[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6612602,"mediaKeyId","2890646-2b04f02408e648f271e1a804019cf442","parentId",2890646,"title","Town hall attendees urge council to save 0‑fare SEPTA program as enrollment faces cut in June","audioSeconds",319,"startMs",6461000,"endMs",6780000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2890646-2b04f02408e648f271e1a804019cf442&start=6461&end=6780","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2890646-2b04f02408e648f271e1a804019cf442/thumbnail_6461000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6612602/Philadelphia-City/Philadelphia-County/Pennsylvania/Town-hall-attendees-urge-council-to-save-0fare-SEPTA-program-as-enrollment-faces-cut-in-June","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6612602-adb814c614b315c1cc2b36b3fe459446/orig.mp4?Expires=1771008940&Signature=Pq-hQ-JT9w5GmU7eZsDPQBzUnDG0mreL2UD6Qz-iEJPsTw3qwKGGkHmNGL5b5caWPgfPlJFOK1uQv-7BF7oIzogmbywKcYaKv8Ovy-aZOj8zSg~mUPvO-NgwSGJNJwrWBhcljPmVjdLtgMHH6dwKsemD8e2MZ2mka13kf8aIUQsl--7DaQ9GTZxOrCg1OccNVQoz9AV1GZ87LnBgSCaq~8hI3ECmaRYPEWeGOPp2wp3Ah-66PAJWJRhWMwLPNwqSqSQee6jbtx9VwrrpG252xbXe21wwbjtSFd9UprTKoJ1FBo4cHNo2qbvRiAKQLwuVeS3PWj~2UQmnZ6PFloVJlA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Philadelphia City Council","date","2025-04-07T14:55:19.9Z","article","A town hall participant who helps organize on transit issues told City Council members that the city plans to end a local 0‑fare transit program that enrolled thousands of low‑income riders, and urged council to preserve the benefit.

Emma (last name not provided at the microphone) said the city’s 0‑fare program had roughly 15,000 signups and that the administration had decided to cut the program as of June, potentially affecting daily commute access for many riders. She emphasized the program’s early‑morning and evening use and said discontinuing it could reduce ridership and the sense of safety that comes from fuller trains and buses.

Councilmembers at the meeting said there is “a lot of support” on council for keeping 0‑fare programs and that they would push back during budget negotiations. At the town hall, council staff asked beneficiaries to provide contact information and experiences so members can make an evidentiary case during budget hearings; a staff contact number was provided to gather stories and participants’ details.

No formal action was taken at the town hall; councilmembers urged residents who use or benefit from the program to contact council offices so members can press the administration during upcoming negotiations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Your City, Your Budget - City Council Town Hall Meeting - April 1st 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A city resident and SEPTA user told council the administration plans to end the 0‑fare program that enrolled roughly 15,000 riders; councilmembers said there is strong support on council and asked beneficiaries to contact offices with their experiences.","taxTitle","Philadelphia City, Philadelphia County , Pennsylvania","taxId",80615,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6612606,"Neighborhoods press council for $10M proactive rental inspection, home‑repair funds and action on vacant properties",2851,2198000,5049000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2890646-2b04f02408e648f271e1a804019cf442&start=2198&end=5049","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2890646-2b04f02408e648f271e1a804019cf442/thumbnail_2198000.jpg","/articles/6612606/Philadelphia-City/Philadelphia-County/Pennsylvania/Neighborhoods-press-council-for-10M-proactive-rental-inspection-homerepair-funds-and-action-on-vacant-properties","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6612606-a8e132f914cb8f6eba90fd649776bb89/orig.mp4?Expires=1771008940&Signature=Pqfzuh2wQEh-HQ1lkFKukAkfDZMELDAROIot5Fxjbhznf2AE03ty0gPXiCYek0a5SwJHgzqhjHV1A6RR3U3jSbEo7wKwZiM8pDSiAv6VJRyG4DJ67Gor8V5ChtgRZK2ZdmY2dvl6YzpBCJCJYizu1OoxZx5BkU99pRzADEbWNPpIfWy43B7fXfEYBhKADVRmoIFP2hqXDuQa~idVHgiZGHtOGo5vjGdxKLfZ0vdTJvGFXAhXC~sPxyxp6uslQemaIzqtxu6tusSg00jeXudV6DEzgmuNLIhBPI~CBnnGsjAXNiHIO1~n9UvWZBGKLAbNGBF~B1Jvl~5DCS0l6ahJiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a town hall focused on the FY2026 budget, neighborhood advocates urged Philadelphia City Council to fund proactive rental inspections and expanded home‑repair programs to help low‑income homeowners and renters.

Representatives from 1 PA West and Southwest told council they seek $10,000,000 for proactive rental inspection and another $10,000,000 for home repairs for low‑income homeowners and seniors. A speaker identified as Rena said the funds are needed to hire inspectors for the Department of Licenses & Inspections and to address unsafe wiring, plumbing and other hazards in rental units.

Councilmembers responding said they have been pursuing proactive rental inspection planning. Council President Kenyatta Johnson noted that Minority Whip Councilmember Nicholas O’Rourke recently held a hearing on proactive rental inspections and that the L&I commissioner has commissioned a mapping study of how the city could implement inspections.

On home repairs, budget staff pointed to the mayor’s proposed $800,000,000 HOME program and said the proposal includes staff and funding that could support basic systems repair. Councilmember Jamie Gauthier and others said the mayor’s housing proposal could fund repair grants that target low‑income homeowners.

Speakers also raised abandoned and vacant properties that have caused damage to neighboring homes and reduced property values. Councilmembers said legal and enforcement constraints can slow remedies when a privately owned lot or building is abandoned and that offices including L&I and the city solicitor’s office will review options. A local resident asked that council follow up to determine whether specific vacant properties could be recommended for demolition or other enforcement actions.

No formal funding decisions were made at the town hall; councilmembers said they will consider the requests during budget negotiations and follow up with constituents.","Multiple residents and advocacy groups told council the city needs stronger proactive rental inspections, expanded home‑repair funding and faster enforcement on abandoned properties; councilmembers cited potential funding through the mayor’s housing proposal and other programs.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6612611,"Residents press council to restore Office of Homeless Services funding; Atlee House cited as street‑level need",217,1123000,1340000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2890646-2b04f02408e648f271e1a804019cf442&start=1123&end=1340","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2890646-2b04f02408e648f271e1a804019cf442/thumbnail_1123000.jpg","/articles/6612611/Philadelphia-City/Philadelphia-County/Pennsylvania/Residents-press-council-to-restore-Office-of-Homeless-Services-funding-Atlee-House-cited-as-streetlevel-need","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6612611-cef4bab4b23315558853d66b3558267f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771008940&Signature=WsscMZkHK9w6tsMhTDxRwuTsGb0CWIQKoxIQ7wSA7~bmy7-XkUAX9QY1aW~69lWEyn6iu0-oIc28XCol7BIvAF1~LrloPE4AHQ3r-XbnajEF1QsZsIv7L04Y1i4xwAHXEQbU11HaIsfKjcikuflzzpJ2kXsG7Zd9PELrZycgMFIEjsgagXOmGP2bdPKglExwwLhFnSP~WYThp54SJ1xe6kte982GK5Ty9yPyUUNn-l3MP8VCBsENOB8gA8uiCBxdyDcZFZfdWEutMqS2drisAX6WdbD9YRhmy5Zg1pfEjCTh95YJx-DkQWugL~kfccTpVcOsxjHLXrBFAmgibIu~nA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents and advocates at a city budget town hall urged council to reverse proposed reductions to homeless services and to invest in shelter capacity and street outreach.

At the meeting, a resident identified as Miss Riddick asked whether funding for the Office of Homeless Services (OHS) was part of the city budget and noted a “$5,000,000 reduction in OHS's budget as compared to last year.” A councilmember present agreed the reduction exists and said she and colleagues “will be advocating and addressing the issue” and named the Atlee House shelter specifically as a local facility they support.

Council President Kenyatta Johnson and Councilmember Jamie Gauthier both spoke from the dais about ongoing advocacy. Gauthier said her office has a working group looking at homelessness comprehensively and framed the topic in moral terms: “it's the morally right thing to do.”

Residents told council they are seeing increased street homelessness and asked for investments in shelter systems, supportive housing and outreach. Council members responded that they will seek additional resources and push the administration for funding during council’s budget negotiations.

No formal vote or binding action occurred at the town hall; speakers asked councilmembers to include homelessness increases and shelter needs in their negotiations with the mayor’s office.","Speakers at a Southwest Philadelphia budget town hall urged council to restore a reported $5 million cut to the Office of Homeless Services and to prioritize shelter and street outreach; council members said they will advocate for additional funding in negotiations.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6612616,"Philadelphia council budget presentation highlights $2.3B operating plan, business and wage tax changes",700,420000,1120000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2890646-2b04f02408e648f271e1a804019cf442&start=420&end=1120","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2890646-2b04f02408e648f271e1a804019cf442/thumbnail_420000.jpg","/articles/6612616/Philadelphia-City/Philadelphia-County/Pennsylvania/Philadelphia-council-budget-presentation-highlights-23B-operating-plan-business-and-wage-tax-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6612616-e88aa19a8e1a4d7519f44ff12e9a918b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771008940&Signature=ItPQjg3pp6fcOoesursdqg4EcMOZM8FPDy1HvkSzLUtt6aADJlgJmwz7A~qmewefBBcZl4JApYwekS-KK9B7rXoCK4xCsMniLodzDvt1cQYbCM9IfssXSM1h1siJEUm~MZeAFOS9JwjjR4Lr4BQCPrQRegPLMLs9PLv8yaCc41IeZnt3TC4rVQ1oQBHheD~ERdtT2XXLjjDf84VW-6tuhF1YwXdlX6DBjFGNGRIQrLIIje84WribtF8sE9U9bC0rFZ73sv4sdEzD47V9YdUHxJ8~zGwYPcmBxgKkGwYtlf87s5zi9ya6L4tLhL~z96Chdm2zk2LTppytOO9Bs9HptA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Council budget staff on Tuesday laid out the broad contours of the mayor’s proposed fiscal 2026 budget, emphasizing multi‑year operating and capital commitments and a package of tax changes aimed at economic competitiveness and housing funding.

Helen Lawhead, budget director for City Council, described the proposal as a starting point for council review and community input. “Over the next 5 years, this proposal includes $2,300,000,000 in operating spending,” Lawhead said during a presentation, and she added the plan includes $1,470,000,000 in new capital investments.

The proposal includes multiple tax changes. Lawhead said the fiscal plan would reduce the business income and receipts tax (BIRT/BERT) and cut the wage tax for residents and nonresidents who work in the city. To respond to a legal challenge to the city’s small‑business exemption, the presentation said the plan would provide $30,000,000 per year (about $150,000,000 over five years) to support businesses that lose the prior $100,000 exemption.

The proposal also ties tax policy to the city’s housing goals. Lawhead said the administration proposes eliminating the construction impact tax to lower development costs and increasing the real‑estate transfer tax and the document‑recording fee to help fund housing programs.

Councilmember Jamie Gauthier framed the budget as more than numbers. “A budget is a moral document,” Gauthier said, urging residents to weigh priorities in the public conversation.

Lawhead listed several priority areas in the draft. The operating proposal includes about $356,000,000 in new spending in FY2026 with the largest share for public safety; the capital plan projects $337,200,000 in new spending focused on public safety and economic development. The presentation also referenced targeted investments: a five‑year, $67,000,000 allocation for a new forensic science center; $25,000,000 for anti‑violence grants; and a proposed $800,000,000 program referred to in the presentation as “HOME” (the Housing Opportunities Made Easy program) with associated staff for Planning and Development.

Council leaders emphasized that the document presented at the town hall is a proposal and that council will negotiate changes before adoption. Residents at the meeting asked for clarity about how proposed tax changes would affect schools, small businesses and neighborhood investments.","Council budget staff outlined the mayor’s FY2026 proposal, including $2.3 billion in operating spending over five years, proposed reductions to business and wage taxes, and an $800 million housing initiative labeled “HOME.” Council members said they will hear community feedback before negotiating the final budget.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Town hall attendees urge council to save 0‑fare SEPTA program as enrollment faces cut in June

Neighborhoods press council for $10M proactive rental inspection, home‑repair funds and action on vacant properties

Residents press council to restore Office of Homeless Services funding; Atlee House cited as street‑level need

Philadelphia council budget presentation highlights $2.3B operating plan, business and wage tax changes