⚖️ Shapiro ready if Trump sends National Guard

⚖️ What Happens Next in Philly Politics?

It’s been far from a relaxing summer in Philly, from a labor strike to a collapsing transit system. Those disputes linger as City Council prepares to return Sept. 11 for a new legislative year, even as our state lawmakers are still in disagreement over a state budget that was due back in June. So what can we expect in local politics this fall? [🎧 City Cast Philly]

💰 Uber Could Fund SEPTA, on One Condition

With the “tush push” now officially sponsored by DUDE Wipes, Uber’s now trying to sponsor PA’s public transit. The rideshare company is open to the state taxing ride-hailing trips but only if lawmakers classify its drivers as independent contractors instead of employees, limiting labor protections and benefits. [CBS Philly, Spotlight PA]

• Related: Lawmakers will need to find a solution soon as SEPTA has been further limited in its ability to raise more money. The agency paused its planned fare hike due to a court ruling and it’s refunding commuters who paid the increased price for weekly and monthly passes. [KYW]

🚨 DoD To Train in Philly Until Saturday

The Department of Defense is running routine drills throughout the week in cities across the country, including parts of Philadelphia. The drills come ahead of major events in 2026, including the FIFA World Club. [NBC10]

🇺🇸 Pa’s Ready if Trump Sends National Guard

The drills may have caused alarm as residents wonder if the National Guard deployment in D.C. could happen here. If that does become the case, Gov. Shapiro said his administration is “prepared for whatever the White House may try and send our way.” [City Cast DC, 🔒 The Inquirer]

• Related: District Attorney Larry Krasner recently denounced the threat of federal intervention, pointing to Philadelphia’s declining violent crime stats, and advised Philadelphians to remain vigilant. [The Trace]

From September to June, City Council meets on most Thursdays for “stated meetings” to introduce and vote on bills and resolutions addressing issues ranging from housing to public health to safety. While it’s up to City Council to pass or reject proposed legislation before it reaches the mayor’s desk, Philadelphians have the right to voice how the proposals may impact their lives and try to sway City Council’s decisions.

Here’s how you can be part of this process.

Prepare Your Statement in Advance

If you’d like to give public testimony, be sure to prepare ahead of time. Public testimony is supposed to be limited to legislation up for vote that day (although that hasn’t stopped commenters from going off-script in the past). You can find the upcoming agenda on Legistar and use its search tool to find more information on specific legislation.

Thoroughly research your topic. This is your opportunity to convince councilmembers why they should or shouldn’t support the bill or resolution. Gather the facts to back up your argument but also draw from your personal experiences to make your statement impactful. Consider the people you may wish to advocate for who are unable to attend.

Speakers are usually given three minutes to speak, but that can be shortened if there are too many speakers to get through. Consider timing yourself and concisely practice the key points you’d like to make, so you don’t get cut off mid-sentence.

Sign Up To Speak

If you’d like to give a comment at a stated meeting, call 215-686-3406 before 3 p.m. the day before the meeting to submit your information. You’ll be asked to give the following:

• Full name, including pronunciation and spelling
• The bill or resolution you intend to address
• Whether you support or oppose the proposed legislation
• Contact information

You can also sign up the day of the meeting at Room 400 in City Hall. If you need any assistance such as language interpretation or disability accommodations, you can alert the Chief Clerk’s Office. Written comments can be sent to [email protected].