Creative Philadelphia

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Philadelphia voters approve charter changes for small business contracts and arts office

Charter amendment approved; awaiting certification and annual budget decision

Philadelphia voters approved two Home Rule Charter amendments on Nov. 3, according to unofficial results. One lets the city favor small and local businesses in contracts; the other makes Creative Philadelphia a permanent office.

Updated 3 days ago

Philadelphia voters add small-business preferences and a permanent arts office to the city charter

Rule Changes

Now established in the Home Rule Charter

Philadelphia spends more than $1 billion a year buying construction, supplies and services, and for most of that it had to take the lowest qualified bid. On Tuesday, voters changed the rulebook to let the city favor small, Philadelphia-based firms, even when they charge more.

Updated 6 days ago