Aye on all bills. 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Majority of all the members having voted in the affirmative for each of the bills, the bills on the Consent Agenda are passed. We will now consider resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 12 260823.
A resolution 14 authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank a deed conveying title to 1811 West Stiles Street, located in the 5th Councilmanic District, pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act.
Chair recognizes Member Young for a motion regarding 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Resolution No. 260823.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 10 No. 260823 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 the title of Resolution No. 24 260824. 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
A resolution 3 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 1808, 1809, 1810, 1812, 1819 N. Bailey Street, 2611 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, 2438, 2442, 2456, 2648, 2651 N. Corlies Street, 1816, 1838, 1839, 1841, 1843, 1845, 1848, 1851, 1861, 1862, 1866 N. Etting Street, 2519, 2600, 2611, 3019, 3021, 3027, 3029, 3031, 3039 W. Oakdale Street, 2423, 2425, 2437, 2446, 2501, 2504, 2506, 2513, 2516, 2517, 2526, 2539, 2556 N. Stanley Street, 1726 N. 26th Street, 1735, 1747 N. 27th Street in the 5th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion regarding Resolution No. 260824.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 17 No. 260824 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Anyone opposed? (No response.) 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 8 260846.
A resolution 10 also naming the 1200 block of 46th Street at the intersection of Kingsessing Avenue "The Links, Incorporated Lane" to honor the service and impact of The Links, Incorporated on the Philadelphia community.
Chair recognizes the Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson who will make a motion on behalf of Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for Resolution No. 260846.
Thank you, 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. President. On behalf of Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 11 No. 260846 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 the title of Resolution No. 1 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING 260848.
A resolution 4 also designating and ceremonially 5 renaming the corner of East Ashmead 6 Street and Wakefield Street as 7 "Ennis Way," in recognition of his 8 extraordinary accomplishments in 9 boxing, his representation of 10 Philadelphia on the world stage, 11 and his commitment to inspiring and 12 giving back to the young people of 13 his hometown. 14
Chair recognizes 16 Councilmember Bass for a motion 17 regarding Resolution No. 260848. 18
19 Thank you, Mr. President. 20 I move for the adoption 21 of this resolution. 22 (Duly seconded.) 23
It has been moved and 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING properly seconded that Resolution 3 No. 260848 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution 14 is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 17 260849.
A resolution 19 calling upon the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to enact Senate Bill 1465, also known as the "Pennsylvania Universal Health Care Act," which would establish the Office of 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Health Care and the Pennsylvania Care Board with responsibility to implement a comprehensive single- payer healthcare model that would provide health care coverage to all Pennsylvanians.
Chair recognizes the Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad for a motion.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution on your behalf. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 20 No. 260849 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution 8 is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 260691.
An ordinance 12 authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of a Service Agreement between The City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development relating to the financing of the buildout, construction, equipping, installation and implementation of improvements for the development of a forensics laboratory for the Philadelphia Police Department at a specified property or properties 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING owned or leased, and operated, by the City; approving the issuance by such Authority of bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness in one or more series to finance or refinance the costs of such project and authorizing and approving the obligation of the City to pay in full when due the Service Fee and other amounts payable under the Service Agreement; authorizing certain City officers to take certain actions required to issue such bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness; covenanting that the City will make necessary appropriations in each of the City’s fiscal years to provide for, and will make timely payments of, the Service Fee and other amounts due under the Service Agreement; and authorizing City officials to take other necessary 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING or appropriate actions to effectuate the purposes of this Ordinance; all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Clerk, please call the roll.
And, Council 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING President Johnson.
Aye. The ayes are and 5 the nays are 0. Majority of all 6 members voted in the affirmative, 7 the bill passes. I want to 8 acknowledge the hard work of our 9 Chair of Public Safety Member Jones 10 for his work on the forensic lab. 11 Thank you very much, sir. 12 Will the Clerk please 13 read any additional resolutions on 14 today's Calendar. 15
A privileged 16 resolution recognizing National 17 School Lunch Week, celebrated in schools October 12-16, 2026 and honoring the role of school meals and school food service employees in addressing food insecurity and supporting the health and well- being of Philadelphia students. Introduced by Councilmember Anthony 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Phillips.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I enthusiastically move for the adoption of this 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 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution is adopted. Thank you, Member Phillips. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring Philadelphia Eagles legend Lane Johnson on the occasion of his retirement after 11 incredible seasons with the 12 organization and earning two Super 13 Bowl rings and numerous other 14 accolades. Introduced by Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. Congratulations to the Hall of Famer and praying for his family. I move for the adoption of 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring Justin Edwards on the occasion of the renaming of Smedley Elementary's school gym, commemorating his community involvement and career in the 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING National Basketball Association. Introduced by Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Chair recognizes Isaiah Thomas for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. Congratulations to my young guy. 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? (No response.) 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Thank you very much, Coach. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring Merrill Reese as the voice of the Philadelphia Eagles and congratulating him on his 50th season as the Eagles radio play-by-play announcer. Introduced by Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. More to come on this one. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) 10/15/26 - 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 and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution celebrating the Philadelphia Department of Prisons on the opening of the Skills Center, improving the career readiness and reentry process of incarcerated individuals. Introduced by Councilmember Isaiah 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Thomas.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas 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. The resolution is adopted. 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the Please Touch Museum on its 50th anniversary, in recognition of its longstanding commitment to childhood learning through play and its lasting impact on millions of children and families from all walks of life since its founding. Introduced by Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. for a motion and resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Mario Zucca, also known as "One- Shot Mar," as the first ever winner of the Philadelphia Parallel Parking Association Championship held on October 3, 2026. Introduced by Councilmember Rue Landau. COUNCIL PRESIDENT 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution. 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Mental Health Partnerships on the occasion of its 75th anniversary for advancing mental health recovery and peer-led support for people of Philadelphia for three- quarters of a century. Introduced by Councilmember Rue Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING 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 proudly recognizing and celebrating the historic legacy, enduring service and contributions of Second Baptist Church of Frankford and the Black community of Frankford. Introduced by Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada for a motion on the resolution.
10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution declaring October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Quetcy 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Lozada.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Lozada for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. In collaboration with Minority Leader Brooks, 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. The 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution has been adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring Philadelphia Firefighter Joshua Pagan for his extraordinary courage and selfless service in saving the lives of four fellow firefighters and celebrating his historic distinction as the first Latino recipient of the Philadelphia Firefighter of the Year award. Introduced by Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Chief recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada for a motion and resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) 10/15/26 - 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. Good job, Lozada. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing the late Judge Raymond Pace Alexander, former Councilmember of the Fifth Councilmanic District, and first African American Philadelphia City Councilmember and the first African 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING American judge on the Court of Common Pleas in Pennsylvania, on the occasion of his Judicial Portrait Rededication Ceremony. Introduced by Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young on behalf of Council President Johnson.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the 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 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: Anyone opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution commending the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission for issuing guidance, affirming that waiving admission fees for personal care assistance at public and commercial properties is an important and reasonable accommodation and recognizing the work of Michael Anderson of the Arc of Philadelphia for his successful advocacy. Introduced by Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks for a 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING 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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution honoring the life and Legacy of Martin "Marty" Weinberg, attorney and former City Solicitor, celebrating his lifetime commitment to the City of Philadelphia and extending the deepest condolences to his family and friends upon his passing. Introduced by Councilmember Jim Harrity.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity 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 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING 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 Committee on Licenses and Inspections to hold hearings to examine the maintenance, inspection, enforcement and demolition of deteriorating, blighted and unsafe properties in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Chair recognizes 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilwoman Cindy Bass for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution is adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution recognizing October 18, 2026 as World Menopause Day in Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Nina Ahmad.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. That concludes our Calendar for today. Any brief speeches on behalf of the Minority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. Last year I held a hearing of the Committee of People with Disabilities about the accessibility for big events in 2026. One of the major concerns from the hearing was that accessibility could not be an afterthought and that people with disability could not be left out of the planning process. Today I brought forth a resolution to recognize Michael Anderson of the Arc of Pennsylvania, who refused to be left out of the process and spoke up for people with disabilities across the state over a decade. Michael has fought for the people with disabilities to have equal access to sports, games, concerts, museums and other events. Recently, he worked with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission to create new guidelines for venues who host these events. The guidelines affirm that people with disabilities should not be required to pay for two tickets in order to attend an event with their personal care attendant. Using these guidelines, venues should develop policies to ensure that people with disabilities are not charged double because of their medical needs. I applaud Michael and the Arc and the Pennsylvania Human Rights Coalition for their work on this issue, and I urge all venues in Philadelphia to familiarize themselves with these new guidelines. And today I also partnered with Councilmember Quetcy Lozada and Women Against Abuse to recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Philadelphia. This year and every year I am remembering my cousin Tianna, who lost her life to domestic violence over ten years ago. And I want to thank Councilmember Lozada for sharing her story, because these survivors' stories help to break down the shame and stigma surrounding domestic violence. And I want to thank Women Against Abuse for their outreach and advocacy on behalf of survivors. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. Any speeches on behalf of the Majority? Chair recognizes Councilmember Anthony Phillips.
Thank you, Council President. For me this week, I just wanted to briefly talk about something that has really touched my heart. A couple months ago I had an opportunity to meet with students from Philly Bolt, an organization at Olney High School, and also an organization with students across the city. They were both students at Olney High School that shared with me that their school lunch was absolutely terrible. They provided me with a problem statement and they offered me different solutions on what should be done to address the issue. I had always knew that school lunches were a problem. But I just wasn't sure how much it was a problem to our students until I met up with those Olney High School students. And what I want you to know now is that their testimony and their presentation touched me in a way that I said, now is the time more than ever to address this issue. After meeting with our students, I began to unravel what the issue is currently in Philadelphia. Most of our school lunches are being shipped from another state, New York at that, and then being brought to the City of Philadelphia for food to be reheated. The students at Olney High School said to me, the food is not made with love. They also said that often times the food is not heated well. And they also said that a lot of times the variety of food is pretty much the same. There's no variety. They said a lot of great things are happening in developing art at Olney. There are great athletic programs, academic programs. Academic achievement is going up. But we just need to get this school lunch thing right. And so for me, one of the things that I'm urging the School District of Philadelphia to do is to come up with a new solution, that I'm also going to be working with them to come up with solutions as well. We do understand that most of the school lunches are paid for by the federal government. However, just because the federal government is financing the school lunches, it doesn't necessarily mean that we have to accept the lousy quality of taste that the school lunches are. So what we're asking for is more sense of conversations around public and private partnerships, ways in which we can invest in food being cooked on site as opposed to being heated, reheated up. There's a big difference from food that is heated versus food that is prepared right that very moment in front of your eyes. So I just want to say yes. Today we introduced a resolution to recognize National School Lunch Week, but we also introduced a resolution to reexamine school meal policies and practices here in the city of Philadelphia. We need to look at the freshness, taste, nutritional quality, temperature, portion sizes, all these issues and more that these young people have brought up to us. It is an age-old problem that we have known about for a long time. But what we do know is it's probably impacting -- not probably what I do know, it is because students told me themselves that they'd rather not eat at all. And there's also a stigma that for young people in these schools to eat the school lunch if they are hungry, so it is time to solve that age-old problem. Together we can make school lunches a better experience for all of our students across the city of Philadelphia. And believe it or not, there are some schools that actually have better lunches, why is that, right here in the School District of Philadelphia. So it's time to make a change. And we want to have young people doing well in school. Let's work together to make sure that our federal partners understand that we're not tolerating this. And I'm not going to stop until students at Olney High School and across the City of Philadelphia, across the Philadelphia School District and others understand that we're here for them. We're here to support them. And the time is for them to deserve a great quality meal. Thank you, Council President. (Applause.)
Thank you, Member Phillips. Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduced my 10th piece of legislation related to the ongoing fight to combat the nuisance businesses that have continued to proliferate across the City of Philadelphia in recent years. Specifically, the proposed legislation will update the zoning code to establish a specific definition for tobacco retailing, codifying a 750-foot setback requirement from sensitive locations. And that includes our schools and our day cares and creates restrictions around those window coverings. Under the current zoning code, businesses that sell tobacco products are treated as any other retail business and can open an area zoned for retail. While the Health Department's regulations do create limits by creating a separate definition, the city will be able to set clear rules for where smoke shops are permitted, where they require additional review and where they are not allowed, while giving communities a stronger voice in this process. Because community is at the heart of this issue, they deserve a say in the type of businesses opening in their communities. And despite all of our best efforts, which have been aggressive, these businesses continue to find loopholes to continue harming our neighborhoods. This legislation builds on my previous work and puts power back in the hands of the community and will be the largest attempt at regulating tobacco sales in Philadelphia in years. The Commonwealth has preempted us from making decisions about where and how tobacco can be sold in our neighborhoods. However, the city has explicit control over zoning. And in taking this step, we are exercising our authority to say where these products can be sold. Clarifying the zoning code has emerged as a powerful tool for addressing what is happening in our neighborhoods, and I am proud to be using this tool to make a real difference in this fight. The latest bill goes hand-in-hand with my ninth bill that I introduced a couple weeks ago at our September 17th session, which is Bill No. 4 260688. That bill updates the zoning code to replace the existing Food, Beverages and Groceries and Sunrise Pharmaceuticals and Convenience Sales Use definitions with more specific definitions for the Groceries and Pharmaceuticals category. That also gives the city a more targeted tool for responding to specific neighborhood concerns. Together these bills give us stronger ways to protect our communities and our young people. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues, most especially my District colleagues, on this legislation, and look forward to working with our community organizations, our civics, our RCOs as we continue this work. Thank you so much, Mr. President. (Applause.)
Thank you very much and congratulations. Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. Good afternoon, everyone. Let me begin by saying Happy World Menopause Day. World Menopause Day was established in 2009 to raise awareness of menopause and to improve the experiences of people who experience menopause. In the United States, approximately 2 million women enter menopause annually. And 8 to 10 million women experience menopause symptoms in any given year. More concerning, most women in the U.S. do not receive medical treatment for symptoms of menopause. In 2021, 2.1 million women aged between 45 and 64 were treated for those symptoms. That's only 5% of the age group and roughly 20% to 25% of women in menopause at the time of the study. These numbers of course become worse when we look at Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black women, with only 2.7% and 2.5% seeking treatment respectively. This is why today I introduced a resolution to declare October 18th World Menopause Day in Philadelphia. I feel like this year this recognition of World Menopause is more than just symbolic. This year the recognition comes with teeth in the form of my Bill No. 3 250849. I have spoken on this bill 4 before, but I'd like to remind everybody here today that this bill 6 goes into effect January 1, 2027. It guarantees your rights to reasonable workforce accommodations when it comes to symptoms of menstruation, perimenopause and menopause, and it makes sure you're not discriminated against when seeking them out. I want to thank the people who testified today during public comment, Dr. Roebuck, Shannon Criniti and Taniek Gentles, who really emphasized what I just said and I thank them for being here. I'm also incredibly proud that this legislation that I just spoke about a few minutes ago is the first of its kind in any municipality in the country because it includes menstruation. And I am especially hopeful, by the way, that I have seen it resonate throughout Philadelphia and beyond. We are now seeing legislation in Harrisburg and across the nation that addresses the realities of menopause and it has been my honor to be a part of this movement. So I'm glad once again to recognize World Menopause Day today. Yesterday I held a hearing in the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to explore the process of becoming a microbusiness in Philadelphia, and to learn how the city can be better partners to our entrepreneurs. I want to thank Committee Chair Mark Squilla and my colleagues who were here, especially Councilmember Mike Driscoll, who stayed through the entire process for the spirit of collaboration that you brought to the hearing. I'd like to thank everyone who testified for your input and thoughtful feedback, very solution-oriented. Taking a day off as a small business owner is a significant challenge, and I don't take it lightly that so many took time out of their day to make their voices heard. I want to quickly acknowledge the wonderful young talent on my team. As of today, Naysa Dhanokar, if you would please stand up, joined my team as a communications intern. She is a junior at Temple University studying mathematical economics and has a background in film and social media management. She will be joining my small but mighty communications team. Welcome, Naysa. And Team Nina has two interns from Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet High School who are here today in the chambers. Wynter and Abdullah will be with my team until May and I am thrilled to have them. My time with Lankenau students continue to drive home just how exceptional at the school is, and it is shameful that the school district continues to plan to shut them down. I want to thank Councilmember Jones for his innovative legislation regarding the Lankenau site and remind everyone the fight to save the school and the other schools on that 17 No. list is not over. So please save Lankenau, and I want to acknowledge my students here. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Chair recognizes Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. I want to thank Dr. Phillips for the resolution, just acknowledging the type of food that our students get at our school district. I had an open invitation now to Dr. Watlington for I guess the past two years now to come eat lunch with me at Ben Franklin High School, right, just so we can see what our students are getting. So thank you, Dr. Phillips, for that, because I've been told time and time again that the food is just not good. And for the City of Philadelphia to be known for having some of the best restaurants, the best culinary schools, we can figure this out locally. So thank you for bringing some attention to this matter. I also want to thank Council President for allowing me to introduce the resolution today honoring Judge Raymond Pace Alexander, the first African American on Philadelphia City Council, former 5th Council District member and former Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, the first Black Judge on the Court of Common Pleas. He is the husband of Sadie T. Alexander. And folks know that they were the original North Philly power couple. So thank you for allowing me to introduce that resolution. I look forward to the portrait unveiling in the courtroom here in City Hall. I have a bookmark where I have all the past Councilmembers since 1951 listed on there, actually sitting right here. And it just reminds us of the greatness of the members of the past Councilmembers who represented the 5th District. And speaking of that, I want to say happy birthday to a former 5th District Councilmember and former Mayor John F. Street. Today is his birthday. So definitely want to give him a special birthday shout-out. I want to thank my colleagues for the Domestic Violence Awareness resolution. Myself living in this city have experienced -- and I tell folks all the time, whatever you've been through, I've probably been through it or just one degree away from it. And domestic violence is something that I've witnessed in my life firsthand. The trauma of witnessing that still lives in me to this day. And so, I just want to thank all the folks who are here today to testify on that resolution. I want to thank Lutheran Settlement House in the 5th Council District for always providing support to victims of domestic violence. Last night we held our Quality of Life Town Hall at Hartranft School. I want to thank All Together Community Alliance, 37th Ward, and the Hartranft Playground Alliance for coming out, participating and supporting us in our Quality of Life Town Halls where we got to address some significant community issues. One of those community issues that popped up is the use of the Hartranft Community Center that was transferred to the Philadelphia Housing Authority from the City of Philadelphia for community space. But members of that community feel like that resource center is not for the community. Those who don't know, when Philadelphia Housing Authority has these community centers or community spaces, they're not treated like our rec centers or rec spaces, right. The public barely has access to it. If you're not a PHA resident, it's very, very difficult for you to access these so-called community spaces. The Philadelphia Housing Authority pretty much acts as a private entity when it comes to that, when they are the stewards of public land. And so, I think that some of those ideas, how they I guess treat our constituents has to change if they're going to be getting public land and acting as a private corporation. I think we have to put some rules in place to allow community use similar to our rec centers and our parks, because they are getting local taxpayer money as well to go toward these projects. So we need to make sure that our local constituents have that same access. Today we passed a resolution that would start the process of transferring 40 city- owned properties to the Land Bank, and these 40 properties will become Turn the Key homes in the 5th Council District.
Since we've been in office, we have not supported any transfer of city-owned land for market-rate housing solely. Only transfers have gone to affordable housing in the 5th Council District. That is a policy that we are going to continue to push with our publicly-owned land in our district. And today starts that process of 40 more Turn the Key homes to be developed in the district. I wasn't here last week due to a personal matter in our family. But I wanted to take a moment to celebrate the incredible success of our third annual Norf Philly Day - The Family Reunion. After having to reschedule due to weather, North Philly showed up and showed out. It was a beautiful day filled with music, food. We had a basketball tournament. Local businesses, community resources, and most importantly, the neighbors came together to celebrate everything that makes North Philadelphia special. We celebrated the culture, the talent, local businesses again and the pride we have in our neighborhood. And this year's celebration was a reminder of just how strong and vibrant our community is. I want to quote a staffer who attended, Councilmember O'Rourke. She mentioned and said that Norf Philly Day was all that, right. And so, I want to give a huge thank you to All In The Family CDC, Shadow Trax Media Arts, my colleagues Councilmembers Jones, Bass and Councilmember Kendra Brooks, all of our vendors, our community partners, our volunteers, thank you, the performers and the residents that helped make it possible. We fed -- we had over, I don't know, individual food, probably 2000 pieces of individual food. OIC Culinary Kitchen alone cooked a thousand hamburgers and hot dogs for us, right. We had a plethora of -- shout-out to Herk, the Chicken Man from North Philly, Lippincott Stadium giving out free chicken. Thank you, Councilmember Bass, for that, right. We had Rapid Response Team giving out free pizza all day, right. And so, we fed the community. The community was entertained. We had IJW Wrestling again, right. So the kids were watching wrestlers getting suplexed in the grass, right. It was amazing. It was amazing. And I look forward to having Norf Philly again next year. North Philly is more than a place on the map. It is a community. It's a culture. It's a family. And I couldn't be more proud to celebrate how we came together that week. Gun violence is still the number one issue for many Philadelphians in the city, Mr. President. So I also want to express although we have historic lows in the city, we lost an officer to gun violence here in the City of Philadelphia. So that one life is too many. And so, my office is going to continue to do whatever we can do to support families, victims, communities of gun violence to prevent this from happening in our city. Because again, that one life is too much to lose from a preventable death, which gun violence is a preventable death. And so, we will continue to do our work to prevent these acts from happening. And last but not least, Mr. President, today I introduced legislation to bring back the Parking Amnesty program here in the City of Philadelphia, because I believe residents deserve a fair opportunity to get out from under years of accumulated parking debt. We know that when a parking ticket starts at $50, it can quickly turn into hundreds of dollars. Sometimes in some cases, thousands of dollars in fines, fees, and penalties. And for working families already struggling to make ends meet, that debt can be overwhelming. And the consequences go beyond money. Unpaid parking tickets can lead to booting, towing and even registration suspensions for residents who rely on their vehicles to get to work, take their children to school, care for their family. A parking debt can become an economic barrier to stability. And we've done this before, Mr. President. We've seen the impact.
In 2018, Philadelphia implemented a two-month Parking Amnesty program that helped nearly 25,000 people resolve outstanding violations and forgave approximately 9 million in parking debt. That's thousands of Philadelphians who were given an opportunity for a fresh start. Now, there's always a conversation about parking enforcement and revenue and the money to support our schools. And I absolutely believe we need to be investing more in our public education. But we also need to be honest about how that funding works under the current funding formula. The PPA must meet an increasing revenue threshold before an additional onstreet parking revenue goes to our schools and after operating and administrative expenses, the school district isn't necessarily seeing the benefit residents are led to believe. In fact, according to the City Comptroller, the school district received $0 from PPA in 2025 despite budgeting for $7 million in revenue. So we need to ask ourselves, are we really helping our schools by keeping residents buried in parking debt that may never be collected or can we find a better way to provide relief, encourage payment, and help people move forward. This isn't about eliminating accountability or suggesting that people shouldn't follow parking regulations. It's about recognizing that a parking ticket should not become a lifelong financial burden. I believe we can enforce our parking laws, support our schools and still show some compassion, right. That's one of the core values of Girard College. Compassion for working families who need a chance to get back on their feet. That's why I introduced this legislation. I look forward to working with my colleagues to bring this meaningful parking debt relief back to Philadelphia. A few announcements: This Saturday we have a street renaming for Phat Geez, who was a very, very well-known North Philadelphia rapper who unfortunately lost his life due to gun violence again in the City of Philadelphia in 2024. He was more than an artist. He was a son of North Philly and used his music to tell stories. So on the 1200 block of LeCount we will be having a block party to honor Phat Geez and the street renaming. And also this Sunday, we had to reschedule our street renaming for coach Ken Hamilton. But we'll be doing it this Sunday, October 18th, right there on Broad and Green. As you remember, we had to plan it but we can't predict the weather. m. On Sunday, October 13th, Broad and Green to give him his well-deserved flowers. Thank you, Mr. President. )
Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilmember Landau.
Thank you, Council President. I want to start by thanking my colleagues today for your amazingly thoughtful recognition, Councilmember Lozada and Kendra Brooks for recognizing survivors of domestic violence. The work that we're doing across Philadelphia is so important. Also, to Minority Leader Brooks, sometimes the fights for justice in the disability community take so long, but that win, that 13-year win is so huge. It was a barrier to people really appreciating the arts and culture, movies, everything in Philadelphia. It's insane. You'd have to buy two tickets when you had an assistant and they finally had the win. So that is wonderful. But on a lighter note and a silly and wonderful note, today I was proud to introduce a resolution to a true Philadelphia legend, Mario Zucca, known to some as One-Shot Mar, was recently crowned the first-ever champion of the Philadelphia Parallel Parking Association, known as the PPA Championship. Mario participated in the three categories of one chance, the tight squeeze and parking under the duress of distractions, aka the average afternoon of driving around South Philadelphia looking for a spot. And he did it all in a 2012 Mazda hatchback with no backup camera. Mario rose to the challenge and earned the title of Philadelphia's Parallel Parking. I know many of us here in this chamber are very proud of our own parallel parking prowess. I am one of them. I've been stopped by people on the street saying that is a work of art while watching me park. But I think I also heard that Councilmember Young and also Council President Johnson feel like they are in this category as well. So good to hear a lot of fun. Mario is also a wonderful artist. And in addition to the joy that this event brought and those who attended or followed along on social media, I applaud the PPPA for its awareness campaign around Safe Streets, Vision Zero and something I've championed here in City Hall alongside so many of my colleagues here today. I was also proud to recognize Mental Health Partnerships, an organization that has spent 75 years making a meaningful difference in the lives of Philadelphians. For 75 years, Mental Health Partnerships has understood that our mental health and wellness affect our families, our neighborhoods, our workplaces and our communities. And supporting mental health means supporting people as a whole, individuals with their own experiences, strengths, and goals. Beyond its direct services, MHP has been a steadfast advocate for the people it serves, working with community organizations and city leaders to advance behavioral health funding, access to care, and the full civic participation of people living with mental health conditions. To everyone at Mental Health Partnerships, thank you for your decades of service, your advocacy, and your commitment to a more compassionate Philadelphia. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I want to thank my colleagues for the various pieces of legislation that they put in today. They impact those four quarters I often talk about, ranging from young people to people entering the workforce, to people established in the workforce, trying to stay afloat and to our most vulnerable seniors. Kendra Brooks talked about the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. And I am the Chairman of the Board of the Pennsylvania Human Relations, so we are thankful for that. Member Phillips put in information about lunches affecting our young people and how they can become more nutrition and cost-effective to our young people. What I rise about today though affects all of those four quarters. Thanks to the Tribune, they exposed some of the issues related to the increased amount of cut-offs for gas customers, close to 30% increase in people getting shut off. There are things that will make you homeless -- I talked to my colleague who is on the Gas Commission. There are things that make you homeless. Losing your utilities, water will get you homeless. Losing gas will make you homeless and vulnerable. It affects our seniors who sit in the cold. It affects our young people trying to get a good night's sleep that have to go to work. So we want to take a look and introduce a resolution 8 next week calling for the examination of possibly suspending shut-offs from PGW. This impacts everyone. It's the kind of thing where we can evaluate looking at examples where the Water Department has stricter measures about what residential customers can be cut off. We need to now take a harder look at eligibilities for PGW, times of the year for PGW, and modifying payment agreements that are doable and who is eligible. It's time. We often talk about what the federal government is doing to the cost of living to average-working people in Philadelphia. But here is an opportunity, a utility that we control, that we can ease the burden to customers in the City of Philadelphia. I look forward to working with my colleagues, in particular Member Driscoll on the Gas Commission, to take a hard look at where the ways we can alleviate some of that in the future. Thank you, Mr. President.