Philadelphia Voters Face a Quiet Charter Question on Small Business Contracts

PHILADELPHIA — Tucked at the bottom of the Nov. 3 ballot, below the races for governor and Congress, sits a question most Philadelphia voters have never heard of. Question 1 asks whether to amend the city charter to give small businesses a leg up in winning city contracts.

A yes vote would let the city grant bid preferences and set aside certain contracts for small businesses, and would let the Procurement Department and the City Solicitor waive or adjust bond requirements on some construction projects, according to Ballotpedia’s summary of the measure.

Supporters say the change would open city work to neighborhood firms that now lose out to bigger competitors. Small contractors have long complained that bonding rules lock them out of public construction jobs before bidding even starts.

Critics of set-asides generally argue that preferences can raise costs for taxpayers and invite favoritism, though no organized opposition campaign has emerged around this question.

The measure needs only a simple majority to pass. It was referred to the ballot by City Council.

Philadelphia voters have a history of approving charter changes with little debate. In low-profile elections, ballot questions are often decided by the most engaged slice of the electorate.

The question applies only to city contracting. State and federal procurement rules would be unaffected.

Voters can read the full text of the proposed amendment through the Board of Elections. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.