Philadelphia Question #2 — Proposed Charter Change: Creative Philadelphia (Chief Cultural Officer)

What it does

Shall the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to establish and define the functions of Creative Philadelphia, an office headed by the Chief Cultural Officer to promote the City’s arts, culture, and creative economy sector?

A YES vote means

Philadelphia's charter would create and define Creative Philadelphia, an office led by a Chief Cultural Officer to promote the city's arts, culture and creative economy.

A NO vote means

The charter would not be amended to establish Creative Philadelphia.

Needed to pass

A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.

Left–right lean

Not a left–right issue: a procedural or local question that liberals and conservatives don't typically split on (AI read of the official ballot summary).

The YES and NO lines are SpectrumVote's plain-language reading of the official text above; the official text is what you vote on.

Official text: source

Only on your ballot if you live in the countywide (City and County of Philadelphia).

Background

According to the City Commissioners' ballot-question document, Question 2 was placed on the ballot by Bill No. 260264-A, which became law June 23, 2026, and Resolution No. 260270, adopted June 11, 2026.

The plain-language statement says the City already operates an arts and culture office called Creative Philadelphia, which works to increase public access to arts and culture, support creative communities and celebrate the city's cultural resources.

Per the statement, a 'yes' vote would make Creative Philadelphia a formal part of City government under the Home Rule Charter, headed by a Chief Cultural Officer.

Put on the ballot by Philadelphia City Council (Bill No. 260264-A, law June 23, 2026; Resolution No. 260270, June 11, 2026).

From official source.

Next elections here

• Philadelphia election 2027 · November 2, 2027: Mayor, all 17 City Council seats, Sheriff, Register of Wills, the three City Commissioners and judges
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Also on Philadelphia County ballots

• Philadelphia Question #1 — Proposed Charter Change: contracting preferences and set-asides for small and local businesses

All Philadelphia County races and measures →

Quick answers

What does a YES vote on Philadelphia Question #2 mean?

Philadelphia's charter would create and define Creative Philadelphia, an office led by a Chief Cultural Officer to promote the city's arts, culture and creative economy.

What does a NO vote on Philadelphia Question #2 mean?

The charter would not be amended to establish Creative Philadelphia.

How many votes does Philadelphia Question #2 need to pass?

A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.

Should I vote yes or no on Philadelphia Question #2?

SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Read what a YES and a NO vote each do, and the official text, then decide based on what you want to happen.

When is the vote?

The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.