Date: October 31, 2025
Election Date November 4th
- Philadelphians will have the option to vote for the City’s District Attorney, Controller, Philadelphia Municipal Court judges, and Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court judges, Commonwealth Court judges, and Common Pleas judges.
- The Committee of Seventy’s Interactive Voter Guide is a great tool to research your ballot and find your polling place. Click here for more information.
City Hall
- Councilmember O’Rourke has introduced major policy proposals this month related to amending the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to amend the City’s operation and ownership of the Philadelphia Water department, and to create a city-based real estate tax rebate for certain renters. GPAR’s Government Affairs committee met and voted to oppose the rebate bill, as it is seen as more of a state issue for overpaid taxes on homeowners, and would be an additional burden on landlords. Our office is in communication with other housing organizations and the bill sponsor. We will continue to monitor for any schedules hearings or proposed amendments.
- Councilmember Young introduced a bill intended to help those struggling to pay water and sewer utility charges. GPAR has met with his office for clarity on qualification for this benefit.
- Other noteworthy legislation introduced: prohibiting the sale of restaurant reservations, cracking down on the theft and sale of catalytic converters, a resolution to hold hearings regarding recent fires on SEPTA’s Silverliner IV Regional Rail trains, vacant lot prevention, and honoring the life and legacy of Kada Scott.
State
- The state’s budget impasse is having significant consequences on local municipalities and schools. Local governments and school boards are unable to budget for 2026, using reserve funds, reverting to stop-gap loans with high interest rates, and face possible school closures by the first of the year.
- Rising Home Listings Signal Increased Opportunities for Homebuyers: The Pennsylvania housing market experienced the largest number of home listings since 2022. In September, there were more than 43,000 homes on the market, up 7% from the same time last year, according to a report prepared for the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors®. Listings also swelled in September from 41,500 in August 2025.
Federal
- What a Shutdown Means for Real Estate: Buyers and Sellers are facing increasing uncertainty and delays. Flood insurance gaps, impacts on rural and other lending programs, and adverse local economy impacts are felt in communities across the country. NAR’s monthly Advocacy Scoop Podcast also breaks down the history of government shut downs.
- SALT Deduction Cap Delivers Relief to Homeowners: many more current and prospective homeowners will be able to receive federal tax benefits for owning and purchasing a home.
This report is submitted by Lexy McDowell GPAR’s Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy.