Committee of the Whole 11-10-26

Philadelphia City Council’s Committee of the Whole held a public hearing and meeting on November 10, 2026, concerning Resolutions 260820 and 260932. The committee heard testimony from acting City Solicitor Monique May Galloway on her appointment, which was not voted on in the transcript, and from city officials about the upcoming Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) contract bargaining process. Officials described proposed priorities for the 2027 contract, including more flexibility in police scheduling, continued civilianization of certain duties, greater Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPAC) involvement in discipline and independent investigations, and restoring a city residency requirement. Council members and public witnesses raised concerns about arbitration outcomes, transparency, police accountability, wellness, and public access to the bargaining process. No contract award, procurement approval, or purchasing decision was made; the committee concluded without a vote.

Officials reported litigation and settlement costs, including $39.2 million for civil-rights cases in FY2026, $22.5 million in FY2025, and a potential exposure of about $300 million in pending exoneration cases. A witness also cited a city-funded legal services fund contribution of $2.435 million in FY2024. Galloway said she was not seeking additional attorneys at this time, with any staffing request to be considered during the spring budget process. Public testimony urged funding and staffing support for CPAC and better language and disability access. These discussions may inform future FOP contract negotiations, but no spending commitment or policy change was approved at this meeting.