I missed this the first time but the Philanthropy Journal caught the item in the Philadelphia Inquirer that the city of Philadelphia is proposing an amendment to Philadelphia's tax regulations that will allow the city to tax an array of activities that they have always assumed were exempt. The focus of the city is on what are traditionally referred to as "unrelated business activities." Note that these activties, depending on the circumstances, are already often taxable by the federal government.
This is not a new move for cities and should serve to remind the nonprofit sector that in tough times, cities may get tough. Becasuse a nonprofit has found a way to offset full dependency on grant income and maybe also serve their customers doesn't mean they will not be taxed when they create businesses that generate profits.
Nonprofits beware! Also, remember this is the reason for Association membership. Certainly State Associations can be helpful. So too might be the Social Enterprise Alliance, a member organization of folks who have earned income ventures.