GPAR’s Government Affairs Committee will next meet May 22, 2025.
Upcoming Elections
May 20, 2025 is the Primary Election. The last day to register to vote is May 5th, and the last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot is May 13, 2025.
The following contests will be on Philadelphia’s ballots: Controller, District Attorney, Court of Common Pleas, and Municipal Court Judges.
The Committee of 70’s guide to How Philly Government Works is available here.
City Hall
- GPAR offered verbal and written testimony in opposition to bills that would cap application fees for rentals and the option for security deposit payment installments. Both were held— meaning there was no vote taken by the committee. We are continuously working to get the language amended, and the Government Affairs Committee will vote to take a position on any future iterations of each bill.
- Three new bills were introduced as part of a Safe Healthy Homes Act meant to enhance existing laws and regulations governing rental housing and tenant rights. GPAR is in communication with the bills’ sponsor, and will offer amendments in coordination with our housing counterparts in the city.
- As part of the Mayor’s H.O.M.E. initiative, Council President Johnson has introduced 3 bills supporting some of its funding: increasing the real estate transfer tax, increasing recording fees, and increasing taxes collected by the School District of Philadelphia— all of which GPAR’s Government Affairs Committee unanimously voted to oppose. Efforts are underway to educate both the public and councilmembers of the adverse affects that these tax increases will have on home buyers and, consequently, the city.
- The next budget town hall specifically dedicated to the Mayor’s H.O.M.E. Initiative will be held in the 6th District (Bridesburg, Frankford, Wissinoming, Tacony, Mayfair, Holmeburg) Thursday, May 29, 2025 | 6 p.m.– 8 p.m. Location is still TBD.
State
The Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS® (PAR) monitors legislation related to Taxes, Professionalism and Practice, Housing, and Local Issues. PAR’s position on the most recent legislation introduced can be found here.
Federal
NAR recommends Modernizing Federal Housing Programs: a letter was sent to the House Financial Services subcommittee on Housing and Insurance that outlines specific reforms to streamline HUD programs to address the nationwide housing shortage.
Housing Supply Frameworks Act Would Break Down Barriers to Housing Development: a bipartisan bill offers guidance for state and local governments to modernize outdated zoning and land-use regulations.
Advocacy Scoop: Podcast hosts discuss NAR’s 360 approach during April’s Fair Housing Month and beyond.
This report is submitted by Lexy McDowell GPAR’s Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy.