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City Cast Philly

Siani Colón

We’re a month away from Pennsylvania’s primary election, when voters will decide who will appear on November’s ballot, including candidates for key positions like the 

Before casting your vote on May 19, make a plan. Here are the important deadlines to remember as Election Day approaches.

The deadline to register to vote or update your registration before the primary is 

, calling 1-877-VOTESPA, or reaching the Philadelphia County Voter Registration office at 215-686-1590.

. You can also register in person at 520 N. Columbus Blvd. 5th floor (Voter Registration Office), City Hall Room 402 (Philadelphia County Board of Elections), or a 

If you prefer to use mail, print an application online or grab one at the post office, the Free Library of Philadelphia, state liquor stores, or certain government offices. 

You’ll need to update your registration if you have moved or changed your name since the last time you voted.

deadline is also your last chance to update your party affiliation before the election. Pennsylvania is a closed primary state, meaning that you can only vote for candidates in the same political party as you, Democrat or Republican. Independent or nonaffiliated voters cannot vote for a candidate during this election, but you can vote on the 

. These voters can fully participate in November's general election.

If you cannot physically make it to the polls, you can request either an absentee ballot or a mail-in ballot by 

. The Philadelphia County Board of Elections must receive your application by 

 by people who will be away from the city on Election Day or are in the military. In the case of an emergency, 

last-minute absentee ballots can be requested

. Mail-in ballots are available to all eligible voters. You can also decide if you want a one-time mail-in ballot or apply to be an 

 is Election Day. The county election board must receive your mail-in ballot or civilian absentee ballot on this day by 

If you are voting in person, polls are open from 

Make sure you’re set to participate in this May’s election by following this list.


Register To Vote Before the 2026 Pennsylvania Primary Election

Your 2026 May Primary Checklist

What's being decided in Philadelphia City Hall and why it matters. We monitor local elections, political news, and Philadelphia City Council. 

Philly Election and City Hall News

Local Civics

On May 19, Philadelphia voters will choose from a list of candidates vying to become their next governor, lieutenant governor, congressperson, state senator, and state representative. This vote dictates who will advance to November’s general election. Philadelphians will also consider two ballot measures that could change the 

Despite Pennsylvania being a closed primary state, ballot questions will be visible to all voters, even to those unaffiliated with a party. Here's a breakdown of the questions Philly will consider.

Shall the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to provide for the creation of the Philadelphia Retirement Savings Board to oversee a defined contribution retirement program for the benefit of eligible private-sector workers, and to authorize City Council to determine the composition, powers and duties of the board?

 receive retirement income, according to the AARP.

 to establish a retirement savings program known as PhillySaves. This program allows anyone working in the private or nonprofit sector for a Philadelphia-based employer (who does not provide a retirement plan) to be automatically enrolled in the city’s initiative.

The program is modeled after state-run auto-IRA programs, which allow employees to invest via payroll deductions. Although Pennsylvania does not have an auto-IRA program, 

. Philadelphia would not be the first municipality to attempt such a program. New York City and Seattle both passed similar initiatives, but later folded them into their respective state programs.

For PhillySaves, eligible employees would contribute 3% to 6% of their wages to the IRA, and have the option to change their contributions or opt out entirely.

A board of nine appointees would oversee the program. The mayor and City Council President each select four members, while the City Controller chooses one.

If voters vote “yes,” this will approve the creation of the Philadelphia Retirement Savings Board as an independent entity within city government.

Shall the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to provide for the creation of the Office of the Youth Ombudsperson to improve the safety and quality of services for youth placed in juvenile justice, child welfare, and behavioral health residential care facilities, and to authorize City Council to determine additional powers and duties of the Youth Ombudsperson as needed to carry out this mission?

An ombudsperson is a government official designated as a neutral party who advocates on behalf of residents experiencing issues with government-provided services.

 by then-mayor Jim Kenney, but it is not a permanent office. Its formation is one of several recommendations made by the 

 that teens of color were disproportionately being put in residential placement, and their rights to safety and education were not being protected.

Since its creation, its duties include responding to complaints regarding the care of youth in placement, evaluating the quality of care, and providing know-your-rights trainings.

If the majority of voters vote “yes”, this will amend the charter to make it a permanent office for the city.

The city charter requires any city official to resign from their post before campaigning for public office. The only exemption is if they’re running for their current office.

, when six members of City Council, including now-Mayor Cherelle Parker, resigned to run.

officials, and not state and federal officials. For example, 

 was running for the 3rd Congressional District seat until she dropped out at the end of March. She did not have to resign from her post in the State House and is running for reelection in that role this May.

Attempts to amend this rule have failed twice in the voting booth. Councilmember Isaiah Thomas 

 to the legislation: City officials would not resign to run for a state or federal position, but would still be required to resign to campaign for mayor.

Despite support in City Council, Thomas moved to 

 at the end of March, as he's no longer confident in voters’ support of the measure.

Eligible voters can vote in person on May 19 or 

Voters will decide on changes to the city’s charter.

These Are the Ballot Questions Appearing in Philly’s 2026 Primary Election

It’s that time of year again: budget season. In February, Gov. Josh Shapiro made his 

 for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, while Mayor Cherelle Parker proposed a 

 for Philadelphia earlier this month. This kicks off a series of closed-door talks and public hearings leading up to the summer, when both budgets must be passed.

While those tax dollars are usually committed to some fixed costs — like pension funds — there’s still a significant amount of money waiting to be allocated. The question is, to what and how much? Here’s how you can follow and get involved in the budgeting process for the city and state.

You will want to know how the government hopes to spend funds before you form your opinions. Documents for Parker’s budget are 

. The House Appropriations Committee has an 

 that breaks things down all in one place. Fair warning, these documents can be 

If you prefer to listen to the whole thing, you can watch Parker’s entire 

. She appears around the 1:52:00 mark. Shapiro’s budget address can be 

Getting these budgets passed is a matter of negotiations between the governor and lawmakers at the state level, and the mayor and City Council at the municipal level. And as we saw last year with Pennsylvania’s state budget, 

interests by reaching out to them. Write them an email or a letter, or call and leave a voicemail. Not sure what to say? 

 on writing to your elected official. Be straightforward, but share how you’d be personally impacted if certain initiatives or departments receive less funding.

You can find a list of City Councilmembers and their 

City Council gives three opportunities for community members to voice their thoughts on the record about the budget proposal. The upcoming hearings are:

If you are interested in providing public comment you must register to speak by 3 p.m. the day before the session you wish to attend. Sign up by calling 215-686-3407 or email 

 with your full name, whether you support or oppose a particular bill or resolution, phone number, and email address. If you’re signing up on the day of, register at the front desk in Room 400 in City Hall.

At the state capital, public interest groups will rally in support or opposition to a particular cause. If you can make the trip to Harrisburg, you can join these groups to amplify your budget priorities. 

Although there are only three public testimony dates, city offices and departments present testimony to advocate for their agencies at several public hearings. Find a full schedule

. If you cannot attend in person, hearings are 

 live. The Democrats and Republicans run their own Appropriations Committee sites, where you can find videos of past hearings with each department and other documents.

The city hosts Budget Town Halls across each council district to present an overview of the proposed budget. Afterwards, guests can ask questions and provide feedback on the proposal. You can also leave written feedback. As of now, dates haven't been released for this year's town halls.

This article will be updated as more information on budget town halls and hearing schedules is released.

Budget season is officially in full swing at the municipal and state levels. Here’s how you can have a say in where your tax dollars go. 

How To Follow Philly and Pennsylvania’s Budget Process

How Should Philly and Pennsylvania Spend Your Money?

City Cast Philly staff

Over 40 years ago, Philadelphia Mayor W. Wilson Goode Sr. tapped artist and organizer Jane Golden to helm a new city initiative to curb vandalism. Since then, the organization evolved into 

 and has completed over 4,000 murals across the city, earning Philly the title of the “Mural Capital of the World.”

Last August, Golden announced she would step down from her role after the semiquincentennial celebrations. As her time comes to a close, we spoke with her about her legacy, as well as what the future holds for her, Mural Arts, and the arts in the city. 

It was the Spring Garden [Street] Bridge … It's really long. It's like six feet tall and probably each side is like hundreds of feet long. It connects the art museum area to Mantua and Powelton, and it was covered with graffiti. There wasn't a spot on it.

“ When I was hired, it wasn't yet a full-time job. And Wilson Goode said to me, ‘If you can paint that bridge with the kids in Mantua in three weeks … you will have a full-time job, no questions asked.

“ We cleaned it up , but then we decided with the kids, they wanted [the theme to be] life in the city … so it was a lot of young people doing things. And they were working so fast that the other artists, we could barely keep up with them. We painted at night. We had flashlights. We painted on the weekend.

“ There was this big dedication at the end. And Wilson Goode looked at me, he goes, ‘You did it. Under three weeks … you have the job.’

“I'm in touch with some of those young people still as adults. I know their kids. It was such a bonding experience.”

What is that work that you're doing? How would you define that?

“ We're a program that embraces nuance. People have asked me for years, 'cause we have all these different departments. ‘Are you a public safety organization? Is it education? Is it social services? Is it art? You know, what is it?’ And I would say it's all those things with art at the center. And I think it's okay to be that way.”

What have murals done for connections that we have as Philadelphians with our city government?

“ It's important to tap into the collective imagination of Philadelphians and then be able to create these large-scale works of public art that reflect our lives. And at a time when people, the world, seems frayed and divided, what art can do is shine a light on our distinctions … and underscore our commonality and humanity.

“That's what art can do, and that all can create a deeper belief in the city and that city government can be effective and creative. And that's wonderful. It's affirming.”

🎧 Listen to the full conversation here.

The founder and executive director of Mural Arts Philadelphia said that the next person who steps into her role should not only be a person who loves artists, but a person who deeply loves Philadelphia.

Mural Arts Executive Director Leaves Behind Large Artistic Footprint as Retirement Approaches

Mural Arts Founder Jane Golden on Art as a Medium for Beauty, Opportunity, and Democracy

What Philadelphians have been wondering. We break down why things in Philadelphia are the way they are and how they work.

Philly, Explained

The Philadelphia Police Department has recent success to point to. The city had 220 homicides in 2025, 

, and the rate of crime in several categories — including gun robbery and retail theft — dropped from the prior year.

Looking to the future, the PPD developed its first ever 

 to steer the department’s priorities and shift how it polices our community. Last week it launched a 

, which runs through Feb. 11, so Philadelphians can comment on the plan before it’s finalized.

David Zega, executive director for strategic planning for the department, spoke to us about how to get involved in the planning process.

[The strategic plan] was developed in part based on results of a survey that the public took. How many people participated and what were some of the things that they said?

“ Over the past 10 months, 200 individuals from across Philadelphia have come together to build the strategic plan component by component.

“ We had thousands of responses to a survey we put out to get some initial input as well. [We] did 20 listening sessions across the city, six listening sessions internally with our police divisions across the city. All that went into the final draft that is now out for public comment.

The public comment period for the plan is now open and ends February 11th. What does that involve, and what kind of feedback do you want to hear from Philadelphians?

. On the left-hand side, you'll see a blue public comment button. You can click that and read the plan and provide some input and feedback.

”There's some specific questions that we are asking specifically around how we're prioritizing a few different things in the plan. And then a series of open-ended questions where residents or employees in the city of Philadelphia and the department are welcome to submit comment as well.

“We want to consider it all, review it all. After that, we'll be finalizing the plan and publishing it in advance of the mayor’s budget address in March.”

Doing the things that we said we were going to do right and doing them well. Continuing to see the outcomes that we’re seeing in Philadelphia with homicide rates dropping and shooting clearances increasing. Those are the numbers we wanna see. But also internally, how are we measuring success, as the commissioner said, for the men and women who work here? How is their health and wellness? What’s the morale of the department?

​​ ”Making sure that we're tracking those indicators, if we’re on track or off track, and then making those adjustments that are needed along the way.”

🎧 This is an excerpt from a conversation with Zega and Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel. 

Listen to the full version of today’s episode

The purpose of the plan is to create a model for how to be a better police department at all levels. 


Philly Police Soliciting Public Comment on Draft 5-Year Strategic Plan

Philly Police Wants YOU To Give Input On Its Strategic Plan

, we dug into the city’s unusual political practice of “councilmanic prerogative.” This unwritten rule gives district councilmembers the authority to green-light or halt developments within their district. At the center of the most recent debate over the practice is Councilmember Jeffery Young, Jr., and the increased tensions between him and North Philly residents over his refusal to move forward with the reconstruction of the aging Cecil B. Moore Library.

 covers parts of North Philly, the River Wards, and Center City, spoke with City Cast Philly to make his case for why he believes councilmanic prerogative is ultimately positive for his constituents.

You said that this issue over the library, specifically the Cecil B. Moore Library, has ‘sparked strong feelings’, and you said you wanted to see a commitment to equality…Why is it sparking such strong feelings?

“It was almost close to $5 million that was allocated…It's a rehab of that library would have taken place, but again, it does not provide us with the things that we need for the future. And understanding how government works with very, very limited resources, we would have been stuck with that same footprint, that same library for that community for another 60 years.

“That library was built in 1961, which means today my 7- or 8-year-old is gonna be using the same facility that a 7- or 8-year-old used back in 1961. Now you know how technology moves and how things are. This is a totally different world now, and to use that same space, we'll just continue to set our Black and brown kids behind in that community.”

If you don't want something to happen in a district, like bike lanes or zoning changes, then all of City Council will go along with what you say…Do you think that this idea of councilmanic prerogative is a good thing?

“ When folks talk about prerogative, I really believe that it's council members giving deference to their colleagues who represent that area 一 who should best know what the people on the ground in that particular area want to see, want to do. They’re directly held responsible and liable to those people that they represent.

“I don't see many of the negatives that folks claim to exist with the practice of giving your colleagues deference for an area that they know they're an expert on, essentially.”

Do you think that [councilmanic prerogative] stops progress in any way?

“I don’t think it stops progress at all. It adds a community voice to progress.

“If something is stopped, that’s because that’s within the best interest of the community.”

🎧 This is a preview of our conversation with Councilmember Young. 

 for the full interview with the councilmember and City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri.

Councilmember Young believes fellow councilmembers are giving decision-making power to those considered experts in their district. 

Critics Are Wrong, Says Councilmember Young, ‘Councilmanic Prerogative’ is Actually Positive

The secret’s out about Philly. Thanks to the 

one of the best places in the entire world to visit

 next year. The influx of travelers is expected to be an economic boon for the city, but more people mean more mouths to feed. So what is our local government doing to help our restaurant scene gear up for the added crowds?

The city’s outdoor dining options ballooned during the pandemic, enabling restaurants to serve customers while limiting the chance of transmission. But as time went on, many streeteries were dismantled, with restaurant owners 

 and limited locations outside it could operate a sidewalk cafe without the approval of a special zoning ordinance. 

Meredith Ellison of the nonprofit Park to Broad Arts & Business District told City Council last week that out of Brewerytown’s 28 restaurants, only one had gotten approved for such a license.

“Several other businesses have explored the possibility of obtaining a license over the years and have found the process too onerous, costly, and uncertain to undertake,” Ellison said. “As a result, Brewerytown restaurants either miss out on outdoor dining entirely or provide it informally and risk fines from [the Department of] Licenses and Inspections.”

 sponsored by Councilmember Rue Landau to streamline the approval process. If signed into law by Mayor Cherelle Parker, sidewalk cafes would be allowed without an ordinance in business corridors in sections of Manayunk, South Philly, and West Philly.

Getting a reservation at a restaurant these days can be difficult, so 

“reservation scalpers” have been reselling reservations

 on third-party booking sites, leading to price gouging, missed appointments, and financial losses for restaurants.

 to forbid third-party sites from arranging reservations without permission from restaurants.

The restaurant industry supported the measure. “Our city’s dining scene has undeniable momentum right now, now proudly Michelin-recognized,” Zakary Pyzik, senior director of public affairs for the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association, told City Council. “This bill provides clear, sensible protections that will keep restaurants in the driver’s seat and in control of their business and their technology services.”

City Council approved the bill, which now awaits Parker’s signature. If signed, it paves the way for more protections for restaurants in the coming new year.

Philly’s expecting more tourists than usual next year, but local eateries need more support to successfully feed everyone. 

How the City Is Helping Philly Restaurants Prepare for 2026

The Pennsylvania Senate’s education committee 

advanced a bill Tuesday that would forbid cell phone use

 on school campuses, with limited exceptions. The bipartisan bill passed through the committee with a unanimous vote, though some revisions were suggested.

State Sen. Vincent Hughes, whose seventh district includes parts of Northwest and West Philadelphia, 

spoke about the bill in an episode of City Cast Philly

. Hughes said teachers across school districts, both “challenged and affluent,” express frustrations with phones in classrooms.

“ You talk to teachers and they will tell you, ‘All right, aside from pay and pension and benefits and that kind of stuff, please get these cell phones out of the schools because I can't get the attention of my children, my students,’” he said.

Nationally, most school leaders reported 

negative impacts of cell phone use on academic performance,

 according to the National Center for Education Statistics, and they attributed phone usage to students’ declining mental health and attention spans.

“ It only takes a minute to start doom scrolling,” Hughes said. “Next thing you know, it's an hour later or two hours later. You say you are only gonna do it for 10 minutes, just find out what's going on. And it's two hours later.”

over 20 states and the District of Columbia ban or restrict phone usage

 in schools, Pennsylvania is not one of them. In 2024, the state allocated $100 million for schools to purchase lockable bags for phones, but 

 would require Pennsylvania schools, both public and private, to implement policies banning phone use during the school day. Exceptions would be made for students with medical conditions or individualized learning plans, English language learners who rely on translation apps, and limited teacher-approved instructional use.

If approved, the bill would go into effect for the 2027-2028 academic year.

The bill is sponsored by Hughes along with Democratic Sen. Steve Santarsiero and Republican Sen. Devlin Robinson in 

an effort to improve students’ focus and mental health

 found that adolescent smartphone ownership increases risks of depression, obesity, and insufficient sleep, and described smartphones as “a significant factor in teen health.”

Schools that have implemented bans have noted improvements. At Olney High School, students place their phones in lockers before entering the school building, only accessing them after the last bell. Nearly all teachers at the high school 

reported improvements in student behavior

, with more students participating in class and interacting with each other.

Yet not everyone is in favor of an outright ban. Some argue that phones are 

, and that it’s still too early to tell whether these experiments are as successful as reported outcomes suggest.

Now that the bill has passed out of committee, the full Senate will consider the bill. It also must be taken up for a vote in the General Assembly before being signed into law by the governor.

A bipartisan bill to restrict phone usage across Pennsylvania is now up for consideration for the full Senate. But should they pass it?

New Bill Could Prohibit Phones in Pennsylvania Schools

Pennsylvania Is One Step Closer to Banning Cell Phones in School

After a 135-day impasse, Pennsylvania got a 

state budget that lacked a dedicated funding mechanism for SEPTA, ended the state’s participation in a climate program to curb carbon pollution, and failed to resolve the skill-game funding debate.

The state senator representing parts of Philly and Delaware County said he’s confident lawmakers are “not going to travel the same road that we did this cycle” when it comes to SEPTA funding. 

local politics

Your 2026 May Primary Checklist

These Are the Ballot Questions Appearing in Philly’s 2026 Primary Election

How Should Philly and Pennsylvania Spend Your Money?

Latest articles

Your 2026 May Primary Checklist

These Are the Ballot Questions Appearing in Philly’s 2026 Primary Election

How Should Philly and Pennsylvania Spend Your Money?

Mural Arts Founder Jane Golden on Art as a Medium for Beauty, Opportunity, and Democracy

Philly Police Wants YOU To Give Input On Its Strategic Plan

Critics Are Wrong, Says Councilmember Young, ‘Councilmanic Prerogative’ is Actually Positive

How the City Is Helping Philly Restaurants Prepare for 2026

Latest articles

Mural Arts Founder Jane Golden on Art as a Medium for Beauty, Opportunity, and Democracy

Philly Police Wants YOU To Give Input On Its Strategic Plan

Critics Are Wrong, Says Councilmember Young, ‘Councilmanic Prerogative’ is Actually Positive

How the City Is Helping Philly Restaurants Prepare for 2026

Pennsylvania Is One Step Closer to Banning Cell Phones in School

Q&A with State Senator Anthony H. Williams

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