🚘 Parker vs. Uber

First Week of Pride Month Marred by Controversy

Philly Pride is this weekend, but not everyone is in a party mood. Some attendees are displeased that the festival is not in the Gayborhood, with bar owners worrying that the move will hurt business. Meanwhile a much smaller parade at a Philly elementary school was targeted online by a polarizing conservative social media account. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Parker on Budget: ‘Billionaire Tech Companies Won’

In a preliminary vote on the city budget, City Council rejected proposed taxes on tech companies including Uber and Lyft, but still allocated an additional $48 million to the school district. Stung by the rejection of her plan to use a $1 tax on Uber & Lyft rides to fund schools, Mayor Parker fired back against the rideshare companies, saying that “asking and expecting them to contribute more to the city they profit from is not unreasonable or illogical.” [6ABC, NBC10]

City Council Gets Sticker Shock, Moves To Buy Police HQ

While the city figures how to cover its budget without implementing new taxes, it’s taking on even more debt. City Council approved, grudgingly, a one-time chance to buy the police headquarters for $200 million or risk paying an increase of nearly $30 million in rent each year. [🔒 The Inquirer]

• Related: The police department’s landlord, developer Bart Blatstein, also owns the site of the former Riverview Plaza, which was supposed to be revived with a new movie theater. But that fell through after Apple Cinemas said Blatstein did not honor the lease. [Philly Voice]

Parker Admin and City Council Split Over Assistance Program

City Council will consider a proposal to expand eligibility requirements for the Tiered Assistance Program to help Philadelphians at risk of having their water shut off. Bills are already expected to go up $7 in September to cover the Philadelphia Water Department’s operations and the growth of TAP. [Billy Penn]

No Late Night Liquor Until Permits Clear

Several bars that applied for special permits to extend operating hours until 4 a.m. during the World Cup are still anxiously awaiting approval, with the tournament just days away. Business owners hope to make more money while serving visitors who aren’t ready to call it quits early. [CBS Philly]

• Related: Grab a drink at one of these local watch parties during the games. [📝 City Cast Philly]

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