Philadelphia City Council / Press Conferences

At the Council Meeting held Thursday, Dec. 15, Council President Darrell L. Clarke will have legislation introduced to incentivize the development of affordable housing along the North Broad Street Corridor through tax exemptions.

Council President Clarke's legislation targets blighted areas in the 5th and 8th Council Districts, and is introduced pursuant to the Affordable Housing Unit Tax Exemption Act, sponsored by PA Rep. Jared Solomon (202nd) and approved by the Legislature. Rep. Solomon’s legislation authorizes "local taxing authorities to provide for tax exemptions for improvements to deteriorated areas and dwellings to incentivize the creation and improvement of affordable housing units.

City Council welcomed four new members to Council on Monday as the newcomers, elected in special elections this month to fill vacancies, were all sworn in before family and friends in Council Chambers at City Hall.

The four new members of Council sworn in today are:

Councilmember At Large James Harrity, 50, a resident of Kensington and former aide to State Senator Sharif Street.

Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, 52, a resident of Northwood and former Chief of Staff to Councilmember Maria Quiñones Sánchez. Lozada will represent the 7th Council District.

Councilmember Anthony Phillips, 33, a resident of Mt. Airy, and founder of the nonprofit Youth Action. Phillips was elected to represent the 9th Council District.

Councilmember At Large Sharon Vaughn, 58, a resident of Feltonville, and former Chief of Staff to Councilmember Derek Green.

https://phlcouncil.com/city-council-welcomes-four-new-members-in-swearing-in-ceremony/

Mayor Jim Kenney joined City Councilmembers and local community members at a signing event regarding recent bills passed by City Council that will provide substantial relief to homeowners that have been affected by the long-term boom in the real estate market.

This includes an increase in the Homestead Exemption from $45,000 to $80,000, an increase in funding available for the Longtime Owner Occupants Program (LOOP), and changes to the Senior Tax Freeze program, which collectively will increase access to these programs for many low-and mid-income households.

Following another weekend of shootings in Philadelphia's neighborhoods, including high-profile incidents during the city's 4th of July celebrations, City Council leadership held a press conference later today to reiterate Council's unwavering commitment to reducing gun violence.

Though meaningful gun reform remains slow-moving in Washington and completely stalled in Harrisburg, members of Philadelphia City Council reaffirmed that they do not believe that the level of gun violence seen in Philadelphia and across the nation is inevitable and something that our citizens should simply learn to live with as part of their daily lives.

Councilmembers outlined various violence reduction programs that the city is already implementing and suggest additional legal and law-enforcement-related strategies that are currently under-utilized in the City of Philadelphia.

Mayor Jim Kenney today announced a significant expansion in the Community Schools Program, the pioneering partnership between the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia, and school communities to remove barriers to learning and support the success of each student. The Mayor designated three new Community Schools, bringing the total number of public schools in the program to 20. The new Community Schools are:

Add B. Anderson Elementary School in West Philadelphia,
Frankford High School on Oxford Avenue in Frankford, and
Paul L. Dunbar School in North Philadelphia.

Read more:

Former state representative Michael J. Driscoll was sworn in today as a new member of Philadelphia City Council, representing the 6th Council District in Northeast Philadelphia.

Following his victory in the special election held on May 17, Driscoll resigned his PA House seat representing the 173rd District, which he had held since 2015. In addition, Councilmember Driscoll's prior public service includes serving as deputy secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of General Services under Governor Robert Casey, Sr. Driscoll attended LaSalle University and the University of Pennsylvania, and resides in the Torresdale neighborhood with his wife and five children.

“I’m proud to take the oath of office and join City Council, representing the people of Northeast Philadelphia and the 6th District,” Driscoll said. “I feel as though my entire public service career has prepared me for this moment, and I cannot wait to get to work. The people of the Great Northeast and 6th District need an advocate, and I plan to serve them with all the passion, energy and experience I have.”

Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. (4th District) releases the 100 Shooter Review Report that contains findings and recommendations aimed at reducing gun violence in Philadelphia.

Read more: https://phlcouncil.com/councilmember-curtis-jones-jr-releases-a-report-on-the-findings-and-recommendations-of-the-100-shooting-review-committee/

City, Public Safety, and Criminal Justice Partners, and Other Officials to Discuss Urgency of Addressing Gun Violence

Councilmembers Isaiah Thomas (At Large) and Katherine Gilmore Richardson (At Large) have created the “Illuminate the Arts” grant as part of City Council’s New Normal Budget Act. The Illuminate the Arts Grants is a total of $1M to be distributed to individual artists, mid-size nonprofits and small businesses, administered through the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy. Through the input of the Arts and Culture Task Force as well as the arts and culture community, the application process and requirements will be uniquely geared to meet the needs of this community and provide relief quickly and efficiently.

Read more...

https://phlcouncil.com/city-council-announces-1m-in-arts-and-culture-grants/

On October 28, 2020, Councilmember Isaiah Thomas held a press conference to announce his "Driving Equality" bill, which aims to prevent unnecessary motor vehicle stops by Philadelphia police. The Defender Association of Philadelphia provided the councilmember with police vehicle stop data. The bill was introduced in City Council on October 29.

Advisory: City to Announce COVID-19 Preparations and Response for Philadelphia

What: The City of Philadelphia and representatives from response agencies and other organizations will share information on Philadelphia’s preparations to respond to COVID-19, formerly known as novel coronavirus, in light of this morning's announcement by Governor Wolf.

Who:
• Mayor Jim Kenney
• Dr. Thomas Farley, Health Commissioner
• Brian Abernathy, Managing Director
• Derek Ziegler, Deputy Director for Planning, Office of Emergency Management
• James Fox and Scott Sauer, SEPTA Assistant General Managers
• Chellie Cameron, CEO, Philadelphia International Airport

When: Today, Friday, March 6, 2020, 2:00 p.m.

Where: Mayor’s Reception Room, City Hall, 2nd Floor, Room 202, Philadelphia, PA.

Councilmember Allan Domb's remarks at the Poverty Action Plan Press Conference held Tuesday, March 3, 2020.

Read the Poverty Action Plan:
http://bit.ly/PHLPovertyActionPlan

Councilmember Maria D. Quiñones Sánchez's remarks at the Poverty Action Plan Press Conference held Tuesday, March 3, 2020.

Read the Poverty Action Plan:
http://bit.ly/PHLPovertyActionPlan

CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCES POVERTY ACTION PLAN WITH NEW INVESTMENTS AND STRATEGIES TO LIFT 100,000 PHILADELPHIANS OUT OF POVERTY BY 2024

Philadelphia, March 3, 2020 – Seeking to shed an unwelcome designation as the poorest large city in the country, a City Council special committee today unveiled a Poverty Action Plan anchored by innovations intended to lift 100,000 Philadelphians out of poverty over the next four years.
Council’s Special Committee on Poverty Reduction and Prevention, joined by Council President Darrell Clarke, Mayor Jim Kenney, and non-profit, business, academic and legislative leaders, delivered a detailed, 14-page Action Plan with strategies to lower Philadelphia’s high poverty rate of 24.5 percent – which includes 377,116 residents.

Public Officials hold a press conference as Mayor Jim Kenney appoints the new Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw

City Councilmembers stood with community anti-violence activists, Philadelphia police, religious leaders and victims of gun violence today to unveil a new effort to engage citizens to conduct gun checks in their homes. The purpose is to have individuals exercise personal responsibility in identifying guns in their residences -- and turn them in at safe locations in Philadelphia, no questions asked.

Read more:
http://phlcouncil.com/home-gun-checks-and-safe-disposal/

Official signing of Bill No. 190607 which provides protections for Philadelphia's domestic workers.

In attendance:
Mayor Jim Kenney
Councilmember Maria Quiñones-Sánchez (7th District)
Councilmember Helen Gym (At Large)
Councilmember Al Taubenberger (At Large)
Members of the National Domestic Workers Alliance

Read the bill: https://phila.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=3991789&GUID=C8CA6F0D-9748-4074-8E3E-CABD3C840701&Options=ID|Text|&Search=190607

Press conference touting the adoption of Bill No. 190857, the FY19 Year-End Transfer Ordinance, which includes $10 million for PHL Taking Care of Business (PHL~TCB), a new citywide business corridor cleaning program proposed by Councilmember Cherelle Parker (9th District). The program is modeled after a pilot in the 9th Council District. It will create hundreds of jobs and support small businesses by reducing blight and litter.

In attendance:
Councilwoman Cherelle L. Parker
Mayor James Kenney
Councilwoman Cindy Bass
Council President Darrell Clarke
Rev. Dr. Alyn E. Waller, Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church
Crystal Brown, Gilden’s Bakery
TWB Cleaning employee
Bill Ryan, Einstein Healthcare Network

Press Conference held Wednesday, November 6, 2019 outline further efforts to assist communities directly impacted by gun violence.

In attendance:
Mayor Jim Kenney
Council President Darrell Clarke (5th District)
Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. (4th District)
Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District)
Councilmember Jannie Blackwell (3rd District)
Councilmember Maria D. Quiñones Sánchez (7th District)
Brian Abernathy, Managing Director
Vanessa Garrett Harley, Deputy Managing Director for Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Mayor Kenney signd the Lead Bill #180936 into law, updating the law on lead certification in rental properties.

This legislation is the final action on the package that was introduced October 2018 to protect children from the harmful effects of lead exposure and poisoning in our City. Under this new legislation, all rental properties with the exception of college dormitories are required to certify that a unit is lead-free or lead-safe. This bill contemplates one common system for lead certification in the city and does so in a way that protects children in all rental properties while avoiding discriminatory outcomes that have been revealed from the current law.

The bill also includes an adjustment period designed to facilitate a smooth transition for both landlords and the administration. During the bill signing, Commissioner Thomas Farley from the Department of Public Health will announce which zip codes will be the first to comply according to the transition schedule in the legislation.

In attendance:
• James F. Kenney, Mayor, City of Philadelphia
• Blondell Reynolds Brown, Councilwoman At-Large, City of Philadelphia, and other members of Council
• Dr. Thomas Farley, Commissioner of Public Health
• Ruth Ann Norton, CEO, Green & Healthy Homes Initiative (a nationally recognized leader in lead poisoning prevention)
• Donna Cooper, Executive Director, Public Citizens for Children & Youth (PCCY)
• George Gould, Senior Attorney, Community Legal Services (CLS)


Read more: http://phlcouncil.com/lead-cert-bill-signing/

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross gives an update on the Tioga-Nicetown Shooting; Commonwealth of Pennsylvania elected officials from every level of government gather to discuss the next steps in reducing gun violence in America.

In attendance:
Mayor Jim Kenney
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf
U.S. Senator Bob Casey
U.S. Representative Dwight Evans
Pennsylvania State Senator Sharif Street
Pennsylvania House Representative Malcolm Kenyatta
City Council President Darrell L. Clarke
Other state and municipal elected officials

City Council President Darrell Clarke (5th District), flanked by members of City Council and the Pennsylvania General Assembly, announced a joint legislative effort to prohibit firearms and other deadly weapons from being possessed at Philadelphia parks and recreation centers.

Following several incidents of gun violence at city playgrounds in recent weeks, Council President Clarke announced a renewed effort to prohibit guns and other deadly weapons at city recreational facilities. This time, state legislators are part of the city’s efforts and promised similar efforts in Harrisburg.

Read more: http://phlcouncil.com/clarke-bass-join-state-legislators-to-announce-joint-effort-to-prohibit-firearms-and-other-deadly-weapons-from-city-parks-and-rec-facilities/

City Officials, Division of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and community leaders announced the Philly First Home program with expanded down payment assistance of up to $10,000.

“The Philly First Home program is one more tool in the City’s toolbox to help make home ownership a reality for our residents,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “I want to thank our financing partners for allowing us to increase the amount of down payment assistance available to eligible home buyers. I look forward to seeing this vital program grow and help even more Philadelphians own their own homes.”This program was designed to help neighborhood sustainability in Philadelphia by making homeownership more affordable. The Philly First Home programs funds can be used towards a down payment and/or closing costs.

More info: http://phlcouncil.com/city-of-philadelphia-announces-up-to-10000-for-first-time-homebuyers/

Mayor Jim Kenney, Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District), and the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) on Tuesday announced the reopening of Solarize Philly registration in 2019.

Rooftop solar lets homeowners take control of utility costs by powering their home with solar energy. Solarize Philly participants benefit from group discounts and consumer protections. On Tuesday, PEA reopened Solarize Philly for 2019, so that anyone who owns property in Philadelphia can have another chance to sign up to receive a free solar assessment of their home. PEA is accepting sign-ups now through September 30th at solarizephilly.org.

More info: http://phlcouncil.com/solarize-philly-phase-three/

City officials on Wednesday announced the launch of Restore Repair Renew (RRR), a program partnership between the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority (PRA) and nonprofit service providers to offer low-interest home repair loans of up to $24,999 to eligible homeowners.

Restore Repair Renew was proposed by Council, and created by PRA, in support of the City's goal of creating and preserving affordable, quality homes in neighborhoods where the markets are rapidly changing, as well as in stable neighborhoods at risk of decline. Restore Repair Renew is part of a wide-ranging effort to increase housing security for low-income people, working-class families, and seniors.

More info: http://phlcouncil.com/rrr

Local leaders in the judiciary, law enforcement, the School District of Philadelphia, and City Council announced the return of the Do The Write Thing Challenge to Philadelphia. Now entering its 23rd year nationwide, the Do The Write Thing Challenge was created to help individual students make a lasting commitment to take responsibility for ending violence in their lives, homes, and communities.

In attendance:

The Honorable Lori Dumas
Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District)
Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson, Co-Chair, Special Committee on Gun Violence Prevention
Police Commissioner Richard Ross
Dr. Malika Savoy-Brooks, Chief Academic Officer, School District of Philadelphia
Ebony Wortham, Esq., coordinator, Do The Write Thing Challenge
Jenyce Michelle Woodruff, Esq., coordinator, Do The Write Thing Challenge
April Brown, Principal, Laura Wheeler Waring School

Signings for Fair Work Week (Bill No. 180649) and City Worker Minimum Wage (Bill No. 180846).

Read Bill No. 180649: http://bit.ly/2QHlRi7
Read Bill No. 180846: http://bit.ly/2QHlRi7

Speakers:
Mayor Kenney
Councilwoman Helen Gym (At Large)
Councilman Mark Squilla (2nd District)
Danny Bauder, Philadelphia AFL-CIO
Rev. Gregory Holston, Executive Director, POWER | Philadelphians Organized to Witness, Empower & Rebuild

Bill signing for the Power Purchase Agreement, a key project ensuring Philadelphia commits to using 100% renewable energy by 2030.

The bill was introduced by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown (At Large)

Read the bill: http://bit.ly/2QKuJEn

Mayor Jim Kenney, Council President Darrell Clarke (5th District), Councilwoman Maria Quiñones Sánchez (7th District), Managing Director Michael DiBerardinis and Streets Commissioner Carlton Williams announced the installation of 15 new surveillance cameras specifically targeted for capturing illegal dumping.

The cameras are the latest effort to crack down on illegal dumping and were installed as part of an initiative designed to step up enforcement of sanitation and dumping violations. The Streets Department has partnered with the Police Department to catch illegal dumping in the act allowing for capturing violators with real-time photos that can be used in court for prosecution.

Learn more: http://phlcouncil.com/city-officials-announce-the-installation-of-15-surveillance-cameras-targeting-illegal-dumping/

Philadelphia City Council, the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA), and the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) will announce details of a new program to protect Philadelphia homeowners from costly water and sewer service line repairs. The program is also projected to save the PWD energy and delivery costs associated with leaky service lines, helping to keep rates for all customers low.

In attendance:
Councilmember Derek S. Green (At-Large)
Councilmember Brian J. O’Neill (10th District)
Councilmember Cherelle Parker (9th District)
Councilmember Blondell Reynolds Brown (At-Large)
Commissioner Debra McCarty, Philadelphia Water Department
Eric Palm, President, American Water Resources
Emily Shapira, Executive Director, Phila. Energy Authority

More info: http://phlcouncil.com/city-council-philadelphia-energy-authority-launch-water-sewer-line-protection-program/

Philadelphia, Oct. 26, 2018 - City Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District) and At-Large members Blondell Reynolds Brown and Derek S. Green joined the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) on Friday to announce that their “Find Your Power” solar training program for Philadelphia youth has received a $1.25 million U.S. Department of Energy award.

More info:

Councilwoman Maria D. Quiñones-Sánchez (7th District) and Councilman Mark Squilla (1st) joined Mayor Jim Kenney and other City Officials at the Emergency Operations Center to provide an update on the City of Philadelphia’s emergency response to combat the opioid epidemic in Kensington and surrounding neighborhoods.

Councilman Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District) joined with Mayor Kenney and criminal justice stakeholders to highlight elimination of bail fees in the First Judicial District.

Councilman Johnson secured $1M in the FY2019 budget to offset lost revenue from the elimination of bail fees, but the initiative required an amendment to court rules. The First Judicial Court posted an order Wednesday, October 10th amending Philadelphia Criminal Rule *528.

In attendance:
Councilman Kenyatta Johnson
Mayor James Kenney
Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District)
Councilman Curtis Jones (4th District)
Councilman Derek Green (At Large)
Keir Bradford-Grey, Chief Defender, Defender Association of Philadelphia
#No215Jail Coalition

On Tuesday, September 18, 2018, Councilman David Oh (At-Large) joined Beasley Media Group to celebrate the 50th anniversary of 93.3 WMMR-FM (WMMR), the longest-running rock radio station in America, by presenting a City Council resolution to the station.

Legendary WMMR-FM midday personality Pierre Robert broadcast the reading of the Council resolution live as part of The Preston & Steve Show that morning. The event will kick-off “Alumni Week”, a weeklong celebration featuring former DJs as guest hosts on the air with Pierre. “Alumni Week” will culminate with the station’s 50th Reunion this Saturday from 5-8 PM inside The Fillmore Philadelphia at The Foundry. In addition, WWMR will broadcast a special weekend-long feature highlighting archived DJ audio from the many talented personalities and DJs that have worked at the station over the past five decades.

WMMR is a live and local broadcaster, employing live DJs around the clock, 7 days per week, 52 weeks per year. WMMR’s legendary talent includes David Dye, Steve Martoranno, Ed Sciaky, Mark Goodman, Michael Tearson, Bubba John Stevens, John DeBella, Joe Bonnadonna, Lyn Kratz, Matt Cord, Earle Bailey, Pierre Robert, Preston and Steve, Jaxon, Jacky Bam Bam , and Brent Porche. WMMR is not only alive, but continues to thrive as a trusted brand with ratings consistently placing the station at the very top of local audience rankings.

The station has consistently played a significant role in the Philadelphia community. It has supported local bands and musicians throughout its history with Street Beat in the 1980s and 1990s and Jaxon’s Local Shots for the past 15 years, giving local talent regular, primetime airplay. The station also helps spotlight local acts by slotting them to open for national acts such as Guns and Roses, Bon Jovi, and the annual MMR*B*Q music festival. Additionally, WMMR remains steadfast in its commitment to community service. It has been a proud supporter of Dining Out For Life, Preston & Steve’s Campout For Hunger, MMR Blood Drive, and dozens of sponsored walks and charity 5K runs every year. The station has also sanctioned events to help others produce events as large as Live-Aid and as community-based as charity beef & beer fundraisers.

On Wednesday, September 12, 2018, the City’s Special Committee on Regulatory Review and Reform, co-chaired by Councilmember Derek S. Green (At-Large), held a press conference – just ahead of their Quarterly Meeting – to report on its ongoing efforts, as well as recap certain policy and process improvements made over the past 18 months, to make Philadelphia a more business-friendly environment.

More information: http://phlcouncil.com/special-committee-on-regulatory-review-and-reform-shares-progress-discusses-future-for-better-business-in-philly/

City Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District) and Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell were joined by community members on July 19, 2018 as they hosted a dedication ceremony at Cecil B. Moore Recreation Center. The dedication ceremony marked the completion of more than $312,000 in capital improvements to the facility. Improvements to the site include new play equipment and new a safety surface.

The new play equipment includes the following features: a climbing web, a stand ‘N spin, a dragonfly rocker, and swings. In addition to the play equipment, new fitness stations were installed as well.

Mayor Jim Kenney, Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District) and City Solicitor Marcel Pratt took questions from the press regarding the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania's 4-2 ruling upholding the constitutionality of the Philadelphia Beverage Tax.

More info: http://phlcouncil.com/supreme-court-decision-to-uphold-philadelphia-beverage-tax/

Mayor Jim Kenney announces the members and goals of the newly formed Reconciliation Task Force.

City Council's representative on the Task Force is Chief Financial Officer Matt Stitt.

Other task force members include representatives from the Office of the Mayor, the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (PICA), City Finance Department, and the Office of the Inspector General.

More info: https://beta.phila.gov/programs/reconciliation-task-force/

Councilman Al Taubenberger (At Large) was joined by Mayor Jim Kenney and representatives of the Philadelphia Union MLS team for the announcement of the inaugural "Sister Cities Friendly" soccer match between the Philadelphia Union and Eintracht Frankfurt, a professional soccer club in Germany's top flight Bundesliga soccer league and winners of this year's German Cup Trophy.

A portion of the proceeds sold by city related agencies for this inaugural sporting event will benefit Philadelphia's "Sister Cities" program, which links Philadelphia to the world by creating special relationships with the ten Sister and Partnership cities, one of which is Frankfurt, Germany.

At the heart of the Sister Cities program is an agreement signed by the mayors of each city confirming their commitment, and that of their successors, to the program. Each Sister City agrees to send and receive delegations of political and business leaders, arts and cultural representatives, educators, technical experts and students.

The match will occur July 14, 2018 at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, PA

Press Conference recorded June 15, 2018 at City Hall.

Press Conference held Thursday, June 14, 2018:

Councilmember Helen Gym (At large) led a press conference announcing the introduction of a Fair Work Week Bill. Co-sponsors include Councilman Bill Greenlee, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, and Councilwoman Maria D. Quiñones-Sánchez.

Retail, food service, hospitality, service workers and community activists joined the council members for the press conference.

Press Conference held Thursday, June 14, 2018:

Councilman Derek S. Green (At Large) was joined by City Council colleagues, state legislators and local educators for a press conference urging Gov. Wolf and the General Assembly to pass legislation that will provide additional funds for the School District.

Green also introduced a resolution on the matter during the Stated Meting of Philadelphia City Council held later in the day.

City and state leaders joined with anti-poverty organizations on Monday, May 7, 2018 to announce new efforts to prevent foreclosures to help economically vulnerable homeowners with past-due property taxes from losing their homes.

Legislation to enhance the Owner-Occupied Payment Agreement (OOPA) program to prevent tax foreclosures was passed by Council on October 5, 2017. The City is now required to offer housing counseling assistance and reasonable installment payment agreements to tax-delinquent homeowners facing financial hardships.

Read more: phlcouncil.com/city-state-leaders-announce-new-tax-foreclosure-prevention-program/

Councilman Kenyatta Johnson held a press conference on Monday, April 16, 2018 regarding the arrests of African-American men at the Starbucks on 18th and Spruce Sts.

Also, in attendance:
Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown (At Large)
Councilman Derek Green (At Large)
Councilwoman Helen Gym (At Large)
Rodney Muhammad, President - Philadelphia NAACP
Andrea Custis, President & CEO – Urban League of Philadelphia
Michael Banks, President – African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ, & DE

From Philadelphia, April 11, 2018:

City Council, building industry leaders, and affordable housing advocates convened on the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act to announce the Putting Philadelphians First affordable housing package, to spur the creation of more mixed-income and affordable housing and to lower barriers to homeownership for City residents.

Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District), Councilmember Maria Quiñones Sánchez (7th District), and Councilmember Mark Squilla (1st District) were joined by Leo Addimando, Vice President of the Building Industry Association of Philadelphia (BIA); Maria Gonzalez, Board President of the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations (PACDC); and Rick Sauer, PACDC Executive Director, along with a host of organizations that advocate for safe, quality housing for all.

More info: http://phlcouncil.com/city-council-plan-to-increase-housing-affordability-in-philly/

From Monday, March 19, 2018:

U.S. Rep. Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13), Philadelphia City Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District), and 9th District Councilmember Cherelle Parker on Monday joined with Olney neighborhood stakeholders and business owners to condemn President Trump’s 2019 Budget proposal and the damaging effects it would have on the business corridor that comprises North 5th Street in the Olney section of Philadelphia. The President’s proposed FY19 Budget could eliminate critical Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding that has been pivotal to the North 5th Street Revitalization Project and the ongoing resurgence of the business corridor along North 5th Street.

More info: http://phlcouncil.com/boyle-clarke-parker-unite-in-opposition-to-trumps-budget-cuts/

On December 14, 2017, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown (At Large), in partnership with the women members of the Philadelphia City Council, introduced Bill 171109 and Resolution 171134 which proposes to amend the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter with a provision of mandatory annual sexual harassment training for all City officers and employees.

The bill was passed unanimously during the March 8, 2018 Stated Meeting of City Council.

After the Stated Meeting , the Women of Council, joined by Council President Darrell Clarke(5th District), Councilman Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District) and Councilman Derek Green (At Large) and community advocates to discuss what this bill means for the women of Philadelphia, especially on International Women's Day.

Read the bill: http://bit.ly/2CXvhfU

Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell (3rd District) is joined by Council President Darrell Clarke (5th District) and Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. (4th District) at City Hall on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 to announce roll out of the 2018 Parking Amnesty Program

Enrollment for the 2018 Parking Amnesty Program will begin March 1, 2018 - April 30, 2018.

On March 1st, please visit www.phila.gov/parkingamnesty to find more information and enroll online.

Beginning March 12th, visit 917 Filbert St., Philadelphia, PA 19107 between 8:30am - 6:00pm, Monday through Friday and 9:00am – 4:00pm on Saturday.

Philadelphia City Council Members Helen Gym (At Large), Bill Greenlee (At Large,) Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District) and Curtis Jones, Jr. (4th District) joined Mayor Jim Kenney for a press conference to give an update on the Eviction Prevention Project.

Councilwoman María Quiñones-Sánchez (7th District) hosted a press conference in City Hall on Monday, December 11, 2017 in which Unidos Pa' PR provided updates on the state of affairs in Puerto Rico.
Unidos Pa' PR is a local coalition organized to respond and provide hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico.

During the press conference, members of the coalition signed a letter to Congress requesting more financial aid given the continued lack of quality of life on the island and the proposed changes to the tax code which could impact Puerto Rico's economy.

The coalition also provided an update on fundraising efforts, additional disbursement of funds to a new mobile clinic collaborative and the resources distributed to 2,000 families adopted by Unidos.

City Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District), Councilmember Derek S. Green (At-Large) and the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) on Tuesday announced the results of the first round of Solarize Philly, the City’s residential solar program on Wednesday, December 5, 2017.

Since the program was launched in April, 2,200 households have expressed interest, 186 households have signed contracts to install solar on their homes, nearly $3 million has been invested in the region, and 14 new jobs have been created, half of which are held by minorities or women.

On Tuesday, City Council and PEA joined the Office of Sustainability, the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L+I), and PECO at the Fishtown home of Solarize Philly participant Kate Zmich.

More information: http://phlcouncil.com/nearly-200-homes-make-switch-go-solar-first-round-solarize-philly/

City Councilmembers Helen Gym (At Large) and Derek Green (At Large), along with the Pennsylvania Health Access Network, hosted a press conference in City Hall on the Affordable Care Act on Thursday, November 30, 2017.

The offices of Councilmembers Helen Gym, Derek Green, and Cindy Bass will host phone banks in City Hall on December 1 and December 5 to get the word out about open enrollment and make sure every Philadelphian who needs benefits gets covered, and Philly311 will help connect people with trained enrollment navigators who can provide support through the benefits process.

Read more: http://phlcouncil.com/councilmembers-announce-city-efforts-to-increase-ACA-enrollment

Councilwoman Cindy Bass (8th District) joined PA State Legislators announcing a state plan that would protect access to birth control for Pennsylvanians with health insurance coverage.

In attendance:
Rep. Leanne Krueger-Braneky (PA 161st District)
Rep. Tina Davis (PA 141st District)
Rep. Kevin Boyle (PA 172nd District)
Rep. Brian Sims (PA 182nd District)
Rep. Maria Donatucci (PA 185th District)
Rep. Chris Rabb (PA 200th District)

Following Mayor Jim Kenney's speech on the dissolution of the School Reform Commission (https://youtu.be/1GFGDJ1rZyY) and the future governance of the School District of Phildelphia, City Council members meet with the media to answer questions, share reactions.

More info: http://phlcouncil.com/education-chair-blackwell-moves-restore-local-control-philadelphia-public-schools/

At a press conference held Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at City Hall, Lynne Honickman of the Honickman Foundation announced a $100,000 challenge grant to support the work of CeaseFirePA in combating gun violence.

In attendance:
Lynne Honickman - Founder, Honickman Foundation
Ed Rendell, Former Governor of Pennsylvania and Mayor of Philadelphia
Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District)
Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell (3rd District)
Councilwoman Cherelle Parker (9th District)
Councilman Bill Greenlee (At Large)
Shira Goodman - Executive Director, CeaseFirePA

A press conference to announce the submission of Right to Know requests for environmental health threats in Philadelphia’s school buildings.

On the heels of the JB Kelly Elementary School mold outbreak that forced the school to shut down for a week, Councilman (At-Large) Derek Green joins local advocates and concerned community members to announce they’re filing a formal Right to Know request with the School District to get more information about environmental health risks at JB Kelly and other city schools.

In attendance:
Councilman (At-Large) Derek Green;
David Masur, Executive Director of PennEnvironment;
Members of the Philadelphia Healthy Schools Initiative;

Press conference calling for federal recovery aid for Puerto Rico, held Thursday, September 28, 2017 at City Hall.

In attendance:
Mayor Jim Kenney
Congressman Bob Brady
Congressman Brendan Boyle
Congressman Dwight Evans
Councilwoman Maria D. Quiñones-Sánchez
Council President Darrell L. Clarke
Councilman Al Taubeberger
Councilman Derek S. Green
State Representative Angel Cruz
State Representative Jason Dawkins
State Representative Emilio Vazquez
State Senator Christine M Tartaglione
State Senator Sharif Street
Reverend Bonnie Camarda, Salvation Army
Members of Unidos PA'PR

Councilwoman Helen Gym (At Large) and partners announced The Dreamers Initiative, a new fundraising campaign to provide financial assistance for DACA-eligible youth at City Hall on Monday, September 11, 2017.


In attendance:
Councilwoman Helen Gym (At Large) Philadelphia City Council
Miriam Enriquez, City of Philadelphia Office of Immigrant Affairs
Sundrop Carter, PA Immigration and Citizenship Coalition / PA is Ready!
Bob Brady, Congressman, 1st District Pennsylvania
Rob Reed, Office of Pennsylvania Attorney General
DACA recipients

BACKGROUND:
The Dreamers Initiative, a project of the PA is Ready! coalition supported by The Philadelphia Foundation, will assist undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children and are impacted by the sudden reversal of the federal policy known as DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). Immigrants with DACA work permits that expire before March 5, 2018 are facing a tight deadline to apply for a one-time renewal, and many will find the $495 application fee a challenge. Until September 25, donations to the Dreamers Initiative through the PA is Ready! fund at The Philadelphia Foundation will cover the cost of these fees. Any remaining funds raised will be used to support PA is Ready!'s work providing increased access to legal assistance and "know your rights" education for immigrant families. Clinics and workshops will be held in the coming weeks to assist with DACA applications.

Link: https://www.philafound.org/OurWork/Updates/ViewArticle/tabid/96/ArticleId/54/Support-Pennsylvania-Dreamers.aspx

Philadelphia, Sept. 7, 2017 – Officials from city and state government joined dozens of children in the Strawberry Mansion community to celebrate the opening of a new Police Athletic League of Philadelphia (PAL) Center in what was once a public school.

Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District) on July 26, 2017 named Councilman Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District), City Managing Director Michael DiBerardinis, and Darrell G. O’Connor, a career law enforcement expert, the co-chairs of the Special Committee on Gun Violence Prevention

Special Committee on Gun Violence Prevention members and subcommittee co-chairs are as follows:

Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, co-chair
Managing Director Michael DiBerardinis, co-chair
Darrell O’Connor, O’Connor Investigative Services, co-chair
Council President Darrell L. Clarke, ex oficio
Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr., Chair of Committee on Public Safety
Bennie Price, Deputy Chief, Juvenile Probation and Parole Department
First Deputy Police Commissioner Myron Patterson

Subcommittee Co-Chairs
Illegal Guns
Caroline McGlynn, Office of the District Attorney
Rob Reed, Office of the Attorney General

Public Health/Trauma Informed
Joel A. Fein, MD, MPH, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
Phil DeMara, Department of Behavior Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS)

Social Services/Opportunity
Timene Farlow, Department of Human Services (DHS)
George Mosee, Jr., Philadelphia Anti-Drug/Anti-Violence Network (PAAN)

Intervention/Outreach
Shondell Revell, Office of Violence Prevention (OVP)
Bilal Qayyum, Philadelphia Anti-Violence Coalition (PAVC)

Program Review Team
Julie Wertheimer, Office of Criminal Justice (OCJ)
Joshu Harris, Director of Legislation, Office of Councilman Kenyatta Johnson

Victim Advocates
Aleida Garcia, National Homicide Justice alliance (NHJA)
Dorothy Johnson-Speight, Mothers in Charge
Anthony Murphy, Town Watch Integrated Services (TWIS)

More info:

Councilwoman Helen Gym (At Large) joined advocates, council colleagues, and representatives of Mayor Kenney's administration to announce an historic investment in legal assistance for low-income renters who face eviction. The $500,000 in new funding, which Council passed unanimously this spring, will nearly double legal and supportive services for such renters. By taking the first step to achieving a right to counsel for people facing eviction, Philadelphia will join the forefront of a national movement.

In attendance:
- Council members Helen Gym and Bill Greenlee (At Large)
- Eva Gladstein, Deputy Managing Director of Health and Human Services
- Anne Fadullon, Director of Planning and Development
- Rasheedah Phillips, Managing Attorney, Community Legal Services – Housing Unit, on behalf of the Philadelphia Bar Association Civil Gideon Committee
-Yazmin Vazquez, Renter

Philadelphia City Council and the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) on Thursday, June 22, 2017 announced the start of an open enrollment period for Solarize Philly, a program that will offer affordable options to homeowners interested in transitioning to sustainable, low-emissions solar energy.

Read more: www.phlcouncil.com/city-council-pea-encourage-philly-homeowners-to-sign-up-for-solar-program/

Mayor Jim Kenney, Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District), Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell (3rd District),  Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) President Kelvin Jeremiah provided remarks as the PHA broke ground on their new modern, energy efficient headquarters.

The $45 million complex will consolidate a number of PHA functions at one site and is a major part of the revitalization of North Philadelphia's Sharswood neighborhood.

Councilman Derek S. Green (At-Large), Commerce Director Harold T. Epps, and the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia President and CEO Rob Wonderling -- the three co-chairs of the Special Committee on Regulatory Review and Reform -- announced on Friday, June 16, 2017, the business and policy leaders who also will offer their service in an effort to streamline the City’s regulatory environment and enhance Philadelphia’s economy.

More info: http://phlcouncil.com/philadelphia-business-policy-leaders-serve-special-committee-regulatory-reform/

Councilman-at-Large Allan Domb presented checks for $2,500 to six Philadelphia public schools at City Hall.

The six schools are:
- T.M. Peirce Elementary School (2300 W. Cambria St.)
- Parkway Northwest Highschool For Peace And Social Justice (6200 Crittenden St.)
- Alexander K. McClure School (4198 N. 6th St.)
- Benjamin Franklin High School (550 N. Broad St.)
- Julia R. Masterman School (1699 Spring Garden St.)

Councilman Domb pledged before taking office in January 2016 that he would donate his entire salary to Philadelphia public schools and other worthwhile city nonprofits.

In 2016. he donated money to 23 Philadelphia public schools throughout the city. Earlier this year, the Councilman donated $18,000 to Coded by Kids, a nonprofit that teaches vital computer coding skills to young people in Philadelphia, to fund three years worth of tech education programs at four local high schools .

Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District) speaks on job training as a path out of poverty at Philadelphia Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc. (OIC) headquarters during the announcement of the arrival of BankWork$, a free eight-week program that prepares economically disadvantaged young people for banking careers.

Philadelphia is the first market BankWork$ will serve in the Northeast and the 10th to be served nationwide.

More info: http://phlcouncil.com/philadelphia-to-host-bankworks-jobs-training-program/

City officials joined Philadelphia Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc. (OIC) to announce the arrival of BankWork$, a free eight-week program that prepares economically disadvantaged young people for banking careers. Philadelphia is the first market BankWork$ will serve in the Northeast and the 10th to be served nationwide.

In attendance:
Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District)
Councilman Derek Green (At Large)
Councilman Al Taubenberger (At Large)
Duane Bumb, Senior Deputy Commerce Director
Colleen Anderson, Executive Director, BankWork$
Les Biller, The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation, BankWork$ founder
Dr. Kevin R. Johnson, President and CEO, Philadelphia Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc. (OIC)
Greg Redden, Regional President, Wells Fargo Bank
Michael Cooper, Senior Vice President, Citizens Bank

More info: http://phlcouncil.com/philadelphia-to-host-bankworks-jobs-training-program/

Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District), Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Greg Heller, and representatives of BMK Properties on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 celebrated the completed construction of new Workforce Housing in the increasingly desirable East Poplar neighborhood in North Philadelphia.

BMK Properties, a subsidiary of The Riverwards Group, has redeveloped vacant City-owned land to construct 13 single-family homes that are affordable to moderate-income households. BMK Properties is one of several developers participating in City Council’s Workforce Housing Initiative, which seeks to expand affordable housing opportunities in gentrifying neighborhoods and spark new construction in “middle neighborhoods” struggling to attract investment.

More information: http://phlcouncil.com/new-workforce-housing-in-east-poplar/

Philadelphia, May 17, 2017 – Mayor Jim Kenney, Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District), and Councilwoman Cherelle Parker (9th District) on Wednesday joined City housing officials and affordable housing advocates in Olney to celebrate fresh funding for key City housing preservation assistance programs.

Thousands of Philadelphians on waiting lists for the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation’s (PHDC) Basic Systems Repair Program (BSRP), Adaptive Modifications Program (AMP), and Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) will soon receive urgent home repairs and modifications that will allow them to remain in their houses for years to come. The first of many residents have begun receiving assistance because of $100 million authorized by City Council last year to eliminate the three-to-five year waiting lists for programs that assist with home repairs, long-term disability modifications, and energy-efficiency weatherization.

More information: http://phlcouncil.com/PHDC-BSRP-funding

Council President Clarke was among the participants putting finishing touches on the repurposed L.P. Hill School on Strawberry Mansion Volunteer Day on May 6, 2017. Thanks to a generous donation of resources and labor from Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) and funding from Council President Clarke, the former elementary school is coming back to life as a flagship PAL Center that will offer recreation and activities to area youth.

Council President Clarke spoke to the volunteers about what the new PAL Center will mean to him and to the area's young residents.

State Representative Dona Bullock added that the new PAL Center would provide a space for young people to have positive interactions with the law enforcement members of Philly PAL.

Video: Carolyn Esposito/PHLCouncil Fellow

Council President Darrell Clarke (5th District) joined Philadelphia anti-gun violence advocates to welcome Team 26, a group of cyclists who are riding from Newtown, Connecticut, to Washington, D.C., for the fifth consecutive year in honor of the 26 children and adults killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, as well as all victims of gun violence.

Also in attendance:
Dr. Pat Griffin, Mothers in Charge Philly
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro
State Representative Brian Sims
Dave Scholnick, CeaseFirePA

Video: Carolyn Esposito/PHLCouncil Fellow

Councilman Allan Domb (At Large) joined Mayor Jim Kenney and Commerce Director Harold Epps at City Hall for a public signing of Bill 161015 which requires the Department of Commerce to commission an economic study of Philadelphia’s existing tax incentives for businesses, as well as those offered in comparable cities.

The bill was cosponsored by Council President Darrell Clarke (5th District) and Councilman Bill Greenlee (At Large)

Read the bill: http://bit.ly/2oFLQJe

Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell (3rd District) held a press conference on Monday, March 13, 2017 bringing together organizations and advocates who work to reduce homelessness in the City of Philadelphia.

The press conference took place before a hearing of Council's Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless on creating more robust homelessness prevention programs.

View that hearing here: https://youtu.be/8MwnKoh7L-Q

Councilwoman Cherelle L. Parker (9th District) partnered with CH2M Hill and Neighborhood Bike Works (NBW) to donate 15 bikes through the Bikes for Kids Program. Students attending schools in the 9th Council District who have exhibited outstanding academic and/or social achievements, improved performance standings, and a need for some holiday cheer have been selected by their school principals to receive this surprise reward. Through this annual partnership, CH2M & NBW have distributed more than 2,800 bicycles to deserving children in Philadelphia and surrounding communities. Each bike comes with a brand new helmet.

More photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHskQZ3ZaG

The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) on Wednesday released the Philadelphia Energy Campaign Progress Report, detailing findings from a six-month initial planning period and outlining the path toward creating 10,000 jobs from local investment in energy efficiency and clean energy.

Joining PEA staff and Council President Clarke for the release of the Philadelphia Energy Campaign Progress Report on Thursday were: Christine Knapp, Director, Office of Sustainability; Liz Robinson, Executive Director, Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA)

http://phlcouncil.com/PEA-progress-report

Community College of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, Councilwoman Cherelle Parker and other members of Philadelphia City Council came e together Dec. 5th to announce a bold, new initiative designed to strengthen commercial corridors in neighborhoods and offer free services for small businesses that employ local residents. The initiative, called Power Up Your Business, is a neighborhood-centered approach to economic development. Launching in January, 2017, it will provide training and business development tools to the existing and aspiring small business owners that serve as the building blocks of daily commerce in so many neighborhoods.

Speakers include Dr. Donald Guy Generals, president of Community College of Philadelphia; Mayor Kenney, Councilwoman Parker.

http://phlcouncil.com/ccp-councilwoman-parker-announce-power-up-your-business/

A bipartisan group of Philadelphia's city, state and federal representatives as well as representatives from nonpartisan voting rights organizations gathered at City Hall to assure citizens that the upcoming election on November 8, 2016 would be conducted, as all elections, in a fair and just manner.

The group, called together by State Senator Vincent Hughes (7th District), rebuked unsubstantiated rumors of election improprieties in Pennsylvania.

In attendance

Philadelphia City Council Members:
Council President Darrell Clarke (5th District)
Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell (3rd District)
Councilman Curtis Jones Jr. (4th District)
Councilman Bobby Henon (6th District)
Councilwoman Helen Gym (At Large)

US Congressman Bob Brady (PA-1st District)
State Senator Vincent Hughes

City Commissioners:
Anthony Clarke
Lisa Deeley
Al Schmidt

Mary Catherine Roper, ACLU of Pennsylvania
David Thornburgh, CEO, Committee of Seventy

Councilman Mark Squilla (1st District) hosts a press conference in Council Chambers in October 7, 2016 along with members of the 1492 Society to announce details of the 2016 Columbus Day Parade.

Councilman Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District), Gouncilman Derek Green (At Large), Councilman Bill Greenlee (At Large), Councilwoman Helen Gym (At Large) and Councilman David Oh (At Large) were also in attendance.

Councilman Brian Neill (10th District) joined Mayor Jim Kenney to cut the ribbon on the new Northeast Municipal Services at 7522 Castor Avenue in Rhawnhurst on Tuesday, September 13, 2016.

The new center offers services from the Department of Revenue, Licenses and Inspections and Councilman O'Neill's office.

Mayor Jim Kenney, Philadelphia City Council members, School District of Philadelphia leaders and other education stakeholders gathered on Monday, July 18, 2016 at City Hall to announce the first cohort of Community Schools.

https://alpha.phila.gov/posts/mayor/2016-07-18-first-community-schools-announced/

Councilman Al Taubenberger (At Large) leads a press conference to announce resolutions to study the feasibility of expanding vertical farming and urban agriculture in Philadelphia as a means of creating jobs, butter vacant warehouses to better use and reducing fresh food deserts.

He is joined by Council colleagues, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell C. Redding and Jack Griffin, vertical farmer for Metropolis Farms of South Philadelphia.