# City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting 9/28/26 | City of Reading, PA

The City Council Committee of the Whole meeting for the City of Reading, PA, held on September 28, 2026, focused primarily on addressing the city's growing homelessness crisis and related public safety concerns. The police department provided a detailed briefing on outreach efforts, camp conditions, and plans to clear hazardous encampments, emphasizing collaboration with local social service organizations and the need for careful, compassionate intervention. The council discussed funding and support for shelters, including a planned budget increase to expand shelter space. Additionally, the Reading Housing Authority presented on proposed HUD policy changes allowing local adoption of work requirements and time limits for public housing residents, with council members engaging in a substantive dialogue about potential impacts and community feedback. The meeting also covered procurement and budget matters, including approval of a contract amendment for a public works bucket truck, authorization of zoning officer assistance to address permit backlogs, and resolutions related to grant applications for infrastructure projects. Discussions on the Pagoda parking lot addressed enforcement, safety, and maintenance responsibilities, with police and foundation collaboration highlighted. The meeting concluded with updates on the interim auditor appointment process and various legislative items, including tax penalty exoneration and historic preservation approvals.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Public Safety, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 28, 2026

### Sources
- [City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting 9/28/26 | City of Reading, PA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1LMIrnpaZA) - Berks Community Television