Hello, everybody. My name is Areyonna Adavia Tompkins and I'm a youth peer specialist with the National Alliance on Mental Illness or NAMI Philadelphia. And I am here in support of the resolution 16 recognizing World Mental Health Day and National Depression Screening Day. So in both my personal life and my work life, working with youth and families across Philadelphia, I see every day how early recognition, access to care and mental health awareness can change and just truly save lives. When I share my own journey, people tend to listen. They listen or lean in. They listen and they see that strength and resilience are possible and that talking openly about mental health helps break the stigma for everyone. And let's be honest, we all go through something, right. But what I'm experiencing does not lessen what you are experiencing. So it's important to have the avenues of support and access to care that we need. And that's why these conversations matter. Depression screenings and education are not just clinical tools. They are pathways to safety, connection and hope. So this resolution 22 matters because it benefits community members in every neighborhood across Philadelphia, whether someone lives in North Philly, West Philly, South, the Northeast and even Center City. Mental health challenges touch every block and every family. So by uplifting mental health awareness citywide, we can help ensure that no young person, adult or caregiver feels alone or unsure where to turn. Recognizing these days sends a powerful message. Speaking up is strength. Help is available, and Philadelphia is committed to destigmatizing mental health so all residents can get the access and the support that they deserve. And thank you all for your time, support and willingness to support a good cause. Thank you.
My name is Brett Ashley Robinson and I'm speaking on the resolution 1 celebrating the 30th anniversary of Fringe Arts. I'm a 2021 Pew fellow, a member of the HotHouse, the resident acting company at the Tony Award-winning Wilma Theatre, a company member of Applied Mechanics, an immersive theatre company based here in Philadelphia and one of the current Greenfield resident artists here at Fringe Arts. The Fringe Festival isn't just an arts organization or a program, it's a civic infrastructure for Philly artists. No other arts event involves such a huge percentage of Philadelphia's creative community. Over 1000 performers, designers and technicians all bringing their work to the public fringe creates a hub of cross-pollination. Younger artists are creating and performing in some of their first original works, seeing their teachers meeting with more established artists and their peers in the same buildings while they produce work as well. It's an opportunity to develop and create new ideas and experiment with new styles. All art needs a space for incubation, a place to move a creative idea into a performance. Fringe is that space, and it has been for me as an artist. My solo work has been performed at Jack New York, Ars Nova and Portland Center Stage and had its first performance here in Philadelphia. Fringe is a powerful, creative moment. It creates the opportunity to perform, see and support work in a way that breaks down the traditional silos of Philadelphia arts. The atmosphere of the festival makes Fringe incredibly special. The potential of running into friends unexpectedly grabbing a last-minute ticket to a show you were dying to see, being shocked by how you love something or delighted by a sleeper hit the electricity in the air is created by this event. Fringe acts both as a platform for Philadelphians to tell their own stories and as an amplifier, building awareness for these artists among a huge and still growing audience. Thank you all so much.
Hi. My name is Eve Hyppolite and I too am speaking on the resolution 21 celebrating the 30th year of Fringe Arts. I'd like to first thank Councilmember Rue Landau for recognizing Fringe Arts and the 30th year anniversary of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. And one of the things I value most about Fringe is the way that it helps build the next generation of arts and audiences. As you just heard from Brett, it's an incredible platform to really not only foster a space of community, but an experience that is memorable, meaningful and extremely fringy. More than 50% of our audience is made up of Millennials, Gen Zs, and nearly twice the average of performing arts organizations in Philadelphia. Fringe offers an accessible, inclusive and genuinely fun entry point for people who may be experiencing Philadelphia's performing arts scene for the first time, but its impact extends beyond the audience. It also gives artists and performers a space to take creative risks, reach new people and build deeper connections within the Philadelphia's creative community. The exchange between artists and audiences is what makes Fringe so special. A first performance can become a long life relationship with the arts, which is extremely important, as we all know. I'm sure we've all had interfaces with arts, music and all of the creative aspects of life. So by investing in both artists and audiences, Fringe is helping ensure that Philadelphia remains a vibrant arts city for generations to come. Thank you.
Good morning, everyone. My name is Christian Madison and I'm the founder of Change the Narrative, a nonprofit focused on advancing AI literacy and civic education to empower Philly residents. I want to start by thanking everyone, regardless of your political affiliation, for being present here today, civically engaged, because this is what keeps our city and our country going. I rise here today to express my support for Resolution 17 No. 260825. The tenants affected deserve recognition for organizing, but I also want to respectfully challenge this Council because a resolution is not legislation. The resolution calls upon the landlord to negotiate with the tenants, which is worthwhile. But if Council believes that "junk fees are fundamentally unfair," then why should Philadelphia's tenants have to win this fight? Building by building Council has the ability, through legislation, to establish a clear, citywide standard for landlords and tenants alike, to remove any ambiguity. And I think this question goes beyond junk fees. We are living through a moment of historical juncture, a battle for the soul of the country, along with the existential threats posed by artificial intelligence. Although I disagree with the broader political ideology of the DSA, I empathize with the sentiments behind their advocacy, along with those of other groups across the ideological spectrum. They have made their voices heard in this chamber. People are frustrated. And right now, that frustration is increasingly manifested in ideological extremes due to the ineffectiveness of establishment governance. Politics, as usual, won't suffice for the challenges of our day. I argue that local government matters more than ever, precisely because so much is uncertain at the federal level and across the globe. At a time when cities across the country are confronting issues of affordability, technological disruption brought on by AI, and declining faith in institutions, Philadelphia can demonstrate what effective local governance looks like, whether it's input from Democrats, DSA members, Republicans or the Working Families Party. We can show that ideological differences don't have to prevent practical action. Prudence should be exercised to translate communal input into policy and institutions that move the city forward and protect everyone, not just those who have the ability to organize. And I'll end here. Philadelphia, the birthplace of our great nation, 250 years in the making, has the opportunity to be a model for the country and by extension, the world, as we enter into this new historical epoch. But that will require more than resolutions. It will require the courage to legislate and the urgency to meet the demands of the moment. Thank you.
Very well said. Thank you, young man. He might be running for office one day. Very well said. Please proceed.
Hello. My name is Tariq Murray and I'll be reflecting on Bill 250768, presented by Jamie Gauthier last year. This bill is reflecting on how we're going to be disposing of waste and basically terminating any possibility that we could ever use waste fuel resources. I want to start by mentioning something that I saw this morning. I did see an advisory this morning that the Wissahickon rivers and waterways are no longer able to fish in because of contamination by forever chemicals. That is a fact, that our airways and our waterways are being contaminated. But it is also a fact that Singapore and Japan are ranked No. 7 and No. 8 eight in the quality of life per current U.S. News reports. And Japan is actually rated No. 1 for life expectancy. These nations heavily -- well, let me not overexceed myself. They regularly utilize waste-to- energy resources as well as Australia and many other high- performing nations when it comes to the quality of life and longevity of their people. My concern with this bill is that I love the idea that we are finally addressing major corporations like ReWorld, but this bill sadly lacks specificity. It lacks deadlines and it lacks parameters. Now, I understand that this bill has been introduced last year. I totally need and I think we all need to be stopped. But I do believe that we should not proverbially shoot ourselves in the foot for our bills that we all know are getting higher. The fossil fuels that we currently use to source our fuel as well as our electricity as well as pretty much so many different things under the sun, which is a vicious beast that compounds upon itself. I only have a little bit of time left, but I need us to recognize that this also is not necessarily have to be a costly endeavor. I can already hear this brainstorming and suddenly the dollar signs start to come up. I really hope that we can look at this as a matter of effort and attention focus, and that we can get something done somewhat in the spirit of what Councilman Squilla presented of preventing, providing alternatives to traditional waste management. That is my time. Thank you.
Good morning, everybody. My name is William Small and I am a member of Philly Red. I'm challenging legislation 260825. Something about the tenants union and the Democrat Socialists of America put together in the same sentence just doesn't sit right with me. This seems like another political ploy. Now, I understand we have two members on our Council that align themselves with the Democratic Socialists of America. And because of that, that's why I oppose this bill. The Democratic Socialists of America, Megan Romer, that is their Chair. She came out and she said that sexual offences against women and children were crimes of poverty. Now, the Councilman that put this legislation forward, he's with them and that just doesn't sit right with me because I've been in poverty my entire life. I know people that was in poverty and they've never committed a sexual crime against women and children because they were in poverty. These people are very radical, and you see what's going on in New York. All the Councilmembers here that align themselves with the Democratic Party beware because they are coming for your seats. You guys let the fox in the henhouse and now he's running wild. And it's nothing that you can do about it. They're bringing socialists from all over our 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING country to come here and take all of your seats. So I advise any legislation that these two Councilmembers O'Rourke and Kendra Brooks put forward, I advise you guys to go against it because it will come back to bite you in the end. Thank you.
Honor to our Council President, that concludes our listing for the public comment for today.
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. 21 260766-A.
A resolution 23 also naming the 200 block of South 50th Street as "Monumental Way" to 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING honor the legacy and impact of the Monumental Baptist Church on the Walnut Hill community.
Chair recognizes the Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson who will provide a motion on behalf of Councilmember Jamie Gauthier regarding Resolution 11 No. 260766-A.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilmember, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 22 No. 260766-A be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 13 260819.
A resolution 15 urging the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Department of Licenses and Inspections, Department of Sanitation, and other appropriate city agencies to immediately prioritize and coordinate efforts to address the growing rodent infestation in the Lower Northeast section of Philadelphia, and to treat the 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING current conditions as an urgent public health and quality-of-life emergency requiring immediate City action.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips for a motion regarding Resolution 10 No. 260819.
For the residents of Lower Northeast, I enthusiastically move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 20 No. 260819 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 11 260821.
A resolution 13 also naming the 700 block of North 47th Street as "Men of Mill Creek Way" to honor the legacy and impact of the Men of Mill Creek on the Mill Creek community.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson to make a motion on behalf of Councilmember Jamie Gauthier on Resolution No. 260821. 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilmember Gauthier, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 12 No. 260821 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING read the title of Resolution No. 3 260822.
A resolution 5 renaming the 5200 block of Lancaster Avenue "Sharif El-Mekki Way" to honor Sharif El-Mekki and his decades of distinguished service to Philadelphia students, educators, schools and communities.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. for a motion regarding Resolution No. 15 260822.
Thank you, Mr. President. In the tradition of people like Bob, as an early educator in the Charter school movement, always fought for inclusion of minority teachers, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.) 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 5 No. 260822 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 Resolution No. 260825.
A resolution 18 honoring the Citywide Tenant Union of Philadelphia Democratic Socialists of America and tenants, tenant leaders and tenant organizers at the Emerson and Florence Gardens, who are organizing to end rental junk fees 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING and secure basic tenants' rights and protections in the City of Philadelphia.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke for the adoption of the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 17 No. 260825 be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Anyone opposed? (No response.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 7 260826.
A resolution 9 authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2751 Kensington Avenue located in the 1st Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 4 No. 260826 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 17 260827.
A resolution 19 designating the week of Sunday, October 11 through Saturday, October 17, 2026, as “Italian American Heritage Week” in the City of Philadelphia. This is done in celebration of the countless 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING contributions Italian Americans have given to our country and honoring Bob Pantano as Grand Marshall of the 2026 Philadelphia Italian American Heritage Parade.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla for a motion regarding Resolution No. 11 260827.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 20 No. 260827 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 11 260342.
An ordinance 13 to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by East Washington Lane, Crittenden Street, East Tulpehocken Street, East Haines Street, and Ardleigh Street.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion. 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 260342. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council, and I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 260342 be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the bill has been amended. This bill 1 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 260343.
An ordinance 8 to amend the Philadelphia Zoning 9 Maps by changing the zoning 10 designations of certain areas of 11 land located within an area bounded 12 by East Washington Lane, Stenton 13 Avenue, East Haines Street and 14 Ardleigh Street. 15
The Chair recognizes 17 Councilmember Bass for a motion. 18
19 Thank you, Mr. President. 20 I would like to offer an 21 amendment to Bill No. 260343. A 22 copy of the amendment has been 23 circulated to all members of 24 Council and I move for the adoption 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 260343 be adopted. All in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the bill has been amended. This bill 18 will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 260344.
An ordinance 24 to amend the Philadelphia Zoning 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by North 18th Street, Colonial Street, North 17th Street and Chelten Avenue.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 260344. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council and I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 260344 be adopted. 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING All in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the bill has been amended. This bill 11 will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 260345.
An ordinance 17 to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by West Seymour Street, Knox Street, West Logan Street and Keyser Street. COUNCIL PRESIDENT 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 260345. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council and I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 260345 be adopted. All in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: The ayes have it and this bill has been amended and will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President. I'd like to be recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions that I missed.
Thank you. Thank you very much. It shall be recorded. Will the Clerk please read Bill No. 260429.
An ordinance 20 to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located with. In an area bounded by Frankford Creek, 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Aramingo Avenue, Butler Street, and Frankford Avenue.
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 14 and the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Will the Clerk please read any additional resolutions on today's Calendar.
A privileged 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution recognizing October as College Awareness Month and honoring the Philadelphia Education Fund and the College Access and Success Ecosystem (CASE) for their commitment to ensuring Philadelphia students are informed, prepared, and supported throughout the college application process. Introduced by Councilmember Anthony Phillips.
Chair recognizes the good Dr. Anthony Phillips, Councilmember, for a motion.
Thank you so much. You have a good voice, young man, over there. Appreciate it. Council President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) 10/8/26 - 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 recognizing the French American Foundation's Young Leaders Program as its 2026 cohort convenes in Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson on behalf of Council President Johnson. 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
Chair recognizes Councilmember Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, 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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The resolution is 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring October is Black Male Educators Month in the City of Philadelphia, celebrating the Center for Black Educator Development for their leadership in the recruitment, development, and retention of Black male educators. Introduced by Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the -- the irony of doing the resolution at the same time as the street renaming. I move for the adoption 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING of the 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 resolution honoring the Philadelphia Water Dogs on the occasion of their 2026 Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) championship, marking their second win in the PLL 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING in years and earning top seed of the Eastern Conference, introduced by Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. Philly is a sports town and this is just another example of the great sports teams we have here. And with that being said, 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.) 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the Philadelphia Fringe Festival on the occasion of its 30th Festival and recognizing its extraordinary contributions to Philadelphia's artists, audiences, neighborhoods and cultural life. Introduced by Councilmember Rue Landau.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Landau for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING 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 next resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Technology and Information Services to hold hearings to examine the use of 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING emerging technologies, including surveillance, algorithmic and dynamic pricing systems in the grocery industry to better understand how these technologies are being utilized and their potential impacts for consumers and retailers, and to examine opportunities to support transparency, affordability and consumer confidence. Introduced by Councilmember Rue Landau on behalf of Council President Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. On your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All 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 authorizing the Committee on Education to hold public hearings to examine the state of charter education in Philadelphia, including charter school funding, authorization and renewal practices, and the role charter schools play in providing educational opportunities for 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia students and families. 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.)
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.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings to examine the feasibility of establishing City-supported grocery stores and food retailers through public, private and community partnerships to expand access to affordable, nutritious and high- quality food in Philadelphia neighborhoods. Introduced by Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke on behalf of Council President Johnson.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke for a motion on the resolution. 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I do move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
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. The resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution recognizing October 12th, 2026 as "Indigenous Peoples' Day" in the City of Philadelphia, honoring and commemorating the achievements, traditions, and contributions of American Indians, also known as "Indigenous peoples"; and affirming the City's commitment to historical truth, cultural respect, education and partnership with Indigenous communities. Introduced by Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke on behalf of Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Minority Leader, in her absence I move for the adoption of the 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING 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. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing October 10, 2026 as World Mental Health Day and October 8, 2026 as National Depression Screening Day in the 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING City of 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 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings examining the City's response to sexual violence, including support for survivors, law enforcement's response, the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault and prevention in light of recent sexual assault cases in Philadelphia and reopen investigations of schools, school campus sexual assault elsewhere. Introduced by Councilmember Nina Ahmad.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad for a motion on the resolution. 10/8/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
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.
There are no 21 further resolutions in my possession, Council President.
Thank you very much. Any brief speeches on behalf of the Minority? Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.
Thank you, Mr. President. Tenants have been fighting for safe, secure and affordable housing across the city with the support from the Philadelphia Democratic Socialists of America. I rallied with tenants at the Emerson Building in West Philly back in March. As we emerge from a very cold winter where they dealt with frequent power and heat outages, it is high time that their property manager, in this case, New Age Realty, negotiates in good faith with tenants who are tired of paying monthly fees on top of the rent for services they never actually receive. When tenants are suffering from power outages in the dead of winter, elevator doors are bolted shut for months, if not years, in some cases, if they're still being asked to pay outrageous junk fees, you better bet I'm going to back their organizing and their demands for accountability. Emerson tenants are now part of an effort that's going citywide and I'm excited to see the movement actually grow. Now, there's plenty of synergy between the Citywide Tenants Union's demands and Philly's Cost of Living Task Force Report, namely, we both highlight RUBS or ratio utility billing system as an issue that's driving up utility costs for renters in a way that doesn't align with what they actually use. Third-party companies are setting individual tenant utility bills through opaque algorithms, splitting up the entire building's usage. And we don't have any regulations on that in Philly, none. So I love the mutual focus on a problem that we need to solve. Speaking of mutual focus, as a member of the Public Health Committee chaired by Dr. Nina Ahmad, I was very excited to introduce legislation calling for hearings on municipal grocery stores on your behalf, Mr. President. And I know I'm not alone in taking great interest in the Philly Affordable -- excuse me, the Philly Food Affordability Act. Great interest, that's reflected in the great need that exists across our city. So thank you, President Johnson, for your steadfast focus on food and nutrition, security and for advancing the package introduced today. I'm excited to advocate for its different parts as we deliberate and consider them further. The separation of church and state is reflective of the institution of the church and the institution of the state, not to be conflated, or to suggest that values and virtues should not inform the law-making process. And that's the reason why I say and said to you that night that that is holy work that you are doing, recognizing where there's a need and bridging that particular gap. In our office, we always remind ourselves that the people's needs are holy and whatever we're putting forward should be reflective of seeing their need, being sensitive to it, treating it as if it's sacred because we believe that it is. As I said last week, my colleagues, our city wants to see us act together on the issues of pressing concern to them. So any of the ideas that you find in the Cost of Living Task Force report that appealed to you are grounds for partnership. I would love to partner with you. Please see them, take a grab at it, take what you like. Let's work together. I think that we understand that affordability is not a buzzword. It's a longstanding, genuine concern in the lives of working people. So let's not let affordability be a buzzword here. Let's make something material of affordability for the love of Philly, as the Sixers say. I think the Philly Food Affordability Act is another good step in that particular direction. And one last thing because it feels right to say, I know that today is the 8th of October, but I'm cognizant that many of us, from folks on my team and across Council, to Philadelphians of all stripes, now feel a certain sensitivity whenever the calendar swings around to October 7th. There's a lot that could be said. There's a lot of pain, genuine pain, being felt for reasons that vary widely.
But above and beyond it all, my prayer as a disciple of the Prince of Peace is to pray for peace, not the kind that papers over, but the kind that reveals the kind of peace that actually heals in the hurting places. Peace doesn't exist in a vacuum and paradoxically, is often fought for in the course of reaching peace. Sides are taken, lines are drawn. So no easy peace without justice and freedom also. But in the wake of three years of genocide, I continue to pray for the better angels of our nature to prevail. Because where life is precious, as has been said, life is precious. I pray we can make our city, first off, one such place and that our influence can be infectious. I hope those who feel a certain pain when October 7th comes around, the second most deadly year for Jews since the Holocaust, know that I am praying for all of y'all too. May there be peace on earth. Let it begin with us. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. Any brief speeches on behalf of the Majority? Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips.
Thank you, Council President, and greetings to all of my colleagues again, and most importantly, to neighbors across Philadelphia. Today I introduced a resolution recognizing October as College Awareness Month and honoring the Philadelphia Education Fund and the College Access and Success Ecosystem for their work to help Philadelphia students prepare for life after high school. Now, many of you know that before serving on City Council, I helped more than a thousand students access high- quality, affordable college education at top-tier schools, knowing that hard work and education are pathways to opportunities. I spent years leading a nonprofit I founded called Youth Action and also leading a nonprofit I directed in college access called Teen Sharp, two educational nonprofits committed to building leaders and helping young people prepare for college and achieve their goals. Through that experience, I learned that talent is everywhere, but access is not. A student's ability to pursue higher education should not depend on whether someone in their family already understands the process or whether their school has enough resources. Every student deserves clear information, trusted guidance and meaningful support. The Philadelphia College -- the Philadelphia Education Fund is helping close those gaps. Last year, approximately 3000 Philadelphia students participated in the Philadelphia Education Fund's programs. Its College Access program provides full-time college and career advising in six Philadelphia public high schools with low graduation rates. While its Philadelphia post-secondary success program has indeed helped 15 public schools build stronger cultures of college readiness and career success, the organization is helping students overcome financial barriers. This year alone Philadelphia Education Fund distributed $650,000 in financial aid to 140 students through its scholarship program. And since the 1990s, the Philadelphia Scholars Program has awarded $18 million in scholarships to undergraduate students. Its PhillyGoes2College portal makes college and career guidance available to every Philadelphia high school student and has already received approximately 57,000 visits this year. During the last school year, 42% of the School District of Philadelphia students submitted at least one college application through the Watch Your Plan campaign. Students and families will have access to college fairs, college fit workshops, application and fast assistance, fee waivers and career exploration. So, therefore, this year the goal is to increase the number of young people to 60% who submit at least one college application and the What's Your Plan campaign should help with that. So as someone who has spent much of my career helping young people access educational opportunities and now as Chair of the Committee of Children and Youth and Vice-Chair of the Committee on Education, I believe our responsibility is not simply to tell young people to aim high. We must make sure they have the information, resources and support to reach those goals. I encourage students and families across Philadelphia to use College Awareness Month to ask questions, explore options, complete an application and take a meaningful step towards their future. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Good afternoon, Council President. Very briefly, I wanted to first and foremost say congratulations to all of the Black male educators and to remind people that we are recognizing Black male educators this month because the annual conference is taking place this month. So for those who don't know, the annual Black Educators Conference is taking place a little later this month. We encourage educators across, really across the country -- I'm sorry, the conference is next month, November 14th to the 16th. But we recognize Black educators this month, and we encourage educators across the country to come to Philadelphia, enjoy our city and have a great time. Council President, I'm also excited for next week. And so, for those who don't know, next week is the week where I celebrate or we celebrate as a city five years of driving equality. And for those who don't know, driving equality was passed out of this legislative body October 14th, five years ago. And since then, the legislation has been replicated by over ten cities and states all across the country. It's something that inspired me to run for office. As a person who grew up during the era I grew up, we were basically the experimental generation for stop-and-frisk, not just in Philadelphia, but in major cities all across the country. And when I think about what inspired me to run for office, there's really two things: It's the lack of support and funding for public education, which is something that a lot of us witness on a firsthand basis. And it was the fact that I was constantly pulled over by police my entire young adult life. I vividly remember being sworn into City Council and having been pulled over more times by police officers than years I had been on this earth. And that's a real story that I experienced and so many other people experience growing up in urban cities across the country. So I'm very proud of driving equality. I'm very proud of the legislation. I'm looking forward to celebrating with other elected officials across the country who've replicated the legislation. And I want to just take a moment to thank Councilmember Brooks, Gauthier, Gilmore Richardson, Jones, Squilla, Bass and of course, you, Council President, because you all were here as well as Mayor Parker, you all were here and helped me, at a very difficult time, vote that bill 17 out. And when we passed that law, they said that it would make the city more violent. And over the last five years, crime has dropped significantly since the law has been in place. Now, I'm not saying that the law is the reason that crime has been reduced. I'm saying that the law clearly is not one that creates more crime in the City of Philadelphia. So I'm so excited about what we were able to accomplish. And if you --
Thank you, Council President. And if you don't know, next week, October 13th we'll be at the library right here at City Hall for a Fireside Chat about Driving Equality. And then October 14th, we will do a screening of the film Living in America. If you don't know, they made a documentary on driving equality. So we'll be showing that Driving Equality and having a panel discussion on the day of the anniversary. I know it was a little longer than what you wanted, but thank you, Council President. I appreciate the flexibility and I'll be quiet next week for speeches.
Oh, you good. Congratulations though on the Driving Equality bill. You put a lot of hard work into that and I do remember the resistance as well. So thank you for staying steady because I too have two African American boys growing up in this city and I wouldn't know what I would do. I still perk up though when they get behind me. Anyway, it is what it is, but keep up the good work. Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you. Thank you so much, Mr. President. I wanted to take a moment just to recognize a very special guest who will be joining us in Council after she concludes her speech here in the City of Philadelphia. But I wanted to formally recognize Councilmember Tiffany Thomas, who represents District F in Houston, Texas. She is the first Black woman and first woman under 40 elected to represent District F in Houston, Texas. Like you, Councilmember Gauthier, she's the Chair of the Housing and Affordability Committee. Other committees are set up a little differently than ours here and we share a lot in common. Of course, I'm a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and she's a Devastating Diva, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. But most importantly, we both share a commitment to helping families protect their homes and preserve their generational wealth. We know that that's a major issue here, not only in the city of Philadelphia, but across our nation where they call it heir properties in other localities. But I am grateful to our partners at Pew for all the work that we've done together on this issue and for connecting me with Councilmember Thomas. We have had the opportunity to have a meeting and collaborate on legislation, to continue to work together to address this issue of tangled titles, and we have been working together on legislation to figure out how we continue to move this issue forward. Councilmember Thomas has worked to protect family homes and historic communities in Houston like Piney Point and continue to raise awareness around heirs property. She also successfully championed the Community Development Block Grant, what we know as CDBG. But their Disaster Recovery 2024 amendment, she secured $100 million in disaster recovery housing funds for the city of Houston. Through her work, she has a signature initiative that I'm working to replicate here in the City of Philadelphia called the Annual Faith and Affordable Housing Summit, which is really bridging the gap between faith institutions and development partners and bringing community education around heir properties and generational land retention in historically Black and Brown communities. She is a dynamic member of Council, another Councilmember Thomas, yet serving in the city of Houston, and I'm looking forward to welcoming her officially to Philadelphia City Council and also to our chambers in a few moments. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. Today I introduced a resolution calling for the Education Committee to help us gain more clarity on the effects of not just the School Board, but the School District and the limited charter renewals. And I want to be make sure that I state for the record that the public school system has my full support. I believe in the public school education system. But we have to accept the fact that the reality is that there are charter schools -- and many of our neighborhoods and charter schools are public schools. There are questions that have consistently come up when we're talking to some of these providers, at least in the 7th Council District. And they seem to be the same questions and concerns across the City of Philadelphia. And so, I want to thank Councilmember Thomas, the Chair of the Education Committee for agreeing to at least allow us to ask those questions publicly. Because we believe that the 63,964 young people who attend a traditional charter school deserve answers as well as the 14,252 cyber school charter. Children deserve answers too. And so, we're just calling for basic transparency, a fair process and with as little disruption as possible. But the fact that some of these charter schools don't get a typical five- year renewal makes it really difficult for them to plan ahead. And so, our children deserve that and I'm looking forward to a hearing and some of their questions being resolved. I also want to celebrate the fact that one of my residents in the 7th Council District who was unjustly deported by ICE, Vicente Calderon is back in Philadelphia. He's back home with his family thanks to the advocacy of many of my colleagues and their work as well as the work of Enerolina Melendez & Associates, who is an on-the-ground community organization that really helps those who are going through the citizenship process. They make it easier and they hold their hand through the process. Had it not been for their work, Mr. Calderon would not be home today. I'd also like to, on your behalf and myself as well as with Creative Philadelphia and the city's Office of Arts and Culture, invite everyone to join us tomorrow for Art in City Hall. The opening reception will showcase 32 Hispanic artists. The exhibit features 32 arts, including participants from Photography Without Borders. It's a group that is made up of very young artists as well as artists from our Square Neighborhoods projects. The reception begins at 5:00 in the Caucus Room. And we also invite you to check out all of the art that is displayed in the cases on the second, third and fourth floor. The art will be displayed through December 4th. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you very much. Also, I want to acknowledge the presence of Antoine Little, Vice-President of District Council 33 AFSCME. Thank you for joining us here today as well. Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. Good afternoon, everyone. Yesterday I joined my colleagues on the Finance Committee for a hearing to recommend authorization of a $40 million bond for a new police forensic lab in West Philadelphia. I am so excited that we are finally at a place where we're going to have a state- of-the-art forensic lab, and that is going to make a huge difference in clearance of crimes, particularly be very satisfactory to the victims of violent crime to actually understand how their cases can proceed. And so, we've made this huge commitment. I want to make sure we're also staffing this new lab appropriately so they can do the work that is critical for our community. However, despite that victory, I got fire in my belly on this, that we have seen a disturbing rise in public cases of sexual violence. And this is connected to having a forensic lab that can process these crimes. So from the ongoing investigation of the Raymond Horsch, which has been going on from 2004 in Olney, we have a whole series of women who have disappeared. I don't understand how we are here today in 2026, when these people have been identified and been implicated in a whole series of misconduct, and yet we still don't have a resolution on knowing what happened to those women. And we're just hearing in the news around the Cornell 7 and so much more. And then locally, more recently, there is a case of sexual assault that happened in a spa on 9th and Callowhill and somehow we haven't heard anything about it. We haven't heard what is happening to the perpetrators who were identified on camera. We have their faces. So this is extremely disturbing. So what I'm seeing is a growing culture of negligence and a real lack of understanding on what is rape culture and how to support victims and most importantly, prevent it, right. And we can't talk about declining gun violence, homicide numbers in Philadelphia which is great. But as of October 6, 2026, the Philadelphia Police Department reports there were 463 cases of rape reported, and this doesn't even account for the underreporting when it comes to the cases of sexual violence. So that's why I introduced a privileged resolution 4 authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings examining the city's response to sexual violence, including support for survivors, law enforcement response and the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault and prevention of sexual violence. I look forward to scheduling this hearing. We have a very busy roster in front of us, but this is going to be our priority. I also wanted to quickly comment on an update on the Academy of Natural Sciences, the closure. I'm very grateful to the Chair of the Legislative Oversight Committee for rescheduling, very promptly, the hearing to look into and get on public record Drexel's decision to do the public closure of the public part of the museum and what they're planning for the rest of the Academy there. And that is scheduled for October 26th from 2:00 to 5:00 right here in City Hall. Advocates from all over the country are clamoring for this hearing, and I'm excited to show that City Council responds to the needs of our residents. And finally, I would like to remind everyone I'm holding a hearing on Small Business next week, Wednesday, October 14th from 2:00 to 5:00. The hearing coincides perfectly with this weekend's Made in Philadelphia Market right here in Dilworth Park. I encourage everyone today to drop by the market and to support our entrepreneurs. And please reach out to my office if you would like to provide testimony for next week's hearing. With that, thank you, Council President. I yield back my time.
Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you very much, Council President. I wasn't certain it would work this week, but I'm so happy that our Councilmember Thomas from District F in Houston, Texas was able to join us here in Council chambers. You all heard her bio that I shared earlier in our session, but I am so excited to welcome my sister Councilmember from the great city of Houston, Texas. Please rise and recognize Councilmember Thomas. (Applause.)
Welcome. Welcome. Now, Majority Leader, just make sure during her visit she gets a cheesesteak. I think we got a couple Rita Water Ice stands available as well. But welcome to the City of Philadelphia as well. With that being said, there are no more speeches. The Chair recognizes Majority Whip Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Council stands adjourned until Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stands adjourned until Thursday, October 15th at 10:00 a.m. All in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Thank you all very much. Great job today. - - - (Stated Meeting adjourned at 12:35 p.m.) - - - 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. ________________________________ TANEHA CARROLL