City Council mandates financial literacy in high schools starting 2026

The Philadelphia City Council held a town hall meeting on May 27, 2025, to discuss the upcoming FY26 budget and address community concerns. Key topics included the need for improved public services, particularly in education and community engagement.

One resident emphasized the importance of maintaining local pools, expressing concern over inadequate facilities and the need for better management of public resources. They criticized the current bidding process for city contracts, arguing that it often leads to subpar work and long delays in repairs, particularly in schools. The speaker called for greater accountability and community involvement in local governance, urging residents to advocate for their neighborhoods.

Another significant discussion point was the need for financial literacy education in schools. A former substitute teacher raised questions about the budget's provisions for trade and financial literacy programs, highlighting the importance of preparing students for the workforce. Council members responded by outlining plans to make financial literacy a mandatory part of the high school curriculum, particularly in the senior year, to better equip students for adult life.

Additionally, the council announced the distribution of an apprenticeship guidebook, which details various apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs available in the city. This initiative aims to connect young people with job training opportunities and help them transition into the workforce.

The meeting concluded with a call for community collaboration and participation in local governance, emphasizing that residents must work together to address the challenges facing their neighborhoods. The council expressed gratitude for the turnout and encouraged ongoing dialogue between constituents and their representatives.