Mayor's Press Conference April 15th 2026

This City of Philadelphia mayoral press conference held on April 15, 2026, focused primarily on addressing a $300 million structural deficit facing the Philadelphia School District due to the expiration of federal COVID relief funds. The mayor proposed a $1 per ride fee on ride-share trips, expected to generate $48 million annually, as part of a broader plan to raise $50.4 million in new recurring local revenue to prevent the loss of 340 school-based positions including teachers, counselors, and climate staff. The mayor emphasized that this fee is not a tax on drivers but a necessary revenue source to sustain public education funding. School district officials and union leaders supported the proposal, highlighting the critical role of these positions in student success and urging City Council to approve the measure. The discussion also referenced ongoing efforts to review and reduce central office costs and contracts to maximize budget efficiency. The mayor and education advocates framed the revenue proposal as a moral imperative to support Philadelphia's children and maintain progress in public education, while also noting the importance of collaboration with state government for additional funding.