Thank you. Thank you very much. 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. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the 8 Seconds Rodeo as a celebration of Black rodeo 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING culture and advancing cultural tradition in the city of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Jones.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. After Council at 2 o'clock, second floor Mayor's chambers, we will be recognizing the 8 Seconds Rodeo, which is an African American rodeo, along with the UniverSoul Circus, which will also be coming here. The Rodeo is a one-time show only on the 11th of this month in Jeffrey Young's District down at the Liacouras Center. And the other is across the street from the Zoo, and that'll be there for a month. We 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING invite everybody down to welcome them, but it's a great family fun time for everyone. And with that, I move for the 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.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Councilmember Kendra 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Brooks, would you like to be recognized?
Yes. I wanted to be voted aye on all bills and resolutions that I missed when I stepped out for a moment.
Thank you. It shall be recorded. Thank you very much, Member Brooks. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing October 2025 as LGBTQ+ History Month in the City of Philadelphia, and honoring the movement for the LGBTQ+ rights, providing visibility for an often erased history and raising awareness for the ongoing fight for civil rights and 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING equality. 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.)
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 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing National Coming Out Day on October 11, 2025 in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion on the resolution.
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 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing October 19, 2025 as National LGBT Center Awareness Day in the City of Philadelphia, and highlighting the vital role of the LGBTQ+ community centers and serving as crucial lifelines and hubs for the LGBTQ+ community, fostering a sense of belonging and community advocating for equal rights. Introduced by Councilmember Landau. 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
The Chair recognizes Councilman 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. Will the Chief Clerk 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution declaring Red October in the City of Philadelphia and wishing the 2025 Philadelphia Phillies luck in their postseason playoff race. Introduced by Councilman Young on behalf of Council President Johnson.
I think we need to do these resolutions after we win. But the Chair recognizes Councilmember Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Councilmember Young, I move the adoption of the resolution. 10/9/25 - 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.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. As a sidebar, I know Member Jones been around here for a while. I think we stopped putting the Flyers jerseys on top of William Penn, right. Right, Councilmember Squilla?
Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing the week of October 5 through 11th as National Fire Prevention Week in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Young.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion on behalf of Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Council President. 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING On behalf of Councilmember Young, I move 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. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing the Philadelphia Police Department 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING for its success in hosting the City's Inaugural Summer Night Lights program in North Philadelphia's 22nd Police District. Introduced by Councilman Young.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion on behalf of Councilmember Young.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Councilmember Young, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing October 12 as National Farmers Day in the City of Philadelphia and celebrating the City Council's efforts to secure urban farms and community gardens for neighborhoods across the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING 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 of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips.
It's okay. Chair recognizes Council -- he's trying to beat Curt, but that's a different story. We didn't even get there yet, but no problem. The process is the process. The Chair recognizes the Chief Clerk to read the next resolution please.
A privileged resolution celebrating Watch Party PHL and the Philadelphia Sisters for building an inclusive and inspiring community centered hub for women's professional sports in Philadelphia. Introduced by 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Brooks 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 of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing October 11 and 12, 2025 as Blindness Awareness Weekend in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks 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 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution honoring and remembering Mahsa Amini on the third anniversary of her death under mysterious circumstances while in Iranian custody, and recognizing the courage of those fighting for women's rights and human freedom in Iran, the Middle East and around the world. Introduced by Councilman Harrity. COUNCIL PRESIDENT 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: The Chair recognizeS Councilmember Jim Harrity for a motion on the resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution, Council President. (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. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution. 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities to hold hearings to investigate SEPTA Regional Rails, Silverliner IV fleet. Introduced by Councilman Driscoll.
Great job, Member Driscoll. The Chair recognizes Councilman Driscoll for a motion on the resolution.
Mr. 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.) 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings on the disposition policy regarding the Polish American Cultural Center Museum located at 308 Walnut Street. Introduced by Councilman Squilla.
The Chair recognizes the Councilmember Mark Squilla for a motion on the resolution.
I 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING move for the adoption of 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. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing the 125th anniversary of Corinthian Baptist Church of Germantown, a 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING pillar of faith, service and community. Introduced by Councilmember Bass.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. 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.)
Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing October 2025 as a National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and promoting the importance of early detection and education in Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Ahmad on behalf of Council President Johnson.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution on your behalf. (Duly seconded.) 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
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. The resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing October 2025 as Menopause Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia, to affirm the importance of ending the stigma and cultural silence surrounding menopause and to 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING acknowledge it as a natural biological process that significantly impacts the physical and emotional well-being of many individuals. Introduced by Councilmember Ahmad.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Ahmad for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I ask for a leave of absence and being recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions.
It shall be recorded. Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
Council President, there are no further resolutions in my possession.
Are there any speeches on Minority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. I want to thank the members of Love Zion Baptist Church for joining us today to speak about Blindness Awareness Weekend in Philadelphia and today's hearing on accessibility -- on Tuesday's hearing on accessibility standards for major events of 2026, we heard from many advocates that the needs of people with disabilities are often an afterthought and if they are even considered at all. Blindness Awareness Week is one part of that ongoing fight. Our city can do better to ensure that everyone has access to public spaces, public services and public events. And I look forward to we've heard at the hearing. I also want to thank urban farmers who came into City Hall today to speak about National Farmers Day. I first started working with farmer advocates when I learned that many of the City's 400 community gardens were at risk of being sold as sheriff's sale. In 2023, City Council invested public dollars to remove the liens of dozens of parcels so that they could be acquired by the Land Bank. Now, many of those parcels are securely in the Land Bank. The final step is for District Councilmembers to help facilitate the transfer to the community farmers. I'm looking forward to working with many of you on the final steps so that we can protect these gardens for finally, I want to invite everyone to my Annual Wingohocking Neighbors Day. This year's Wingohocking Neighbors Day will be taking place on Saturday, October 11th from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. and it will take place between the 1500 and 1700 blocks of Wingohocking Street in Nicetown. You can pre-register for the event by going to my City Council social media pages and signing up. However, pre-registration is not required for attendance. Wingohocking Neighbors Day started back in 2018. After a string of shootings in my neighborhood in Nicetown, I got together with some of my neighbors for a prayer circle and we decided that in order to end the violence, we needed more resources and This year our inspiration is one of Nicetowns's brightest stars, LGP Qua, known as the Voice of the Youth. He was an amazing artist who understood the importance of community care. So this year Wingohocking Neighbors Day will be all about passing the mic to the next generation of artists and community leaders in honor of his legacy. This is a family friendly event and we're going to have live music, food trucks and a Playstreet for the children. The Playstreet will have activities from the city's Park and Recreation Department and games for all ages. We will also have important resources at this event. There will be health screenings, representatives from have a criminal record expansion clinic. In total, there will be over 90 city and community partners who will be out on Wingahocking Neighbors Day that Saturday morning at noon. I'm looking forward to seeing you all there and thank you so much.
Any speeches on behalf of -- one second. I got it. I caught it. Thank you. Councilman Nicolas O'Rourke.
Thank you, Council President. I want to start with just a few notes of gratitude, first, for the prayers and the support from really what felt like at times the whole city as it related to the health of my son you reached out through phone, text message, gifts, what have you, just to share your support for his health, and that was really encouraging through the course of my parental leave. So I know this building has a storied history of being combative. That just may be the nature of representative democracy. So it must be that. But in that moment, your humane concern for the health of my son meant the world to me. So thank you so, so much for your prayers. Also want to say thank you to all the community members, the organizations and the members of the Council who came out to my Second Annual Justice Impacted Community Resource Fair last Friday. The people's needs are wholly, as we say in our office, to serve individuals and families whose lives have been warped by the carceral system. Councilmember Landau, thank you for coming out to speak about fair chance hiring and for sending your team to provide resources. Leader Brooks and Leader Gilmore Richardson, I really appreciate representation from your offices at the event, two years in a row. Your teams are amazing. There were many folks at the fair looking for employment who shared that they're struggling to make ends meet, and I've been hearing that across the city which is why I'm eager for today to launch the Affordable Philly Now initiative. The cost of living is rising. We hear about it every Council session and when we're out city. This Council is not new to present programs that directly intervene in the market to secure the needs of our constituents. Just for example, the Homestead Exemption that you, Council President, as well as you, Leader Gilmore Richardson, have championed; the Basic Systems Repair program that is supported by many in this body; the Philly Joy Bank and Housing PHL+ are guaranteed-income programs, which most directly attack the cost of living. Councilmember Landau's Move-in Affordability package passed in the spring that helps with exorbitant price of moving. My Leader Kendra Brooks is to tirelessly fight to uplift the wage tax refund program and make sure not overtaxed on their checks. And today I'm launching my Affordable Philly Now initiative with a task force to study and provide recommendations on the cost of living. And I'm ready to partner with Councilmember Ahmad in our Committee on the Creative Innovative Economy and all of my colleagues to see what we can do to bring those costs down. But I know people don't want to wait for a task force. I'm also taking action today to introduce two new bills and elevating another bill from the spring to focus on transportation, on housing and our utilities. You may remember I put forward the Transit Access Fund during budget season when the fate of our super successful Zero Fare program was at would give the program a permanent funding source to ensure 60,000 low-income Philadelphians have access to free SEPTA. On housing today, I'm introducing the Philadelphia rent refund to help eligible tenants who are indirectly burdened by rising property taxes, and unlike homeowners, get zero local relief. This builds upon the Commonwealth's popular rent rebate program for seniors and people with disabilities on fixed income. And on water, I'm putting forward my proposal that we're calling We Own It, to protect public water in Philadelphia.
Towns and cities have steadily been privatizing their water systems across the nation and the Commonwealth and everywhere it's This proposal, if Philly voters have the chance to approve it in the ballot, would ban the city from selling off our water department, which has been publicly operated for over 200 years. It will also keep our Philadelphia Water Department workforce a union workforce. And I have to thank Councilman Harrity for his support on that measure as well. With respect to my approach, I'm running multiple charter changes very much so on purpose. Look at our nation right now. The anxiety that people have about their pockets and our politics, I believe that people need more avenues to plug into something, to fight for some tangible, material change that they can see in this moment. it, but right now we need to ward against Trump's direct federal encroachment. We're already there. It's very disturbing, but it's just as important to fight how Trumpism works to create more economic pain and pressure in our communities. To my colleagues, I want to say, thank you. Thank you for your support thus far. I'm excited to keep making the case to you and please know that my door is open to each of you if there are ways that we can work together to continue to fight for a more affordable Philly. With that having been said, I do want to ask Council President if I can leave for the rest of the speeches so I can get out across the street so they can kick off that grocery handout. Please come over, y'all. m. We'll be out there with music, groceries, community groups. I'd love to see you all there. Thank you so much.
Thank you. Any speeches on behalf of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips.
Thank you, Council President Johnson. I just want to be really brief and say we have an incredible event coming up next Saturday of bingo and breakfast for all of our seniors in the 9th District. It's an opportunity for all of our adult citizens to get 30-plus resources. There's going to be resources be breakfast of course. There's going to be bingo. There's be line dancing. It's going to be at Finley Recreation Center from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18th. Findley is located at 7701 Mansfield Avenue. I also just want to briefly thank all of the individuals who supported Councilman Thomas' and I event Philly AfterSchool Hype. Thank you, Council President Johnson, for coming the other week as well. We are going to continue to hype up that event. We had a good turnout. We want to find a way to get more kids and parents involved in the program. And to all of our sponsors, from TeenSHARP to Coca Cola to IBEW, so many different folks, we just want to say thank you all so much for all the work that you've done. And lastly, I just want to say that TeenSHARP is here today. I've done work with them over the past years. They have done tremendous work in helping young people become leaders, but most importantly, go to college for free and that's a hard feat to do. It's a challenge, but it's a science to it. And TeenSHARP has mastered helping African American, Latino and low-income students come go to college for free. And I'm so proud of being associated with the organization. As I said earlier, Ms. Deborah Yanez is here from the organization. She's the parent ambassador. We find ways to get young people's parents involved a deep and meaningful way and Atnre Alleyne, the CEO of TeenSHARP. So I want to say thank you for them and their mentorship and support of young people throughout Philadelphia and we want to constantly find ways to push them and support them at a higher level because TeenSHARP is definitely, for me, the best organization when it comes to college access and success in the city of Philadelphia. Thank you.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you. Thank you very much, Council President. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank Chairman that was just referred to committee regarding the Silverliner cars on the Regional Rails for SEPTA. I just wanted to call everyone's attention to and our ongoing attention to the mass transit crisis that we have in the city of Philadelphia as we are preparing for 2026. And initially, I was not going to make remarks today but while we were in Council, at 12:45 I received a notification that all Regional Rail lines have been suspended due to power issues on the lines and that riders should seek alternative routes on the SEPTA system to get to and from work, school and home. And I will tell you that just yesterday my sister was lamenting that it took her two and get home from downtown Philadelphia, from leaving work as a city employee picking up her children from daycare and then finally getting home. A 25-minute car ride is two and a half hours on the bus system right now. So seeking an alternative route for many individuals who are working and taking care of their young people and just trying to get to and from work is really untenable. And even though she's on the bus system and many other riders on the bus system, many of the buses have been late or not arriving on time. And so, it makes connecting to the bus hard to get to. And so, I know that our General Manager Scott Sauer and their team, I just spoke with Wendy, who's always here with us every single week. you, Wendy, for just always being here and being accessible. I know they're doing all that they can in this extreme circumstance, but I just wanted to call their attention to the fact that not only do we need to prepare for our visitors in 2026 but we need to have a reliable system for our residents and our workers here in the city of Philadelphia. And so, I'm looking forward to the hearings that Chairman Driscoll will call regarding the resolution that was referred to committee today. And I just ask SEPTA to please, please ensure that while we're going through this tough funding moment in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia, that we pay special attention to ensuring that our buses are running we're working with all of the members of the union to ensure that they are able to get to and from their depot locations so that they can service our constituents across the city of Philadelphia. So thank you very, very much. I'm looking forward to the hearings.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President and colleagues and all Philadelphians watching. Today's work advanced three simple ideas: inclusion, dignity and access. First, this body recognized October as Vision Awareness Month and honored the Blind. Since the 19th century, Overbrook has helped generations of students and adults' lives, live, learn and work with independence, pairing world-class education with innovation in accessibility and assistive technology. I want to thank the Overbrook community and everyone across our city who is making classrooms, workplaces and public spaces more inclusive for people who are blind or visually-impaired. I particularly wanted to thank Councilmember Curtis Jones for sharing his perspective today in our presentation. It was very powerful. Second, we recognize Menopause Awareness Month. Menopause and perimenopause are natural life transitions that too silence, stigma and barriers to care, barriers that can affect daily life and job security by having this openly and aiming this openly and encouraging practical supports like flexible breaks, breathable uniforms, temperature accommodations, we affirm a basic truth. Health and dignity belong in every workplace. I'm grateful to advocates, clinicians, employers and residents who are helping Philadelphia lead on this front. Finally, we advanced civic access. My Voter Registration for Renters bill unanimously reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation, received first reading today. It's a small but significant commonsense step with big impact, adding a voter lease package so people can register or update their address when they're moving. Meeting residents where they are strengthens our democracy, one household at a time. Taken together, honoring Overbrook, reducing menopause stigma, using voter registration, this is one agenda; a healthier, more inclusive and more engaged Philadelphia. I thank all my colleagues, staff, partners and the communities that brought us here today. I look forward to moving this work forward and working with all of you. Thank you, Council President.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. And I really wanted to start with Philadelphia being a boxing town. I'm so excited about this coming weekend. I want to thank our friends who joined us today to talk about the importance of boxing and its impact, and also my colleague Gauthier, who mentioned her resolution related to Stephen Fulton, and I'm really excited because we have our very own Jaron Boots Ennis, who I want to add, is from the 8th District from Brickyard, versus somebody else. I don't know the other person. But he's going to be doing his thing down at the Xfinity Center this coming Saturday. It's going to be a lot of excitement, a lot of fun, a lot of revenue of Philadelphia. And so, we want to encourage folks to get your tickets. You do not want to miss this. And there is no other boxing town like Philadelphia. So we want to wish him good luck. Good luck in advance to Boots Ennis. And we know that he's going to do very, very well Saturday evening. I also wanted to mention that I'm very excited about our introductions today and we had introductions that touched pretty much every part of the 8th District, from expanding recreation space in Nicetown to aiding small businesses in Germantown to growing and supporting shopping centers in Somerville and also getting started with the renaming of 21st and Godfrey after Rev. C.L. Pryor of Corinthian Baptist Church of Germantown, who was just a phenomenal human being. We also did a separate resolution recognizing the 125th anniversary of Corinthian Baptist Church. So we're excited about all of the wonderful activities and celebrations that are going to be happening around Corinthian in the coming weeks to come. And also, I just wanted to make one last mention that we also added a resolution today to help ease the flow of traffic and the movement in North Philadelphia, Lippincott Stadium, 22nd Street, Panati Playground area, all in the Allegheny west part of our district. And finally, Go Birds. We are looking forward to tonight's game. Thank you, Mr. President.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you, Council President. Today I was proud to introduce three resolutions recognizing important events, milestones and celebrations for Philadelphia's LGBTQ+ community National Coming Out Day, which takes place this Saturday. It is an annual celebration that encourages LGBTQ+ individuals to embrace their authentic selves and to further the fight for our rights. Each queer person's coming out story is unique, personal and unfortunately sometimes mixed with heartbreak. As Philadelphia's first openly LGBTQ+ member of City Council, I want to speak to anyone in Philadelphia who might be struggling with their identity, who might not be in a safe space where they can come out. You are not alone and you are worth it. In the past year, 520 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced into state legislation across the nation, with 220 specifically targeting the trans and non-binary communities. I say this not to additionally scare us, but to remind everyone, including my straight and cisgender colleagues, why we are always fighting to foster inclusivity and solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community in Philadelphia. This leads to why I introduced my other two resolutions. The first recognizes LGBTQ+ History Month in Philadelphia. While June might feel like a non-stop celebration and it is a fun time, October is about remembrance and commitment to visibility. It's about honoring our history and the often erased stories of LGBTQ+ people who have shaped our city and our nation. From the annual reminders outside Independence Hall in the 1960s to the first Gay Pride march in 1972 to the activists who fought to declassify homosexuality as a mental illness and to pass antidiscrimination laws, Philadelphia has always been at the forefront of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. When our federal government is threatening to erase us and roll back our advances and our rights, it's time to make history and stand up for our Philly call it the City of Brotherly Love, Sisterly Affection and Sibling Solidarity. I introduced a resolution recognizing October 19, 2025 as National LGBT Center Awareness Day. LGBTQ+ community centers are the heart of our movement. They are often the first safe spaces someone turns to when they are coming out, seeking support or looking for a place to belong. These places like Philadelphia's William Way Center, Attic Youth Center, GALAEI, Colours and so many more provide critical services for mental health care and legal aid to cultural programming and HIV prevention. Yet despite serving over 2 million people annually, many of these centers operate with minimal staff and resources. Some rely volunteers, and still they show up for our community every day. Today is an opportunity to celebrate where we've been, what we're doing right now and how our actions today will shape the future of the LGBTQ+ community in Philadelphia. Thank you to all who are doing the work to protect living authentically, and especially to my friends who provided public comment today. Finally, I want to address the viral NBC 10 video about the stranded Travelers Assistance Program, which like programs offered in many cities around the country, provides support to non-residents who find themselves stuck in Philadelphia. The video highlights what many of us already know, that we need a coordinated citywide strategy to permanent, affordable housing and social services to those in need, not just temporary fixes to get people off the streets.
As a former housing attorney and lifelong civil rights advocate, I know that we don't need a band-aid on a much deeper wound, a housing crisis that demands sustained investment, compassion and accountability. And finally, just a reminder that the Tech Committee will be holding an AI hearing next week. I encourage all my colleagues and any staffers who are interested in learning more, to come out to Philly Cam for this as we delve into how our municipal government is approaching AI. I plan to hold more hearings around the broader opportunities and the future, including one on data centers and intergovernmental partnership. Thank you very much.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October 16, 25 at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Thank you all very much. ) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I, hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence noted are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me in the foregoing matter, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. m. L. m.