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Minutes

Stated Meeting, September 25, 2025

Philadelphia City CouncilSep 25, 2025

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COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, September 25, 2025 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN CURTIS J. JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN RUE LANDAU COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY M. LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR. ELIZABETH McCOLLUM NAZARIO, CHIEF CLERK

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Council President Johnson

I note that the hour has come. A quorum of this Council is present. City Council will now come to order. I'm asking for our members to please take your seats. Visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. Before proceeding, I will ask all those present to please set your cell phones on silent and/or vibrate and please take all sidebar conversations outside of the Council chambers. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Rabbi Isabel de Koninck, Senior Rabbi and Executive Director of the Drexel University at Hillel. She is here today as the guest of Jones, Jr. I will ask all members and guests to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests and visitors rise.)

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Rabbi Koninck

Good morning, everyone. Thank you so much, Councilman Jones, for having me here today at this particularly auspicious time for the Jewish community. Just the day after our New Year and within the 10 days that we call the Days of Awe, between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, days that call upon our Jewish community to look at the world and our own deeds with a level of humility, with a level of grace, with a level of honesty and recognition, but also wondrous opportunity at the holy work we have to do of doing just a little next year. I hope that many of us are able to take those blessings of newness into this day's work and into all of the work that comes for the rest of this year together. I want to first recognize that every person gathered here today finds centering connection to purpose and meaning in the world differently. So I invite you to take this moment of invocation in whatever way your heart or religious traditions might guide you. As we mark the opening of our Philadelphia City Council's public meeting, we are called upon to offer gratitude for all who have supported us to reach this moment and humbly request blessings to guide the continued work of our City Council. We thank the hundreds of maintenance facilities who keep our majestic and historic City Hall running that we may gather here today. We offer gratitude to the dozens of staff members who keep the offices of each of our City Councilmembers running smoothly and responsively. We offer thanks to the thousands of city workers whose diligent service keeps our city safe, our streets clean and provides the myriad services needed for our city to thrive. And we offer gratitude for all of the citizens and residents of Philadelphia who have elected our Mayor and Councilmembers and entrusted them to lead with wisdom and humility. May their faces, names and stories ever be at the forefront of the here today. This morning as our Council opens the weekly meeting, we ask the source of blessing to bless our Council and the work of our city's government. May bold vision, wise Council and generosity of spirit guide your decisionmaking. May you be blessed with the patience, discernment and humility to bring this city into an era of continued health, safety, dignity and prosperity for all who live within its borders. May you find inspiration from the fields that animate so much of our city's life and economy. May you be blessed with the innovative energy of the sciences, the entrepreneurial spirit of industry, the curiosity of education and the creativity of the arts. May the lives and you will honor at today's meeting, confer honor and blessing onto the work of this Council. May you merit to lead with listening hearts, hearts that work to discern good from evil, hearts open to new ideas and perspectives, hearts willing to hear the hard things, hearts that seek to hear all Philadelphians and not just those with the loudest voices. May you be blessed with the courage to stand up for our city when others seek to tear it down. May you have the strength to tackle the hardest challenges and the wisdom to know when apology, compromise and course change are the best course of action. In the Jewish community from which I hail, we begin all of work of governance with a blessing.

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Councilwoman Bass

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda for this session of Council, and as required by law, subsequently published on an amended agenda after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments to bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or re-called from the Mayor, amendments to bills recalled from the Mayor, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in this session, a motion to withdraw a bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar and a motion placing a bill or resolution on or returning a bill or resolution from the Suspension Calendar that is not listed on today's Calendar. The purpose of this motion is to provide the public with notice concerning possible actions by Council that arose too late to be included on the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: It has been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Councilmember Deputy Whip Cindy Bass may be added to the agenda for today should those matters arise during the course of this session of Council. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

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Council President Johnson

The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in chambers this morning. On behalf of all members Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our great city. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Dr. Anthony Phillips, who will present a resolution on my behalf congratulating the School District of Philadelphia, the developer of the Bellwether District, HRP Group, Arco Designs Build, Clayco Corporation and the General Building Contracts Association for their collaboration to fund driver's education courses for the School District career and technical students. Will Dr. Tony Watlington and Mia Fioravanti and those accompanying them please join the (Applause.)

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Councilman Phillips

Councilman Driscoll. Good morning, everyone. On behalf of Council President Kenyatta Johnson, we are glad to support the work of the and their career and technical educational students and the work that they do to prepare students for careers in those fields. As we know in the city of Philadelphia, there's a need for a balance between college and vocation and the School District of Philadelphia is now preparing our students for both life opportunities. So I want to thank Council President Johnson for bringing our Superintendent Dr. Watlington and his team and some of the students from the School District of Philadelphia to present and highlight to them how important this is to the City of Philadelphia. So to start off, our Council colleagues, I'll start off and then our Council colleagues is resolution. All right. We would like -- I just received a note that I think that's really important for us to share. We would like to thank the City Council for this resolution. Here are some of the numbers that they achieved to date: 75 students completed the School District's Driver's Education program. 50 students are taking the written test to attain their driver's permit and some students that have received their permits are now learning to drive. Now, what we're doing today is highlighting what the school district is doing to promote driver's ed, which is to help provide young people with the necessary preparation to attain their driver's license. And we do know how important this is as a of Philadelphia, because a lot of our neighbors have been complaining about how people are driving. And so, if they learn early how to properly drive by great instructors, we may be able to ensure the safety of our residents and also safety of the drivers themselves. So thank you so much for sharing that. All right. To begin, Congratulating the School District of Philadelphia, the developer of Bellwether District HRP group, Arco Design Build, Clayco Corporation and the General Building Contractors Association, GBCA, for their collaboration to fund driver education courses for the School District Career and Technical Education students. Whereas, the School Career and Technical Education, CTE, to prepare students for careers in fields that include construction, manufacturing and design; and

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Council President Johnson

The Chair recognizes Dr. Tony Watlington and Mia Fioravanti. But before I let Dr. Watlington begin his remarks, I do want to acknowledge my Chief of Staff John Christmas who saw that there's a barrier when it comes to young people when they apply for apprenticeships with the trades. And one of the barriers were do a license, right. A clean urine, that's number one, y'all. So if you're smoking that oowe, a clean urine and also a license. And so, he said let's put together a program that will break down the obstacles and barriers for our young people. And so, I just want to acknowledge John Christmas for taking the lead and coming up with this idea. (Applause.)

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Dr. Watlington

We're here to share with you this morning that career and technical education is alive and well in the School District of Philadelphia. We're excited because for three straight years our career and technical education students have earned more than 3000 industry certifications making them college and career ready, and it's a clear testament to the hard work of the Career and Technical Education teachers and the quality instruction that they are providing every day. Now, it's time for us to go the extra mile and ensure that our students are truly ready to step into the workforce in our five-year aggressive strategic plan, Mr. President, entitled Accelerate Philly. We committed to improve access to underserved and underrepresented students so that they can have all of the training and the development necessary to go out into the workforce in our great city and be prepared for college and careers. And the Driver's Education pilot program is a clear, clarion example of how we're centering equity, which is one of our core values in the strategic plan in the school district, we're providing work-based learning opportunities within the city and making it easy for students to get to jobs of their choice, whether it's in their neighborhood or somewhere else in the city. So this program provides highly-qualified certified students the opportunity to have access, are qualified to drive themselves to and from work and to operate machinery, which is a requirement for a number of jobs in the city of Philadelphia. As Councilman Dr. Phillips mentioned, 75 students in the construction and auto programs have completed their driver's education program and 50 students are in the hopper getting their driver's permit. We have others who have received their permit already and our partners at Education for Educators have assigned them to a driving school and we're really excited about that. I'm glad they're doing a driving school because when I first went to get my driver's license, Mr. President, I'm not ashamed of the fact I didn't study and I first time. So we're going to make sure -- and you had to wait two days before you took it -

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Dr. Watlington

Don't hold it against me, sir. Mr. President, we also want to say a special thank you to you as Council President, Councilmembers, the Bellwether District, HRP Group, Arco Design Build, Clayco Corporation, Everybody Builds, the General Builders Contractors Association and again, all of the members of City Council and to you, Mr. President. that when our young people leave the School District of Philadelphia, that they will be college and career ready so that they can be prepared to imagine and realize any future that they desire. Thank you for this opportunity to speak before you this morning. And again, thank you for your support of the School District of Philadelphia and very fine students like Joseph here. Good morning and thank you. (Applause.)

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Ms. Fioravanti

Thank you, Dr. Watlington. And thank you, Council President Johnson. At the Bellwether District, we are building a logistics life, science will create an estimated 28,000 construction jobs and tens of thousands of permanent jobs over the next decade. This important program is ensuring Philadelphia District students have the skills needed to access these family-sustaining jobs and achieve lifelong success. On behalf of the Bellwether District, I want to thank Council President Johnson and his office for their leadership, Dr. Watlington and our partners at the school district for their unwavering support of our young people. Thank you also to GBCA, Everybody builds, Clayco and Arco Design Build for your support of this important initiative. Thank you. (Applause.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

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Council President Johnson

At this time, the Chair recognizes Deputy Whip Councilman Cindy Bass, who will present a resolution honoring and commending Philadelphia Anti-Drug AntiViolence Network, known as PAAN, for its proactive efforts to ensure the safety of youth and families in the 8th Councilmanic District, recreation centers and celebrating their success in maintaining violence-free zones through the implementation of the Play It Safe in the 8th Initiative. Will George D. Mosley, Jr., and those accompanying him, please join the Councilmember at the podium. Joining Councilmember Bass are the following members, Councilmember Kendra Brooks, Phillips, Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young, Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad, Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, Councilmember Harrity. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)

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Councilwoman Bass

Good morning, everyone. So I just wanted to take a moment to recognize PAAN. You know, we all call them PAAN, but it's the Philadelphia Anti-Drug AntiViolence Network for the outstanding work that they do. And this summer, we unveiled a new program called Playing It Safe in the 8th, which was really aimed to eliminate violence in our recreation centers. And so, we were in four recreation centers in the 8th Council District and I'm happy to report that we while they were there. So I think that that deserves a round of applause for the work that they did. (Applause.)

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Councilwoman Bass

This was really about making sure that people understood that, you know, first of all violence is never accepted, but conflict is going to happen. People are going to have disagreements. People are going to have not necessarily a meeting of the mind, but how we handle that conflict resolution is just so very important. And so, again we just wanted to bring them forward and tell them how much we appreciated the work that they did over the summer months and I'm hopeful, Mr. President, that we'll have funding to be able to expand this of Philadelphia because they did just such a phenomenal job. So thank you so much to everyone who is here from PAAN. And we have a resolution honoring and recognizing them. And so, we'd like to present that this morning. And so, it reads: Honoring and commending Philadelphia Anti-Drug AntiViolence Network, PAAN, for its proactive efforts to ensure the safety of youth and families in the 8th Councilmanic District's recreation centers and celebrating their success in maintaining violence-free zones throughout the implementation of the Playing It Safe in the 8th Initiative. Whereas, playgrounds and recreation centers across Philadelphia have long served as spaces, fostering connection, physical activity and joy for children and families; and

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Councilwoman Brooks

Whereas, the initiative is rooted in community care, in public trust relying not on enforcement or criminalization, but on de-escalation, realtime engagement support youth and prevent violence before it occurs; Whereas, since the implementation of Playing It Safe in the 8th, there has been no reported incidents of violence at any other participating recreation centers, demonstrating the program's effectiveness and creating true safe havens for families; and

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Councilwoman Bass

Resolved by the Council of the City Philadelphia, hereby honors and commends the Playing It Safe in the 8th Initiative for its visionary leadership, community-centered approach and measurable success in keeping Philadelphia's recreation centers safe, welcoming and free of violence. And just a few highlights, Mr. President. Before we bring up our speaker, I wanted to mention also again Lonnie Young Recreation Center, which is in Germantown, Jerome Brown, which is in Tioga; Belfield, which is in Somerville; and Happy Hollow which is also in Germantown, there were no reports of gun violence since the program began its launch and is supported by a team of credible messengers. It not only addresses gun violence, but also provides home, helping them find meaningful and purposeful employment. They also provide mentorship and active guidance and mentoring for young people in the community, fostering a safer and more constructive environment. And for all of these reasons and so many more, let's give PAAN a big round of applause. Thank you. (Applause.)

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Ms. Mosley

If I may, let me just say a word or two about the men and women who are standing behind me. You've heard that they're referenced as credible messengers, and that credibility refers to the fact that they've lived lives that are consistent with the lives of the people that we're trying to reach. That credibility is very, very important. But without two additional ingredients, they wouldn't be effective. The first is that they're courageous. And some of you may assume that I'm talking about the courage that it some of the toughest neighborhoods in Philadelphia, but I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about the courage to speak to people that nobody else wants to talk to. They open doors to relationships that have been lost. People are isolated, insulated in places that are in plain view because nobody will talk to them. That's not the people standing behind me. They have the courage to do just that. The second thing is that they need to care. I can't tell you how many times my staff people have come to me and said, I wish somebody had stepped to me, had spoken to me like I'm able to speak to people now, it would have changed my life. And while I'm talking caring, let me just say that the 8th Councilmanic District is blessed to have Cindy Bass. (Applause.)

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Council President Johnson

Before Council is at ease, I just want to also just also beyond the 8th they, do come down to the 2nd. Every time there's a homicide, there's a shooting, we call PAAN to engage in Peace Not Guns walk. We're engaging community members and providing a sense of hope to the neighbors in the neighborhood when someone is murdered. And so, I do just want to applaud your efforts and keep up the good work. Let's give another round of applause y'all. (Applause.)

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Council President Johnson

At this time, the Chair Labor Committee Councilman Harrity, who will present a resolution recognizing September as National Recovery Month and honoring the strength of those impacted by addiction. Will Commissioner Kehinde Solanke and those accompanying her, please join the Councilmember at the podium. Joining Member Harrity is Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada, Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young, Chair of our Health Committee Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad, Councilmember Rue Landau, Minority Leader Kendra Brooks and Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)

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Councilman Harrity

How about that. You heard me speak about it before. I believe that in this day and age those of us in the program have to stop hiding behind our anonymity to show people that there is life after addiction. Me, myself and I am living proof of that. So with that, I'd like to thank our Commissioner of DBHIDS. When you're a Councilman, sometimes when you're having hearings you criticize people and you ask hard questions. But one thing I can say about our heart and she believes in what she's doing. And for me, that means a lot. A resolution recognizing September as National Recovery Month and honoring the strength of those impacted by addiction.

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Councilwoman Bass

Whereas, addiction has touched the lives of countless families in Philadelphia and across the nation in more ways than one. The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that between 2011 and 2021, 321,566 children in the United States lost a parent to drug overdose. And according to the National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention, from 2018 to 2022, 985 deaths in children ages 1 to 17 years old due to opioid ingestion; and

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Council President Johnson

Thank you, Member Harrity. The Chair recognizes Commissioner Solanke for remarks. (Applause.) COMMISSIONER SOLANKE: Good morning. Thank you, President Johnson and Councilmembers. Thank you so much for having me. And it is an honor to be here this morning. But first I want to say is possible. Recovery happens every day in Philadelphia even if sometimes it doesn't look like it. And that's why it's an honor to be here today this morning as we officially recognize September as National Recovery Month in the City of Philadelphia, and to amplify the strength, resilience and dignity of every person and every family impacted by addiction. I want to thank members of Council, especially the sponsors of this resolution and, Councilmember Harrity, thank you for not only acknowledging the crisis we continue to face, but for lifting up recovery as a priority, a possibility and a promise for our communities. This resolution makes it clear that addiction is not a failure, it is a public health issue. Recovery is not only real, it is happening and it's happening right here in communities like Kensington, Fairhill, Glenwood and beyond. We can see the pain of addiction, but we also see the courage, we see the hope and see the tireless work being done by our city leaders, our community organizations, our providers, peer specialists, families, and the hard work of those individuals who are walking the path of recovery, often against very incredible odds. At DBHIDS, we believe that recovery is for everyone and we are committed to ensuring everyone has access to the resources, care, support they need to recover and to thrive no matter who they are or where they live. Philadelphia continues to invest in prevention, treatment, housing and employment support. And so, as we officially mark September as National Recovery Month in Philadelphia, we're renewing our commitment at DBHIDS to reduce stigma, expand access and honor the stories of those who have fought and continue to fight for recovery. To everyone impacted, we see you, we believe in you and we walk with you. I also want to remind everyone that on Saturday, September 27th there is a Wellness Expo celebrating recovery. And thank you again, Councilman Harrity -- I don't see you, there you are -- for hosting this event on Saturday. Thank you and thank you for having me. (Applause.)

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Chief Clerk

To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I'm submitting herewith for the consideration of your Honorable body an ordinance amending Chapter 10-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Refuse and Littering" to require locking dumpsters; all under certain terms and conditions. An ordinance authorizing the City of Philadelphia to construct, own and maintain rightof-way encroachments in various parts of the City, under certain terms and conditions. An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning" by clarifying certain provisions related to mixed-income housing, revising the quality standards for affordable units within mixedincome developments and making related technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to acquire fee simple title or a estate by purchase, dedication, donation, condemnation, agreement in lieu of condemnation or otherwise and certain parcels of land along the Schuylkill River and the Wissahickon Creek, together with all improvements thereon and all associated easements and appurtenances for public recreational purposes, all under certain terms and conditions; and A resolution appointing Mark Graefe to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District. And that pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill No. 241064 approval with amendments. Bill No. 250606 not for approval. Bill Nos. 250710, 250716, 250724 and 250725 approved. And then I am pleased to advise you that on September 24 2025 I signed the following bill, which was passed by Council at its session on September 11, 2025: Bill No. 250333. Council President, there are no further communications in my possession.

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Chief Clerk

An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to acquire fee simple title or a lesser interest in real estate by purchase, dedication, donation, condemnation, agreement in lieu of condemnation or otherwise in certain parcels of land along the Schuylkill River and the Wissahickon Creek, together with all improvements thereon and associated easements and appurtenances for public recreational purposes, all under certain terms and conditions.

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Chief Clerk

An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire, on behalf of the City, fee simple title or lesser interest by purchase, dedication, donation, condemnation agreement in lieu of condemnation or otherwise for the purpose of making, enlarging, connecting, extending, operating and maintaining public parks for recreational use certain parcels of land generally bounded and located between Vine Street, Fairmount Avenue, 8th Street and 12th Street, together with all improvements thereon and all associated easements and appurtenances and to lease the property or a portion thereof to the Center City District, all under certain terms and conditions.

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Council President Johnson

Thank you. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must consider matters on the Second Reading or Final Passage Calendars for possible action at today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up for today's session, please do so now by giving your name to Ms. Hasson at the table outside the rails to my left. Once you have signed up, you will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. Under ideal circumstances, public commenters each will have three minutes to speak. However, this time limit may vary from session to session. Today the time limit will be two minutes. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the two-minute limit. When you begin speaking, you will see a green light on the podium. When there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, the light will turn yellow which is your reminder to conclude your remarks. Once two minutes have passed, the light will turn red and the Sergeant-at-Arms will disconnect the microphone. At that point, please yield the podium to the speaker if you have not already done so. I also reserve the right pursuant to our rules of Council to limit repetitive comments on the same subject matter. I will now ask the Chief Clerk to please call our first speakers.

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Ms. Perez

I'm Kate Perez. And as we condemn Trump sending out the National Guard, let's remember our own Mayor considered calling in the National Guard to help sweep Kensington. If we want to prevent fascism, we have to stop partnering with ICE that's been targeting activists known for their speech, rounding people up in groups and raiding businesses in South Philly, making people scared to work or shop. Knowing that ICE can hold and even deport citizens at random, we have to stop letting them use our jails like detention centers. Trump declared a national emergency as justification for his domestic occupation right now wasting our tax dollars, having them pick up trash, but they're ready to strike at any time. These are tactics that they trade with the occupier Israel and our city has been giving our names to promote travel to an apartheid. It's not a Muslim versus Jewish issue. The Occupation is happy to demolish any church or any atheist in the strip because it's a military occupation with the goal of colonization by dual state settlers approved by the British and possible with our tax dollars. Last week I didn't know if my friend made it out of the North alive. The Occupation dropped leaflets all over Gaza city, a city larger than Philadelphia, and told them to all get out or be presumed dead in a modern day trail of tears, shutting down the entire country's internet and targeting journalists to prevent the news from spreading. Siraj Oda is now missing after being chased by quadcopters on his Instagram story. They haven't stopped bombing for even a second and 10% of people weren't allowed to escape. The IOF keep releasing their own footage of drone striking civilians attempting to leave. We witnessed the targeting of medical centers like the Al-Quds Hospital this Tuesday. Red Crescent Society sharing that occupation, tanks are blocking the hospital's gates. These are the ones that PPD has a history of training with they shot and disabled the oxygen tanks, forcing patients to rely on pre-filled cylinders only expected to last three days. That's today. Our sister city is surrounding a hospital, and they're about to run out of oxygen if they haven't already. Free Palestine. Thank you. (Applause.)

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Mr. Brown

Thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Tim Brown. I'm the Organizing Director for Philly Neighborhood Networks. I'm a member of the coalition to defend democracy. I'm here to speak in favor of the resolution introduced by Councilmember Brooks condemning the federal invasion of American cities. I believe that we are entering the most dangerous time in our nation's history since the Civil War. During that war, we had a president who actually believed in democracy. Today we do not. And so, our nation finds itself at an inflection point. The National Republican Party has surrendered to Maga extremists. The Democrats are waving paddles and writing sternly worded letters. Meanwhile, this regime is steamrolling the Constitution and everything in its path. And last month, under false pretenses this president ordered federal troops into the streets of Los Angeles and Washington D.C. in a show of force. Make no mistake, this was a practice run for the rest of the nation, and this would-be dictator is looking for any excuse to declare martial law so he can send troops and loyalists into Philadelphia streets in time for the midterm elections. Now, here's a truth that nobody wants to hear but needs to be said out loud. Nobody is coming to save us. In a nation where we've become used to having a national government that kind of worked, all the usual safeguards have fallen away. There will be no cavalry riding to our rescue. The cavalry now works for the tyrant, so it is left to us to save ourselves and this is a sobering and scary thought. But if we're going to survive this terrible moment, we must find our courage and that courage starts with the passage of the Brooks resolution to condemn the federal invasion of American cities. Let this resolution stand as a clear declaration of the intent of our elected officials that Philadelphia, the birthplace of democracy, stands up to bullies and tyrants. Thank you for your time.

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Mr. Moss

Hello. Good morning, City Council. My name is Shawn Moss. I live in South Philadelphia in the Point Breeze section. I volunteer at a Community Food Bank and I'm also a community organizer. I urge you to support Councilmember Brooks' resolution in condemning the Trump regime's deployment of National Guard within our city. Trump make no mistake is attempting to bully us, okay, bully and police our communities based on nothing, nothing. Okay. This is an attack on Black and Brown people and we've gone through enough, and we just want to live not be harassed and shaken down on the whims of a tyrant. Don't forget where we are. This is the City of Philadelphia, the birthplace of freedom. We do not obey fascists in advance. We do not give fascists an inch because they will take a mile. And we do not bow down to fascists, period. Now more than ever, you've got to stand up. We've got to be united and we've got to be strong. Do not flinch in the face of a fascist. They are nothing more than bullies and they'll back down with one swift punch. I assure you. Once again, I urge you, all of you on the City Council, to support Councilmember Brooks' resolution and condemning the deployment of National Guard within our City. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

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Mr. Blatstein

Hello. My name is Jeremy Blatstein. I'm here in support of Resolution 250751, removing land from the Land Bank. Land is frozen in the Land Bank right now. I urge each and every one of you to attend the next Land Bank meeting on October. It's the first Tuesday of October, to see the dysfunction that's happening of your Land Bank. If we're going to be serious about spending the $400 million or the $800 million and actually have a dent, the Land Bank's a big piece of that. You guys are spending money for Turn the Key. But if you allow members that are honestly elected by you guys to interfere with that, then there's no point of spending any money with the Turn the Key program. So you each want to go to your ribbon cuttings and say, hey, look at me, look at all these new Turn the Key homes, but you actually don't want to do the work to move the land out of the Land Bank. And realistically, all the roadblocks that you're putting up is actually hurting the minority developers that you, each and every one of you, say you want to help and support. So there's a reason why nobody wants to interact with the Land Bank right now is because there's too much red tape. So I just would encourage each and every one of you to really take a deep look at the Land Bank of how it's set up. If we're really going to get serious about moving land. And the last thing I was going to say is we're not talking about SEPTA anymore since I think that it's a little bit offensive I guess to some of you. I apologize if you don't like my challenge, but I'm going to say one last time we're talking about -- that's the last time I'll be saying it. I really just want to say to you each and every one of you that the point of my challenge, right, was so you could see firsthand today what your constituents deal with, not yesterday, not last year, not when you guys were growing up. I'm talking about today because there's issues with the quality of life with SEPTA today that I believe need to be addressed. Again, what we're talking about is 2026 and just improving the system. So that was the only point of my SEPTA challenge. I apologize if it came across differently. Thank you, Councilman Jones. You're an OG. You rode the bus with me. I think you were a little offended that nobody recognized you, except for your fly shoes. But again, thank you. Ride the ride and grow Philly to 2 milli.

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Ms. White

Good morning, Councilmembers. My name is Colette White. I'm for Positive Women's Network. I lived all my life in the city of Philadelphia. I was born and raised here. I was born at BGH. I'm one of those folks. Okay. I am here because I love this city and I know that real safety comes from within our communities, not from soldiers on the streets in my city. This is my city, our community. Communities, our neighbors have worked hard to lower violence, reduce incarceration in our neighborhoods and in this city and created real opportunities for our young people because that's where it begins now. And that's what was going to harm we see our progress because we are invested in ourselves. We are invested in our communities. I lived in every community in the city of Philadelphia. I just don't come from one community or one neighborhood. I lived all around in the city of Philadelphia. Sending the National Guards here, lack of a better word, bull. The troops have no knowledge. They are not our city police. They are not our neighbors. I don't look at the one that lives next door to me that is supposed to be the noosy person. That noosy person helps me, protects me, but for someone to send a National Guard in my neighborhood and our neighborhoods to tell you what you can't do on your own front porch, because that's what they're doing. Okay. I don't want any war zones, attacks on Blacks and Browns. I am asking you to pass the resolution because the city deserves self-government, to protect our people. Reject, lack of a better word again, that man to send the National Guards down here. Let them do their real job. Thank you for listening. (Applause.)

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Ms. Moussa

Good morning. My name is Kenya Moussa. I'm Co-chair of Positive Womens Network. We're an organization that is people living with HIV and AIDS. I rise in strong support of Councilmember Brooks' resolution condemning the Trump administration's appointment of the National Guards to American cities. Let's be clear, there is no legitimate emergency in Philadelphia that warrants a military occupation. Crime in our cities has declined significantly. Our residents are safer today than we've been in years and we know why. We've been investing in restorative justice and prevention and community-based status that works, not bringing an armed troop with no ties to our neighborhoods. The unilateral use of National Guards is not only unnecessary, it's undemocratic. It undermines local control. It erodes with several liberties. It sets a dangerous precedent that the federal government can oppose military forces on cities against the will of our elected leaders. That is not safety. That is not democracy. Philadelphia doesn't need National Guards. We need housing, schools, jobs and health care. Every dollar wasted on deploying out-of-state troops is a dollar stolen from real estate. Safety solution that our communities have been building on. Philadelphia has always stood at the forefront of freedom and selfdetermination. Today we do so again and I urge my colleagues to pass the resolution and send a clear message to our communities. We need investment, not occupation, occupation and National Guards. Thank you. (Applause.)

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Ms. Rosario

Hi. My name is Valentina Rosario. I'm with Positive Women's Network. Good morning to you all. I'm here to speak in fair support of Kendra Brooks' resolution against the current President's power grab and sending troops into our cities. Let's be clear, sending troops into our cities is not going to keep us safe. It is here to intimidate us, to silent dissent and to strip us of our rights to govern ourselves. Philadelphia doesn't need the National Guard. We need housing. We need better schools. We need jobs. We need access to health care, comprehensive health care. Every dollar wasted on deploying out of state troops is a dollar stolen from the real safety solutions that our communities have been building for years. The truth is when a National Guard has been deployed in our cities, it's been discriminatory, chaotic and harmful. Bringing them here would not make us safer. It would put our residents, especially immigrants, Latina, Black and Brown communities at greater risk. We are not a war zone. We are a city of people who care about one another, who know what safety actually looks like and who refuse to be occupied. I urge this Council to pass the resolution and stand with the people of Philadelphia against this authoritarian overreach. Thank you so much. (Applause.)

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Ms. Robinson

Good morning. Queen Judith Robinson here on the two bills or resolutions regarding land movement in the 5th District to show how ignorance, low vibration, thinking and bullying is happening right here in Philadelphia Democratic style. You have the letter. The gentleman has the letter that was sent to me, a duly elected committee person in the 32nd Ward. It is satanic politics to pit neighbor against neighbor, especially when ignorance is abound. Just like today with the movement of land in this Council today. The community is not here. The police facility being bullied on poor Black people of the community of North Philly. It's a low vibration project bullied through by Council former Council President Darrell Clarke, taking away Philly's first historic district corridor designated by the Philadelphia Historic Commission since 1986. The benefits are replacement housing that a replica of what was there. Obviously, Jeffrey Young pushed this on through, continued it on. Who doesn't believe that historic preservation is important for Black people in a Black community. It's a bad land use. It was no parking study, no traffic study and no environmental study, as we are having a fueling station in the middle of an urban community with no impact on our health. No notification at the RCO meeting that was undercover in October of 2024. It was sneaky. How do you sneak an RCO meeting? But Jeffrey was there. The police captain was there of the 22nd district. It's just so unfortunate that they want to continue to bully with a letter, as they did, which you all will read. Thank you very much for your time. We need to pay attention to land movement and zoning, etc. Thank you all. (Applause.)

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Ms. Weinbaum

Good morning. My name is Laura Weinbaum and I am the Chief Operating Officer at the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. It is a pleasure and an honor to be here this morning with you all. I want to thank City Council for offering this resolution recognizing September as National Senior Centers Month and shining a light on the extraordinary role that senior centers play in the lives of older adults across Philadelphia. This past month I met a gentleman who comes to the senior center every single morning, and I said, why do you come here? And he said, this place, it keeps me young. For him, fitness classes, friendship keeps him strong and connected and feeling the things that we associate with youth at PCA. We're proud to support a network of 28 senior centers across Philadelphia that serve as anchors of wellness, engagement and community connection. In 2024 more than 11,000 older adults visited these centers for a half a million activities. Behind those numbers are people like my friend, who come for a meal, participate in a fitness class, join an art workshop or spend time with their friends. Senior Centers are welcoming environments that help older adults remain connected, active and independent. I want to especially thank Councilmembers Brooks and (inaudible) for their work, for their continued friendship and leadership. Your advocacy and that of this Council for senior centers ensures that they remain vibrant, resilient and responsive to the diverse needs of older Philadelphians. On behalf of PCA and the many older adults and families who benefit from these centers, thank you for your partnership. It's an honor to be here to celebrate this resolution and the commitment it presents to older adults across Philadelphia. Thank you.

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Reverend Holston

My name is Reverend Gregory Holston. I am a member of the Coalition to Defend Democracy. We're about 20-plus organizations across the city and the state that have been talking about Project 2025 and the Trump administration for over the last 15 months. We've given town halls. We've given lobbying. We've organized. We've organized calls against the big so-called beautiful but really ugly bill. And now, we stand here to stand with Councilmember Brooks on her resolution opposing any National Guard here in Philadelphia. I want you to put all this together. Because we've been thinking about it in this terms, they cut food stamps. 45,000 Philadelphians will not have food stamps. That is happening right now, to cut Medicaid. 100,000 people have lost or will lose Medicaid over the next two to three years. They're talking about taking away Section 8 housing and the certificate will only last two years now, so thousands of people will lose housing. They're talking about the end of Department of Education, those fundings for schools, special needs students will not have. So all of these attacks are gathered together and are coming at a point now. Look at next summer when all those things come together, then you put a National Guard in those same communities. We know truly that when you invest communities, invest in people, it makes the community safer. If you take investment out, it makes it not as safe. It is prone for the very thing that Trump wants to happen, somebody attacking the National Guard. One of our own children who do not have enough to eat or have a place to stay act out on the National Guard, and he uses all of it as a pretext to be able to declare martial law on our city to come after Black leadership, as he does in Chicago and LA and in Washington, D.C. and wants to do the same thing here. We're saying support this resolution. But more than that, we have to begin to work together and build together a way to come back and fight this. This is, as my friend Tim Brown just said a minute ago, ain't nobody coming to save us. This right here, it's on us and I do mean us. It's on us to come up with a real solution to fight what is happening to our city. Thank you so much. Thank you.

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Ms. Rivera

Good morning. My name is Kate Rivera and I'm speaking in support of the resolution that was introduced today recognizing Digital Inclusion Week. I'm the Executive Director of the Technology Learning Collaborative or TLC, which is a nonprofit coalition of organizations and individuals working to advance digital equity and inclusion in the Philadelphia area. When we talk about digital equity or inclusion, what we mean really is that everyone should have three things: One, Internet access that is affordable, reliable and fast; two, a computer or other device that meets their needs; and three, the digital skills that they need to use those tools to accomplish their goals and stay safe online. In this day and age, having access to the internet and technology is a necessity rather than a luxury. Digital inclusion means a parent gaining their GED in a living wage job. It means a grandmother connecting with grandchildren, staying safe online and avoiding online scams, high school student getting into their dream college and a patient learning how to self-monitor and manage their blood pressure to improve their health. For over two decades, Philadelphia has led with innovation and collaboration, building a strong ecosystem dedicated to advancing digital inclusion and receiving national recognition for our work. But in order to be successful, we need sustained investment. Earlier this year, the City of Philadelphia was selected for a highly competitive $12 million federal digital equity grant, only to have the grant program canceled by the federal government. Achieving Digital inclusion requires dedicated funding and cross-sector collaboration. We need government, business, nonprofits, universities and philanthropy all working together towards a shared goal. Now is the time to come together and find ways to make Philadelphia a more digitally inclusive community. Thank you for your time and thank you for supporting these important efforts.

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Ms. Lee

Good morning. I am Esther Lee, Assistant Director of Community Engagement at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. In my role I have a great privilege to work with our senior centers, who are the cornerstones of light a community life of our older adults, senior centers. They're providing more than services and programs at the center. They are safe places and they are a welcoming place for older adults who can come and enjoy the hot and nutritious meals together with others. And as they come to the center to engage in cultural activities and art classes, also senior centers, a lot of our members when they come to the center, they find lifelong friendship at the center. According to a lot of data, as research reports, senior centers reduce social isolation but increase the physical health and then mental health of the participant of the senior center. In addition to that, I just want to give you more examples of their impacts in the community. In 2024, Fiscal Year 2024, 1.6 million meals PCA provided to older adults and 300,000 were served at the senior center. Today I really would like to extend my deepest thanks to Councilmembers Brooks and O'Rourke. Your friendship and support really allow us to enhance our senior centers and then the serving population in Philadelphia. And also, we are especially grateful that City Council is recognizing this impact through a resolution honoring Senior Center Month. September is Senior Center Month as well. So on behalf of PCA and older adults in Philadelphia, we really appreciate your dedication and support. Thank you. (Applause.)

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Councilman Jones

Thank you so much, Madam Chair. Briefly on this digital equity thing, Bridget Daniels hosted along with a partnership of Comcast and others, the hoisting of a tower near our District office at 59th and Market. It's going to -- its range will cover the 4th District and parts of the 3rd District. This is significant because that partnership gave away hundreds of laptops to men, women, children, seniors, single parents, parents that needed to get into that digital vibe. What was said earlier was in order for you to fill out a job application or get benefits, people don't use paper anymore, they want you to log in and do those things which denies a lot of people who do not have access to the internet, to a second class citizenship. So I applaud what they're doing. That one tower is going to be one square mile of free internet service for every man, woman and child. It will be transformative. A kid doing their homework, a parent filling out an application. It is the kind of thing that moves us not into the future, but in the present. This is not George Jefferson -- I mean George Jetson. It is today and needed. So I want to thank them for moving in that direction. I think they should be spread out over the city, in particular communities of need. And I just think we have to -- it's so many things going on and it's hard for all of us to keep up with it, but there's some things worth paying attention to and that is one of them. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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Ms. Pickett

My name is Isa Pickett. I'm a seminary student and community organizer in Philly. The Occupation of Washington, D.C. by the National Guard was presented as a solution to homelessness and crime in Philadelphia. We are acutely aware of the effect overpolicing has on these two issues. It's like adding kerosene to a fire. What happens when the President pulls the National Guard out of D.C.? The same conditions of poverty and inequality will remain. How can we show Washington that this is not a way to run a peaceful, prosperous city. Brooks' resolution is one way, but my mind also goes to Palestine. Does our commitment to the peace of civilian life extend internationally as well? The occupation of Gaza by Israeli troops ruptures civilian life. Half a million people right now are being forced to starve because of the very thing. This bill seeks to condemn occupation. Famine in Gaza has been declared by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification. And for two years, Gazans have faced the worst of occupation and death. These are people who live the same type of lives we live in Philadelphia. They worked, they studied, they worshiped, they dreamed of better lives for themselves and their families. As we hope to condemn the occupation of American cities by the National Guard, I hope Gaza and the international crimes committed by the Israeli military are in your mind as well. That brings me to the ask I have of the Council, to stop pouring kerosene on the fire. Philadelphia is a beautiful, strong city that I love and we are capable of action, both nationally and internationally. When we condemn occupation, it matters. And I hope this resolution passes, but I implore you to reconsider our relationship with Israel, our sister city, relationship with Tel Aviv. Condemn Israel's actions with the same certainty that we condemn Washington's actions. Thanks.

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Ms. Ellison

Good morning, Council President and members of City Council. My name is Ciera Ellison and I am the President of the Philadelphia ACLU, Philadelphia Chapter Board. I rise today in support of Councilmember Brooks' resolution condemning the federal deployment of National Guard troops into American cities. Flooding more armed troops into communities already suffering from an overbearing presence of surveillance will not make our city safer. In fact, it is more dangerous by sending military forces in our neighborhoods to arrest residents and tear families apart. It sets a dangerous precedent, jeopardizes community safety and represents an overarching power grab. There is no place for armed military troops in our communities, not in our neighborhoods and not on our streets. The idea of troops arresting residents and tearing families apart goes against everything this country is supposed to stand for here at home. U.S. military conduct is governed by strict constitutional limits. The administration risks shattering the safeguards that restrict the role of the military and civilian law enforcement and undermines centuries' old laws that are designed intentionally to keep armed forces off our streets. People have a right to protest, to observe law enforcement activity and to speak out against injustice. Military personnel are not trained to police civilians, and their deployment escalates foreseeable risks to protesters, constitutional rights, risks that could have very severe consequences. Let's be clear, these actions are not about safety. They are about scaring communities into silence, and the communities being targeted are largely Black, Latino and immigrant. That is why we cannot afford to wait and respond after the damage is done. Each authoritarian overreach erodes our civil liberties and makes it harder to act at all. If we fail to act proactively now, we risk losing the very sovereignty and peace we seek to protect in Philadelphia. On behalf of the ACLU of Philadelphia, I urge this Council to adopt this resolution and send a clear message there is no place for a federal military invasion in our City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. Thank you. (Applause.)

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Ms. Landes

Good morning. I'm Lynn Landes, Phillysafestreets.org. I'm opposed to both 250788 and 250373-A, as they are a continuation of City Council's policies that have failed to adequately protect the safety of residents, visitors and businesses. Many Americans believe that President Trump has a legal right and responsibility to deploy the National Guard to cities that have for years, if not decades, violated the rights of their own citizens to public safety. These cities have flagrantly aided and abetted criminal individuals and organizations, including drug cartels, by weakening their own local laws and not enforcing state and federal laws. Their actions have resulted in tragic rates of violent crime, rampant theft, human trafficking, drug dealing, illegal immigration. And closed stores and businesses in Kensington and other parts of Philly are testimony to this continuing crisis making matters worse. City Council is now being asked to make it illegal for employers to even know the complete criminal background or even the current criminal status of potential employees. This violates an employer's right to know vital information they need to protect themselves, their employees and their businesses. Besides it is really a bad idea to help those with criminal backgrounds by violating the legal and constitutional rights of others. There are better, more legitimate ways City Council can help these individuals. Thank you.

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Ms. Greenberg

Good morning, City Councilmembers. My name is Jenny Greenberg. I'm the Executive Director of the Neighborhood Gardens Trust. Thank you for the opportunity to speak today in support of Resolution 250751, which authorizes the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of two properties at the Peace Garden located at 20th and West Norris Streets. Neighborhood Gardens Trust is Philadelphia's Land Trust for the protection of community gardens and other shared green spaces. We've been able to acquire and preserve 54 gardens across the city, and we're thrilled to be working with New Jerusalem now, the volunteers and neighbors who for over 20 years have been caring for the beautiful Peace Garden. It has flower beds seating a colorful mosaic. It's a place of beauty and inspiration for so many. In 2023, one of the properties at the Peace Garden was threatened by development and NGT was able to secure a state grant to purchase that lot thanks to the leadership of Councilman Young. We are very excited to be able to preserve the rest of the garden and to support it for years and generations to come. Thank you. (Applause.)

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Mr. Collins

Good morning, City Council. My name is William Collins. I'm a volunteer with AARP, Pennsylvania right here in Philly. I live in District 4. It is an honor for me to join you today in supporting the resolution put forward by Councilmember Kendra Brooks, recognizing the month of September as National Senior Center Month here in the city of Philadelphia. This honors Philly's Corporation for Aging and the city's over two dozen senior centers for the exceptional service and support the older adults. At AARP, we support flipping the script on aging by promoting older adults as a time of opportunity, growth and continued contribution to society and supporting this resolution. We encourage all Philadelphians to recognize that aging is a valuable and active phase of life and that senior centers are essential for supporting this phase. Across the country, AARP works to empower older adults to live with dignity, choice and independence. Here in Philadelphia we have and continue to support efforts to provide direct programs, and that includes senior centers which will do a number of things that help connect elders, reduce isolation, support mental and physical health and link people to essential services. We are very concerned that senior centers remain accessible, responsive and wellresourced. We respect your recognition and we support their recognition of celebrating National Senior Center Month in Philadelphia, not just to honor their legacy but to advocate for their future. We know how much these centers matter not only to older adults who visit this local senior center, but to health and economic resilience of the entire city by helping people age in place, stay active and avoid causing health care interventions. Senior centers save public dollars and enhance quality of life. Thank you for recognizing their value. (Applause.)

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Ms. Pompei

Good morning. My name is Joan Pompei. I am here to stand in support of Councilman Brooks' resolution to condemn the deployment of the National Guard to America cities. I am a domestic worker and member leader of the National Domestic Workers Alliance Pennsylvania Chapter. History has shown that America was built on immigration. To build our city, we need immigrants. Look around and everyone has a heritage of an immigrant. The National Guard coming to cities like Philadelphia takes away our freedom and our rights. We have seen in other cities like Washington, D.C. where the National Guard has caused chaos, parents taken away from their kids, people pulled out of cars and work sites to be deported, immigrants quitting their jobs, not going to school, working or the doctor visits. This creates an unbelievable and inhumane amount of fear for families. We have seen the harassment and arrest of citizens as well whose rights have been violated in a widespread manner. This is the false name of security and untruth told by the Trump administration. We cannot allow this to happen in Philadelphia. As a nanny, I believe that all children have the right to be with their parents regardless of what country their parents are from. Every child has the right to go to school safely, to go to the doctor, for their parents to safely go to work. We have seen political leadership in cities like Providence, Rhode Island and Chicago where elected officials stand with the population. We need you to vote yes on this resolution to keep Philadelphia safe from the National Guard. Thank you. (Applause.)

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Ms. Martinez

(Spanish translation). INTERPRETER: Good morning. My name is Erica Martinez. I am a member organizer of the Restaurant Worker Committee. I'm here to show our support of the resolution presented by Councilmember Kendra Brooks to condemn the deployment of the National Guard to American cities. We have had the military in our streets for many years in the name of security and order. When the military has been deployed to the streets in our countries of origin, it has not led to more safety, security or freedom. It has led to death, kidnappings and the resulting destruction of our communities. We are not the enemy of our fellow Philadelphians. Immigrant workers, along with other working families, do the jobs that make the city function day after day. They want to make us believe that Philadelphia is a disaster and that we need the National Guard to establish control. We must not permit them to tell these lies nor allow them to create more cruelty and violence that can tear our city apart. We need to be able to walk our streets without fear of being disappeared. We need to be able to go to work without the fear of being arrested. We need you to vote yes to this resolution and protect our city from the lies and violence that the National Guard will bring to our working families. (Applause.)

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Mr. Reyes

Good morning, Councilmembers. My name is Teofioo Reyes and I serve as organizing director of Make the Road Pennsylvania, representing Black and Brown, Latina and immigrant members in North and Northeast Philadelphia that will be directly impacted by any deployment of the National Guard. I also speak as a Philadelphia resident who has lived in Fairmount going on two decades, but I've witnessed firsthand the damage that these types of deployments have already caused in other cities. And I'm here to speak in support of Councilmember Brooks' Resolution 250788. Since the guards arrival in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., I've seen friends, including citizens born here in the United States arrested because of their race or because they were speaking another language. This is not safety. This is intimidation. In the summer to speak Spanish daily, I fear that I too could be unfairly targeted for nothing more than the language I use of my family and community. These deployments have created a pervasive climate of fear across the country and they send a message that democracy is being suspended, that military force is going to replace civil governance. History shows us the danger of such misuse of emergency powers from Latin America to every country, every continent around the world, authority and leaders have declared false states of emergency to consolidate control, silence dissent and erode civil liberties. We cannot allow those same tactics to take root here in Philadelphia. Chicago has successfully forestalled a federal invasion through the coordinated opposition of its residents and leaders and we can do the same here. Our city does not need soldiers patrolling our neighborhoods. What we need is investment in community safety, in jobs, in housing, in education and in services that strengthen and not suppress our people. I urge this Council to condemn federal overreach and to stand firmly for the rights and dignities of all Philadelphians. This is an important first step in the coordinated opposition. Thank you so much. (Applause.)

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Ms. Park

Good morning. My name is Ann Park. I live in the 3rd District and I'm a member of the Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance. I'm here to wholeheartedly support Councilmember Brooks' resolution condemning federal invasion of American cities. Why is the Trump administration threatening to send the National Guard to our streets when Philadelphia is working to deliver thoughtful programs that are already helping reduce crime? These are clearly the actions of a bully who is abusing power to silence us. The fact that the military is being sent into cities to support ICE agents is also a frightening escalation of Trump's deportation agenda. ICE has already been terrorizing immigrant communities in Philadelphia, targeting people who look non-White or don't speak English. While doing know-yourrights outreach at the Southeast Asian Market, I've heard directly from immigrant community members who feel afraid in public spaces. It's unacceptable that Philadelphians feel unsafe and intimidated in this way. I'm personally the child of Korean immigrants who came to this country because they believed so strongly in America's democratic freedoms. We need to take a stand now because we can't let threats of violence become the new norm. As your constituent, I want to know that the councilmembers plan to face these federal invasions head on and are taking the responsibility of defending our democracy very seriously. I urge Council to support this resolution. Thank you.

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Mr. Hong

My name is Kevin Hong. I live in the 1st District and I'm also a member of Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance. I'm here to voice support for Councilmember Brooks' resolution condemning Trump's deployment of the National Guard. Trump's agenda is to support ICE operations in cities where these troops are deployed. We've seen agents abduct people off the streets without identifying themselves, without presenting or even bothering to obtain signed judicial warrants, deporting people to foreign countries they have zero relation to. They can only get away with this with wielding a threat of force and he's given the game away. He's not deploying constitutional lawyers to support ICE. We've been doing what we can to make sure our neighbors know their rights, but Trump wants to escalate the force that ICE brings to every encounter. The administration wants us to make us afraid to assert our rights. They want to make it so our rights don't matter. Now, unlike many of the people in this room I haven't lived in Philly for very long, but I've learned that there's something special about this city and the people who live here. Maybe it's because my first night here was in November of 2022 when it looked like the Eagles might go all the way, and every person I passed as I walked through my neighborhood for the first time told me, Go birds. But I've learned people care about each other here. The word neighbor means something in Philly and that is something we should cherish and protect. All of us and our neighbors deserve better than to live in fear. And if we want to not live in fear, the minimum we can do is declare our opposition to Trump's National Guard appointments. Thank you. (Applause.) UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Good morning, City Council. Thank you so much for supporting PCA and the senior centers. I am a member of a senior center. When I tell you that I was a very active person in my life. And when I stopped working, I had too much to do. I was told about the center. Since I started that center, I'm right back to where I was before. They love you. You do this, you travel, you eat, you love. When someone dies, some people in the center don't have family, we become their family. Some people can't walk, we become their legs. Some people are not as well as I am. And one thing about the Northern Living Center and all the centers that I have visited, you need it. It's important. Everyone in this room one day will be a senior, if you're not one now. You need some place to go, don't you? Don't you want to have a place waiting for you to go to have some fun? So one thing I'd say about being in the center: It's necessary. It's needed. If you don't -- people die and they be alone. You want to keep living as a senior and not just exist. So I would like to say please thank you for all you do. Thank you PCA, because the vision was a wonderful thing. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Being in a center has made me even better than I would have been sitting home alone. Thank you. (Applause.)

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Ms. Hunt

Good afternoon, City Councilmembers. My name is Alice Hunt. I am a lifelong proud resident of Philadelphia. I came through the Philadelphia public school system at John Barry Elementary School, Sayre Junior High School. And I'm from the Class of 213, of the Philadelphia High School for Girls. I also attended West Chester and graduated from West Chester University through a city scholarship. Thank you, Philadelphia. I have worked and lived in parts of the city in West Philadelphia and Southwest Philadelphia and in (inaudible). I became a member of the Firehouse Active adult Center. I first came to them under the Sunshine Older Adult Center located at 58th and Walnut. The opportunity came for us to move over to 54th and Haverford at the Firehouse Adult Center. That is because of the efforts of Councilman Jones and former City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. Being a part of a senior center has been rewarding. I have learned so much. I've continued to do the active things that I tend to do in life. I'm a person that does not let any grass or moss grow under my feet. I'm always on the move, and I thank Councilwoman Brooks for the resolution to recognize senior centers. They are very important. We get all types of activities, programming. We have people that present workshops, computer classes, phone technology classes, great lunches and just a wonderful place to go, to live, to grow and to continue to be a part of this society, be a part of Philadelphia. Thank you, PCA. And Go Birds. (Applause.)

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Ms. Martinez

Good morning. My name is Claudia and I'm here as a domestic worker with the National Domestic Workers Alliance to support Councilwoman Brooks' resolution against the invasion of the National Guard in Philadelphia. We don't want them in our city. First of all, this is already causing a lot of panic and fear in the immigrant community. There are people who can no longer go to work freely for fear of being detained. Before we had a free and peaceful community and now there is only fear. We don't want families to be separated. We have seen cases where they deport the father and leave the mother alone with the children. I am currently helping a mother whose husband was detained five days after the birth of her baby. She couldn't pay the rent, so I'm helping with giving her where to live and everything she needs. I consider Councilmembers to be a key foundation for protecting the immigrant community in Philadelphia. I demand that ICE stop the detentions. They have caused a lot of damage and we don't want deportations in our city. They should not wear masks and they should not use violence against people. We need justice for us immigrants. We are only in this country out of deep necessity and because we want to move forward in our lives. Please support us with your vote today. (Applause.)

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Mr. Jenkins

Mr. President, members and guests, David Alexander Jenkins and I rise in support of Resolution 250788. Council President Johnson, there is a thug-like behavior present in American politics today, a rotting of the core of democratic principles which has left us with a stench unbearable at the federal state and, yes, even local level. Politicians have militarized and weaponized the people of the United States of America against themselves in violent and most disdainful violations of the law. You need look no further than beyond the rail that separates one from the gentlemen, men and women behind him for this pervasive culture of parking-lot politics and thug likebehavior. In Philadelphia, and as we wait with bated breath for an acknowledgement and condemnation of its heinous nature from those who lead us beyond, we do not comment on personnel matters where the silence is kept. For a space, members, please allow me to accept -- to relay my concern for your safety and the acknowledgement of the dignity you uphold and exemplify beyond the kindness which has been shown to you. My friends, our founding fathers in drafting the Constitution, were explicit in their suspicion of standing armies imposed upon a free people. The Third Amendment often overlooked was borne in the lived memory of foreign troops quartered in our towns without consent. The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 further codified this principle restricting the use of federal military forces in civilian law enforcement. Together these laws and precedents affirm that the defense of liberty lies in local governance, not in federal occupation. The Trump administration's deployment of National Guard into American cities without local consent violates the very letter of the law. It erodes the checks and balances meant to shield civil societies from executive overreach. It introduces federal troops. It is not to bring order, nay, rather, the very act brings nothing more than intimidation, which we recognize as the handmaiden of tyranny. Therefore, we shall not allow the President of the United States to place soldiers in the streets against the will of our local leaders. We will reject premises that liberty can be protected by the tools of coercion it cannot. Our forebearers were to reject that premise at Lexington and Concord, and we reject it now. Therefore, we stand with Councilmember Brooks and her condemnation of the Trump administration's unilateral deployment of the National Guard into U.S. cities without local consent as a grotesque overreach and threat to democracy and civil liberties. We shall make no room here for totalitarianism and I urge you all to unanimously pass this resolution for the sake of our democracy and the society we are sworn to protect. I yield back. (Applause.)

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Ms. Gullen

Good afternoon. My name is Jamie Gullen. I'm the managing attorney of the Employment Unit at Community Legal Services in Philadelphia. I'm here today to support Bill No. 250373, introduced by Councilmember Landau, to make very critical amendments to Philadelphia's Fair Chance Hiring law so that people with criminal records can have a fair shot at employment. I'd like to start by thanking Councilmember Landau and her team for their extraordinary work on this bill, bringing together a diverse group of individuals and organizations from those with lived experience to the Chamber of Commerce to communitybased groups and organized labor to come together in support of this critical initiative. I want to spend my short time here though thanking Community Legal Services' clients who shared their experiences and stories with us and what needed reforms were necessary in order for them to be able to have a shot at employment, advancing their careers and supporting themselves and their families, our clients every single day despite their work, their work history, their credentials, their talents, their determination, who face roadblock after roadblock as they seek employment because of old, irrelevant criminal records. And Bill No. 250373 makes the changes necessary for our clients to be able to show that they are more than what a piece of paper says about them. So thank you to Councilmember Landau and to all of City Council for being champions of fair chance hiring. And should this bill pass, Community Legal Services is here for the community to help people understand the new changes under the law and to assist people in clearing their criminal records and advocating for them to be able to work under this law. So thank you very much.

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