Philly voters approve ballot measures on retirement savings program and youth ombudsperson
The measures create a new program for residents who don't have retirement plans through their employers, and make permanent an office to help at-risk young people.
Philadelphia voters have approved two ballot measures that create a new retirement savings program for some city residents, and make permanent an office to protect and deliver services for at-risk young people.
The first measure amends the city’s Home Rule Charter to launch a retirement savings program for residents who do not have retirement plans through their private-sector employers. Set to be overseen by the Philadelphia Retirement Savings Board, the program makes Philadelphia the first major city to create such a plan.
Proposed by City Council President Kenyatta Johnson and Councilmember Mike Driscoll, the plan’s legislation was approved by Council in December, but required voters’ approval to go into effect. Those eligible to participate will be able to create defined-contribution plans, similar to a 401(k) or individual retirement account, into which they can deduct 3% to 6% of their paychecks. No contribution matching is provided, and there is no cost to employers.
“We want to make sure we are lifting all Philadelphians out of poverty, building generational wealth, and ensuring our seniors are financially stable in retirement,” Johnson said in December.
The second measure makes the Office of the Youth Ombudsperson permanent. Established through an executive order by former Mayor Jim Kenney in 2022, the office works to monitor safety and service delivery for minors in the care of the city, such as those living in foster care, behavioral health residential care facilities, and the juvenile justice system.
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier championed the effort to amend the Home Rule Charter to make the office permanent, saying the goal was to give it “the autonomy, authority, and stability they need to protect at-risk young people.” With voters’ approval, the office cannot be dissolved by executive order from future mayors.
“Young people in detention, foster group homes, and psychiatric facilities deserve an independent voice that stands up for their safety and rights,” Gauthier said in a statement. “No one cares about our kids as much as we do, and Philly showed up for them at the ballot box.”
