PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia City Council gave final approval on Thursday to a bill that makes the city’s Eviction Diversion Program permanent.
The program has become a national model, so it’s not unexpected that City Council voted unanimously to eliminate the sunset provision. It has been highly successful, helping an estimated 10,000 Philadelphians a year avoid getting kicked out of their homes.
Now, as sponsor Jaime Gauthier noted, the challenge will be to see that funding is available for the targeted financial system that helps tenants catch up on rent. It’s been essential to the program’s success.
“To defy displacement, we must expand [targeted financial assistance], not slash the city’s contribution,” she said.
The program is funded through the next fiscal year, but there are no guarantees after that. City Council and the mayor are still negotiating this year’s budget, and it is — as usual — going down to the wire.
There are just two sessions left before the summer break, and since the fiscal year begins July 1, the budget must be passed before council recesses. That means, under the city charter, the final proposal has to be introduced next week. Council President Kenyatta Johnson is optimistic.
“We’re working on administration priorities, council priorities,” he said, “so we’re just still having discussions. We are making progress.”
Also at Thursday’s session, City Council passed a bill giving the Land Bank the first shot at properties that go up for sheriff’s sale as a way to preserve community gardens. Council also passed a bill to renew Verizon’s cable franchise. As part of the deal, Verizon agreed to wire 260 city facilities, such as rec centers, to provide internet access.