Philadelphia Ministers Put Their Collective Power To Work For The City’s Labor Force

Philadelphia, much like numerous metropolitan areas, is grappling with a housing affordability dilemma. Escalating property taxes, particularly affecting Black and working-class communities, have hindered many residents from achieving the fundamental goal of earning a sustainable income to secure safe and affordable housing. A coalition of clergy and activists argues that this issue is rooted in moral shortcomings, rather than mere economic factors. Highlighting a proposed $2.8 billion tax reduction for local businesses as a critical concern, they have engaged the public. Over a week, various churches hosted prominent press events, urging city officials to maintain the Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT), vital for municipal revenue. They contend that abolishing this tax could severely impact housing affordability and unjustly burden low-income families. Rev. Dr. Gregory Edwards of POWER Interfaith emphasizes that cutting taxes equates to deeper hardships for the vulnerable. Meanwhile, city officials, including Mayor Cherelle Parker, express concerns regarding ongoing legal challenges to this tax relief proposal.