Is it summer yet?

Well, the season officially starts on Wednesday, June 21, and the last of school for Philly students is Tuesday, June 22!

So, we’re basically there.

In between all the summer fun listicles and reading lists, though, a lot of other things happened this week, too.

1. Mayor Kenney attended the dedication of a mural honoring firefighter Joyce Craig.

Firefighter Joyce Craig lost her life serving the citizens of Philadelphia in December 2014. The first female firefighter to perish in Philadelphia, Craig was posthumously promoted to lieutenant in 2015. This week, Mayor Kenney attended a dedication of a mural honoring Craig’s heroism and sacrifice. The Mural Arts work is on the Lawncrest Library at 6098 Rising Sun Avenue. “Lt. Joyce Craig is an example that women are equal and can do anything they set their mind to,” the Mayor observed.

2. The Mayor joined the Office of Homeless Services and others to announce the “Make Your Change Count” campaign.

Working with businesses, the Office of Homeless Services, and advocates for those experiencing homelessness, Mayor Kenney announced a new plan that allows Philadelphians to text a donation to homeless programs instead of giving cash to panhandlers. By texting “Share” to 80077, Philadelphians can donate $5 to City programs benefiting people experiencing homelessness. “This is about alternatives,” said Liz Hersh, Director of the Office of Homeless Services, “other ways we can help those on the street through real solutions: housing, jobs, and services.”

Philly has the lowest unsheltered population of major cities, but homelessness is increasing, partly because of the…

Posted by Mayor Jim Kenney on Monday, June 12, 2017

3. Mayor Kenney issued a statement following the Commonwealth Court ruling on the Philadelphia Beverage Tax.

In response to a decisive ruling by the Commonwealth Court this week on the Philadelphia Beverage Tax, Mayor Kenney issued a statement calling for the beverage industry to stop its legal challenge. The latest ruling affirms an earlier decision in Common Pleas Court “that City Council had full legal authority to enact the Philadelphia Beverage Tax,” City Solicitor Sozi Tulante explained, “and that the tax is lawful.”

Two courts have now considered the arguments of the beverage industry and both are certain the Philadelphia Beverage Tax…

Posted by Mayor Jim Kenney on Wednesday, June 14, 2017

4. The Mayor announced that the City reached an agreement with Conrail over the railroad tracks in Fairhill-Kensington.

This week, the City reached an agreement with Conrail over railroad tracks running the Fairhill and Kensington neighborhoods. Conrail will take measures to clean up and secure the area; for its part, the City will help facilitate Conrail’s cleanup efforts as well as provide housing and addiction services for those previously encamped in the area. The City will also assist in the neighborhood in ongoing quality of life efforts. “Over the years, thousands of addicts and drug dealers have used this property as an open-air drug market, and the community has been subjected to the public health problems, crime and negative impact to quality of life,” the Mayor said. “I am glad that we are here, and that we can take this very important first step towards helping the community take back their neighborhood.”

5. Mayor Kenney issued a statement following a tentative contract agreement between the School District of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Federation of Teachers.

Late Friday, the School District and PFT came to a tentative contract agreement. The contract now moves on to ratification by the PFT membership. “Over the last few years, we’ve seen how the absence of a contract has jeopardized the District’s hard-won stability and hurt our city’s ability to attract business and families,” the Mayor said. “Today we are taking an important step for students, teachers and Philadelphians.”

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