the Million Man March 30th Anniversary event in Philadelphia, visit https://phillytruce.com/
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28 IS THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR A MAIL-IN BALLOT TO VOTE IN PENNSYLVANIA’S NOVEMBER 4 ELECTION
Any registered voter in Pennsylvania can choose to vote by mail ballot in the upcoming November 4 General Election, and the deadline to apply is Oct. 28.
The county elections office must receive those ballots by 8 p.m. on Election Day. An interactive map of mail ballot drop-off locations is available here.
The deadline for Pennsylvanians to register to vote in the upcoming Nov. 4 election was October 20.
In Philadelphia, voters will choose candidates for Philadelphia District Attorney and City Controller, as well as judges for Philadelphia Common Pleas and Municipal Courts, and for Pennsylvania Supreme, Commonwealth, and Superior Courts.
The Philadelphia City Commissioner’s Office has set up satellite election offices in all 10 council districts. Election workers are ready to help eligible residents and provide mail ballots on demand, allowing voters to request, fill out, and return their ballots in a single visit.
All satellite election offices will be open seven days a week leading up to Election Day. Hours of operation will be Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A complete list of Satellite Election Office locations is available here.
For more information, contact the City Commissioners’ Office at 215-686-8683 (VOTE).
NEXT COUNCIL SESSION IS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30
City Council’s next Stated Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 30 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time at Philadelphia City Council Chambers, Room 400 (Fourth Floor), Philadelphia City Hall.
The public can watch City Council sessions live in Philadelphia on Xfinity Channel 64, Fios Channel 40, streamed live at PHLCouncil.com/watch or heard on WURD Radio (900 AM/96.1FM) from 10a.m.-1 p.m.
Note: Thank you to the City Commissioner’s Office, Associated Press, pa.gov, and the Offices of Councilmembers Anthony Phillips, Cindy Bass, Katherine Gilmore Richardson and Council President Kenyatta Johnson for providing information for this edition of the Weekly Report.
