Philadelphia City Council - Initiatives & Accomplishments Term Report 2019

Initiatives & Accomplishments Term Report 2019

CONTENTS 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08

Maintaining Affordable Neighborhoods

Supporting Economic Opportunity and Growth

Page 1

Page 7

Investment in Education and Skills Training Page 13

Improving Public Safety

Page 17

Improving Workforce Diversity and Fairness

Investing in Sustainability and Building a Greener Future

Improving Government Efficiency and Accountability

Protecting and Promoting the Health of All Residents

Page 19

Page 25

Page 29

Page 33

ABOUT The 1951 Home Rule Charter established Council as the legislative arm of Philadelphia municipal government, consisting of seventeen members. Ten Councilmembers are elected by district and seven from the City-At Large. Each is elected for a term of four years and may be reelected to succesive four-year terms. Under the rules of Council, regular public sessions of Council are held weekly, on Thursday mornings at 10:00 AM., in Room 400, City Hall.

Every proposed ordinance is in the form of a bill introduced by a Councilmember. Before a bill can be enacted by Council, it must be referred by the President of Council to an appropriate standing committee of Council, considered at a public hearing and public meeting, reported out by the committee, printed as reported by the committee, distributed to the members of Council, and made available to the public. Passage of a bill requires the favorable vote of a majority of all members of Council. A bill becomes law upon the approval of the Mayor. If the Mayor vetoes a bill, Council may override the veto by a two-thirds vote.

The functions of City Council influence a wide range of public affairs in Philadelphia and directly impact the quality of life for its citizenry.

A LETTER FROM CITY COUNCIL The City Council continues to work diligently to ensure Philadelphia maintains its rightful standing amongst America’s greatest cities. This means supporting economic opportunity, maintaining affordable neighborhoods, improving government efficiency and accountability, promoting public health and ensuring the safety of all residents. With these goals in mind no neighborhood can be left behind.

City Council as a legislative body has advanced an impressive portfolio of legislation since 2016 with over 900 bills and resolutions enacted. This document highlights many of our efforts. We continue to lessen the disparities that exist in our city across several demographics, aggressively addressing income-equality and fairness in wages, steadfastly improving workforce diversity, fully taking responsibility for local education and persistently promoting skills training and investments in the new sustainable economy. Through these endeavors we seek to ensure that residents can earn a living wage while enacting measures to strengthen and build local businesses.

Philadelphia is a great city! We are certain, with government, the private and nonprofit sectors and citizens working collaboratively towards a more prosperous and healthy future, we will exponentially enhance our standing worldwide.

Darrell L. Clarke

Mark Squilla

Council President 5th District

Bobby Henon 6th District

1st District

Keyatta Johnson

Jannie Blackwell

Curtis Jones, Jr.

Cindy Bass

Cherelle Parker

Brian J. O’Neill

2nd District

María D. Quiñones Sánchez

Blondell Reynolds Brown Majority Whip At Large Councilmember

7th District

8th District

Helen Gym

9th District

Derek Green

Allan Domb

At Large Councilmember

At Large Councilmember

At Large Councilmember

3rd District

David Oh

Minority Whip At Large Councilmember

Al Taubenberger

At Large Councilmember

4th District

Minority Leader 10th District

William K. Greenlee Majority Deputy Whip At Large Councilmember

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Blondell Reynolds Brown Allan Domb Derek Green William K. Greenlee Helen Gym David Oh Al Taubenberger

Families in Philadelphia work hard every day, yet many need assistance with the maintenance and preservation of their homes. To help alleviate these homeowners burdens City Council launched Restore Repair Renew (RRR).

Championed by Councilmember Cherelle Parker and Council President Darrell Clarke RRR is a partnership with the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority (PRA) and nonprofit service providers to offer low interest home repair loans to eligible homeowners. Under the program homeowners can receive 10-year, 3% fixed interest loans of up to $24,999 to be used for home repairs.

Restore Repair Renew is a critical part of Council’s strategic plan to support equitable growth and inclusive neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia.

Read more at: PHLCouncil.com/RRR

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Members of Council pictured include: Councilmember Allan Domb, Councilmember Jannie Blackwell, Council President Darrell L. Clarke, Councilmember Cherelle Parker, Councilmember Kenyatta johnson, Councilmember María D. Quiñones Sánchez

Low-income residents and seniors on fixed incomes often struggle to pay for home repairs which, left unaddressed, can create larger problems such as high energy bills, mold or severe structural damage.

To help in this regard, Councilmember Cherelle Parker pushed funding for key housing preservation assistance programs resulting in a $100 million authorization from City Council. The new funding helped to alleviate a 3-5 year waiting list for home repairs, long-term disability modifications and energy-efficiency weatherization assistance. Additionally, the funding aims to create jobs, prevent homelessness and displacement and stabilize neighborhoods at risk for decline.

With the help of committed partners in the Administration and the affordable housing advocacy community, Philadelphia is an example of managing growth in an equitable way. For more information on these programs or to apply for assistance, residents are encouraged to visit the website: bit.ly/HomeRepModAssistance.

City Council expanded efforts to keep families in their homes through the passage of a historic annual appropriation to the Philadelphia Housing Trust Fund and new programs for down-payment and closing cost assistance.

A legislative package sponsored by Councilmembers Maria Quiñones Sánchez and Mark Squilla includes an increase to the Housing Trust Fund, an expansive mixed income housing bonus for developers and a renewed focus on the preservation and production of affordable homes. Additionally, the incentives included in this legislation will provide financial assistance for first-time homebuyers and retired homeowners.

Read the bill at: bit.ly/091318AffordableHousingProgram

Councilmember Mark Squilla

Cherelle Parker 9th District

Councilmember Cherelle Parker proudly serves the Ninth Council District, which includes Mt. Airy, East Oak Lane, West Oak Lane, Olney, Lawncrest and Burholme.

Elected in 2015, Cherelle’s mission - to bridge the gap between the “haves” and the “have-nots” continues to be her driving force for change. She has dedicated her life to advocating for the passage of policies that will enhance the quality of life for the working class, senior citizens, women, children and families alike, while promoting increased investment in middle neighborhoods, job creation, economic development, equitable public schools and consumer protection.

Prior to serving in Council, Cherelle served for 10 years in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where she headed Philadelphia’s delegation in Harrisburg and championed key legislation that ensured the City’s financial stability during the Great Recession. She has been widely recognized for her strong organizational, strategic planning and oratorical skills.

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Councilmembers Mark Squilla, Kenyatta Johnson and Maria D. Quiñones Sánchez passed legislation that offers the Long Time Owner Occupant Program (LOOP) to more Philadelphians, particularly seniors on fixed incomes, who otherwise might be at risk of displacement or even homelessness.

María D. Quiñones Sánchez 7th District

Councilmember Maria D. Quiñones Sánchez is a veteran activist with over 30 years of service to the City of Philadelphia, now in her third term representing the 7th District.

As Appropriations Chair, Maria advocates for transparency and fiscal accountability and has authored progressive tax reform to support small and sustainable businesses and manufacturers to create jobs.

Her policy agenda dedicated to “Keeping People in their Homes” combines investments and support for vulnerable homeowners with innovative and diverse strategies to build affordability.

As a representative of Kensington, hard hit by the opioid crisis, she advocates for reforms to expand access to treatment and investments in residents’ public safety and quality of life.

Implemented in conjunction with the Actual Value Initiative (AVI), LOOP offers tax relief to modest-income owner-occupants of 10 years or more who experience an annual tax bill increase of at least 50 percent. The program was introduced as a gentrification protection bill and has prevented thousands of long-term residents, mostly seniors on fixed incomes, from being displaced as their neighborhoods develop at a rapid pace.

City Council continues to proactively support long-term residents in this changing real estate market.

Read the bill: bit.ly/LOOPBill

Believing low-income senior citizens deserve the certainty of knowing what their property tax obligation will be every year, Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District) and Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District) passed legislation to helps more low-income senior citizens qualify for property tax relief.

The measure expanded the income threshold for property owners to qualify for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Property Tax Freeze Program.

Previously, seniors with incomes of up to $23,500 or senior couples with incomes of up to $31,500, qualified to have their property taxes frozen or reduced. The expanded eligibility allows single seniors making $27,500, and senior couples making $35,500, to take advance of the tax freeze.

Read the bill: bit.ly/SeniorTaxFreeze

Maria grew up in Hunting Park and now resides in Norris Square with her husband, Tomas Sánchez.

They are parents to Edgar and Tomasito, and grandparents to Jace Antonio and Romeo Esteban.

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From Left To Right: Councilmember Mark Squilla, Councilmember María D. Quiñones-Sánchez, Council President Darrell L. Clarke

Councilmembers Kenyatta Johnson, Maria D. Quiñones Sánchez, Jannie Blackwell and Council President Darrell Clarke introduced legislation streamlining the process for vacant land sales, by land holding agencies, in the City of Philadelphia, thereby increasing uniformity and transparency at all stages.

Under the ordinance: • Applicants for city-owned land would receive a determination from the land-holding agency within 180 days.

• The land-holding agency and its board of directors, rather than the Vacant Property Review Committee (VPRC), would review applications and determine the means of disposition, conditions of sale, pricing and restrictions.

• The land-holding agency would be responsible for monitoring and enforcing the conditions and restrictions of its sales.

• The Department of Planning and Development would develop an annual Uniform Strategic Plan to articulate the targets, goals and outcomes relating to vacant land disposition across the city.

The reforms were introduced to increase transparency and remove some of the steps that slow down the land disposition process and are based on internal analysis and feedback from key stakeholders.

In addition to the above changes, the ordinance also outlines the creation, composition, terms and responsibilities of the Blight Reduction Committee, as required under the state’s Urban Redevelopment Law.

Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson

Keyatta Johnson 2nd District

Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District) serves South Philadelphia, west of Broad Street, south to the Navy Yard, and Southwest Philadelphia west to the Philadelphia International Airport.

Councilmember Johnson is committed to improving education, affordable housing, business development, public safety, job training and access to employment for his constituents in the 2nd District.

Councilmember Johnson chairs the Committees on Transportation and Public Utilities, and Legislative Oversight; co-chairs the Committees on Public Safety, Appropriations and the Special Committee on Gun Violence Prevention; and is a member of the Philadelphia International Airport Advisory Board and Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation’s (PIDC) Executive Committee.

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Evictions are a significant driver of poverty and homelessness nationwide. Data shows that one in fourteen Philadelphia renters face eviction every year while only 9% of renters have access to legal representation to fight back.

In a preventative action, City Council unanimously passed legislation that requires landlords to have “good cause” before evicting tenants from their properties. Introduced by Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. (4th District), this bill prohibits landlords from evicting their tenants unless there is “good cause” to do so - meaning they have habitually not paid rent, refuse to agree to an increased rent, cause a nuisance or other similar stipulations.

Additionally, Councilmember Helen Gym (At Large) championed a new Municipal Court Rule of Civil Practice requiring landlords filing for evictions to have a Certificate of Rental Suitability and lead safe certification among other reforms. This measure is intended to help ensure residents are not constructively forced out of their homes due to poor living conditions.

Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr.

Councilmembers Maria D. Quiñones Sánchez, Helen Gym, Bill Greenlee and Derek Green also led the fight to win a $500,000 budget line item to provide legal aid for low-income renters facing eviction, doubling existing legal support for these residents.

Further, a City task force on Eviction Prevention and Response has been established, and will be issuing more recommendations in this regard.

See more at: youtu.be/1Dg2zV5bYCs

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Councilmember Helen Gym

In January of 2019, Councilmember Bobby Henon (6th District) introduced legislation to increase the number of inspectors on staff at the Department of Licenses and Inspections to better monitor building and code violations at construction sites.

Due to the stability and growth of the economy the City is in a position to hire more inspectors and the Councilmember expects that doing so will yield a significant return to the City.

Cracking down on illegal construction helps the City catch unlicensed contractors who are part of the "underground economy" and could generate more tax revenue for the City.

Councilmember Bobby Hennon

Reassessments following implementation of the Actual Value Initiative in 2013 led to dramatic tax increases for many properties. However, City Council unanimously supported of a bill sponsored Councilmember Brian O’Neill (10th District) that compels the Office of Property Assessments to appropriately assess affordable, special needs and senior housing in compliance with State law.

The bill requires the City of Philadelphia to consider rent restrictions and affordability requirements for properties that have received federal or state tax credits in order to offer affordable housing to people with limited incomes, such as seniors and the disabled.

The bill addressed an alarming number of affordable rental properties that were reassessed at rates higher than their true market value, despite federal and state rent restrictions that require their owners to provide housing to vulnerable Philadelphians often substantially below-market rates.

Councilmember Brian O’Neill

Read the bill: Bill No. 170564 bit.ly/Bill170564

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Recognizing the need to find innovative and effective ways to foster an economy that offers meaningful opportunities for all Philadelphians to succeed City Council released an independent analysis of poverty in the city and announced new legislation to aggressively reduce it.

Narrowing the Gap: Strategies to Alleviate and Prevent Poverty in Philadelphia was produced in association with HR&A Advisors, Project HOME and the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations (PACDC). The report analyzes housing security and equity; economic inequality, employment, workers’ protections and financial services programs to support people who are living in, or at risk of falling into, poverty.

Based in part on its findings, Council President Darrell L. Clarke, Councilmember Maria Quiñones Sánchez and Councilmember Jannie Blackwell announced an initial round of legislation strengthening tenants’ rights, reducing evictions and attaching affordable housing requirements to certain public land sales. Additional proposals for job creation and fair working conditions are forthcoming.

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Read the full report on poverty in Philadelphia: bit.ly/NarrowingTheGap

Recognizing that small businesses are crucial to our local economy City Council approved legislation to change the effective date of property assessments used to calculate the City’s Business Use and Occupancy Tax. The ordinance, introduced

by Councilmember Alan Domb (At Large), revised the timing of the determination of the assessed value of the realty use and occupancy tax beginning with fiscal year 2020, shifting the assessments to January to take effect simultaneous with real estate taxes instead of July. The measure is intended to help businesses better prepare for any changes in assessments by allowing them more time to budget for any potential increases.

Darrell L. Clarke Council President 5th District

Councilmember Al Taubenberger

City Council passed a bill expanding the window of time in which businesses can carry-forward net operating losses. The bill was a part of the continued efforts of Councilmember Al Taubenberger (At Large) to improve the tax structure affecting the business community.

Bill No. 180909, extends the net operating loss carry-forward period to twenty years in the city of Philadelphia. This adjustment brings Philadelphia in line with the rest of the Commonwealth and makes the city more competitive for businesses to come – or stay. The legislation also allows businesses to better plan for future years, especially in times of economic downturn, giving them the leverage to survive and continue growth.

During his first term on City Council, Councilmember Taubenberger has been dedicated to making the City’s finances more transparent and to ensuring its tax structure enables small businesses to set up and grow in Philadelphia.

Additionally Councilmember Taubenberger passed legislation reforming our business tax code in order to make it easier for small business to form in Philadelphia and grow. One bill eliminated the estimated tax payments for new businesses in their first year, and another bill extended the period a business can take advantage of the Net Operating Losses carryforward.

Further, to make the city’s finances more transparent, Councilmember Taubenberger also supported legislation that required the Administration to reconcile City bank accounts and report findings to City Council. He also supported legislation that would require a section in City reports for “impacts on jobs”, in order for Council to have a better understanding of what impact legislation may have on employment.

A proud graduate of Philadelphia Public Schools, Council President Clarke began his service to North Philadelphia as a community activist, who was eventually recruited to serve in Council as a constituent service representative, rising up to become a Chief of Staff, before being elected to represent the 5th District. In his years in service in Council he has advanced a progressive legislative agenda that includes initiatives to enhance job creation, increase public safety, increase the availability of affordable housing and strengthen neighborhood development.

Council President Clarke’s legislative and policy agendas are centered on the principles of equity and fairness. From leveraging vacant property to incentivize private developers to build affordable and mixed-income housing, to increasing City funding for the School District of Philadelphia annually in the wake of devastating State budget cuts, to advancing policies discouraging all forms of discrimination, including discrimination based on criminal record and credit history.

Since being elected in 2012 by Democratic and Republican colleagues to serve as President of City Council, Clarke has modernized and expanded Council’s technical staff to enable members to craft data-driven solutions to best serve constituents in a rapidly growing City. Clarke’s leadership ensured that the City implemented the Actual Value Initiative, or citywide reassessment of taxable properties, only when a package of remediation measures was in place to ensure minimal disruption to residents and business owners. A 2015 Pew Charitable Trusts report found that Council’s tax relief measures successfully protected longtime homeowners in neighborhoods that experienced sharp property value increases from being taxed out of their homes.

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Councilmember Cherelle L. Parker and Community College of Philadelphia announced the launch of Power Up Your Business, a small business education initiative that supports the sustainability, management, and profitability of neighborhood small businesses throughout Philadelphia.

Al Taubenberger

At Large Councilmember

A Philadelphian, born and raised, Councilmember At Large Al Taubenberger has been serving the people of Philadelphia in one form or another for most of his adult life. After graduating from Penn State University with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Agronomy, the Councilmember’s first job was Ground’s Supervisor at Friend’s Hospital.

The Councilmember’s love for nature was well suited to a position caring for their gardens.

Not long after, his Public Service began, when he became a Constitution Service Representative – and then Manager – for Congressman Charlie Dougherty. Later in the early 90s, he was recruited to serve as President of the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, where he took an active role the recruitment and development of the businesses in Northeast Philadelphia.

Now a member of City Council, Councilmember Taubenberger proudly serves on more than ten committees, and Chairs the Committee on Aging – assisting the senior and aging population of Philadelphia.

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The free program offers a two-tiered approach. One is a 10-week course in basic small business management and planning, including peer learning, a business coach and an introduction to various existing small business resources which serve 25 businesses per cohort. The second tier is a series of workshops covering small business basics such as financial management, personal and business credit, and neighborhood-based marketing. The City provides the college with $800,000 per year for three years for the program.

For more information or to apply, please visit www.ccp.edu/powerup, e-mail powerup@ccp.edu or call (215) 496-6151

Councilmember Cherelle Parker

To ensure businesses that become certified as LBEs have a stronger connection to the city, Councilmembers Blondell Reynolds Brown (At Large) and Maria D. Quiñones Sánchez (7th District) introduced legislation that amends the Local Bidding Preference by changing how the city certifies Local Business Entities (LBEs).

Under the new law, in order for a local business to qualify as a LBE (1)The business entity’s principal place of business must be located in the City; or (2) the business entity satisfies at least two of the three following requirements: (.i) More than sixty percent of the business entity’s full-time employees are reported as Philadelphia residents on the City of Philadelphia Annual Reconciliation of Employer Wage Tax (.ii) More than one hundred (100) of the business entity’s full-time employees work in the City according to the City of Philadelphia Annual Reconciliation of Employer Wage Tax; or (.iii) More than three quarters of the business entity’s sales are reported as sales in Philadelphia.

After decades of under-utilization of minority and women contractors and workforces, City Council adopted Councilmember David Oh’s bill to enforce anti-discrimination laws in City contracting. The bill allows Council to debar contractors or suspend or terminate contracts directly for failure to meet the requirements of Economic Opportunity Plans, which set goals for minority and women participation in City projects.

Additionally, Council could recommend withholding of payment to the Finance Director.

This legislation provides Council with a greater ability to enforce compliance with Economic Opportunity Plans and ensures that minority and women participation in City projects meets or exceed standards.

Councilmember David Oh

Councilmember Bobby Henon (6th District), and Councilmember Al Taubenberger joined sustainability advocates to encourage local businesses to take advantage of energy retrofits through the Philadelphia Energy Campaign.

The campaign is part of the Philadelphia Energy Authority’s (PEA) 10-year, $1 billion initiative to invest in energy efficiency and clean energy in buildings across the city, realize cost savings for property owners and taxpayers and create 10,000 family-sustaining jobs.

These retrofits are expected to allow business owners to realize cost savings from lower utility bills which can then be reinvested in other parts of their business, including worker training and compensation.

The PEA also released Year 1 results of the Philadelphia Energy Campaign, including metrics on job creation and economic impact on small businesses. The 2017 report shows that approximately 225 jobs were created in the first year, with more than $50 million in active projects through Fiscal Year 2019, more than 160 homes participating in the Solarize residential solar energy program and more than 50 free energy audits for small businesses.

Bobby Henon 6th District

A life-long resident of Northeast Philadelphia, Councilmember Bobby Henon proudly represents his neighbors in Philadelphia’s 6th Councilmemberic District, which includes the communities of Tacony, Mayfair, Holmesburg, Lexington Park, Holme Circle, Ashton Village, Bridesburg, Wissinoming, Port Richmond, East Torresdale, Castor Gardens, Winchester Park, Academy Gardens, and Pennypack.

Since taking office, he has continued to focus on issues surrounding quality of life, job creation and public health, while making his office more accessible. This includes the development of the first-of-its-kind City Hall iPhone app, opening a 6th District Office at 6730 Torresdale Ave. and most recently, launching a texting program that allows community members of Philadelphia's 6th Councilmemberic District to "Text Bobby" any of their concerns (215) 686-3444.

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In 2016, Councilmember Bobby Henon introduced a package of bills that would allow the Procurement Department to utilize criteria beyond the lowest cost to determine which prospective City vendor's proposal is selected. This expanded selection criteria method is called Best Value and is a significant change from the City's current model-lowest responsible bidder. The legislation was developed in partnership with the Kenney Administration and was co-sponsored by Councilmembers Derek Green (At Large), Curtis Jones, Jr. (4th District), Cherelle Parker (9th District), Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District), and Mark Squilla (1st District).

Best value procurement is considered to be a best practice in procurement across the country. Weighting past performance, including whether a vendor completed a project on-time and on-budget, among other factors like cost, schedule, and M/W/DBSE participation, will ensure that the City is getting the best bang for its buck. This substantive change, along with other procurement reforms the Administration is undertaking, is intended to make it easier for new vendors to do business with the City and create a more competitive environment that will save money and produce better results.

The top 20 cities in the country, use best value, providing a better opportunity for diversity and inclusion regarding the individualsthe City contracts with.

Councilmember Bobby Hennon

PHILLY SPORTS CORNER

After Council passed the best value legislation, it was placed on the primary ballot (because it required a change to the Home Rule Charter). Voters approved this legislation in May 2017.

At Large members Blondell Reynolds Brown , Derek S. Green and City Council President Darrell L. Clarke joined the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) to announce that the “Find Your Power” solar training program received a $1.25 million U.S. Department of Energy award.

Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. and Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson with Ray Didinger

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office selected the initiative as one of 53 innovative projects to be funded, one of only seven for workforce development.

The PEA used the award to establish “Bright Solar Futures” - the Nation’s first Clean Energy Program of Study for high school students. Working with the School District of Philadelphia and YouthBuild Philly a three-year curriculum was developed to train students for careers in the clean energy sector.

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City Council Staff before Superbowl 52

Citing the need to provide students with the skills they need for successful careers in a growing industry Council President Darrell L. Clarke, and the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) announced the inaugural class of a solar jobs training course designed for Philadelphia public school students.

The “Find Your Power” program provides six weeks of training and instruction in clean energy, solar installation best practices, and general job readiness skills. Student trainees receive hands-on experience in solar installation under the supervision of practitioners provided by Philadelphia-based company Solar States. The course was designed by PEA and the School District of Philadelphia’s Office of Career and Technical Education.

“Find Your Power” advances a vision of creating a pipeline of opportunity between Philly public schools and the 10,000 new jobs that are being created by the Philadelphia Energy Campaign.

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Council President Darrell L. Clarke

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Councilmember Jannie Blackwell

City Council’s Education Committee Chair Councilmember Jannie Blackwell (3rd District) completed the legislative process of reauthorizing a locally appointed Board of Education that replaced the state-authorized School Reform Commission (SRC). The Resolution introduced by Councilmember Blackwell helped ensure a seamless transition from state control to a local oversight board accountable to Philadelphia residents.

In 2014, Councilmember Blackwell introduced a resolution that put the question of whether the SRC should be dissolved and replaced by local oversight before Philadelphia voters. The public’s response to the May 2015 vote was overwhelmingly in favor of local control. Once the Board of Education was fully authorized under the Charter, the process of appointing its nine members began. Three persons for every available seat on the nine-member Board were nominated by a diverse 13-member Educational Nominating Panel appointed by the Mayor. Out of that pool of names the Mayor appointed members, with the advice and consent of a majority of City Council, following public hearings. Members of the public were informed and invited to participate and offer testimony throughout the Board of Education confirmation process.

While local accountability and oversight will represent a dramatic and long overdue change in School District governance, taxing authority will continue to be split between the Commonwealth and the City of Philadelphia.

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Read the resolution: bit.ly/110217PhilaBoardOfEdu

City Council, the Administration, School District, and Board of Education are laser-focused on improving the health, safety and education of our young people and enter this next chapter in Philadelphia public education with shared commitment and purpose.

As a part of this commitment a resolution introduced by Councilmember Blackwell on behalf of all members of Council calls for the Committee of the Whole to convene at least twice a year to review the administration, management, operations, and finances of the School District of Philadelphia.

Council fully understands the public is owed an opportunity to regularly grade the School Board, the Administration, and City Council, and hold us accountable when warranted.

It is appropriate that we all remain engaged and active partners as we move the School District of Philadelphia forward.

Read the resolution: bit.ly/111518PhilaSchoolBoard

Councilmember Allan Domb

Jannie Blackwell 3rd District

Councilmember Jannie L. Blackwell is currently serving her seventh term for the 3rd Councilmemberic District. A native Philadelphian, she is a seasoned advocate for change with a solid reputation for serving the community. In a District which is known for "Eds and Meds", Councilmember Blackwell has created unprecedented legislation for minority inclusion in development.

She remains a staunch advocate for affordable housing, those experiencing homelessness and staving off the gentrification which threatens to destabilize long-term residents in our neighborhoods. The renovation of the Osage/Pine properties in Cobbs Creek is well underway and the Older Adult Center at Haddington has been reopened after major repairs. Councilmember Blackwell is Chair of the Committee on Finance and Chair of the Education Committee. She is Vice Chair of the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless.

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Helen Gym

At Large Councilmember

Councilmember Helen Gym is a longtime education and community organizer and is the first Asian American woman elected to Philadelphia City Council. As chair of Council’s Children and Youth Committee, she has led a public schools agenda that put a full-time nurse and counselor back in every public school and helped return the Philadelphia school system to local control. She introduced and passed the nation’s most expansive Fair Workweek law, guaranteeing advance notice of schedules, a pathway to more hours, and protections from retaliation for 130,000 workers at retail, food service, and hospitality corporations. She also established the city's first legal defense fund for renters facing eviction and the first budget fund to specifically address youth homelessness.

Councilmember David Oh at the Youth Non-Profit Symposium

Councilmember Oh recently held his 7th Annual Youth Non-Profit Symposium at Peirce College. The half-day event connects youth-servicing non-profits with corporations and foundations that provide funding to help fulfill their missions. Daniel J. Hilferty, President & CEO of Independence Health Group, served as the symposium’s keynote speaker.

Attendees learned about the importance of collaborating with other non-profits, researching targeted funding sources and finding creative ways to build relationships with corporations and foundations that support youth-based non-profits. Breakout sessions led by funding organization representatives helped attendees foster relationships and gather information that is highly relevant to their specific programs.

Recognizing an opportunity to increase the amount of W/MBE participation required for projects and create a direct pathway for CTE youth to the Trade Unions, Councilmember Jannie Blackwell led successful efforts to reformat the target goals for City EOPs and created the Penn Assist Program.

The first of its kind program, creates a direct pathway for CTE kids from the School District of Philadelphia to the Trade Unions. Made between Penn Medicine, LF Driscoll, and the Philadelphia Building Trades Council, it launched in the Summer of 2017 and is continues to this day. The Penn Assist Program is now being used as a model for other major construction projects in the city. Examples of this can be seen with REBUILD and the Brandywine CAP Program.

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Find out more: bit.ly/2H6bOy4

With the support of City Council, Philadelphia is transforming traditional schools into full-service Community Schools. Community Schools are public schools where a full-time coordinator works with the entire school community—students, parents, teachers, administrators, service providers, and neighbors—to identify the community's most pressing needs, such as expanded medical services, after-school programming, and job training.

Championed by Council President Darrell Clarke, the City is investing nearly $40 million to transform 25 existing public schools into Community Schools. Successful Community Schools leverage public, private, and philanthropic resources to help schools become neighborhood centers, improving access to programs and services for students, families, and neighbors.

Research shows that there is a clear business advantage to creating diverse teams and Councilmember Alan Domb (At Large) is pushing create a generation of homegrown talent while simultaneously changing the narrative about poverty and poverty reduction strategies in our city. Coded By Kids , a full-fledged effort to identify and support tech talent in high schools across Philadelphia, equips students with the development skills, programming languages and project experience needed to obtain entry-level positions in the tech industry.

By connecting students to instructors with real-world experience (in tech) and a focus on mentorship, Coded by Kids began three-year coding programs in Philadelphia high schools. Designed for motivated 9th and 10th graders, their Pathways into Tech program helps schools provide high-quality, tech-focused learning opportunities for their students. Each year, the students receive 24 hours of intensive coding instruction, add a project to their web development portfolio and learn professional skills like working with clients, working on teams and showcasing their technical capabilities.

With the help of tech companies like Turn5, Elite SEM, Stitch Data and the Message Agency, Pathways Into Tech programs have been funded at 15 high schools in neighborhoods like Strawberry Mansion, Kensington, Southwest Philly and Hunting Park. These efforts will create opportunities for 225 students over the next three years.

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Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr.

Philadelphia has seen a significant reduction in rates of gun violence, thanks to the efforts of the Philadelphia Police Department and our law enforcement community, however policies at the state and federal levels, that encourage the proliferation of guns, are a significant challenge facing our community. In this regard, Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. (4th District), Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson and City Council President Darrell L. Clarke, created the Special Committee on Gun Violence Prevention which convened research and leaders from government, law enforcement, public health, social services, and community development to look at and act on the pressing issue of gun violence in Philadelphia.

The mission of the Special Committee on Gun Violence Prevention includes: analyzing the outcomes of existing gun violence prevention efforts; identifying local and national strategies that have seen positive outcomes; increasing the City’s capacity for data collection and analysis of violent incidents; developing metrics to measure progress toward strategic goals; reviewing allocation of City resources to ensure optimization of results and improving intragovernmental and cross-sector coordination on gun violence prevention efforts. In addition, the special committee serves as a coordinator for gun violence prevention efforts across sectors, neighborhoods and disciplines, many of which are not currently connected to or in consistent communication with one another.

Council continues to work with committed partners across all levels of government and in the private and nonprofit sectors as it strives to make every neighborhood in Philadelphia safe for all.

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Curtis Jones, Jr. 4th District

Council President Darrell L. Clarke and Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner were joined by civic and community leaders to announce a new partnership to aggressively enforce Philadelphia’s ordinance requiring that individuals report a lost or stolen firearms. Investigations into lost and stolen guns will now begin with a trace of gun ownership by the Gun Violence Task Force (GVTF), which is a partnership between the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office (DAO) and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. The GVTF will determine if the gun was lost or stolen and therefore should have been reported to authorities. First-time offender’s cases will be referred to the City Solicitor’s Office for a civil violation with a fine of up to $2,000.

Witnessing firsthand the challenges some groups face and the need for the city to be explicit in its commitment to stand up against hate-based crime Councilmember Bobby Henon introduced legislation defining categories of persons protected from hate crimes in the City of Philadelphia.

New legislation clarifies the consequences for crimes motivated by age, ethnicity, race, religion, or national origin.

With the legislation Councilmember Henon helped address repeated concerns from senior citizens who expressed fears they could be targets of crimes because of their senior citizen status. Prior to this measure, there was no provision under state or local code making the targeting of an individual or groups for a crime based on age a crime in its own right.

A lifelong resident of Philadelphia, the Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. represents the residents of the 4th District of Philadelphia.

Councilmember Jones Jr. is a champion for education, an ally for criminal justice reform, a friend of the environment and an outspoken proponent of affordable housing. He is the primary author of the “Good Cause” bill requiring landlords to have a good cause to evict tenants and was the primary sponsor of a bill that instituted a moratorium of demolition on Ridge Avenue which lead to the creation of the Ridge Avenue Historic District.

Additionally, he serves on numerous boards and executive committees, including The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, Pennsylvania Crime & Delinquency Commission, both appointed by PA Governor Tom Wolf. Councilmember Jones is one of Overbrook High School’s accomplished graduates.

By adding these further protections Council hopes to assure citizens, no matter their age, ethnicity, race, religion or national origin, that it stands with them, for them, and behind them.

Read the bill: bit.ly/PhilaHateCrimesBill

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Philadelphia City Council passed a fair workweek bill that will guarantee predictable schedules for some 130,000 hourly workers in the service and hospitality industries.

The bill, introduced by Councilperson Helen Gym, applies to large chain businesses with more than 250 employees in the retail, food or hospitality sectors with at least 30 locations across the country or state. The ordinance guarantees at least 11 hours rest time between shifts, opportunities to work additional hours and provides for enforcement and penalties for noncompliance.

Amendments to the legislation provided exemptions for employers to staff last-minute ticketed events and large banquets and added language allowing employees to voluntarily change their schedules.

According to 2015 U.S. Census data, at least a quarter of Philadelphia’s service employees work part time. Many of these retail and service industry workers frequently face unpredictable schedules that change as often as the seasons. Philly is now the second-biggest city in the country, after New York, to pass a scheduling law. The law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2020.

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Councilmember Helen Gym with Fair Work Week supporters

Philadelphia has a new law to provide means and procedures for wage theft complaints. As a result of a bill passed by Councilmember Bill Greenlee (At Large), employees can now file official wage theft complaints with the City’s Wage Theft Coordinator.

Wage theft refers to a variety of activities that an entity engages in to prevent workers from receiving legally or contractually promised compensation for their work. Testimony before City Council’s Law and Government Committee stated that low-wage workers in Philadelphia could be facing a wage theft epidemic.

Wage theft can take various forms, including minimum wage violations, overtime violations, illegal deductions, tip violations, under-counting of hours worked and delayed or missed wage payments.

Now parties who believe that they have been subjected to wage theft can submit a signed complaint to the City Wage Theft Coordinator at wagetheft@phila.gov

Councilmember Bill Greenlee introduced legislation co-sponsored by Councilmember Blondell Reynolds Brown that would makes it illegal for employers to inquire about a potential employee’s salary history.

The legislation is aimed at eliminating the wage gap between men and women. According to the United States Census Bureau 2015 report, women in Pennsylvania are paid 79 cents for every dollar a man makes.

This wage gap persists regardless of industry, occupation, and education level. Often, basing a salary offer upon a worker’s pay at a previous job only serves to perpetuate gender pay inequalities.

Eliminating requirements to disclose wage history gives all workers an opportunity to start fresh and avoid continued pay discrimination.

Councilmember Blondell Reynolds Brown

William K. Greenlee Majority Deputy Whip At Large Councilmember

Councilmember William Greenlee is a lifelong resident of the Fairmount neighborhood of Philadelphia. He is a graduate of St. Joseph’s Prep and Temple University. He and his wife Leslie, a teacher, have been married for over 25 years.

The Councilmember was elected to Council in a special election in November 2006 and was re-elected to serve a full term in 2007, 2011 and 2015. He is the chairperson of the Rules and Law and Government Committees and is also the Vice-Chair of the Public Property and Transportation Committees.

The Councilmember also serves on the Streets and Services, Licenses and Inspections, Public Health and Human Services, and Housing Neighborhood Development and the Homeless committees. The Councilmember was elected by his colleagues to serve as Majority Deputy Whip in 2012.

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To ensure workforce programs established under Rebuild result in greater representation of minorities City Council crafted legislation expanding Rebuild Project User contract opportunities to 21 entities that reflect the diverse population and also ensured public oversight of the contracting process.

Derek Green

At Large Councilmember Councilmember Derek S. Green (At Large) chairs the Committee on Disabilities and serves as the Vice Chair of the Committees on Aging and Law and Government.

Additionally, he serves as chair of the Philadelphia Gas Commission, Board Director for the Democratic Municipal Officials, Regional Director for the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials and 2nd Vice President for the Pennsylvania Municipal League.

Before his election, Councilmember Green was the Special Counsel to Councilmember Marian B. Tasco.

Councilmember Green’s legal experience includes positions as an Assistant District Attorney in Philadelphia and Assistant Deputy Attorney General for the State of Delaware. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia and Temple University School of Law. Councilmember Green and his wife, Sheila, co-founded the first Autism Support Class at Houston Elementary School to help other Autistic children like their son. They are a top regional fundraiser for Autism Speaks.

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The legislation sponsored by Councilmembers Council President Darrell L. Clarke, Councilmember Blondell Reynolds Brown, Councilmember Maria D. Quiñones Sánchez and Councilmember Cindy Bass (8th District) requires the Office of Labor Standards to enforce City contract requirements for workforce diversity and apply penalties if they are not met.

Thanks to the efforts of Council also expanded inclusive economic participation by lowering the monetary threshold triggering workforce diversity goals through Economic Opportunity Plans (EOPs) from $250,000 to $100,000, allowing for increased participation on smaller contracts.

Council President Clarke worked to ensure that Keystone Opportunity Zone applicants are now required to craft plans for apprenticeship or other work opportunities for School District of Philadelphia Career and Technical Education (CTE) program students.

Read the bills: 102518 CPC KOZ Opportunity Plan bit.ly/KOZOpportunityPlan

All Stated meeting are held at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers. City Hall Room 400, unless otherwise noted. Agendas for all meetings can be found at phlcouncil.com

Watch meetings live on Xfinity Channel 64, Fios Channel 40 and stream at phlcouncil.com/watch

Listen to meetings live on WURD Radio 96.1FM at 9:00AM

From Left To Right: Councilmember Cindy Bass, Councilmember Jannie Blackwell, Councilmember Cherelle Parker, Councilmember Maria D. Quiñones Sánchez, Council President Darrell L. Clarke, Councilmember Helen Gym, Councilmember Blondell Reynolds Brown

Creating a culture in which women are treated as equals and employees treat one another with respect is imperative.

Changing behaviors in the workplace and striving for a better work environment for everyone is an aim Council has taken very seriously.

In this regard, Councilwomen Blondell Reynolds Brown, Jannie L. Blackwell, Maria Quiñones Sánchez, Cherelle L. Parker, Cindy Bass and Helen Gym passed a bill that mandates sexual harassment training for all City of Philadelphia employees.

Mandatory annual training is now required for all exempt, non-exempt, civil service, City officers and employees regarding sexual harassment in the workplace.

Councilmember Derek S. Green (At Large) introduced a bill that will be presented to voters to amend the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to include non-gendered terms, such as “Councilmember,” instead of male gendered terms like “Councilman”.

This vote comes on the heels of hearings held earlier this month on gender neutrality by the Council Committee on Law and Government, and received widespread support from various stakeholders and advocates alike. With this proposed charter change Philadelphia takes one more step toward becoming a more just and equitable city for all residents.

The proposed change will take effect in January 2020.

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Mark Squilla 1st District

Mark Squilla has represented City Council’s First District, a diverse and growing area that stretches along the Delaware River from his native South Philadelphia across Center City, Chinatown, Northern Liberties, Fishtown, Kensington and Port Richmond since 2011.

Councilmember Squilla’s life in public service began two decades earlier, when he brought his Whitman neighbors together to save their local park, Burke Playground.

In 2008, his neighbors elected him Whitman Council President. From 1985 until 2011, he served the cause of accountability and transparency in state government through his work in the Office of Pennsylvania’s Auditor General, under four Administrations.

Councilmember Squilla’s experiences as a Community organizer, public servant, and family man have taught him that engaged neighborhoods are the key to Philadelphia’s future.

He serves on the Boards of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, and others.

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Councilmember Derek Green

Following incidents of discrimination in some local bars and restaurants Councilmembers Derek Green, Helen Gym and Mark Squilla passed legislation to enforce commercial activity licenses based on businesses abiding by the City’s Fair Practices Ordinance.

The legislation adds to the Fair Practices Ordinance, which prohibits discrimination in public accommodation, employment, and housing, by stoping businesses from acquiring or possessing commercial activity licenses to operate within the City of Philadelphia if they do not adhere to those requirements.

The Department of License and Inspections is also authorized to deny or revoke a commercial activity license for failure to comply with the requirements under the Fair Practices Ordinance.

Read the bills: Amending the Fair Practices Ordinance-Commercial bit.ly/OrdinanceFairPractices Amending the Philadelphia Code-Non-Commercial Discrimination bit.ly/NonCommercialDiscrimination

Legislation introduced by Councilmember Cherelle Parke and co-sponsored by Councilmembers Blondell Reynolds Brown and Mark Squilla put a question on the ballot regarding increasing Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025. The City cannot increase the minimum wage alone, which means that minimum wage changes must occur at the state level.

Pennsylvania’s minimum wage of $7.25 – the same as the federal minimum wage – has been unchanged for the past 10 years, while data shows the cost of living has risen more than 13 percent since 2009. In the past decade, 29 states, including our neighboring states, have raised the wage floor for their workers, with the District of Columbia planning to increase its minimum wage to $15 by 2020, and New Jersey planning to hike its minimum wage to $15 by 2024.

The referendum asks voters to amend the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to call upon the General Assembly to raise the minimum wage to $15 by 2025 or alternatively to allow the City of Philadelphia to increase the minimum wage in Philadelphia.

By moving this referendum forward, Council is allowing Philadelphia voters to send a strong message to the General Assembly using the ballot box.

Philadelphia City Council agreed to gradually raise the minimum wage for city workers, contractors and subcontractors to $15 by 2023. The increase will affect approximately 2,000 city workers.

The legislation, which was introduced by Councilmember Mark Squilla, comes four years after the city passed a referendum to bump up pay for contractors and subcontractors to $12 an hour.

Philadelphia City Council agreed to gradually raise the minimum wage for city workers, contractors and subcontractors to $15 by 2023. The increase will affect approximately 2,000 city workers.

The legislation, which was introduced by Councilmember Mark Squilla, comes four years after the city passed a referendum to bump up pay for contractors and subcontractors to $12 an hour. Find out more: youtu.be/fDJSjW_hPUU

Councilmember Mark Squilla 22 24

Council President Darrell L. Clarke

The Philadelphia Energy Campaign is City Council’s initiative to leverage $1 billion in public and private investment in energy efficiency and clean energy projects over 10 years in neighborhoods across the City. The Campaign’s key goals are to create 10,000 jobs over 10 years, deliver energy retrofits to housing, community facilities and small businesses in neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia, help Philadelphians save approximately $200 million in energy costs once all projects are completed by reducing the use of electricity, natural gas, steam, oil and water in buildings and reduce Philadelphia’s use of fossil fuels through energy conservation and the use of renewable energy.

These measures seek to result in greater energy efficiency in all City buildings, all School District of Philadelphia buildings, 25,000 low-income residences and 2,500 small businesses. Over the course of implementation more than 10,000 new jobs are expected to be created in the growing energy retrofit and clean energy sectors.

The campaign is overseen and coordinated by the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA), an independent municipal authority established in 2010. Additional information about the Philadelphia Energy Campaign at philaenergy.org.

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City Council strongly believes more needs to be done to hold short-dumpers accountable as many residents have voiced their frustration with this type of behavior. In this regard, Councilmember Cindy Bass passed legislation to ban contractors caught illegally dumping from obtaining contracts with the City of Philadelphia. The bill came after Bass’ 8th District Trash Task Force caught construction vehicles dumping stacks of wood and other materials behind concrete barriers in Logan Triangle. The Councilmember’s bill added a provision to the chapter of The Philadelphia Code entitled “Refuse and Littering” to establish that any contractor or subcontractor caught dumping while engaged in activity under a City contract would be prohibited from bidding on any future City contracts.

Likewise, Councilmember Derek Green passed an ordinance hiking fines for short dumping. The Bill replaced the current fine with a graduated system of penalties. Short dumpers will now face a fine of $1,000 for the first offense, $1,500 for the second, and $2,000 for all subsequent violations. Additionally, the courts are empowered to mandate that the violator clean areas where the short dumping occurred or compensate the City if it has already done so.

Additionally, Council President Clarke and City officials announced the deployment of 24-hour surveillance cameras in certain areas to help with short dumping enforcement efforts. Under the program 100 additional continuously recording cameras will be placed throughout problem areas in the city.

Cindy Bass 8th District

Councilmember Cindy Bass has a reputation for coalition building, community engagement and getting the job done. She has protected schools in underserved communities and is making sure that Philadelphia’s tax structure protects longtime homeowners.

She also recognizes the power of an organized community and local participation to make neighborhoods destinations of choice.

Bass fights tirelessly for quality of life issues, consumer protections, economic equity and Reclaiming Our Public Spaces. Her legislative agenda addresses these priorities by: 1) working to rid communities of nuisance properties, 2) holding businesses accountable to the people, 3) advocating for equal opportunity employment on City worksites and, 4) protecting parks, recreation centers and libraries through legislation and her annual Summer Events Series!

A life-long Philadelphian, Councilmember Bass was raised in North Philadelphia, is a public school graduate, and received a Bachelor’s degree from Temple University.

Councilmember Cindy Bass

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Brian J. O’Neill Minority Leader 10th District

Brian J. O’Neill is now serving his tenth four-year term on the Philadelphia City Council. He is a graduate of Saint Joseph’s University and Widener University School of Law. A past president of both the National League of Cities and the Pennsylvania Municipal League, Councilmember O’Neill serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of both organizations. He is Chairman of the Board of The Public Technology Institute, a non-profit local government organization in Washington, D.C. Councilmember O’Neill chairs the Northeast Philadelphia Airport Advisory Council and is on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Councilmember Derek S. Green, Councilmember Blondell Reynolds Brown, Councilmember Brian O’Neill

Philadelphia homeowners now have the option of signing up for low-cost protection plans covering repairs and replacements to service lines that extend from city water and sewer mains to the home, which are the responsibility of homeowners and are typically not covered by homeowners’ insurance.

Councilmembers Brian J. O’Neill (10th District), Derek S. Green, Cherelle Parker, Allan Domb and Blondell Reynolds Brown, joined the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) and Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) to announce the launch of the Water and Sewer Service Line Protection Program to protect Philadelphia homeowners from costly water and sewer service line repairs. This program is also projected to help PWD manage energy and delivery costs associated with leaky service lines which may help keep customer rates low.

American Water Resources will establish a local contractor network with at least 60 percent of all claim services performed by minority, women and/or disabled business enterprises. Program enrollees will receive 24-hour support via a toll-free hotline dedicated to Philadelphia homeowners, and a one-year warranty on all covered repairs, with no forms to submit and no deductibles, service fees, or co-pays.

The Water and Sewer Service Line Protection Program offers an even greater layer of security and peace of mind for our hardworking citizens and shield homeowners from unexpected and costly repairs associated with pipe breaks and failures. Protection plans feature low monthly program fees, timely repairs, high-quality service, and no dollar limit on covered claims. Homeowners can sign up to purchase a plan by calling 844-765-7260 or visiting https://awrusa.com/philadelphia/.

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Councilmember Blondell Reynolds Brown, Councilmember Derek Green, and the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) announced the launch of Solarize Philly (#SolarizePHL), a new residential solar energy program with a goal of making solar more accessible and jumpstart Philadelphia’s sustainable energy market thereby driving down individual costs, increasing solar training programs and jobs, and reducing the City’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Interested homeowners can have their homes assessed for solar potential and receive a solar project proposal, complete with financing and leasing options where desired. The more households sign up, the deeper the discount will be. Solarize Philly will lower costs to homeowners all while supporting solar training and help for low- and moderate-income households to go solar as well.

PEA has a goal of making solar more accessible and has added a new financing option for homeowners who may not qualify for private financing.

More information on Solarize Philly is available at philaenergy.org and solarizephilly.org

@solarizephilly

@philaenergy

@solarizephilly

Councilmember Mark Squilla, Councilmember William Greenlee, Council President Darrell L. Clarke and Mayor Jim Kenney at Solarize Philly

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Councilmember Derek Green

City Council remains committed to improving how government agencies work in collaboration with businesses and stands firm in its commitment to improving processes to grow Philadelphia’s economy. Towards this end the Special Committee on Regulatory Review and Reform was created with a mission to make the city more appealing to those looking to lay the foundations for entrepreneurial ventures. The committee is co-chaired by Councilmember Derek S. Green, Commerce Director Harold T. Epps and the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia CEO Rob Wonderling. Councilmember Maria Quiñones Sánchez, Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson, and Councilmember Al Taubenberger are also members.

Six subcommittees – Child Care, Construction and Real Estate, Food and Hospitality, Manufacturing, Small Businesses and Tech and Startups - were charged with making initial recommendations, which ultimately included streamlining processes for opening a business, simplifying language, ensuring consistency across existing laws/regulations, and increasing transparency around legislative changes. City Council has since repealed a total of 16 provisions from the Philadelphia Code with additional regulation streamlines pending.

The Special Committee on Regulatory Review and Reform 2018 Progress Report can be viewed, online on Council’s website.

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Philadelphia City Council unanimously passed legislation requiring a regular review of tax benefits offered by the City. The legislation sponsored

by Councilmember Allan Domb and cosponsored by Council President Darrell L. Clarke and Councilmember Bill Greenlee, aims to improve exemption and incentive programs by analyzing the City’s existing benefits, as well as those offered in other comparable cities in an effort to measure Philadelphia’s competitiveness.

Philadelphia has 21 City-approved business tax reduction programs or provisions. Regular reporting on job creation and other metrics will empower City Council to use tax incentives more judiciously and strategically. The report also will serve as an important baseline for the Department of Commerce’s business attraction and retention efforts moving forward.

Councilmember Allan Domb (At Large) introduced a bill calling for the City’s Finance Department to provide monthly reports to City Council detailing the activity and balances of city bank accounts to ensure proper reconciliation.

Additionally, Councilmember Domb passed a resolution to authorizing City Council’s Committee on Finance to conduct a full and comprehensive investigatory public hearing to review the corrective audit of the City’s consolidated cash account.

Allan Domb

At Large Councilmember After receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree from American University in Washington D.C., Allan Domb moved to Philadelphia, a place he has called home for the past 39 years. As a result of his love and belief in Philadelphia, Allan worked to create a highly reputable real estate brokerage firm.

In order to become fully immersed in Philadelphia’s real estate market as an advocate, Allan served as President of the Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors (“GPAR”,) in 1990 and then again from 2013- 2015.

Through his years of experiences, Allan realized the need for business and real estate knowledge within City Hall and ran for City Council At Large in 2015.

As a Councilmember and a proud Philadelphian, Allan is committed to lowering the poverty rate, collecting delinquent taxes owed to the city, increasing graduation rates, and promoting job growth within all industries in Philadelphia.

Councilmember Allan Domb

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David Oh

At Large Councilmember

David Oh was born and raised in Philadelphia. He graduated from Central High School, Dickinson College, and Rutgers University Law School-Camden. He then served as a Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney. David subsequently enlisted in the U.S. Army.

Returning to Philadelphia, he established his own law firm, managing it for 18 years until he merged it with another firm.

The City’s move to the Actual Value Initiative (AVI) in 2013, although meant to ensure consistent tax fairness, left some properties either unfairly over-assessed or under-assessed, particularly in gentrifying neighborhoods. To look at the issue further, City Council commissioned an independent audit of the Office of Property Assessment (OPA) which was performed by J.F. Ryan Associates. Subsequently a number of recommendations to reform OPA were advanced. Council will continue working with the Administration to ensure the efficient and operation of OPA. Read the J.F. Ryan Associates audit report: Philadelphia OPA Audit 2018 Final Report bit.ly/PhilaOPAAudit2018Report

Thanks to very broad and diverse support from voters across the City, David was elected to City Council At Large in November 2011, taking office in January 2012.

He was re-elected in November 2015 to serve another term. He is the Minority Whip and Chair of the Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy. He is the first Asian-American elected to political office in Philadelphia and is also the only military veteran currently serving on City Council.

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Councilmember Brian O’Neill

Many Philadelphians currently unable to obtain a driver’s license and other forms of government-issued photo identification are now eligible to obtain a Municipal ID. Councilmember Maria Quiñones Sánchez passed the measure establishing the Municipal Photo Identification program which was cosponsored by Councilmember Helen Gym and Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. Residents who obtain the ID receive from increased access to City services, cardholder benefits and discounts that leverage the best of the City’s partnerships with local businesses, financial institutions, and cultural centers.

The City now issues the Municipal ID to all Philadelphia residents upon proof of identity and residency. The cards display the cardholder’s photo, name, date of birth, and address, but exclude the cardholder’s gender and immigration status.

It is City Council’s aim that Municipal IDs will unlock doors so that all Philadelphians can fully participate in our city’s vibrant economic and civic life.

Councilmember David Oh

In February of 2019, Councilmember Bobby Henon introduced a resolution declaring the City of Philadelphia a Hidden Heroes City. Former Secretary Elizabeth Dole of the Hidden Heroes: Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Mayor Kenney, former Under Secretary of the Army Patrick Murphy, Councilmembers Bobby Henon and David Oh, and PHL Veterans Affairs Director Carlo Aragoncillo held a ceremony recognizing Philadelphia in this regard.

The mission of the Hidden Heroes is to raise awareness of the critical role military and veteran caregivers play, and ensure they have the proper support resources available to them. The program is a unified effort to provide the same support that veterans and those in the military receive as to those who provide care for those who have and continue to serve our Country.

Councilmember María D. Quiñones-Sánchez

Citing the need to ensure that Council makes important financial decisions with all pertinent information to make sound judgments, Councilmember Allan Domb amended the Code pertaining to Fiscal Impact Statements to account for “Job Growth” and “Job Loss.” This legislation allows members of Council to make better informed decisions on the overall fiscal impact of future ordinances.

Amended Fiscal Impact Statements are yet another step toward protecting and growing Philadelphia’s financial standing.

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Councilmember Blondell Reynolds Brown

Lead exposure during childhood is risky and can result in health and behavioral complications for children who are exposed to dangerous amounts.

In an effort to prevent childhood lead poisoning Councilmember Blondell Reynolds Brown (At Large) successfully passed five bills that closed loopholes and increased awareness for new parents and caregivers. The package included legislation; 1) expanding a current law requiring that all rental units, with the exception of those designated for college students, be certified as lead-free or lead-safe; 2) established requirements for the testing of blood lead levels in children including a requirement that all children’s blood lead levels be tested twice before the age of 30 months; 3) requires that certain renovation projects involving City-owned or occupied buildings, or the use of City capital dollars, be certified as lead free or lead safe prior to the completion of the renovation project; 4) requires landlords that operate as Limited Liability Corporations (LLC) disclose the names of certain individuals with an equity interest in the corporation and requires all LLCs to identify a managing agent who is able to receive notices, orders and summonses; and 5) requires commercial enterprises that operate as Limited Liability Corporations (LLC) to disclose the names of certain individuals with an equity interest in the corporation.

As lead poisoning is an issue of public health as well as economic and environmental justice, the package is a more comprehensive approach with shared responsibilities amongst all stakeholders.

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Three councilmembers unveiled a package of bills designed to protect Philadelphia’s children from the toxic and irreparable impact of lead exposure. The School District water testing bill, introduced by Councilmember Helen Gym, requires each District school to perform annual lead testing of water and require a City certification that it meets water quality standards. A bill requiring lead safety in child care centers, was introduced by Councilmember Blondell Reynolds Brown, mandating for the first time that family and group child care centers be certified “lead safe” before being granted a license from the Department of Licenses and Inspections.

Finally, under a bill introduced by Councilmember Cindy Bass, the current Lead Paint Disclosure law, which requires disclosure of lead risks to renters and purchasers of property older than 1978, has been expanded to include the required disclosure of lead water service lines. These measures strengthen the fight against lead poisoning and help to ensure schools and communities are safe places for children to grow and learn.

Blondell Reynolds Brown Majority Whip At Large Councilmember

On January 4th, 2016, Councilmember Reynolds Brown was again elected by her peers to serve as Majority Whip, and is the only woman serving in City Council Leadership. Throughout her career, Councilmember Reynolds Brown has been dedicated to enriching the lives of Philadelphia residents by “Putting People First.” Councilmember Reynolds Brown began her career as a professional dancer, before working in higher education and education policy. An educator, community activist, political leader and concerned parent, her laser beam focus and commitment to helping others defined her work prior to her election to Philadelphia City Council in 2000.

Councilmember Reynolds Brown has passed meaningful legislation and sponsored valuable community programming that impacts her core issues: children and youth, women, arts, culture, education, equity for small business development, the environment and sustainability. Her motto: “Dream big, and when that doesn’t work, dream bigger!”

Councilmember Helen Gym

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When Councilmember Taubenberger took office, one of his top priorities was senior citizens, and the issues they face.

Upon entering City Council he was named Chairman of the Committee on Aging and has worked tirelessly on the issues affecting seniors.

Each month, Councilmember Taubenberger holds a Senior Town Hall to discuss senior related issues with constituents. Each week, special guests from various organizations and companies speak and provide information regarding the services and discounts they offer for seniors. The town halls are held at the Kleinlife Community Center (10100 Jamison Avenue).

Councilmember María D. Quiñones-Sánchez, Councilmember Cindy Bass and Councilmember Allan Domb

The Philadelphia Water Department launched a low-income assistance program that offers tiered assistance payments (TAP) starting at $12 per month for water bills. The effort was lead by Councilmember Maria Quiñones-Sánchez, who in 2015 passed enabling legislation through City Council.

Under the program payments are tied to a household's income, not water usage. TAP is open to anyone with an income under 150 percent of the federal poverty level, or $36,900 for a family of four. The payments range from 2% to 4% of household income. Those who don't meet the income threshold could qualify if they have a hardship, such as losing a job or being a victim of domestic violence. Although customers don’t have to be delinquent on their bill to qualify, those with existing water bill debt can have it suspended, and the penalties and interest forgiven if they don’t miss a payment for two years.

The City is looking to enroll upward of 50,000 households, which is five times those in the current program for low-income payers.

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Read more about it: bit.ly/IntroductionOfTAP

Councilmember Cindy Bass championed legislation addressing an issue that impacts a number of residents in Philadelphia - Nuisance Businesses. Nuisance behaviors by businesses are defined as “any behavior that interferes with the health, safety and welfare of the community”, including but not limited to: illegal drug activity, illegal consumption of alcoholic beverages, gambling, loitering, litter on sidewalks, and excessive noise.

The law allows for the issuance of citations to businesses that violate the provisions of the new chapter of the Philadelphia Code entitled “Responsible Business Operations.” Repeat violations could result in the suspension or revocation of their commercial activity license if it has been determined that no attempts have been made to abate the nuisance behavior. Part of the process for reinstatement of the license will involve meeting with the area Registered Community Organization (RCO) to prevent further problem behavior. The measure is intended to help assure that business owners act responsibly by monitoring their premises and surroundings to prevent anti-social, destructive and nuisance behavior.

Councilmember Blondell Reynolds Brown, successfully passed legislation requiring restaurant chains to place labels on permanent menu items or combination meals with 2,300 mg or more of sodium. The requirement, which applies to printed and electronic menus, menu boards, and food tags, is a continuation of the Councilmember’s landmark menu labeling law that took effect in 2010.

In a step toward improving neighborhood quality of life and ensuring equitable business operation across the city, Councilmember Cindy Bass advanced legislation creating new licensing requirements for restaurant establishments.

According to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and the National Center for Health Statistics Interactive Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke Philadelphia has high rates of hypertension and the highest rate of premature death from heart disease of the ten largest U.S. cities.

The Restaurant Licensing Bill helps business owners come into compliance with state law by categorizing business licenses as “small establishment” licenses and “large establishment” licenses. Large establishments are intended to be sit-down restaurants and are defined as businesses with tables and seating for at least 30 patrons where food is expected to be consumed on the premises. Under the provisions of the bill, these establishments are required to have a minimum of one bathroom that is publicly accessible without passing through a food preparation area. Any new small establishments must also have an available restroom facility as required by the Plumbing Code.

Already-existing small establishments are not affected by this provision. Under the bill, the Department of Licenses and Inspections will work to determine and announce regulations on the use or removal of any physical barrier between restaurant employees serving food and restaurant customers by January 1, 2021.

This legislative measure promotes smart and healthy food choices and educates our communities about what they are consuming. #LookBeforeYouEat

This corporate social responsibility measure is intended to help build bridges between neighborhood businesses and the communities in which they exist.

Under the new legislation establishments must display an adjacent sodium warning and the following explanation in plain view: Sodium content higher than daily recommended limit (2,300 mg). High sodium intake can increase blood pressure and the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Foreground Councilmember Al Taubenberger and Council Presidents Darrell Clarke Background Councilmembers Greenlee, Parker and Jones

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Councilmember Al Taubenberger, Councilmember Brian O'Neill and Mayor Jim Kenney opening the new Northeast Municipal Services Center

Councilmember Blondell Reynolds Brown held a knitting and crocheting event in which volunteers produced mittens, gloves, hats and scarves for children and teens in Philadelphia's homeless shelters.

Public dedication of the Octvaius Valentine Catto Memorial

by Branly Cadet, Artist

Councilmember Derek Green held an an Autism Playdate at Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse

Councilmember Cherelle Parker Distributes Bicycles at Ben Franklin Elementary School

Council President Darrell L. Clarke, Mayor Jim Kenney and other local officials attended the official ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for the newly restored historic Metropolitan Opera House

City Council Halloween Celebration

Philadelphia City Councilmembers salute the area's Veterans at the 4th Annual Philadelphia Veterans Parade.

Philadelphia City Councilmembers Helen Gym and Mark Squilla attend the 29th Annual Pride Day LGBT Parade and Festival

Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson at ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly completed Smith Playground in South Philadelphia

Councilmember Derek Green, Council President Darrell L. Clarke and Councilmember Cindy Bass at VetFest

Councilmembers Al Taubenberger, Blondell Reynold Brown,Council President Darrell L. Clarke with City Commissioner Al Schmidt and State Representative Donna Bullick, Malcolm Kenyatta and Danila Burgous attend the annual Golden Life Senior Fair

Jared Piper Khara Garcia

Council Photographer/Media Aide Graphic Designer

2019