Posted by Britney Baker Shurr, GPAR, Director of Government Affairs & Public Policy

Meet Councilman Jim Harrity Thursday

GPAR Coffee Talk featuring City Councilman Jim Harrity on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 10:00 AM

GPAR President Chris Mattioli welcomes City Councilmember at-Large Jim Harrity. They will discuss the just completed City Council session, the council’s impact on local real estate, public safety, 2025 FY budget, and more. Grab a cup and join us for Coffee Talk. Check you inbox for a GPAR message with login information.

Philadelphia REALTORS® Advocate for Wholesaling Legislation in Harrisburg

17 GPAR members traveled to Harrisburg for PAR’s Day on the Hill conference. Our REALTORS® met with 14 Philadelphia state legislators to advocate for SB 1173. If passed, the bill would define “wholesale transaction” and require those who conduct these transactions to obtain a real estate salesperson license in PA. The bill also requires specific disclosures in wholesale transactions. Read more about SB 1173 and PA REALTOR Day on the Hill.

From City Hall

First Meeting of the New Tax Reform Commission
The Commission is tasked with conducting an updated comprehensive analysis of all taxes imposed in Philadelphia, including by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and to make recommendations concerning tax reforms. GPAR is working to advise on taxes impacting real estate and consumers. Read the article for meeting recap

2025 FY Budget Passed
Philadelphia City Council and Mayor Cherelle Parker reached an agreement on the 2025 Fiscal Year budget. Key provisions include the following:

  • Increase in the Homestead Exemption from $80,000 to $100,000
  • A low-income tax freeze for qualifying homeowners
  • $19 million in additional funding for rental assistance + current $15 million in the Housing Trust Fund for a total of $34 million for total rental assistance
  • An additional $5 million in the Philadelphia Energy Authority’s Built to Last program
  • $750,000 in additional funding for tangled title support in the Register of Wills

More information about the 2025 budget.

Philadelphia City Council Legislative Updates

A busy first six months for the new City Council, now recessed for the summer. Next stated meeting will be September 5th. The following bills were enacted. 

  • Bill #240058 amending Section 14-702 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Floor Area, Height, and Dwelling Unit Density Bonuses,” to add requirements related to the use of payments in lieu of building affordable housing to receive floor area, building height and dwelling unit density bonuses; and amending Section 14-533, entitled “/MIN, Mixed Income Neighborhoods Overlay District,” to add requirements related to the use of payments in lieu of building affordable housing to satisfy certain minimum affordable housing building requirements.
  • Bill #240466 amending Section 14-303(14) of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Public Hearings of the Zoning Board of Adjustment,” to change the number of board members required for a quorum or for action taken at a Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing.
  • Bill #240371 amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code,” by amending Subcode “PM” (The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code), to add restrictions and remedies regarding encroaching trees.
  • Bill #240018 amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions,” by providing for the licensing of persons responsible for performing tenant evictions at residential properties.
  • Bill #240245 amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Landlord and Tenant,” to modify requirements and authorizations related to the City’s residential eviction diversion program, including associated changes to the landlord and tenant relationship, and to make certain technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions.

REALTORS Political Action Committee

The REALTORS Political Action Committee (RPAC) is the only bipartisan PAC looking out specifically for you, your business and the issues that impact real estate. RPAC supports candidates for public office who will advocate for us. Thousands of REALTORS® are currently investing in RPAC because they know if we don’t have a seat at the table when it comes to politics, we’re probably on the menu. Matthew, will you help us keep real estate off the menu? Your investment makes a big difference!Invest in RPAC

National Updates

At the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings, thousands of members assemble in Washington, D.C., to conduct the business of NAR — advocacy work that makes us the most respected voice in real estate, protecting property ownership and advancing commercial and residential markets. GPAR met with Congressman Dwight Evans and Congressman Bredan Boyle to discuss a number of key legislative issues. Visit flyin.realtor to learn more about the 2024 NAR legislative priorities.

Veterans Affairs Signals Temporary Suspension of Buyer Agent Payment Ban
The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to temporarily lift its ban on buyers directly paying for professional real estate representation until the agency deems it necessary to engage in a formal rulemaking process, a VA official said at a Mortgage Bankers Association conference in New York. We Need Your Help: Calling for Veteran Homeowner Stories – We need your help to educate lawmakers and the Administration about the importance of helping veterans through the homebuying process. NAR has launched a new portal to capture NAR members’ experiences serving veteran home buyers to help advance our efforts to ensure veterans’ access to professional representation.

Staying Engaged & Informed

Upcoming

ICYMI 

Recommendations by Britney Baker Shurr, GPAR Director of Government Affairs & Public Policy

Categories: Advocacy in Action Report Government Affairs GPAR Philadelphia Policy Politics Realtor Voice