Councilmember Quetcy Lozada introduced amendments to the mobile service provider bill she introduced last fall. The legislation has faced fierce opposition from advocates who claim the new restrictions would have a negative impact on service providers’ ability to work in Kensington.
According to information provided by Lozada’s office, the amendments to the legislation would effect “non-emergency, non-pediatric, and non-veterinary medical services that diagnose or treat disease and ailments of the human body from a mobile vehicle. People who distribute tangible non-medical goods to three or more people, when carried out from a vehicle in the public right of way.”
The bill stipulates services can be provided as follows:
Services are permitted at the PAD lot located at 265 E Lehigh Avenue. Additional locations may be established by the administration in collaboration with the Councilmember.
The bill permits all services to be conducted between 11 PM to 6 AM on E. Allegheny Ave between Kensington Ave and F St. Nonmedical mobile services can be provided in a single location for no longer than 45 minutes.
Any provider found to be in violation will be subject to a $1,000 fine.
The following city departments testified before Philadelphia City Council regarding their Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Requests:
Licenses and Inspections
What they do:
“Under Mayor Parker’s leadership, Licenses and Inspections (L&I) has been split into two departments – Inspections, Safety and Compliance (ISC) and Quality of Life (QOL) – in order to help it better perform its core functions. ISC enforces the City’s codes for the safe and lawful construction and use of buildings to support the Mayor’s goal of building mutual trust and safety in city neighborhoods and providing economic opportunity. QOL responsibly and respectfully serves the community of Philadelphia by providing quality code education and enforcement services through being transparent, approachable and embracing positivity to make Philadelphia the safest, cleanest, and greenest big city in the country with access to economic opportunity for all.”
FY 2025 Budget: $44,597,631
FY 2026 Budget: $45,991,326
Net Change: $1,393,695
The School District of Philadelphia
What they do:
“All sectors of public education in Philadelphia will work with urgency to provide every student with the opportunity to achieve positive life outcomes in partnership with diverse families, educators, and community members who are valued and respected.”
FY 2025 Budget: $4,492,813,596 (total including all sources of revenue)
FY 2026 Budget: $4,595,521,726 (total including all sources of revenue. The district’s portion of the city property tax is $2,091,505,060)
Net Change: $102,708,130
The Community College of Philadelphia
What they do:
“As the only public, open-admission institution in Philadelphia, we fulfill the promise of higher education for all Philadelphians—whether they’re looking for a fresh start, a pivot, or accelerated momentum to keep moving forward. Our students rise from within. And that’s a win for all of Philadelphia.”
FY 2025 Budget: $140,400,000 ($39,850,940 from the city’s general fund)
FY 2026 Budget
Net Change:
Philadelphia Fire Department
What they do:
The Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD) serves the public by providing comprehensive all-hazard prevention, risk reduction, and emergency response, while also working to ensure the health and safety of PFD members and supporting the Mayor’s goal of building mutual trust and safety in city neighborhoods.
FY 2025 Budget: $441,188,963
FY 2026 Budget: $431,721,835
Net Change: -$9,467,128
Note: The decreased budget request for 2026 is due to one-time costs in 2025.
Office of Homeless Services:
What they do:
The Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) envisions a Philadelphia where every individual can achieve health, well-being, and self-determination. Our mission is to educate, strengthen, and serve individuals and communities so that all Philadelphians can thrive.
FY 2025 Budget: $29,202,796
FY 2026 Budget: $31,534,108
Net Change: $2,331,312
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