Information about an Important Ballot Question in the Upcoming Primary Election

The NLNA is nonpartisan and does not endorse any party or candidate. We have received questions about the city ballot question that is on the April 23 primary election ballot. 

The question asks voters if the City of Philadelphia should set up a system to defend and protect Registered Community Organizations (RCOs) like the NLNA from lawsuits filed against them for fulfilling their legally required duties to hold neighborhood zoning meetings and participate in the city's zoning process.

Frivolous lawsuits against community groups are all too common and a very real problem. The NLNA has had to defend against them over the years, and these suits also typically name individual neighbors as well. At least one longtime Philly RCO had to shut down because of these suits. The NLNA believes it will be beneficial to the association and to all the neighbors who participate in the zoning process, if this ballot question passes.