Votes at a glance: Council session March 20, 2025 — HUD resolution, zoning change, PMA oversight and multiple ceremonial recognitions

This summary captures the formal actions, recorded votes, and next steps from Philadelphia City Council's March 20 session. It lists bills and resolutions that were introduced, amended, adopted or placed on final-passage calendars during the meeting.

Key outcomes

- Resolution 250221 — Condemning proposed HUD funding cuts: Adopted (moved by Councilmember Ruth C. Landau). Voice vote; clerk recorded adoption. The resolution expresses council opposition to federal cuts to HUD that witnesses said would harm housing programs.

- Bill 240427 — Amendment to Section 14-305 (Nonconformities): Passed final reading; roll-call recorded 15 ayes, 2 nays. Sponsor: Councilmember Jeffrey J. Young (Fifth District). The ordinance clarifies that a property that changed use without obtaining a required zoning permit cannot later claim by-right status of a prior grandfathered use.

- Bill 250100 — Sidewalk encroachment (177 Markle Street): Passed final reading (recorded vote: 17–0). Ordinance authorizes a sidewalk-cafe–style encroachment at a specified address under conditions listed in the bill.

- Bill 250147 — Encroachment authorization (5801 North Broad Street): Passed final reading (recorded vote: 17–0). Ordinance authorizes an encroachment for the Philippian Baptist Church (or subsequent owner) at the listed address.

- Bill 250066 — Additional penalties for underground permitting violations (Chapter 11-200): Council adopted an amendment to the bill during the session; the amended bill was placed on the final-passage calendar for the next council meeting.

- Privileged resolution (Committee on Legislative Oversight) — Philadelphia Museum of Art oversight hearings: Adopted. Committee authorized to hold hearings into the PMA's status, conditions, operations and economic factors; hearings to be scheduled by the Committee on Legislative Oversight.

- Ceremonial and appointment actions: Multiple privileged resolutions recognizing organizations and individuals were adopted on final passage, including declaring March as National Nutrition Month (Vetri Community Partnership), Creative and Nighttime Economies and Arts in Education Month, honoring Victim Witness Services of South Philadelphia (35 years), honoring the life and legacy of Judge Phyllis W. Beck, declaring National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week (March 17–21), recognizing women leading health/wellness initiatives (Lozada resolution), honoring Nicole Bartlett, and recognizing Philadelphia Gas Works employees on Natural Gas Utility Workers Day. Several non-privileged appointment resolutions for Citizens Police Oversight Commission members were read and placed on the final-passage calendar for a future session.

Other notes

- The mayor submitted a communication requesting repeal of a package of ordinances tied to a proposed new arena project (multiple bill numbers listed). The message was read into the record and printed; no repeal vote occurred on March 20.

- Many items introduced during the session were placed on the final-passage calendar for the next scheduled meeting; others were approved on final reading after roll-call votes.

Ending: This roundup lists formal council actions on March 20. For full text of each ordinance and the official roll-call record, consult the council clerk's printed minutes and the city's legislative database.