Philadelphia City Council is gearing up for its spring session with a focus on tackling key issues such as housing inequality, homelessness, the opioid crisis, and the city's budget. New legislation protecting undocumented immigrants and improving the 311 system is also on the horizon.
City Council is set to return from its annual winter break to start the spring legislative session, and many members are eager to tackle a range of issues. Addressing housing, homelessness, and poverty are top priorities for Council President Kenyatta Johnson , who aims to get a city budget passed by June.Several key areas are generating significant interest this spring.
Council members are exploring legislation to protect undocumented immigrants in anticipation of the new presidential administration. Some members are proposing housing initiatives and tax cuts, while others are focused on improving the city's 311 line.Before the first meeting of the year even took place, a committee of Council members held a lengthy hearing on the city's preparedness for the new administration. Lawmakers are considering specific protections to bolster Philadelphia's code and exploring services the city can offer to immigrant groups. The Council President's focus remains on the city budget, and Mayor Cherelle L. Parker is expected to deliver her budget proposal in March. Her proposal is likely to include adjustments to the city's revenue streams, either through changing the tax structure or cutting rates. A business-friendly advisory committee is expected to release its report in mid-February, informing the mayor's budget and Council's deliberations. Council members will then engage in a series of public hearings and behind-closed-door discussions to finalize the budget, aiming to pass it in June. Mayor Parker's priorities this year align with those of the Council, particularly in addressing housing inequality and the persistent drug trafficking issues in Kensington. Councilmember Mike Driscoll plans to introduce a resolution to hold hearings on improving the efficiency and communication of the city's 311 line.
Philadelphia City Council Kenyatta Johnson Cherelle Parker Budget Housing Immigration 311
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