A weekly feature of the Kenney Administration, #PhillyMayorThisWeek highlights five moments you might’ve missed over the past seven days.

This week, we look at a court case, the Mayor’s transformation into an elf, a multi-million dollar grant benefiting a West Philadelphia Neighborhood, the City licensing its suite at the Wells Fargo Center to raise money for Philadelphia’s schools, and the annual Homeless Memorial Day.

1. Philadelphia’s Common Pleas Court upheld the City’s argument in the Philadelphia Beverage Tax case.

In June, City Council passed the Philadelphia Beverage Tax. The tax will help fund much-needed investments in quality pre-K, community schools, parks, rec centers and libraries. This week, Common Pleas Judge Gary S. Glazer ruled in favor of the City and dismissed the lawsuit challenging the Philadelphia Beverage Tax. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Claudia Vargas and Tricia Nadolny reported on the ruling, pointing out that the “tax, approved by City Council in June on a 13-4 vote, is expected to generate about $92 million a year.”

2. Mayor Kenney reprised his role as an elf, bringing good cheer citywide.

Now an annual holiday tradition, the Mayor transformed into Buddy the Elf this week donning yellow tights, a fancy green vest, and a feathered cap — plus neon green Nikes! Along with causing mischief and merriment in the corridors of City Hall, Buddy ventured to Franklin Square and Burke Playground to spread mirth and whimsy. Holiday icon Santa Claus joined Buddy on his travels, too.  Interestingly enough, one source close to City Hall observed, “You never see Councilman Mark Squilla and Santa Claus in the same place at the same time. It just really makes you think.”

3. The Mayor attended the announcement of a multi-million dollar Promise Neighborhood grant benefiting West Philadelphia.

This week, the federal government announced an up to $30 million grant benefiting the greater West Philadelphia community. Drexel University was the lead grant applicant, joined by the City, the School District of Philadelphia, and several other area groups and nonprofits. In connection with the federal grant, $76 million in matching funds was also secured from the City and area nonprofits over the next five years, including from the William Penn and Lenfest foundations. The Promise Grant will also provide support to several local schools, including Belmont Charter, Locke Elementary, Morton McMichael Elementary, Martha Washington Elementary, Samuel Powel Elementary, SLA Middle School, and West Philadelphia High School. “Every child can succeed,” Mayor Kenney said, “no matter what neighborhood they live, no matter what zip code they live in.”

4. The City announced an agreement with Comcast Spectacor to license the Mayor’s Suite at the Wells Fargo Center to raise funds for Philadelphia schoolchildren.

Part of a pledge Mayor Kenney made to use the City’s boxes at sports venues to raise money for Philadelphia schools, the City announced an agreement with Comcast Spectacor, which owns the Philadelphia Flyers and the Wells Fargo Center. Under the the three-year agreement, the City will license its suite at the Wells Fargo Center back to Comcast Spectacor for $100,000 per year. The business will pay the annual fee regardless of whether or not it resells the suite for Flyers and Sixers games; Comcast Spectacor will pay for the use of the suite for other events, too, like concerts. “It’s a hat trick of a deal,” the Mayor declared. “The City is spared the task of selling individual tickets itself to raise revenue, the Wells Fargo Center has more premium seats available, and most importantly, the children of Philadelphia will have more basic resources for schools.” Clearly running with the sports metaphor, he added, “This is a slam dunk.”

5. Mayor Kenney attended the annual Homeless Memorial Day event in Thomas Paine Plaza.

An annual event recognizing those who lost their lives while homeless, Homeless Memorial Day is commemorated in over 150 locations across the U.S. — including here in Philadelphia. At this year’s event, Mayor Kenney joined members of City Council, Sister Mary Scullion of Project HOME, homeless outreach organizers, and community leaders for the solemn occasion. Hundreds attended, including activists, community leaders, and those who experienced, or were currently experiencing, homelessness.

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