Councilmember Cindy Bass addresses costs and youth programs in Philadelphia's Eighth District

Cindy Bass, representing Philadelphia's Eighth Council District, highlighted the urgent need for budget adjustments due to skyrocketing project costs during the recent FY26 Budget Town Hall Meeting. Notably, the budget for Barrett Playground has nearly doubled from $9 million to almost $20 million, raising concerns about funding sources as expenses continue to rise.

Bass emphasized the importance of local hiring in community projects, advocating for local institutions to lead development efforts. She expressed optimism about expanding this initiative citywide, ensuring neighborhood residents have opportunities to participate in local projects.

In addition to infrastructure concerns, Bass announced a job fair on May 10 at Community College of Philadelphia, aimed at connecting young people with workforce development programs and apprenticeship opportunities. She underscored the city's commitment to diversity and inclusion in hiring, promising to investigate how many young people have benefited from the Rebuild initiative.

Addressing community concerns about youth engagement, Bass acknowledged the need for better promotion of available programs. She encouraged parents to actively seek out opportunities for their children, noting that many city-sponsored activities are free.

As the meeting concluded, Bass reiterated her commitment to follow up on the participation rates of young people in city projects, reinforcing the importance of community involvement in shaping Philadelphia's future.