Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution 13 is adopted. Will the clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 260099?
A resolution 17 renaming the 3000 block of West Harper Street Jill Hoyce's way to honor the life and legacy of Joyce Hill.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a motion regarding Resolution No. 260099.
Thank you, Mr. President in conjunction with Jeffrey Young, a member of this body. I'll move for the adoption.
It has been moved and properly seconded. The Resolution No. 260099 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. COUNCILMEMBERS: Aye.
Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution 17 is adopted. Will the clerk please read the title of Bill Number 25989-a.
An ordinance 21 amending Title 10 of the Philadelphia code entitled Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity by adding a new section to impose a temporary moratorium on the breeding and transfer of puppies all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill had been read on two different days. The question now is shall a bill pass finally? Chief Clerk, please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are and nays are 15 zero. The majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Will the clerk please read the title of Bill Number 251097? Congratulations Team Bass. If you're watching, Councilwoman, and I'm sure you are. Get well soon, and congratulations. Clerk, please read the title of Bill Number 251097.
An ordinance 3 amending Chapter 9-4400 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Responsible Business Operations to add illegal sales of tobacco products to minors and unlicensed tobacco retailing as nuisance behaviors and require completion of a department approved tobacco retailer education and compliance training as a condition of lifting a cease operations order, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill had been read on two different days. The question now is, shall a bill pass finally? Chief Clerk, please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are zero. The majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of Bill Number 251098.
An ordinance 9 providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of a proposal set forth in a resolution approved by Council, proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the creation of the Office of Youth Ombudsperson and authorizing and directing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.
This bill had 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 15, and nays are zero. The majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Will the clerk please read any additional resolution on today's calendar?
A privileged resolution, recognizing and celebrating the Philadelphia heritage and Phila-Montco branches of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, introduced by Councilmember Gilmore- Richardson on behalf of Council President Johnson.
The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore-Richardson for a motion.
Thank you, Council President. On your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution. COUNCILMEMBER Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded, that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. COUNCILMEMBERS: Aye.
Anyone opposed? The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution honoring the leadership and service of Reverend Tony Pritchett for his unwavering commitment to spiritual empowerment, community outreach, and restorative justice in the city of Philadelphia in recognition of Black History Month, introduced by Councilmember Gilmore-Richardson on behalf of Councilmember Bass.
The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore-Richardson for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilmember Bass, I move the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. COUNCILMEMBERS: Aye.
Anyone opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the resolution -- next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring Pastor Rob Harrison of New Journey Christian Center and celebrating the vital role of faith leaders in shaping, uplifting, and strengthening the Germantown community, and the city of Philadelphia in recognition of Black History Month, introduced by Councilmember Gilmore-Richardson on behalf of Councilmember Bass.
The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore-Richardson for motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilmember Bass and all of the members of the Church of God in Christ, I move for the adoption of the resolution. COUNCILMEMBERS: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution will be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. COUNCILMEMBERS: Aye.
Anyone opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Will the clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution honoring Ukrainian organizations in Philadelphia for their service to Ukrainian Americans, Ukrainian refugees, and the broader Philadelphia community, introduced by Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion and a resolution.
Thank you. I move for the adoption of the resolution. Councilmember JONES: Second. COUNCILMEMBER Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. COUNCILMEMBERS: Aye.
Anyone opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Will the clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Philadelphia Gay News on the distinguished occasion of its 50th anniversary in Philadelphia, serving as Philadelphia's longest running LGBTQ plus publication and serving as a vital independent voice that advances equality, visibility, and community, introduced by Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you. I move for the adoption of the resolution. COUNCILMEMBER Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded, that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. COUNCILMEMBERS: Aye.
Anyone opposed? The ayes have it. And the resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution, celebrating and honoring Vashti DuBois, Val Gay, Facetta Garrison Greene, and the Black women who are leaders of culture and arts in the city and devote their lives to improving the arts and culture of Philadelphia on the occasion of Black History Month, introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion and a resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. COUNCILMEMBERS: Aye.
Anyone opposed? The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution, recognizing the beginning of the Latin season. A sacred period of reflection, prayer, fasting and service observed by millions of Christians in Philadelphia and throughout the world, introduced by Councilmember O'Rourke.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke for a motion and a resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. COUNCILMEMBERS: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded, that the resolution shall be adopted. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. COUNCILMEMBERS: Aye.
Anyone opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution, recognizing and honoring the life of trailblazing civil rights leader, dedicated public servant, and lifelong activist, Reverend Jesse Jackson, introduced by Councilmember O'Rourke.
I going to ask for everybody to stand. I'm going to recognize Councilman Nicholas O'Rourke for a motional and a resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. In honor of the late Reverend Jesse Jackson, I do move for the adoption of that resolution. COUNCILMEMBERS: Second.
We'll have a silent vote. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution recognizing Saturday, February 21st, 2026 as International Mother Language Day to honor the brave whole souls who on this day in 1952, sacrificed their lives to retain the right to use their mother language Bangla, also known as Bengali, introduced by Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.
The Chair recognize Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. COUNCILMEMBERS: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded, that the resolution should be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. COUNCILMEMBERS: Aye.
Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
Council President, there are no further resolutions in my possession.
That completes our calendar for today. Are there -- did you recognize Councilmember Jamie Gauthier? Okay. You are waiting for the speeches? Okay. Let's see what Curtis Jones done started with the young folks. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore- Richardson.
Thank you. Thank you very much, Council president. I must be excused for Council business. I'm respectfully requesting a leave.
Leave is granted. Thank you very much. Majority Leader.
The Chair also recognizes Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have business in City Hall that I must attend to.
Leave is granted, sir. Anybody else need to make a leave? All right. The Chair recognizes -- the Chair -- I'll need a speech on behalf of the minority. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra, Minority Leader Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. This Black History Month with the removal of the slavery memorial at the President's house, we are facing new and vicious attacks on our history and culture. Here in Philadelphia with the upcoming celebrations of 2026, it's more important than ever that we show our joy, our pride, our strength as Black Philadelphians. Our art and culture have helped to define what it means to be American. And they have made Philadelphia a global destination for art and culture. So today I am proud to introduce a resolution, celebrating and honoring Vashti DuBois, Val Gay, and Facetta Garrison Greene, and the Black women who are leaders of culture and arts in our city. As the Chief Cultural Officer of Creative Philadelphia, Val Gay is preparing our city to show off our art and culture for many visitors during 2026. Facetta Garrison Green has led the way for generations of Philadelphia is to enjoy black music and culture at the Dell and across our city. And as the founder of The Colored Girls Museum in Germantown, Vashti DuBois has created a unique space for black women and girls to hold on to our history and celebrate each other. And I'm deeply grateful to these black women for their visionary leadership, and their heroic efforts to protect and uplift black culture in our city. I also want to take a minute as well to honor the legacy and life of the Reverend Jesse Jackson. Reverend Jesse Jackson was a liberal I -- a living icon in civil rights, and somebody that people of my age could touch and see. You know, we are entering a time where many of our elders and are moving on into the next day of life. And it's important that we continue that work. And, you know, it means supporting younger activists today, like our Black Lives Matter movements, who are too often dismissed by politicians who don't like their tactics. Politicians from years ago, and the same about Jesse Jackson, Reverend, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Shirley Chisholm, they were fighting for the morality of civil rights. It was never popular back then. But today, youth organized on the shoulder of giants like the Reverend, and we must remember this as members of City Council, the next time we find ourself frustrated by the work of activists, but also, it's important to me to mention that Jesse Jackson's historic presidential campaign is one of the foundations of the Working Families Party, and it was built on that. And Rainbow Coalition still endures today and was only -- and has only grown stronger. And I have my fond memories of Reverend Jackson growing up in Triumph Baptist Church. He was like a staple with Reverend James S. Hall, and it is just, we lost a true hero. And even working on Mayor Brandon Johnson's campaign in Chicago, being able to stand side by side with Jesse Jackson to make sure that Brandon Johnson was elected for the Chicago Mayor, I am deeply grounded. And I just want to say, may he rest in power, and may we continue to organize in the honor of his legacy. And finally, I want to extend an invitation to all of my colleagues and everyone here to attend the people's hearing on reproductive health. The hearing is a collective effort from over 14 local organizations and office that 15 make up the reproductive freedom 16 task force. It will take place on 17 Thursday, March the 5th at the 18 Friend's Center around the corner 19 from City Hall. We will be 20 discussing what it means for 21 everyday Philadelphians, and how it 22 could impact the city's public 23 health -- how it could impact the 24 city's public health in our -- in areas like cancer prevention, rates of HIV, and sexually transmitted infections, including access to birth control and menstrual hygiene products. This event will be held in the evening and it will be childcare available to those who attend. Thank you so much, Council President.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nicholas O'Rourke.
Thank you, Mr. President. Indeed, a few more words from the minority, starting with move to higher ground. That's the word for today. Move to higher ground, which I think is apropos considering the convergence this week, really on the same day of two of the great discipline, and reflection, and repentance traditions that come out of the world's great religions. That having been said though, that kind of spirit isn't just to be found within those traditions, but also in the mouth of who Minority Leader Kendra Brooks just lifted, the late Reverend Jesse Jackson. He said in his speech in '88, the one that was historic. He said, "We meet tonight at the crossroads, a point of decision. " He said, "We've come to Atlanta, the cradle of the old South, the crucible of the new South. Tonight, there is a sense of celebration because we are moved. Fundamentally moved from racial battlegrounds by law to economic common ground. Tomorrow, we will challenge to move to higher ground," common ground, he said. "Think of Jerusalem, the intersection where many trails meet, a small village that became the birthplace for three religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. " He said. "Because it provided the crossroads. There different people met, different cultures, different civilizations could meet and find common ground. When people come together, flowers always flourish. " He'd go on to say later on in the speech to all of us and to be emblazoned in our memory, to keep hope alive. Keep hope alive. Spoken like someone grounded and formed by the Black church, in the Black church tradition. Think about it in terms of what he produced to name an organization, PUSH, which means people united to save humanity, is an explicit admission that we are in a profound social and political crisis. To insist that we keep hope alive acknowledges that someone or something is trying to snuff hope out. Jesse Jackson never played down the stakes of our politics. He named them. He confronted them. As the reason why the stakes were high, he even named poverty, right? And why we needed to turn, and reconsider our choices and our way, he called us essentially to turn around and to repent. He carried on and transmuted the best traditions of the Black church, of its proclamation, of the social gospel, and cooperative economics, and economic activism in our communities. He was one of the global faces of Black America in an era when Black America became a global factor, becoming one of the most important unofficial diplomats in the country, unofficial only in terms of appointment. He walked and operated with the stature and influence of government actors. Those who have been around DC know that he was known as the shadow senator. That was the man who would be able to go and get folks who were hostages and bring them back when other elected officials couldn't do it. That was the Reverend Jesse Jackson. He cultivated fierce, Black, progressive, independent political leaders in and out of office for his entire life. He often backed insurgent left-wing campaigns. Maybe it sounds familiar to you. This ethos has directly informed the politics and the practice as the leader has already mentioned of the Working Families Party, which was born out of the end of his 1988 presidential campaign. Dan Cantor, who was the previous executive director of the -- of the -- of the National Working Families Party, was the labor coordinator on that campaign and co-created what now becomes the Working Families Party, originally called the New Party. This is the work of the Reverend Jesse Jackson. His -- as I said, he was part of the Black church. He was a griot, as it were, a prophet to the people. He was also an actual co-pastor. He was the co-pastor of the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago. Chicago was on fire right now in light of the transition of one of their leaders, and the current pastor of that church, the Reverend Reginald Sharpe actually had this to say about him.
He said, "Few men become symbols. " Symbols demand more than our commemoration; they demand our commitment. They demand our commitment. That is so important for us to recognize that we see that at the start of this Lenten and Ramadan season, a symbol has died. And a reminder of what we must do when that happens is this: When there is death amidst our ideals and our symbols, we bring life back to our ideals and our symbols when we rethink them. That is the logic behind repentance. To rethink, to reconsider, to think again. My late mentor, the Bishop Carlton Pearson, was always particularly pricked by Donald Trump's resistance to repentance, because it means that you're not even willing to rethink, which is deadly for anybody, let alone leaders. We should all be willing to think, to rethink, and to think again. " People, businesses, and institutions who admit they were wrong. How refreshing it would be if we would allow what this season offers us? Time for reflection, time for devotion, time for reconsideration of our way, and how we might go about and live another way, I think we would be much better forward. Between Christians and Muslims, today I had the honor of offer -- of having Rabbi Shawn Zevit of Mishkan Shalom Synagogue offer our invocation. We have all these great traditions converging at this time, and I think we're feeling that energy. But I think between Christians and Muslims, there are hundreds of thousands of Philadelphians who have, this week, determined to adhere to this particular spiritual discipline, a particular turn away from ourselves, and towards those higher things, those pure practices, those higher hopes and deeper devotions to find and refine oneself from the inside out. So to those adherence, those observance, and to those who aren't, for that matter, every morning when I wake up, I say a little prayer for you, and I hope you pray for me. Let this season be one where we can rethink, reconsider, repent, and in doing so, do what the Reverend Jackson called us to do: Go a little bit higher. May it be so of all of us. Thank you, Mr. President.
I want to take a moment to acknowledge the head of 332, who's just quietly joining us today is Sam Staton, Jr. As well as the CEO of Big Bloc Entertainment, Mr. Walt Reeder, Jr. quietly joining us today. Thank you very much, sir. Any speeches on behalf of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President. Today we enacted a ballot question that if approved by voters would make the Office of the Youth Ombudsperson permanent. The Office of the Youth Ombudsperson promotes the health, welfare, education, safety, wellbeing, and reentry of Philadelphia youth placed in juvenile justice, child welfare, or behavioral health residential care facilities. A study found that between 2010 and 2018, children in PA residential facilities were physically maltreated 156 times, exposed to inappropriate sexual contacts 73 times, and suffered at least 43 incidents of verbal maltreatment by staff. 44 percent of the facilities reviewed had repeated violations of physical or sexual maltreatment of children. It is not surprising that abuse persist when in many cases juvenile justice placements require young people to report abuse to the same staff at the same placement facility, which has been abusing them. Who would trust that process? Contrast this with the thoughtful approach the City of Philadelphia's office of the Youth Ombudsperson takes. They develop materials and educate young people about their rights. They build trusting relationships with young people and act as an independent entity to receive complaints. They review facility policies and data to ensure that systems and policies set up staff and young people for success. And of course, they contact appropriate authorities to address urgent safety concerns. Studies and horrifying accounts we've heard from young people prove we cannot leave this function to the State. No one cares for our kids as much as we do. We need an office dedicated to monitoring the conditions in all youth congregate care facilities. We need the office of the Youth Ombudsperson, and we need it permanently. I want to thank the city of Philadelphia's youth Ombudsperson, Tracy Johnson, for her steadfast leadership. Thank you as well to every young person, parent, advocate, and expert who was a part of this work. Children First, the Defender Association of Philadelphia, the Juvenile Law Center, the Youth Sentencing and Reentry Project, the Education Law Center, and so many others. And on a completely different note, I want to wish the West Philly High Boys basketball team good luck in this week's public league championship game. Can we get a round of applause for West Philly High? Imhotep may be the reigning champions, but Philly loves an underdog, so we're rooting for our speed boys to bring the trophy home to West Philly. Thank you so much.
She is handling your business, sir. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. I want to start by recognizing the real public health milestone that happened yesterday. I joined Council President and the mayor yesterday at a press conference, and that's where the Department of Public Health and Department of Air Management Services announced Philadelphia's expanded network of ground-level air pollution monitors. So residents can access real-time neighborhood- level air quality data. That matters because air quality isn't theoretical; it's asthma, it's missed school, it's emergency room 13 visits, it's long-term heart and lung disease. And when the data is public and local, it helps residents protect themselves and it helps government act with precision and accountability. But public health doesn't work if people can't access information, trust it, and understand it. Philadelphia is one of the most diverse cities in the country, and our residents speak more than 85 native languages and dialects. That's why I introduced a resolution 3 recognizing International Mother Language Day to honor linguistic diversity and reaffirm that language access is part of dignity, justice, and opportunity. Because in healthcare, language can be -- make the difference between prevention and crisis. And I also wanted to talk about what this means to me, particularly this Mother Language Day that UNESCO has designated as to be February 21st. When I was young, and in Bangladesh, we commemorated that day and the lives that were sacrificed for young students whose lives were sacrificed in that fight to be able to speak and practice our -- speak our language and practice our culture. So it is a very -- it is a very significant moment for me because my childhood was shaped by watching people fight and fight for their freedom and fight for their freedom to practice their culture. I also wanted to talk about the other resolution that I introduced. We are looking at efforts at the federal level that would make it harder for people to exercise basic rights, like the right to vote. The US House has passed the Save Act, and it would add new paperwork barriers to voter registration and actually voting. Those burdens would fall hardest on people who already face obstacles. And that includes women who change their names due to marriage or divorce because their birth certificates may not match current identification, creating a risk of delay or denial. It also disproportionately impacts seniors, people with disabilities, low-income voters, and naturalized citizens. That is why I introduced this resolution, urging the Senate to oppose this harmful bill. You know, this common thread of barriers befalling communities who are hardest hit, particularly women and marginalized residents, and we have a responsibility as a government to address these things. And in that vein, I also wanted to invite everyone to a hearing on Monday, February 23rd, the Committee of Health and Human Services will hold a public hearing to examine the current state of reproductive healthcare in Philadelphia. And I'm really pleased that we are going to have another hearing, the people's hearing that my colleague Kendra Books is hosting soon after, and we are going to -- Philadelphia is going to pay attention to these issues. We will cover a wide range of issues: menstruation, fibroids, PCOS, menopause, STI prevention, maternal health, abortion care, LGBTQ plus health, and how access is shaped by funding cuts, facility closures, and provide safety -- provider safety concerns. So -- and before I end, I don't see this young man here, who was sitting right here. I wanted to congratulate Ray Johnson, who is moving from my office to Councilmember Jay's office and getting promoted from policy advisor to legislative director. So we wish him well, and I was hoping he was going to be here. And I also want to tell him, make sure you send me all the information we need, Ray, to -- for the next person to pick up.
But we are very proud of Ray for many of the much of the work he's done in our office, and we're looking to see him moving on up. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jim Harrity.
Thank you, Council president. I'd like to start off by first saying happy Ramadan to all my Muslim brothers and sisters. It's kind of funny, I'm an Irish Catholic, and my best friend is an African American Muslim, very devout. And because of our friendship, I got the pleasure of learning so much about that culture, especially when it comes to Ramadan. You know, one of the traditions during Ramadan is to fast, and that is to make sacrifices for all of the blessings that you have been granted throughout the years. So this is your sacrifice to give back, and that's the simple version as it was explained to me. But it was also explained to me that if for any reason you are unable to fast, that their tradition is, for medical or whatever, the tradition is that you would feed somebody instead. So when that in mind, when I worked for Senator Street, I was proud that we started feeding free food for the whole month of Ramadan. Every day we give out 200 to 400 meals for the whole 30 days of Ramadan. So today, they will be at 58th Street Campus, 2000 South, 58th Street. You can drive on by on your way home, pick up a meal so that when it's time to break fast, you're prepared. it's rough when you don't go without eating all day, I learned that from being around Senator Street. So you want to break fast as soon as you're able to break fast. So, you know, this is our way of giving back and it's also my way of helping and giving back, even though I am an Irish Catholic, during this time. I always say, people that know me know that I say all the time that if we would just learn a little bit more about each other's culture, we'd have a lot less problems. So God bless everyone. And the only other thing I will say is that after this, there will be a meeting across the hall for I'm hosting a briefing for immediately following counsel for Friends of the Children. This organization is a mentor pair -- a mentor program pairing students with mentors from middle school through high school. Please come get some information, and of course, there will be food provided. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you. The chair recognizes Councilman Jeffrey J. Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. First, I --in the spirit of some of my colleagues, I just want to mention the season that we're in right now. And I want to first wish, you know, the residents of the city of Philadelphia, the constituents, my family, yeah, Ramadan Mubarak. You know, this is a time where, you know, families gather, right? And you look at Philadelphia, you look at the Black population here in the city of Philadelphia, this is going to be a great time for some of our families to get back in touch with one another, right? That's how we grow our community, that's how we ensure our community thrives, is by just staying together as a family. And I hope that this Ramadan, our community gets together as a family. And on that note, we are -- our toy drive is live, and so for those who would like to participate, we have several locations where you can drop off toys for those who will be celebrating Ramadan throughout the month at my office, Room 586 City Hall, at our district office, 2815 Ridge Avenue. I'm at the City Commissioner's office at Broad and Dauphin, and also at Penrose Rec Center. We will be collecting toys throughout the month of Ramadan. And, you know, yesterday was Ash Wednesday for those in the Christian faith. You know, celebrating a time where, you know, it is time to maybe let go of some things that we don't necessarily need. You know, so you think about that, then you also think about a couple days ago, it's Lunar New Year, and of those who know what the -- what season we're in, it's the Fire Horse. So just look that up and just know I'm with all of that energy right now. So just know what that is. Just know what that is. But on a more serious topic, I want to let the community know that we have an RFP out for development right now, and around 19th and 20th at Norris for about over properties for development 9 for Turn the Key. So if you are 10 interested and you want to 11 participate in a development of your 12 community, please visit the 13 phillylandbank.org, there's a 14 pre-submission Zoom conference 15 tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. The RFP 16 closes on April the 8th. So if you 17 want to be a part of the development 18 of your community, please apply for 19 this RFP. There will be meetings -- 20 community meetings to discuss this and other projects as well throughout the 5th Council District. On the same note, Love Park. I'm excited for its revitalization of the saucer building. There was a pre-RFP meeting yesterday with some vendors who are eager to apply to help us revitalize that space that has been abandoned for some time here in Center City. Looking forward to those responses as well. And that's all I have for today, Mr. President. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Dr. Anthony Phillips.
Thank you, Council President. I rise today to say that we must protect our children at all costs. That is why today we were -- thanks to the support of our colleagues, I was able to have a bill that was so important to protecting our children passed today. Quite frankly, in the city of Philadelphia, we have so many individual stores that sell tobacco products to our children. And as a result of our -- these tobacco products being sold to our children, at times, these businesses are caught and they're shut down, but they're reopened again, and oftentimes, they end up doing it again because they know that they can keep having this happen over and over again. Today's bill that was passed by members of City Council, and I'm thankful that we had their support. "Provide established mandatory education and compliance training for retailers who violate the law. Business owners who are cited must complete education training within 60 days and provide proof of compliance before they're are able to receive a permit or renew their operations and have the ability to resume their business. It's not punitive; it's about responsible governance, and we want to make sure that young people are protected. We also know that young people are affected by tobacco. And it's a preventable illness. And we got to -- early exposure can really cause long-term addiction. So we have to protect them. So what we're saying here is, if you violate the law, you will be required to understand the law. If you put young people at risk, you will be held accountable. So I'm thankful for all of our colleagues who are supporting this initiative in providing safeguards for young people in the city of Philadelphia. And lastly, I just wanted to note that we lost a giant. One of the reasons why I decided to enter the world of service at a young age was because of leaders like Reverend Jesse Jackson. I am beyond -- at a loss of words, because Jesse Jackson meant a lot to me growing up. I -- people used to say, you're just like Jesse Jackson, or you're connected to Jesse Jackson. You talk like Jesse Jackson. I mean, I always wanted to be an agent of social change. I didn't know what that looked like as a young person, but I remember having watched Eyes on the Prize films, and, you know, reading books about the Civil Rights Movement, and Jesse Jackson was always at the forefront. He challenged systems that profited from harm, and he demanded accountability from institutions that failed the people they serve. His work reminds us that policy is a moral work and we have to protect our young people. So the bill that I did today protects children from illegal tobacco sales. That is justice, and it's in the spirit of Jesse Jackson who was always concerned about our young people. So with that being said, Council President, let's continue to work in the spirit of Jesse Jackson, let's continue to be thoughtful, and let's continue to fight because his work carries on through our legacy. Thank you so much.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you, Council President. I was so proud to host Ukrainian Council and honor Ukrainian organizations in Philadelphia today for their service to Ukrainian Americans, Ukrainian refugees in the broader Philadelphia community. The broader Philadelphia region is home to more than 15,000 Ukrainian immigrants, and as I learned today, 100, 000 people when count their descendants, many of whom have helped build and maintain small businesses, faith institutions, and nonprofit organizations. Philadelphia is not Philadelphia without our thriving immigrant communities. It was an honor to lift up one of those communities this morning. Today, I also proudly recognize Philadelphia Gay News on the 50th anniversary of this media powerhouse. Thank you so much to Stonewall Legend and PGN publisher, Mark Segal, for joining us today to help recognize this anniversary. PGN is one of the country's longest running LGBTQ plus publications and serves as a vital, independent voice that contributes to the ongoing legacy of queer representation here in Philadelphia. As a longtime reader at PGN, I am extremely proud to recognize them with this honor today. And I look forward to another 50 years of reading some Philly Gay News. Finally, alongside Councilmember Gauthier introduced a resolution urging the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD, to expand investments in permanent supportive housing, an evidence-based solution to homelessness. These funds support local housing authorities, social service providers, and community- based organizations that deliver services critical to keeping those most in need with a place to stay. The consequences of losing this funding are severe, harming Philadelphia residents, straining municipal services and worsening our ongoing housing crisis. It will increase rates of homelessness and housing instability and place additional strain on city resources. To Pennsylvania Congressional delegation, the administration of the City of Philadelphia and relevant federal agencies, we urge you to take action to ensure that this support service remains funded and responsive to Philadelphians. And finally, I want to take a moment of personal privilege to wish a happy birthday to my twin sister tomorrow, which means it's my birthday, too. Happy birthday, Suzanne. I love you. Thank you.
Well, in the spirit of Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, let me spin the block and say, members of Council, let's wish Rue a happy birthday. So we won't see her tomorrow. Happy birthday, Rue. Hearing no more speeches. The Chair recognizes Councilman Isaiah Thomas for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Council President. I move that Council stands adjourned until Thursday, February 26th, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. COUNCILMEMBERS: Second.
All those in favor will signify by saying aye. COUNCILMEMBERS: Aye.
Anyone opposed? The ayes have it. Thank you very much. We will see you next Thursday, February the 26th. Thank you very much. (State meeting concluded at 12:45 p.m.) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence are contained fully and accurately in the notes taken by me of the above case, and this copy is a correct transcript of the same. _______________ Samanda J. Rios