Good morning, Council President and members of City Council. My name is Nazbi Chowdhury, and I'm here in support of Councilmember O'Rourke's privileged resolution on the Zero Fare program and the establishment of a permanent Transit Access Fund. In 2024, I moved from Florida to Philadelphia to support my partner while she attended grad school. During that time, I relied heavily on SEPTA Regional Rail and experienced firsthand the uncertainty of service cuts and fare increases. This September, we moved into the city. Now, your constituent, Council President, and downsized from two vehicles to one, intentionally choosing to rely more on SEPTA. My partner and I work in Philadelphia's performing arts industry and takes SEPTA to work every day. Unfortunately, her employer doesn't participate in SEPTA Key Advantage, meaning transportation comes directly out of her paycheck. But affordability is also a public safety issue. Recently a young woman approached me at a station asking whether I could pay her fare or let her follow me through the accessible fare gates. I paid her fare and she laughed at me, but that's Philly. But then there's not-so- common interactions. A man was stabbed last week after intervening when individuals pushed a woman through a turnstile to avoid paying. Thankfully police was there entering the station and was able to help. But usually they aren't. What happens when the cost of transportation becomes a barrier to accessing it safely. I'm asking Council to make Zero Fare permanent and establish a dedicated Transit Access Fund. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
Hi. My name is Owen Taylor. I'm with St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, where my family are members. As many of us here today, I live and work in the 8th City Council District in Germantown. My partner and I have a 10-year-old son. He runs the farm at Bartram's Garden. I run a farm at the Schuylkill Center. We're both farmers. We're neither low-income nor high-income. And I wanted to talk about supporting Councilmember O'Rourke's Zero Fare program. Thank you for introducing an affordability program and affordability in general. We own our home in Germantown. Our property taxes doubled, as another speaker said. Our monthly payments have gone up 40%. We also had an increase in our gas, water and electricity, almost 50% for electricity, 30 for the other two. So our prices are going up. We're supporting families who are in more economic need than us. Constantly we're now dipping into our savings and getting second jobs to cover the increases. So we highly support any measure that's going to impact the affordability for Philadelphians. So thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you everybody for having me here today. My name is Kyle Baptiste. I'm a member of Power Interfaith and a resident of the 8th District. I'm here today to speak in support of the SEPTA Zero Fare program. And I want Philly to be able to pass this agenda. I believe it is urgent that City Council take steps to address the affordability crisis in our city. I'm currently a postal carrier in the 14th district and I've been a lifelong resident. I fear of being priced out and being outed by outside forces. I take pride in my community and see long- term value from the local residents that have roots here. The financial burdens are so heavy that I can barely take care of myself, creating a real fear of me not being able to start a family or having to move out altogether. Passing an increase in the Homestead Exemption is critical so that young people like myself can stay here for years to come. I would love for City Council to pass the We Make Philly campaign. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Gloria Smooches Cartagena Hart. I'm here speaking on behalf of my Kensington families that are struggling and getting to and from work. Also, the children, how are they going to provide for their families if they can get to work in the doctor's offices. I appreciate you all for taking the lead and fighting for us. This is a city problem, but it's a Kensington family hard- working problem. So how are we going to thrive and succeed in life for the future of our children to get to and from where they need to go. It's more of us than it is SEPTA. So I appreciate if you have compassion and have a heart and support us in the Kensington area and overall Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.)
Will Aaron Barbagallo, Jeremiah Morrell, Daniel DeCastro, Edward Lang, Paul Ogbonna Hagins, Wanda Walker and Tariq Murray, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.) MR. MacDOUGALL: My name is Eden MacDougall. I'm a District 2 resident and a reading tutor in Philly. I want to thank Councilmember O'Rourke for his privileged resolution on Zero Fare. I spent the last two years teaching in Nicetown and I currently tutor in Kensington. I took the Broad Street Line to Nicetown every day, and I currently take the El to Kensington and I actually get to walk by KCT on my way to school. Money is tight for a lot of people in my school life, including teachers, staff and students families. People need every bit of relief they can get. Zero Fare recipients are more likely to ride SEPTA to work and school than the Control group in the Better Government Lab report. So transit is really important for making sure people can get to school, have money to take care of their kids. My first year tutoring I had a kindergarten student whose parents switched schools because transportation was a barrier for them. Investing in SEPTA is investing in our communities. And we can do that through Zero Fare and through the Transit Access Fund. Thank you. (Applause.)
My name is Aaron Barbagallo. This is my first testimony. I'm a frequent rider of SEPTA and a student of Temple University. I know a lot of people who use and rely on SEPTA every day. One of my friends that the 2025 budget cuts went through wouldn't have been able to continue their education. People rely on this to survive and things are getting more and more expensive. If this is made permanent, people will be able to budget this in. They will be able to budget lower costs permanently for the long-term and so will SEPTA. SEPTA -- this is one of the best ways for the city to be able to help fund SEPTA through its inevitable 2027 budget crisis, by giving it a reliable fund for part of its revenue for tickets. It will also encourage people to tap instead of hop, which increases the reliability of ridership statistics and will strengthen its SEPTA ability in order to get proper funding for any expansion and improvement projects. There's significant economic benefits as well as the social benefits by everyone else. Thank you. (Applause.)
Hello. My name is Jeremiah Morrell. I am a Temple sophomore. I am a member on the Youth Advisory Council and I'm here today to talk about the Transit Access Fund. For so many, the Transit Access Fund is an opportunity of hope, for too many young people, for too many people within the city, for too many people throughout the country. It feels like there isn't a lot of hope in that. Government can do things that are positive for people that really need it the most. I believe the Transit Access Fund is an opportunity for low-income people, for people that really need transportation in the city to get access to where they work, where they go to school, to the grocery store. I feel like this piece of legislation is very needed. And your support and all the co-sponsors and the advocates here today that are in support of it, you guys are doing really great work. And, yeah, I just thank you guys so much for your time. (Applause.)
Good job. MR. DeCastro: Good morning. My name is Daniel DeCastro and I'm commenting today on the Zero Fare resolution. I am a Philadelphia resident and I live in Washington Square West. I'm a substitute teacher in the School District of Philadelphia and I do not have access to a vehicle. I, along with many other staff members of the School District of Philadelphia, rely on SEPTA in order to get to and from assignments across over 200 schools across the district. Having reliable access to transit is not only a lifeline for school staff members, but it is essential for the almost 200,000 public school students within the School District of Philadelphia to have reliable access to education. I am asking you today to please support the Transit Access Fund to guarantee public transit is a priority here in Philadelphia. At a time when transit funding is not a guarantee in the Commonwealth, it is vital that support comes from City Hall to help ensure programs such as Zero Fare and SEPTA Key Advantage remain an option for Philadelphians. I appreciate your time and consideration and thank you for your service. (Applause.)
Hello. My name is Jake Lang. Philadelphia, Philadelphia, do we truly believe that putting an extra piece of fruit in a child's school lunch is going to solve the 90% of Black students here who cannot pass a math test? Do we believe that putting an extra piece of fruit inside the school lunch --
Jason, real quick, could you speak on the actual topic of the resolution?
Yeah, this is about the school lunches that are obviously not nutritious enough because your young Black students are murdering White people in the street --
All right. You can cut him. Thank you very much, sir. It's not tolerated. Thank you. You can go viral. It's all right. Thank you, sir.
Please call the next person please. Thank you very much. Thank you, sir. Could you please proceed, sir?
Good morning. My name is Ogbonna Hagins. I'm the President of the Philadelphia Reparations Coalition for American Freedom. And I'm glad everybody's in a great mood right now because I am too. I would like to commend Councilman Nicolas O'Rourke. (Applause.)
Yes. That Zero program for SEPTA and the task force, invaluable information. People in Philadelphia are not being paid what they should be paid. My organization, the Philadelphia Reparations Coalition for American Freedmen, we have a constitutional remedy to make sure that what your study said, which is that it takes $29 an hour to live in Philadelphia, I want to ask you, Councilman, are you willing to work with the Philadelphia Reparations Coalition to make that a reality? I would love for you to respond, sir, please.
In the words of Councilman Jim Har -- thank you, Council President. Addressing our commenter, the 18th unseated Councilmember, respectfully. First of all, I appreciate your kindness in acknowledging that --
Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.
I simply just want to say that, like Councilman Harrity, both of us wanted to work with you early on because we both recognize the importance of a Department of Freedmen Affairs. The Bureau, I have recognized, reading W.E.B. Du Bois, talking about the necessity of having that particular piece in the effort towards reconstruction, so there is a desire I think across this body, evidenced by the hearing that was held in this chamber that we all attended and listened, related to that particular body, to want to realize it and make it real. What I think all of us desire is some collegiality as we try to work together to make something like that happen. So, yes, absolutely support the initiative and hope to see it realized.
Again, we have certainly worked with you, tried to work with you in time past. Would love to work with you. You and I have some issues we probably need to work out about how that went --
So I'm going to do this, so we don't have a back and forth, right, as we take care of Council business. I would respectfully ask that Councilmember O'Rourke and Ogbonna Hagins have this conversation as a sidebar after Council as well as he has office hours where you can join him and engage in the dialogue, as he is responding to your request.
Thank you very much, sir. Please call the next person to testify please to provide public comment.
Good morning, beautiful people. My name is Wanda Walker and I'm going to talk about this transit, whatever you're talking about. I don't agree. Before we start talking about free stuff --
Just for the record, Wanda, you're talking about the Transit Action Fund and also Zero Fare?
What everybody's talking about today, they shouldn't be talking about --
Just want to clarify for the record. That's all.
No problem, President. I don't agree. Before we talk about free stuff, we need to talk about audits, investigations and where all our money goes. Philadelphia pays more taxes than any other city in the entire United States, the sixth largest city. Yet we're the second poorest big city. Giving people free rides isn't going to make this situation better. Audits and accountability will. And if City Council did a better job at figuring out where all this money is going, we wouldn't have people begging for free rides. Free does not solve a problem of affordability when you have so many things going on like PPA, utility bills, the taxes going up. These are the things that we really need to address. It should not be about free rides. We need to fix the systems that we have in place so everybody can have accessibility. Thank you.
Thank you. Please call the next person to testify please.
Hi there. My name is Tariq Murray for the record. I'm here to talk about Bill 250768 to prohibit contractors from incinerating collected waste. This is the second time I've come up here. The last time I referenced how the top nations for longevity, being Japan and I believe Singapore, heavily utilized and regularly utilize waste-to- energy incinerators. My issue with this bill 8 is that it is kind of all encompassing and kind of removes any possibility for us to ever be able to utilize this on a citywide level, which would be the most impactful way to utilize it currently. This would now allow a centralization of energy and fuel resources to then be coordinated and monopolized, essentially by fossil fuel and other types of energy utilizations like that, aside from other big corporations that utilize -- now, I understand that the world is not a good organization. I believe that this bill 1 10/22/26 - STATED - 2ND READING has a lot of merit, but I believe that it should be re-examined and, you know, added upon or edited. That is the only thing I request. This is the final passage. I really appreciate and would hope that you guys consider my words today. Thank you for your time. (Applause.)
Honor to the 12 Council President, that concludes 13 our listing for public comment. 14
Thank you very much. 16 That concludes today's public 17 comment. 18 We will now consider 19 resolutions on the Final Passage 20 Calendar and bills on the Second 21 Reading and Final Passage Calendar. 22 Will the Clerk please 23 read the title of Resolution No. 24 260847. 10/22/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
A resolution 3 also naming the 3900 block of Lancaster Avenue as "Chosen 300 Way" to honor the legacy and impact of the Chosen 300 Ministries on the West Philadelphia community.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 12 260847.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 21 No. 260847 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. 10/22/26 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk, please read the title of Resolution No. 12 260873.
A resolution 14 confirming the reappointment of James Engler as a member of the Board of Ethics, to serve in the term ending November 16, 2031.
Chair recognizes the Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution No. 260873.
Thank you, 10/22/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. President. On your behalf, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 9 No. 260873 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read Bill No. 260692.
An ordinance 24 amending Section 9-208 of The 10/22/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia Code entitled "Sidewalk Cafes," to authorize additional locations for sidewalk cafes, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question is shall the bill pass finally. Chief Clerk, please call the roll.
I would like to be recorded as voting aye on all bills and especially mine. 10/22/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you very much. The ayes are 14. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill 7 passes. Chief Clerk, please read the title of Bill No. 260693.
An ordinance 11 authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 4201 Manayunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Chief Clerk, please call the roll.
Councilmember Gilmore Richardson. 10/22/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes are 14. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Chief Clerk, please read the title of Bill No. 260706.
An ordinance 13 authorizing an encroachment in the nature of a staircase in the vicinity of 319-25 North 11th Street, Philadelphia PA, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Chief Clerk, please call the roll. 10/22/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye, and also I'd like to be recorded as aye on all bills prior to this.
The ayes are and the 13 nays are 0. Majority of all 14 members having voted in the 15 affirmative, the bill passes. Chief Clerk, please read the title of Bill No. 260707.
An ordinance 19 authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe and in the vicinity of 544 East Girard Avenue, under certain terms and conditions. COUNCIL PRESIDENT 10/22/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Chief Clerk, please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Will the Clerk please -- Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. I wanted to be voted aye 10/22/26 - STATED - 2ND READING on any bills and resolutions I missed while I was out. Thank you.
Thank you very much. Shall be recorded. Will the Clerk please read any additional resolutions on today's Calendar.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities to hold hearings examining the Philadelphia Gas Works' residential shutoffs for nonpayment and measures to prevent households from losing essential utility service. Introduced by Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. for a motion.
Thank 10/22/26 - STATED - 2ND READING you so much, Mr. President and colleagues. This is a continuation of all of our work. We're looking at affordability in a serious way. We're looking at trying to prevent people from being dislodged from their homes due to lack of utility. That goes for this utility, that goes for PECO --
Member, could you call the motion and save your speech during the time of the speeches please?
I call for the passage of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you very much, sir. Is there a second? (Duly seconded.) 10/22/26 - 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. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Wayne Miller on his more than five decades of service to Sprinkler Fitters Local Union 692 and the Philadelphia Building Trades. Introduced by Councilmember Quetcy Lozada and 10/22/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson on behalf of Council President Johnson.
Chief recognizes Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Councilmember Gilmore Richardson and your behalf, 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.)
Anyone opposed? 10/22/26 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Special Committee on Kensington to hold a hearing to evaluate the progress of the last year, the current state of affairs as well as future barriers and goals. Introduced by Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) 10/22/26 - 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. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committees on Streets and Services and Housing and Neighborhood Development and The Homeless to hold joint hearings to investigate the prevalence of unsheltered homelessness in public rights-of- 10/22/26 - STATED - 2ND READING way, and examine the City's coordination and utilization of resources to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with appropriate housing, shelter and supportive services. Introduced by Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 10/22/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: Anyone opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution celebrating the national model Zero Fair Program and recognizing the initial findings of the Georgetown University Better Government Lab Report on the program's success. Introduced by Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. 10/22/26 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)