The Philadelphia City Council did not hold a session on May 22 and will have its next meeting on Thursday, May 29, starting at 10 a.m.

Philadelphia voters approved three changes to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter. This Charter establishes the framework for municipal government and serves as the city’s constitution. Three ballot questions, sponsored by members of the City Council, were approved by voters in the May 20 primary election.

Ballot Question #1, sponsored by Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson (At-Large), creates an Ombudsperson for the office of homeless services. The ombudsperson will help homeless individuals access the services needed and will work with the office of homeless services to improve the services the city provides to this population.

Ballot Question #2, sponsored by councilmember Jamie Gauthier (District 3), mandates additional dedicated funding for the Housing Trust Fund, which is used to build and maintain affordable housing.
The additional amount would equal the money developers pay the city each year in exchange for zoning benefits. Gauthier estimates this could add about $5 million annually to the Housing Trust Fund.

Ballot Question #3, sponsored by councilmember Isaiah Thomas (At-Large), proposes the creation of an independent community oversight board for Philadelphia’s prisons and a prison oversight office.
It also authorizes city council to determine the composition, powers, and responsibilities of the board and office.

Under the current home rule charter, an advisory council known as the Philadelphia prison board of trustees adopts rules and guidelines for the city’s prisons.
Philadelphia residents voted to replace the prison board of trustees with a new city office headed by a director of prison oversight and a community oversight board for Philadelphia prisons.

The office of prison oversight would be responsible for reviewing policies, investigating practices, and recommending changes in the department of prisons. It would also support the work of the community oversight board, which would hold regular public meetings and advise on how to improve and make prison operations in the city more just.

These ballot questions were proposed by city council and aim to modify key aspects of local government. Ultimately, they seek to reflect the current priorities of Philadelphia voters.

For more information: phila.gov