Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker is urging city council to consider a proposed 20-year property tax abatement aimed at encouraging the conversion of persistently vacant and deteriorated properties, including empty office buildings, industrial sites and former schools, into housing. Parker announced the proposal nearly a year ago after state legislation authorized Philadelphia to pursue the longer-term tax break, but her administration has yet to transmit legislation to council. Council President Kenyatta Johnson said lawmakers have not received a bill and has called for an affordable-housing component, while other council members have questioned creating another tax break as the city and school district face significant revenue needs. Parker's administration said city agencies are working to ensure the legislation is legally sound, and Parker has emphasized that the proposal would be more narrowly targeted than Philadelphia's existing 10-year abatement.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 9/24/2026