Philadelphia Question 1: Small and Local Business Contracting Preferences Charter Amendment
Philadelphia city, Pennsylvania
My vote power
High
Election date
November 3, 2026
Philadelphia Question 1: Small and Local Business Contracting Preferences Charter Amendment is a ballot measure in Philadelphia city, Pennsylvania on the November 3, 2026 ballot. Changes Philadelphia's charter so the city can give bidding preferences and set aside contracts for small and local businesses, and lets officials relax bond rules on some construction jobs. City taxpayers already fund these contracts; some may cost more than the lowest bid.
How do we calculate my vote power?
What determines the vote power rating for ballot measures: Representation: how much weight one vote carries here compared with a statewide vote — the smaller the district, the more each vote counts. You have more power in ballot measures because you vote directly on the policy.
Representation: Above average · 59 out of 100
This district is a good deal smaller than its state, so each vote here carries more weight than a vote in a statewide race. About 1,579,706 people live here.
Show the representation math
score = 50 + 50 × ln(state population ÷ this district's) ÷ ln(50,000) = 50 + 50 × ln(13,018,639 ÷ 1,579,706) ÷ ln(50,000) = 59.75, measured against a statewide vote in PA (grades: 66+ high, 55+ above average, 33+ average, otherwise low; a statewide race is the 50 baseline)
Above average representation + a direct vote on the policy → My vote power: High.
What does this measure do?
Changes Philadelphia's charter so the city can give bidding preferences and set aside contracts for small and local businesses, and lets officials relax bond rules on some construction jobs. City taxpayers already fund these contracts; some may cost more than the lowest bid.
Read the official ballot measure (PDF)
A YES vote means
The city could favor small and Philadelphia-based businesses when awarding city-funded contracts, even when they are not the lowest bidder.
A NO vote means
City contracting rules stay as they are, with the current limits on set-asides for small and local businesses.
Source: thephiladelphiacitizen.org
Source: thephiladelphiacitizen.org
Last updated September 24, 2026.