Proposed Law Would Require Community Benefits Negotiations for 'High Impact' Projects in Philadelphia

Philadelphia City Council President Darrell Clarke recently introduced legislation that would mandate community a benefits agreements process between real estate developers and neighborhood groups for developments "High Impact Development Projects" and projects receiving city support, according to an article by Jake Blumgart.

"A handful of community organizations in Philadelphia secure these kind of contracts already, negotiating with developers to win amenities or services in exchange for support of large projects," according to Blumgart.

Council President Clarke based the legislation on a law in place in Detroit. Like the law in Detroit, the negotiation is necessary, but an agreement at the end of the process is not required.

So far, it seems like developers are waiting for more details before passing judgment on the bill. "The development industry reaction to the bill was muted, perhaps because Clarke introduced it on the second to last City Council session before the summer recess. That means it won’t receive a hearing until fall," reports Blumgart. The article gleans as much detail about the process would look like and the kinds of projects that would require the additional steps.