Parker Administration enters the Fall legislative session advancing action on data centers, waste reduction and long-term quality-of-life priorities
PHILADELPHIA — As Philadelphia City Council returned to session Thursday for its Fall meetings, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker highlighted actions taken this week by her Administration and reaffirmed her commitment to working with Council to advance policies that protect and preserve Philadelphia neighborhoods and improve quality of life for residents.
“Philadelphia is at its best when the Administration and City Council work together to solve problems and deliver results for the people we serve,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “As Council returns for the Fall session, my Administration is moving forward on important issues that affect our neighborhoods today and will shape Philadelphia for years to come. We are going to continue doing the hard work, listening to residents and working collaboratively to make Philadelphia the safest, cleanest and greenest big city in America, with access to economic opportunity for all.”
This week, Mayor Parker took action on several issues that are critical parts of the City’s legislative and policy agenda this Fall.
Establishing Guardrails for Data Center Development
On Wednesday, Mayor Parker signed Executive Order (No. 6-26) establishing a Citywide Data Center Task Force to closely examine the potential impacts of any possible future data center development in Philadelphia.
The Executive Order does not authorize or approve any new data center development in Philadelphia.
The Task Force will bring together City departments and outside external stakeholders to study issues including energy and water use, infrastructure, public health and safety, environmental impacts, neighborhood quality of life, jobs and economic development.
The group will develop recommendations for the Mayor by June 30, 2027, including potential changes to City laws, regulations and protections governing any future data center development.
Advancing a Long-Term Strategy to Reduce Philadelphia’s Waste
City Councilmembers Mark Squilla (1st District) and Quetcy Lozada (7th District) joined the Parker Administration this week to outline a broader strategy for modernizing Philadelphia’s approach to waste management.
Councilmember Squilla, working in partnership with the Parker administration, proposed the Zero Waste and Circular Economy Act, which would establish the framework for the City to develop a comprehensive, data-driven plan to reduce the amount of municipal waste sent to traditional disposal facilities, including landfills and incinerators.
During a press conference on Wednesday, September 16, Managing Director Carlton Williams and key City operational leaders communicated the Administration’s commitment to vastly reduce the City’s trash and waste output over the next several years.
The Administration’s broader strategy includes exploring expanded composting and organic waste processing, reducing food waste, increasing recycling and reuse, identifying additional technologies and practices that can reduce Philadelphia’s long-term reliance on traditional waste disposal. Managing Director Williams said this week that the city’s latest proposed waste disposal contracts are projected to save city tax dollars in the first year, while positioning Philadelphia for private investment and green jobs.
The waste disposal contracts consist of two ordinances. The first of the transmitted City Ordinances will authorize the Sanitation Commissioner and Procurement Commissioner, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into agreements for the collection, transfer and disposal of municipal solid waste. Mayor Parker also transmitted a second Ordinance authorizing the Sanitation Commissioner and Procurement Commissioner, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into agreements with several vendors to process and market recyclable materials.
The effort is intended to provide a responsible transition that protects residents, supports reliable sanitation services, and advances the City’s environmental and sustainability goals.
Confirming the Appointment of the City Solicitor
City Council is also considering a resolution to confirm Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s appointment of Monique Myatt Galloway, Esq., as City Solicitor.
Under the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, the appointment of the City Solicitor requires the advice and consent of a majority of all members of City Council. The resolution would formally confirm Ms. Galloway’s appointment and allow her to continue serving as the City’s chief legal officer. A confirmation hearing will take place this Fall.
Moving Forward with a New Police Forensic Lab
The Parker Administration is also advancing plans for a new Philadelphia Police Department forensics laboratory at 4101 Market Street.
Legislation before City Council would authorize the City to enter into an agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to finance the build-out, construction, equipment and other improvements needed to develop the new laboratory.
The project will provide Police with a dedicated facility for forensic operations and represents an investment in the infrastructure needed to support modern law enforcement and public safety services. The construction schedule extends through next Spring, 2027.
Under the legislation, the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development would be authorized to issue capital funding through a borrowing, with the City responsible for payments associated with that financing.
The Parker Administration will continue working with Council throughout the fall on legislation and policies connected to public safety, housing, economic mobility, cleaning and greening neighborhoods and other priorities affecting Philadelphia residents.
“We will not agree on every detail of every issue, but we share a responsibility to the people of Philadelphia to keep working together, keep communicating and find solutions,” Mayor Parker said. “That is how we move Philadelphia forward — together, as One Philly, a United City.”