🚘 PPA contract with DHS under scrutiny

Summer break is officially over for Philadelphia City Council as its members return to chambers today. Legislators are hoping for a fresh start after a taxing budget battle that left many not fully satisfied. This will also be a critical legislative year for City Council, as all 17 seats are up for election in 2027. Here’s what’s on the agenda as City Council kicks off the new legislative year.

• Will Philly Keep Burning Trash? Councilmember Jamie Gauthier is trying to prohibit Philadelphia from sending its trash for incineration in the neighboring city of Chester. Earlier this year Gauthier’s “Stop Trashing Our Air Act” failed to garner support from most of her colleagues and Mayor Parker, who plans to renew a contract with the incineration facility Reworld. Gauthier still hopes to drum up support from her colleagues to block the renewal, with a final vote scheduled today.
• Save Our Murals. Another ordinance up for final passage today would require building permit applicants to alert the Department of Licenses & Inspections if a property has a mural. The update comes amid calls for certain murals in the city to be eligible for protection through the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places.
• Loose Ends To Tie Up. With an upcoming election just ahead, councilmembers are laying out their priorities, which include proposing new protections for temporary workers and renters, reviewing property tax relief options, and cracking down on nuisance businesses.
• Arena Déjà Vu. This legislative season could spark talks over a new Sixers-Flyers-WNBA arena, after renderings for the proposed facility were released last week. Despite plans to open in 2030, no zoning legislation is scheduled to be introduced today. That’s likely because council members are treading carefully after plans for a controversial Center City arena fell through in 2025.
• Testify to Council. If you want to sway councilmembers on a piece of legislation, here’s how to sign up for public comment and how to prepare. Find the full agenda for today’s meeting on Legistar.
• Can’t Make It? All City Council meetings are streamed online and available to watch on Channel 64 for Xfinity customers and Channel 40 for Fios customers.

Will the PPA Keep Selling Parking Spots to ICE?

Protesters are demanding that the Philadelphia Parking Authority end its partnership with the Department of Homeland Security, the agency that includes ICE. The agreement provides federal agents 16 indoor parking spots. The contract is set to end on Sept. 29, and it’s not known whether the PPA will renew it. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Violence Plummets in Philly Schools

Philly schools confiscated 171 weapons last academic year, a 67% drop from 2021-2022. Officials hope to keep the downward trend in violence going with conflict mediation training and “care sessions.” [Chalkbeat]

14,000 Tons of Garbage Illegally Dumped Across Philly

Cleanup between October 2024 and September 2025 cost taxpayers nearly $9 million. In the past 11 years, the 19134 ZIP code recorded a whopping 17,359 illegal dumping reports, the most in the city. [Philly Voice]

Philly Keeps Title As an Asthma Capital

Philadelphia ranked fourth in the country for asthma, with a high prevalence rate and mortality rate. Possible factors contributing to this include healthcare costs, tobacco exposure, and poor air quality. [🔒 Chestnut Hill Local]

Every Thursday, we highlight shoutouts from our City Cast Philly Neighbors. Become a member to tell us what you love about Philly.

Thanks, Sarah! If you’re looking for more places to grab a drink, here are our recommendations for coffee shops and breweries.