Good morning. I am Jay Koftman, the Chief Medical Officer of Philadelphia Fight Community Health Centers, one of Pennsylvania's largest comprehensive health service organizations providing primary care, consumer education, research and advocacy for people living with HIV and those at high risk. I'm here to support Councilmember Landau's proposal to make February 28th HIV Is Not A Crime Awareness Day. I began providing care to people living with HIV infection in Philadelphia in the late 1980s. I've worked with large hospital systems and community health centers. Some of my patients have been living with HIV for 35 years or more. I participate in clinical research as well. When I started doing this work, HIV was a universally fatal disease due to ineffective treatment. Because of the vulnerable populations in which HIV first appeared in the United States, there was a lack of empathy for people living with HIV disease leading to stigmatization. That stigma, which was associated with HIV infection, fueled the epidemic, particularly because it was focused on already marginalized populations. HIV stigma discourages people from getting tested and subsequently treated for their infection. If people know they can face legal consequences for testing positive, they may avoid getting tested. In addition, fear of prosecution may prevent individuals from seeking care or disclosing their status to partners contrary to what the laws are intended to encourage. We now know that people can take effective treatment against HIV and can limit their blood to having undetectable levels of the virus. There is broad data to support this that will prevent transmission. We should not subject people to laws that were enacted out of fear and reinforced stigma. Laws that treat HIV as a crime and not a manageable health condition, ignore science, violate human rights, increase stigma and undermine public health goals. Thank you. (Applause.)
Hi. I'm Kimmel Proctor, CEO of Beyond Literacy, Philadelphia's largest adult and family literacy nonprofit. I'm here today to thank Councilman Young for recognizing March as National Reading Month and March 2nd as Read Across America Day. Your resolutions are uplifting literacy as a priority for our city. In this time of federal disinvestment in education, your recognition matters. It tells Philly that City Council understands reading is foundational and what reading unlocks is life- changing. We're called Beyond Literacy because we know this goes beyond learning to read. Literacy is about civic participation, being able to read a ballot and fully take part in our 250-year-old democracy. It's about health outcomes, understanding prescriptions and care instructions. It's about opportunity and economic mobility, addressing access to gatekeeping credentials and good living-wage jobs and its power is intergenerational. Data consistently shows that the strongest predictor of a child's academic success, more than neighborhood and income level, is the reading level of that child's parent or primary caregiver. Beyond Literacy serves 2000 adult learners every year with cost-free Learning to Earning classes across Philadelphia. Yet our wait list for GED and language services is hundreds deep. As a federally-funded agency, this year has brought historic challenges for our capacity to meet this growing demand for free adult reading and upskilling programs. So today's City Council recognition isn't just symbolic. It's a statement that literacy is an opportunity driver worth investing in. Thank you, City Council, especially Councilman Young, for standing with lifelong learners of all ages and stages. When we invest in literacy, we go beyond improved reading scores. We strengthen families, the workforce and opportunity for all. It's now my honor to introduce the person who leads this work, our Chief Program and Impact Officer, Dawn Hannah. (Applause.)
My name is Dawn Hannah, Chief Program and Impact Officer at Beyond Literacy. Thank you, Kimmel. And thank you, Councilmembers, for recognizing National Reading Month. You just heard Kimmel speak to the scale of our work. As Chief Program and Impact Officer, I'd like to speak to just that, the impact. When I look at the 2000 adults that we serve every year, I don't see students. I see parents studying after long shifts at work. I see immigrants learning English so that they can better support their families. I see returning citizens rebuilding their futures. I see workers upskilling into new industries. And when an adult walks into our classrooms, I know that they are not starting from scratch. Having grown up in underresourced Philadelphia neighborhoods and knowing how close I came to underfunded schools myself, I understand that many of our students are not lacking ability. They are recovering from systems that could not serve them well, including school systems that were recently ruled unconstitutional for their long history of inequitable funding. So literacy for me is not remediation. It is restoration. It restores access, confidence and economic mobility. And perhaps most importantly, it restores what children see at home. Because when a parent studies for a high school equivalency diploma at the same table where their child does homework, something shifts. And when the parent earns industry credentials and secures a family- sustaining wage, that shift becomes generational. And that is why our vision at Beyond Literacy is clear: Adults empowered beyond literacy, Children, youth and families inspired. Our community is thriving and our city transformed. That's the power of adult literacy. It doesn't change just one life. It recalibrates a household. And when enough household shifts, our city does too. That brings me to Dominique Slaughter, a Philadelphia resident who graduated from our energy pre-apprenticeship program. (Applause.)
Will Nicholas Smith, Hannah Abrams, Ana Parra, Jinaki Bright and Faith Bedworth, make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Hello, everyone. My name is Dominique. I am a recent grad from Beyond Literacy who graduated at the top of my class. First, I would like to thank Kimmel, Dawn and Kyle for all the amazing work they have done with Beyond Literacy. They have made an impact on so many adults when it comes to literacy, which is not recognized enough. Also opened many opportunities in the working field. It's because of them I am able to connect with so many opportunities and people. It's because of them and the certifications I received that I'm in the process of becoming an electrician for the US Navy. I hope you all do your best to support them. Thank you for having us. (Applause.)
Congratulations and thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it. Thank you.
Hi. I'm Faith and I am supporting 260122, the bill about supportive housing. That helps supportive housing. I am a current participant of Mental Health Partnerships, and I have supported housing through the Bridge voucher. I have a mental health diagnosis, many of them, and also disability as well. I don't know what I would do without supportive housing. I would probably still be homeless or dead due to my mental health diagnosis and my POTS diagnosis. I need to move for my physical health and wish that there was more affordable housing. And because of my POTS and mental health, I can't work so I can't afford to even pay a phone bill 24 half of the time, let alone even pay for outrageous monthly rent and utilities. These supportive housings is truly a lifesaver to get people off the streets, and stable people can't get well mentally or physically without a stable place and to stay safe. And shelters aren't always ideal for someone with multiple diagnosis, physically and mentally. One shelter I was in in West Philly was aware I had seizures and still put me on a top bunk and I fell off, and they yelled at me when I called 911. I got yelled at for being raped as well because I was late for the curfew. I was in the ER and had proof. Please support the housing so we don't lose more people. Thank you for supporting the funding housing. Some of us like my Uncle Jeremy did not make it out alive. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. Thank you for being vulnerable.
Thank you, of the Black Farmers Co-Op. I'm truly humbled and honored to be acknowledged through a resolution 17 today by Councilwoman Kendra Brooks and with all the other honorees and for my commitment to bring a sustainable and higher standard of living to our community. The Black Co-Op -- Black Farmers Co-Op founders are Pastor Darian Thomas, Dr. Harvell, Nelville Moore, Charlene Moore, who is our treasurer, myself Dr. Carol Simmons, Dr. Monique Collin and Stephanie Dreams. DFC's mission for green spaces is to adopt the block, grow a lot. Adopt the block, grow a lot. DFC would like to take this opportunity to thank the City of Philadelphia Council President Kenyatta Johnson, a very special again Councilwoman At-large Kendra Brooks and all of our partners. We have PHS here, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the Hinge Collective, for their unconditional support that created the foundation for us to serve the citizens of Philadelphia organically and locally grown produce in conjunction with all natural products. Thank you so much. We appreciate you. (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Hannah Abrams. I'm the Manager of Girls Programs at Snyder Youth Hockey and Education. I'm joined by women from local women's league teams, the Philadelphia Freeze, the Gremlins, USA Ball Hockey and Philly Ball Hockey. We are all here representing women's hockey at a much lower level than the Olympics and we're supporting women and girls in hockey because it's been shown obviously many times that girls who participate in sports are more successful as adults and we're setting a precedent right now for future generations in support of the honor of the Women's Olympic hockey team. Like I said, I am the Manager of Girls Programs at Snyder Youth Hockey and Education, which is a local nonprofit that uses hockey as the catalyst to support underserved youth and provide them with resources that they would otherwise not have had access to. They not only participate in hockey, from Learn to Skate all the way through travel, but they also receive academic support, life skills, scholarships to college and private high schools. And then we do career support after that and most importantly, our program is entirely free, including equipment and the full scholarships and everything. There's no cost to families. With that, I also did some research and we are the only organization like that that exists in the entire world. So we're the most successful, which says a lot. (Applause.)
It says a lot for women's hockey and girls in sports also. And if you don't know anything about ball hockey, I highly recommend you check that out also because there are far fewer barriers, especially financially, to joining that. To get started, you really just need a pair of sneakers. And that's pretty much it. Thank you very much to Councilwoman Landau. (Applause.)
Anna Parra, Jiniki Bright, Kevin Upshur, Catherine Lupton, Leon Hawes and Major Vanpelt, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good afternoon. My name is Ana Parra but everybody calls me Turtle. I'm a participant in a housing program here in Philadelphia. In 2021, I lost my foot due to hyperthermia as a direct result of homelessness. Today I stand in front of you as a below-the-knee amputee wearing my prosthetic, and I will be celebrating my two years clean on March 27th. (Applause.)
Permanent supportive housing changed that for me. Because I have a stable apartment, I'm able to attend amputation groups, volunteer in the Philadelphia community and work on publishing my manuscript. Stable housing gave me the ability to focus on self-care, recovery, special growth, spiritual growth -- I'm so nervous, I'm so sorry, guys -- advocacy. I'm standing here as the face of the permanent supportive housing make what makes possible these programs work. They save lives. Housing -- oh, my God, has changed my life, but they only continue if funding is protected. I'm asking you to please protect funding, protect my future and protect the other futures of everybody else who's still trying to fight to rebuild theirs. Thank you for everything and have a good day. (Applause.)
My name is Jinaki Bright and I proudly serve as the Executive Director of Read to Succeed Philadelphia. I stand in strong support of Councilmember Jeffrey Young, Jr.'s resolution to recognize March as National Reading Month in Philadelphia and March 2nd as Read Across America Day in our city. Literacy is not simply about books. It's about belonging. It's about equity. It is about whether a child sees possibility when they open a page. And in Philadelphia, literacy must be a shared responsibility. At Read to Succeed Philadelphia, we work across neighborhoods, providing high-impact tutoring, literacy enrichment labs and family-centered programming designed to close reading gaps early. We believe literacy is liberation. It strengthens families around dinner tables. It builds confidence in classrooms. It fuels workforce development and it unites communities across zip codes. Philadelphia holds a powerful educational distinction. We are the birthplace of kindergarten in America. As we celebrate a year of firsts in our city, declaring March as National Reading Month honors that legacy and recommits us to the foundational skill that makes all learning possible. We are grateful to work alongside extraordinary literacy champions who helped make this vision real. State Senator Vincent Hughes, whose leadership continues to elevate literacy as a legislative priority, Sheryl Lee Ralph Hughes, who uses her platform to advocate for children in education, Treehouse Books, Read by 4th and others. The declaration is more than symbolic. It signals that Philadelphia stands united, families, educators, community leaders and elected officials in a building where every child can read on grade level and beyond. Thank you for your leadership and your commitment to Philadelphia's children and families. (Applause.)
Good morning, City Councilmembers and constituents. I want to thank Councilwoman Cindy Bass for this resolution honoring our Pastor, Clement Lupton. Today we celebrate more than a resolution. We celebrate a life, pour it out in service. I heard it said before that the true depth and success of a man should not be measured by the size of his car or his bank account. It can be measured by the continents of his wife's face. Pastor Clement Lupton of Beloved St. John has simply stood in the gap for 30 years, not behind a pulpit. He's walked hospital corridors, prayed in living rooms, counseled people through crisis, rejoiced at weddings and wept at funerals. Our ministry has never been confined to Sunday morning. It can be found on Monday afternoon, late night phone calls and those Pastor, do you have a minute conversations that turned into an hour. He is a man of honor, a man of consistency, a man whose private life matches his public. Pastor's always said, it's a true tragedy to be a public success and a private failure. And in today's world, that alone is enough for a standing ovation. For three decades, he has faithfully preached the word of God with clarity, conviction and compassion. He has a way of delivering a sermon that encourages you, corrects you and sends you home thinking, man, I got to make better life decisions beyond the preaching and beyond the title. He is a devoted husband, happily married and faithfully committed. That in itself is a testimony. After 30 years of ministry -- I think we got four minutes because it's two of us, we've combined our time, I see the red light there -- he is a spiritual (inaudible) steady, present and invested in the next generation. In a time when leadership can be so loud and shallow, Pastor has been steady and deep. This resolution 5 recognizes his work in the community. But those who know him understand that the greatest impact cannot be fully captured on paper. It is written in the lives he's helped, the families he strengthened and the faith he's helped build. Pastor Clement Lupton and First Lady Brenda Lupton, thank you for 30 years of sacrifice, faithfulness and love for God's people. We honor you, we celebrate you and we thank God for you. Today the City of Philadelphia recognizes your work, but eternity will reveal the true measure of its impact. Thank you. (Applause.)
I just want to thank City Council, Councilwoman Cindy Bass --
I'm sorry. Catherine Lupton. I want to thank Councilwoman Cindy Bass for honoring our pastor, who's also my kid brother. But it's a blessing to be here. This is a wonderful, wonderful honor. I wish other members of the church could have been here, but I want to recognize those who are here, if they would just stand. Thank you for being here. Thank you. That's all I have. (Applause.)
Kevin Upshur, Major Vanpelt, Victor Rodriguez and Wick Savage, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning, good afternoon, Council President. I am here to -- sorry, my name is Wick Savage. I'm here to support Councilman Young's resolution for March being Literacy Month. It is so important that we eradicate this matter. This is a serious matter in the City of Philadelphia and throughout the country. We all watch early news and late news. 12 young men were just arrested and being accused of murder. I will guarantee you they had a problem with reading because they chose to pick up a gun versus a book. We collectively, along with Councilman Young, can eradicate this matter in Philadelphia. I am dedicating the rest of my adult life to attempt to share with the parents of young people how important it is for early reading. It must start at the home. I am also, with a philanthropist out of Hawaii, paying young parents to read to their kids at least twice a day or twice a night. It only takes five minutes, and you will see the improvement and the involvement of young people with the civic responsibility in their development of being good stewards and good young people. Thank you for this moment. (Applause.)
Will Roscoe Scott, Julia Meeks, Mecca Vance, Stacey Jenkins -- sorry, Stacey Trooskin and David Alexander Jenkins, please walk to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
My name is Victor Rodriguez and I'm a participant with Supportive Housing. I'm proud to acknowledge that this program has offered me housing assistance. And through their help, I have been able to obtain full-time employment and budgeting my money. If it wasn't for supportive housing and its partnership, I would be on the streets or dead. Please support housing to continue here in Philly, as many others like myself will be affected. Thank you and God bless all of you. (Applause.)
Good afternoon. My name is Roscoe Scott and I'm a Board member of Philly Black Pride, and I'm also a person living with HIV for 11 years. I'm here today in support of HIV Is Not A Crime Awareness Day. When I first was diagnosed, I thought my life was over. Not because of the virus itself, but because of the stigma, the silence and the fear society attached to it. Over time I learned the truth, HIV is a manageable condition. With treatment, I live a healthy life, a thriving life. I take my medication, I go to my appointment and I'm undetectable, which means I cannot transmit HIV to my partners. U=U is real. What is not manageable is stigma written into the law. HIV criminalization laws were created in a time of fear, not silence -- not science. They punished people for living with a health condition. They disproportionately impacted Black communities, queer communities and many people who are already marginalized. They discourage testing, they fuel shame and they do nothing to prevent HIV. I am not a crime. My status is not a weapon. My existence is not something to be policed. If we truly care about ending HIV, we must center science, compassion, community and public health, not punishment. We need policies that support access to care, education, prevention and dignity. Today I stand here not just as someone living with HIV, but someone who's living a fully life happy, someone worth love, protection and justice. HIV is not a crime. Stigma is. Thank you. (Applause.)
Sir, thank you for your testimony and thank you for sharing your story with us, sir. We definitely appreciate it. Thank you.
My name is Jayla Simone Meeks. Good afternoon now, everyone, and I am a second- year law student. Thank you -- I'm a second-year law student. My name is Jayla Simone Meeks. I'm very honored to be here. I serve as the Director of Programming for the Mid-Atlantic Black Law Student Association. And as a proud Detroit native, I can say I love the energy so far in Philly. (Applause.)
Before anything else, I want to make sure I extend our sincere gratitude to Councilman Jeffrey Young, Jr., for sponsoring not only us being here, but also our resolution and making this real. Further also, Ray Johnson, thank you for your coordination, for making sure that this is possible. We do not take the fact that we're in this room 6 lightly. By way of background, MABLSA is what the Mid-Atlantic is known as, and we're the regional affiliate of the National Black Law Student Association, which is the largest law student-run nonprofit in the country. Our region specifically spans Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. And this week, 150 Black law students are gathered here in Philadelphia just down the road for our 58th Annual Regional Convention. And as we all know, this month is special. It's Black History Month. And we are also in Philadelphia during the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which we believe is where liberty was declared, but it has not yet fully been delivered. So on behalf of our Board and all the law students that we represent, thank you for the work that each and every one of you are doing in this city and carrying the legacy of a city that named liberty and also has the responsibility to expand it. With that, I will now turn to our Chair, Mecca Vance. (Applause.)
Good afternoon and thank you again to Councilman Young and to the members of this Council for this recognition. I am Mecca Vance, another Detroit native, a Howard University graduate and a 3L at William & Mary. And I serve as a CEO and Chair of the Mid-Atlantic Black Law Student Association. I have worked and I have led my team, a team of driven and dedicated 7 law students, and we have 8 coordinated a convention that does 9 more than celebrate. 10 Our programming includes 11 our pre-law symposium, our regional 12 job fair, advocacy competitions and 13 our awards gala. An 14 intergenerational networking space 15 is connecting students with 16 practicing attorneys and judges. 17 Because the law is power, it 18 determines who builds wealth and 19 who loses it, who protects and who 20 is prosecuted, who has access to 21 opportunity and who is locked out. And yet, Black attorneys make up only 5% of lawyers nationwide. That gap shapes who stands before the bench, who drafts legislation and whose life experience informs justice. So we building this week is more than a conference. We are building community in a profession that often isolates us. We are building pipelines where there were once barriers. We are building collective strengths so that when we walk into courtrooms, firms, nonprofits and Council chambers like this one, we do so ready. We stand here not in opposition to institutions, but in belief that institutions grow stronger when they are inclusive, reflective and courageous. Thank you for recognizing our students, thank you for welcoming us into this historic chamber and thank you for continuing the work of shaping a city where liberty is not just declared but delivered. We are honored to be here. (Applause.)
Good morning -- good afternoon. My name is Dr. Stacey Trooskin. I am an infectious disease physician and the Chief Medical Officer of Mazzoni Center. And I'm here to support the resolution designating February 28 HIV Is Not A crime Awareness Day. More than four decades into the HIV epidemic, we have extraordinary medical advances. HIV is now a highly treatable, manageable, chronic condition. Across the country outdated laws still criminalize people living with HIV.
I did, yes. Across the country, outdated laws still criminalize people living with HIV often regardless of actual risk, intent or transmission. HIV is not a crime and a virus is not a moral failing, and people living with HIV deserve care, not prosecution. Here in Philadelphia we have made important progress, but people living with HIV are still deeply impacted by broader national policies. Uncertainty around Medicaid, Ryan White programs and public health infrastructure threatens access to life-saving treatment and prevention. For many of our patients, stable access to care depends on these programs. Interruptions in coverage are not abstract policy debates. They translate directly into missed medication, worsened health outcomes and increased community transmission. We also know that housing instability, racism, homophobia, transphobia, poverty and criminalization disproportionately impact people living with HIV. And at Mazzoni Center, we see this every day. We provide comprehensive HIV prevention and treatment services, but beyond the clinical care, we work to create an affirming, stigma-free environment, especially for LGBTQ individuals. The fight against HIV has never been about a virus. It's been about equity, justice and human dignity. Thank you for your leadership, Councilwoman Landau, and for City Council for recognizing HIV is not a crime. (Applause.)
Can we have the six-time champion team Imhotep High School please join me on the floor for a second. Member Bass. Can we give these young men a round of applause, please? (Applause.)
They're not on the corners. They're not outside hustling. They're not carrying guns. They're doing the right things for the right reasons.
Thank you, Mr. Alexander, for your patience. Council will resume.
David Alexander, Angela Crumdy, Judith Robinson, Ogbonna Hagins, Anna Dorn and Corrine Green, please walk to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Mr. President, members and guests, David Alexander Jenkins and I come before you today, with others, draped in the cloth of my forefathers, a cloth that represents lineage, responsibility, wisdom and stewardship. A visible reminder to the authority that must be served to the people, a cloth woven in unity, cooperation, prosperity through collective effort and reverence for the land that sustains us. The Black Farmers Co-Op stands in a tradition of agricultural excellence and predates this nation, an agricultural excellence which by force in the past fed our forefathers here, but by choice today feeds the future we design. Before we were the supply chains and food deserts, there were African systems of cooperative farming, land stewardship and community-centered economics. That transatlantic knowledge defies erasure, surviving today in the work of Black growers right here in Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia. In just four years, the Black Farmers Co-Op has strengthened local food systems from the ground up. It has supported neighborhood growers and entrepreneurs partnering with schools and organizations to advance sustainability and economic empowerment in communities that have too often be excluded from both. So today as you look around at those of us who wear the Kente focus on the strands of silk bathed in the seeds of our today and the prosperity of our tomorrow. Focus on the strands spun from the gold of a rich people whose history survived 250 years of an American story. Focus on the silk spun in green, symbolizing growth, renewal, harvest and vegetation, those woven into the story of a promise of liberty no man in America could know and without whom no 16 Semiquincentennial could occur. Thank you.
Good morning. My name is Dr. Angela Crumdy and I serve as the Director of Programs and Research for Barbershop Books. Greetings to Council President, Councilman Young and members of City Council. I'm here to testify in support of the resolution recognizing March as National Reading Month and March 2nd as Read Across America Day. Barbershop Books is a national organization dedicated to inspiring Black boys and other vulnerable children to read for fun by creating literacy-rich environments for Black boys and other vulnerable youth. In Philadelphia and across the country, we know that 82% of Black boys in the 4th grade are reading below grade level. However, Barbershop Books is a testament to the power of community-led literacy efforts, much like the measures put forth by Councilman Young today. Founded in 2013 by Black male kindergarten teacher Alvin Irby, Barbershop Books transforms neighborhood barber shops into joyful male- centered literacy hubs that strengthen children's reading, identity, motivation and confidence. Today we have a network of over 200 participating barbershops across the country. In Philadelphia, our second flagship city, we have 30 affiliated barber shops, all of which are stocked on an annual basis with children's books that were recommended to us by Black boys. All of our barbers receive an early literacy training that equips them with the skills to combat reading trauma and to serve as male reading role models. We estimate that 30 shops alone reach 4320 boys per month. And that if only 30% of those boys read for minutes per visit, that equates to over 155,000 minutes of out-of-school time reading per year. Our efforts also extend beyond the barbershop to book lists and free haircut giveaways. So alongside barbers, librarians, teachers and schools are members of the Read by 4th Coalition. Barbershop Books works hard to foster a positive reading culture in the city. Thank you again to Councilman Young and Council for prioritizing literacy. (Applause.)
Excuse me, Ms. Judith -- Queen Judith Robinson, before you begin your presentation. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to be recorded aye on all bills and resolutions that are going to be read into the record as I do have to leave for community business.
Leave is granted and votes will be recorded. Thank you very much. Queen Judith Robinson, the floor is yours.
Yes. Good afternoon. Queen Judith Robinson here regarding 260122 and 250917. I have to pray real hard every time I come before this body to make sure the right words come out of my mouth. I want to say put some respect on my name. 40 years of real estate background, I am truly a housing practitioner, real estate broker, license, etc. So when I say we're asking HUD for millions of dollars for the homelessness budget, which has increased tremendously over the years, we should be reducing homelessness, reducing the amount of money that we spend in the name of homelessness, wheeling and dealing in real estate. The budget for the homelessness, especially with our veterans, should definitely be decreasing. Meanwhile, we're asking the same agency, HUD, for money. $55 million from what I understand comes to the City of Philadelphia for the Philadelphia Housing Authority. Philadelphia Housing Authority is the clog in the wheel. I say it again, and I'm not stuttering when I say it. Philadelphia Housing Authority has been allowed to use eminent domain. Now, they're over in Wynnefield Heights buying up bad debts. They have demolished a lot of high-rises throughout the City of Philadelphia. Now, they're taking on high-rises to the tune of $200-plus million, check. I told them 99 times because 98 obviously was not enough. Regarding the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative, this bill regarding demolition, we can't manage what we have from back years ago. 16 $385 million of another bond 17 funding that leaves us with all of 18 these vacant lots and parcels 19 throughout the whole city of 20 Philadelphia. I thank you all so much for your time. Peace.
Hello. My name is Anne Dorn. I'm speaking in support of 241070-A, the elimination of the requirement for Resign to Run. It's been my observation that there's no 7 substitute for having experienced people in public office. If the elected officials themselves don't have the experience, they end up depending a lot on their staff. I hear the Mayor has been handing out this book Performative Outrage, which talks about how it doesn't go so well when a lot of policy is made behind closed doors and then the elected officials are just like white- knuckling their way through the meetings with the public. The book does not really paint a very attractive picture. It suggests some ways for white- knuckling better, but ideally we would not be white knuckling at all. We would engage with one another in a really productive way. Whenever you look back through history, in Shakespeare, the Duke is holding court. In the Bible, the king is holding court. There's just no substitute for making policy in public with the public watching and allowing the public some ability to participate. One of the things that this book cautions against, and Councilmember Thomas also cautioned us against in the February 17 meeting, is that when everything is done in private, it creates a fertile ground for conspiracy theories. He's cautioned us against those and we hope that there won't be any conspiracy theories about, for example, why Joyce Wilkerson has not yet been confirmed to the School Board. As a courtesy to the Mayor, you've chosen not to vote her nomination down. I would hope as a courtesy to the people you would allow us to have a properly legal school board that can make decisions that will hold up in court. There's no substitute for her long institutional memory. As I was saying about resigned-to-run being a bad policy, there's just no 14 substitute -- whatever you do or don't like about her as a person, there's no substitute for her long experience in office and having been in the room when decisions were made. Thank you.
Good afternoon. I'm Dr. Corrine Green, Executive Director for Mighty Writers. I stand here today with my team in support of Councilman Young's resolution recognizing March as National Reading Month and March 2nd as Read Across America Day in the city. Reading is not simply an academic milestone. It's a dignity. It is access. It is possibility. It is the quiet yet powerful force that shapes how young people understand themselves and how they can imagine their future. Literacy is not a privilege. It is a right. Yet across Philadelphia, literacy remains one of our city's most urgent challenges. According to Read by 4th, 71% of Philadelphia 4th graders are not reading at grade level, and the challenges extend beyond childhood. According to Read by 4th, 71% of our families that are living in housing and in our communities today, adults lack the literacy skills that affects employment, financial stability and the ability to support learning at home. At Mighty Writers, we see the human side of these numbers. In the past year, we've served more than 5000 young people through our literacy programs that are grounded in writing, mentorship, social, emotional learning, and we've distributed over 3 million pounds of food for more than 70,000 families because we recognize that literacy and learning cannot be separated from this basic need. We understand that literacy does not exist in isolation. It lives in the intersection of education, stability, confidence and opportunity. We want to recognize National Reading Month and Read Across America Day offers something deeply meaningful to our city, a collective affirmation that reading is not a luxury but a fundamental building block of equity and access. For these reasons, Mighty Writers proudly supports and stands behind the resolution and urges its swift passage and implementation. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Ogbonna Hagins and I'm a fourth generation chattel slavery survivor. I want to speak on Resolution 250843. This bill 20 says we should lock dumpsters to protect the cleanliness and safety of our neighborhoods. That makes sense. When something causes harm, you just lock it up. But here's what I don't understand. How are we going to lock dumpsters but not lock the city? How are we going to secure trash bins, but keep sanctuary city policies in place that leave the larger gate wide open. That's the question. If we believe in protection, then protection has to mean something. Sanctuary city status should not still be in effect if we are serious about securing our communities. We're willing to lock dumpsters, but we're not willing to lock policies that hurt the economic security and safety of American Freedmen, the descendants of chattel slavery. The 13th Amendment didn't just end slavery. It ended the badges of slavery. And if gave government -- it gave government the duty to remove them. It gave government the duty to remove the badges of slavery. That duty is not optional. It's constitutional. When American Freedmen are pushed to the back of the line in housing, contracts, jobs and investments while sanctuary policies expand protections for those who are here unlawfully, that is not equal governance. Maintaining sanctuary city status while failing to constitutionally prioritize American Freedmen is a modern-day vestige of slavery. So, yes, protect the city, but protect it the right way. Put American Freedmen first, not as a choice but as a constitutional mandate. I was going to do what Donald Trump did and ask y'all to stand up and agree that America is a first, but I'll see that when you guys vote next week for the establishment of the Office of Freedmen Affairs. When it's unanimously voted yes, all of 6 you will be standing up 7 acknowledging the constitutional 8 citizens, the -- 9
Thank you, sir. 17 The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Rourke.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to be recorded as aye on all bills and resolutions and I would like to request to go handle some Council --
Leave is granted, and all votes will be recorded as aye. Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to be recorded aye on all bills and resolutions except for a nay on Resolution 260129.
260129. Leave is granted and your votes will be officially recorded. Thank you very much, sir.
Council President, there are no further 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING names on the list for public comment.
Thank you very much. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. The Clerk will please read the Title of Resolution No. 241070-A.
A resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to eliminate the requirement that City officers and employees resign from their City officer employment before becoming candidates for public office; and providing for the submission of the amendment of the electors of Philadelphia.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING motion regarding Resolution No. 3 241070.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 12 No. 241070-A be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. The Clerk will please 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING read the title of Resolution No. 3 260119.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3902, 3906 West Girard Avenue, 3911-15 Cambridge Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 17 260119.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING properly seconded that Resolution 3 No. 260119 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution 17 No. -- Chair recognizes Councilmember Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to be recorded as a nay on 241070-A.
241 -- repeat it again, 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING please.
You're welcome. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 14 260122.
A resolution calling on the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD, to expand investments into the evidence-based solution to address homelessness that is permanent supportive housing, and condemning the significant negative impacts to such cuts to funding will have on 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia's residents municipal services and exacerbate our ongoing housing crisis.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion regarding Resolution No. 9 260122.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 18 No. 260122 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Anyone opposed? 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 9 260123.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 515-33 West Cumberland Street, 2502, 2504, 2506, 2508, 2511-21, 2543-51 North Fairhill Street, 2506-22, 2524, 2625, 2534-42 North Reese Street, located in the 7th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada for a motion regarding Resolution No. 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING 260123.
4 Thank you, Council President. 5 I move for the adoption 6 of the resolution. 7 (Duly seconded.) 8
It has been moved and 10 properly seconded that Resolution 11 No. 260123 be adopted. 12 All those in favor of 13 the motion will signify by saying 14 aye. 15 (Aye.) 16
The ayes have it, the 21 motion carries. The resolution is 22 adopted. 23 Would the Clerk please 24 read the title of Resolution No. 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING 260125.
A 4 resolution calling on Governor Josh 5 Shapiro and the Pennsylvania 6 General Assembly to enact adult use 7 cannabis legalization in 2026. 8
Chair recognizes 10 Councilmember Brooks for a motion 11 regarding Resolution No. 260125. 12
13 Thank you, Council President. 14 I move for the adoption 15 of the resolution. 16 (Duly seconded.) 17
It has been moved and 19 properly seconded that Resolution 20 No. 260125 be adopted. 21 All those in favor of 22 the motion will signify by saying 23 aye. 24 (Aye.) 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it, the motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 11 260129.
A resolution urging the U.S. Senate to oppose the SAVE Act and reject any additional barrier to voter registration.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad for a motion regarding Resolution No. 21 260129.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 7 No. 260129 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution -- of Bill No. 241056. This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill 24 pass finally. 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Chief Clerk, please call the roll.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council, proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to eliminate the requirement that City officers and employees resign from their City office or employment before becoming candidates for public office and authorizing the appropriate offers to publish notice and make arrangements for the special election. 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Chief Clerk, please call the roll.
Councilman O'Neill was aye. Councilmember Squilla was aye. Councilmember Bass.
Aye. The ayes are 15. The nays are 0. Majority of all -- it's one nay? UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: One nay.
2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING (Nodding affirmatively).
Ayes are 15. The nays are 1. The majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Also for the record on 260129, resolution sponsored by Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad, Councilmember Brian O'Neill is a nay just for the record. The next order of business is the Clerk will please read any additional resolutions on today's Calendar.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Chief Inspector Nicholas Smith for his distinguished service, community- centered leadership and unwavering commitment to public safety in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING by Councilmember Phillips.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Clerk, please call -- please read the next resolution.
A privileged resolution 6 congratulating the Audenried High School Girls Basketball Team on winning the 2026 Public League Championship against Imhotep High School, securing their fourth straight PPL Championship. Introduced by Councilmember Thomas on behalf of Council President Johnson.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President, on your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Philadelphia250 and the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation and their Philadelphia community partners for their work on the "Ring It On" citywide Semiquincentennial Initiative. Introduced by Councilmember Thomas 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING on behalf of Council President Johnson.
Semiquincentennial. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I'm excited about the 250th birthday of the country. We'll use that word. And I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING (No opposed.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing February 28, 2026 as HIV Is Not A Crime Awareness Day in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Landau for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the U.S. Women's Hockey Team for winning the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics and representing the United States with distinction, integrity and excellence. Introduced by 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We were 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING certainly welcome to this body. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing and celebrating March 2026 as Women's History Month in the City of Philadelphia, and championing the power of women who build connections and drive prosperity for all. Introduced by Councilmember Lozada.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the Smedley Bulldog Blitz Cheerleaders as the first Philadelphia public elementary school to compete at the UCA Nationals. Introduced by Councilmember Lozada.
The Chair recognizes 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmember Quetcy Lozada for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
A 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING privileged resolution welcoming the 58th Mid-Atlantic Black Law Students Association Regional Convention to the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Young.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Anyone opposed? 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing March as "National Reading Month" and March 2nd as "Read Across America Day" in the City of Philadelphia, and further honoring the critical work of community organizations working to expand literacy skills of youth and adults across the city of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Young.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing February 23rd to February 27, 2026 as Public Schools Week and celebrating the essential role of Public Schools, educators, students 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING and families and strengthening the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Young.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing and celebrating Dr. Carol Simmons, Nyoca Carr, Estelle Vaughn, Pela McFee, Carolyn Booker, Winnie Harris, and the Black women who devote their lives to nourishing their neighbors and communities across Philadelphia, on the occasion of Black History Month. Introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion on the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. 2/26/26 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)