Stated Meeting COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania February 5, 2026 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN CURTIS J. JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN RUE LANDAU COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY M. LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN NICOLAS O'ROURKE COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR. ELIZABETH McCOLLUM NAZARIO, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting
Members, please take your seats. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. All visitors, please retire to the seats outside the rails. Please take all conversations outside of the Council chambers. Before proceeding, I will ask all those present to please set your cell phones to sound and/or vibrate. Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)
To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes the Reverend Joseph Campellone of the Oblates of St. Francis De Sales Stated Meeting Father Judge High School. He is here today as the guest of Councilmember Jim Harrity. I will ask all members and guests to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests and visitors rise.)
Thank you, Council President. Before we say a prayer, I'm going to ask for a moment of silence. Northeast Philadelphia lost an awesome person who was a city activist this week. He was a man who was the founder of the Mayfair CDC and did so much for Mayfair, Northeast Philadelphia. His name is Maurice Hartey. So I ask just for a moment of silence for Maurice and his family. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, Stated Meeting In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, our Lord, we are in a house of hope, a house of possibilities, a house of dreams. Standing in front of me and behind me are men and women who will lead us in these possibilities, these hopes and these dreams. For the people of the City of Philadelphia, I ask you to bless them with wisdom, to help those who have no voice, those who have no hope, those who are lost. I ask you to bless them with wisdom to do the right thing for the City of Philadelphia, to bring peace to our streets, that that hope may lie in their brains and their hands and their decisions to help those who are poor, especially now, those without heat. Stated Meeting God, I ask you to bless the people in this room with a vibrant spirit of not only wisdom and passion, but the spirit in why our city was built, a City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. And I ask this through all things, through Jesus Christ, who is our Lord and Savior. And together we say Amen. Go Father Judge. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks the Reverend for his invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, January 29, 2026. The Chair recognizes Stated Meeting Whip Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, January 29, 2026 be approved.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, January 29, 2026 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is the request for leave Stated Meeting Chair recognizes Majority Leader Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Majority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Majority Leader. The Chair recognizes Minority Leader Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Good morning, Council President. On behalf of the Minority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Stated Meeting The Chair now recognizes Majority Leader Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's session of Council and that were not listed on the Calendar circulated prior to today's Council session.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda for this session of Council and, as required by law, subsequently published on an amended agenda after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments to bills on Stated Meeting reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or re-called from the Mayor, amendments to bills re-called from the Mayor, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in this session, a motion to withdraw a bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar, and a motion placing a bill or resolution on or returning a bill or resolution from the Suspension Calendar that is not listed on today's Calendar. The purpose of this motion is to provide the public with notice concerning possible actions by Council that arose too late to be included on the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and Stated Meeting that the legislative matters stated by Majority Leader Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson may be added to the agenda for today should those matters arise during the course of this session of Council. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. I want to take a moment of personal privilege to ask everyone to stand as we offer a moment of silence on behalf of Councilmember Jamie Gauthier in honor of the life and memory of Stated Meeting Sapp, Sr., who was a member of the 3rd Councilmanic District, also a member of District Council 33, lost his life doing what he loved, which is making sure that during this recent winter blizzard, that our streets were clean, our snow was removed and unfortunately lost his life doing that service as it relates to improving the quality of life of our city during this particular period. (Moment of silence.)
The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate Stated Meeting to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our great city. We certainly invite you to come again. I want to acknowledge Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips.
Good morning, colleagues. Thank you so much, Council President. Today I have the honor to welcome to the halls of Philadelphia City Council, the Executive Director of Black Girls Love Math, Atiyah Harmon, who has been proudly supported by 5th District Councilmember Jeffrey Young. This is a citywide organization that helps young people, particularly young women, understand the importance of math, especially in an age where often times young women are directly and indirectly told that certain Stated Meeting Atiyah Harmon is changing that narrative through Black Girls Love Math by making sure that young women understand the importance of you can do anything you set your mind to. So welcome to Philadelphia City Council, Atiyah Harmon and the young ladies from South Philadelphia, your district, from Black Girls Love Math, please stand. (Applause.)
And then lastly, I also am privileged to welcome 85 schools, 56 public high schools and 12 colleges and universities here today. They are leaders of their Student Government Association. As we know, student government teaches young people the importance of collaborating, how to budget, how to advocate and the Stated Meeting And they are not just as your co-grad skills. These are life skills that they're learning and they are here to be honored and recognized by the Philadelphia Youth Commission Director Shania Bennett. And so, we're excited that they are here today. Can all of the students who are representing their student government today please stand. Welcome to Philadelphia City Council. (Applause.)
Okay. So, Member Phillips, I want to take this moment to call out the adults in the room, because when celebrities come down here, we stand up and we do all this clapping. And these Stated Meeting the City of Philadelphia, our future leaders. Could we give our young people a real big round of applause? (Applause.)
These are the young people that will represent all of us. These are the young people we need to encourage. I mean, if I brought Beyonce down here, y'all be going crazy. Bobby Shmurda, too. Thank y'all, everyone. No, we have to encourage and support our young people any time that we can get, y'all. At this time, the Chair recognizes Majority Leader Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson, who will present a resolution honoring the African American Children's Book Project on Stated Meeting 34th Annual African American Children's Book Fair. Would Vanessa LloydSgambati and those accompanying her, please join the Councilmember at the podium. Joining Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson, are the following Councilmembers: Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, Councilmember and Majority Whip Isaiah Thomas, Councilmember Curtis Jones, Councilmember Jeffrey Young, Minority Leader Councilmember Kendra Brooks, Minority Whip Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke and Deputy Whip of the Majority party Councilmember Cindy Bass. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
Well, Stated Meeting started with Blondell Reynolds-Brown, our Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson has continued that work recognizing authors, authors that are Black and Brown that do books that we do once a year and throughout the year to distribute to our young people. Ms. Sgambati, Mr. President, is from the 4th Councilmanic District. And so, what we want to do is continue to raise her up as she continues to raise authors that are writing things that are pertinent to our young minds, and we are very thankful for her continued contribution to literacy. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you so much, Stated Meeting member, Councilmember Jones. And in the legacy of my forever boss and mentor, former Councilmember Blondell Reynolds-Brown, we are proud to again present this resolution here in Philadelphia City Council. So Whereas, founded in 1992, the African American Children's Book Project was created to promote and preserve children's literature written by and about Black Americans, their programs, including book fairs and signings, literary workshops and I Read to See Me highlight the importance of giving children access and choice to what they read, to empower, enrich and enlighten them, and their advocacy work promotes the rich history of Black Americans through literature; and Stated Meeting
Whereas, the African American Children's Book Fair is regularly one of the oldest and largest single day events for Black children's books in the country, with an average attendance of more than 3500. It is the leading organization in the region, bringing national award-winning authors and illustrators for children PreK to young adult in Philadelphia; and
Whereas, Vanessa Lloyd-Sgambati, the founder of the African American Children's Book Project, is a nationally known literary consultant. She believes all children should have choice and access to books that reflect their images. Vanessa's effort put Philadelphia on the literary map as Stated Meeting diverse children's books; and
Whereas, the 34th Annual African American Children's Book Fair will kick off a year-long program, 250 years of Black excellence as seen through the lens of Black children's books. The program will showcase the rich history and contributions of Black people to the United States through children's books. Over 40 literary creators from around the country will kick off the program; and
Whereas, Alice Faye Duncan has written 15 picture books, including Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop; Yellow Dog Blues and Coretta's Journey. Her book Opal Lee and What It Means To Be Free has sold 100,000 copies since Stated Meeting 2022. Alice specializes in writing for young readers about the American Civil Rights Movement. Her new book The Dream Builders Blueprint is about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s visit to South Philadelphia's Barratt Junior High School in October 1967 when he gave Philadelphia students a blueprint to prosper; and
Whereas, corporate partner Penn Medicine is one of the leading sponsors in the region, championing literacy. Their work is led by Ajeenah Amir and Laura Kim. Ajeenah Amir serves as Director of Civic Engagement and Community Partnerships for Penn Medicine, advancing the organization's strategic priorities through collaboration with community-based organizations and civic leaders. Stated Meeting Associate Director of Community Relations, where she leads the Penn Medicine Cares Grant Program, providing funding to community organizations that advance health and well-being and overseas volunteer initiatives that connect employees with service opportunities across Philadelphia; and
Whereas, the free 2026 African American Children's Book Fair will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor the African American Children's Book Project on the occasion of its 34th Annual African Stated Meeting
And further resolve, that an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the African American Children's Book Project, further evidencing the sincere respect of this legislative body. Congratulations.
-- acknowledging you for remarks, we just want to thank you for hosting this event for over 34 years -(Applause.)
-- and with the national climate in this country to whitewash African American and Stated Meeting history, the work that you are doing means so much and this acknowledgement is so fitting for such a time as this. The Chair recognizes Vanessa Lloyd-Sgambati. (Applause.)
Thank you so very much. And a special thing, before I say anything, I got to give a shout-out to President Kenyatta Johnson, who has supported my work here in the city. He has never, never wavered from understanding my mission to give kids the opportunity to see a world, a broader world than which they live in. But I also want to acknowledge Anthony Phillips, Cindy Bass, Councilmember Anthony Phillips, Councilmember Cindy Bass, Councilmember Jeffrey Young, Jr., Stated Meeting Richardson, because she's been supporting me since she was -- I think she was an intern when she was giving me shout-outs, Councilmember Kendra Brooks, Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr., the best Councilmember in the city because I live in his district, and Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, she got a name that's fierce. A name that will always help you get famous in this world. But I'm going to keep my remarks brief. ABC, the National, contacted me and asked me to prepare a list of books for Black history. And the paragraph opens with, Black history is a great opportunity to learn Black history. So people thought I was going to do a lot of books about slavery. I went right to the core of what Stated Meeting I pulled out a book about Paul Williams. He was the architect to the celebrities. He's a Black man. He designed Frank Sinatra's home. Phillip Freeland who was dyslexic, who's from Philadelphia, Germantown, designed the African American Museum in Washington, D.C. Alma Thomas, she is a painter and the only Black person in the White House galleries. And then we can't forget May Reeves, who lived up here on 60th Street, had a hat shop that she was going to Paris and London in the '40s to get the things that she needed to make her hats. And then Augustus Jackson, he was a free person in the 1800s. We did a presentation about him a few years ago here in Stated Meeting a man who created the idea of having a freestanding store to sell ice cream. He's called the Father of Ice Cream in the United States. And then of course, last but not least, a story about Martin Luther King, who in 1967, not many people know that six months before he died, he made a speech to young people here in Philadelphia. And I met one of those people. He became the president of YMCA, USA, Kevin Washington. So I'm doing this not because we got a couple of books. I'm doing this because literacy, reading empowers you. It gives you knowledge. When somebody tells you you're not good enough or you start talking, oh, you got a history of slavery. Don't let them tell you that because we have a rich Stated Meeting out of slavery, we said, where we're going to educate our people, where we're going to start our businesses, and they were threatened. So I'm going to pass the mic to Alice Faye Duncan, who came all the way from Tennessee. I know she's going to go back home and say there was a lot of people up in there. But she is a woman who wrote the book and brought the life of the story about Martin Luther King. And finally, if you're in Philadelphia on Saturday, and this is where the young people come down and meet over 40 Best Selling New York Times, American Library Association, only the creme de la creme will be there at 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and give me a Stated Meeting and it's free. Alice, remarks. Brief.
Let's give her a Philadelphia welcome, y'all. (Applause.)
My name is Alice Faye Duncan. Councilmembers, you all have received I think two of my books, The Dream Builders Blueprint and Blues Boy, the B.B. King Story. I am from Memphis, Tennessee so you got to get that B.B. King book. Repeat after me. I'm not going to be long. Repeat after me: Dream big. Walk tall. Be strong. March on. Don't quit. Don't quit. Don't quit. Never stop. Never stop. Climb up the mountain top. (Audience repeats.)
Now, all of Stated Meeting us, the children, especially -- I don't care nothing about you old people -- but the chillun, I'm talking to the chillun. Chillun, repeat after me. Possess the land. Possess the land. (Audience repeats.)
And quickly, we need to acknowledge Penn Medicine. They are sponsors of the event. And I was begging on bending knees. I thought I had Boyz II Men behind me singing that song to get sponsors this year. So I'm grateful to Councilmembers who supported, but also Ajeenah and Laura Kim. Thank you. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. Stated Meeting (Council at ease.)
Thank you so much, Mr. President. Colleagues, join me in welcoming Lankenau School in the 4th District. They are here to watch us in government, but also to participate in understanding about our plans for a merger of schools. Welcome them to City Council. Lankenau, please stand. (Applause.)
Member Jones, we officially welcome Lankenau back to City Council chambers on February 17th for the Committee of the Whole to officially review the School District of Philadelphia recommendations for their Stated Meeting
You're welcome, Member Jones. Most of you may or may not know that the City of Philadelphia is approaching a 60-year historical low when it comes to homicides and shootings here in the City of Philadelphia. And so, you have individuals who are working on the ground day-in and day-out, which we call bootson-the-ground organizations to address the issue of youth gun violence. So at this time, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass, who will present a resolution honoring on my behalf, Pushing Progress Philly, P3, and Stated Meeting staff for their unwavering commitment to youth gun violence prevention and strengthening families and building safer, healthier communities in the city of Philadelphia. Would Jaime Jalil Meekins and those accompanying him, please join the Councilmember at the podium. Joining Member Cindy Bass at the podium are the following individuals: Councilmember Rue Landau, Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke, Councilmember Kendra Brooks, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, Councilmember Jim Harrity, Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad, Councilmember Anthony Phillips. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.) Stated Meeting
Mr. Shuler, could you please join us at the podium please. This jawn North Philly heavy too.
We also have joining us, the Head of Public Safety, our Public Safety Advocate here in the City of Philadelphia, Mr. Adam Geer. Thank you. The floor is yours.
Thank you, Mr. President. Can we give these organizations, this organization, a round of applause because they are out here on the ground day-in and day-out regardless of the weather, regardless of whatever conditions are going, whatever has happened in their own lives to make sure that Stated Meeting of us is safe. (Applause.)
That's their mission. And so, we just really want to say thank you to our Council President for seeing the need and the responsibility, really to recognize all of these folks you see before you here today. And so, today we honor Pushing Progress Philly, but everyone knows them as P3, for meeting our young people where they are, especially in our recreation centers which also serve as safe havens in neighborhoods most impacted by gun violence. Through P3's work, these spaces become more than places to play. They become places of healing, mentorship and whole using a public health approach. P3 Stated Meeting before they reach our children, addressing trauma, instability and lack of opportunity while strengthening families and building safer communities under their leadership and supported by a dedicated team of credible messengers and frontline staff. P3 shows our youth that their lives matter and their futures are worth protecting by showing up consistently, modeling accountability and connecting families to real resources. P3 is helping ensure that our kids can grow, thrive and feel safe and the very place is meant for joy and community. And so, with that being said we want to read a resolution which is honoring and commending -thank you, a resolution honoring Stated Meeting Philly, P3, and its outstanding leadership and staff for their unwavering commitment to youth, gun violence prevention, strengthening families and building safer, healthier communities in the City of Philadelphia.
Whereas, Pushing Progress Philly, P3, is a city-funded gun violence initiative operating within the Division of Safe Neighborhoods, serving adults at the highest risk of gun violence involvement through messenger outreach, case management, trauma-informed care, workforce development, housing navigation and structured personal development; and
Whereas, P3 employs public health strategies to interrupt cycles of Stated Meeting causes, including trauma, economic instability, justice systems involvement and housing insecurity, while promoting long-term community reintegration; and
Whereas, P3 is led by Program Director, Dr. Kareem Brown, a North Philadelphia native with a Doctorate in Education from Drexel University, whose background in education and community development informs a restorative traumainformed approach, and Assistant Director Faith Dickey, who has overseen program implementation and partnerships for more than three years, together guiding P3's work toward healing and long-term stability; and
Whereas, P3's outreach, operations Stated Meeting consists of Jamie Jalil Meekins, Carlton Washington, Kareem Fisher, Khalil Young and John Wilson. They bring decades of experience, credible messenger leadership and nationally-informed models to engage participants with consistency, trust and accountability; and
Whereas, P3's frontline staff and facilitators, including Roy Clark, Paul Edward Williams, Jr., Clarence Major, Katisha Simmons and Kevin Cole bring the mission to fruition by mentoring participants, connecting families to vital resources and securing housing and employment outcomes; and
Whereas, together P3 staff have strengthened individual lives, Stated Meeting interrupting violence, fostering opportunity and advancing dignity across the City of Philadelphia. Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, honors Pushing Progress Philly, P3, and its leadership and staff for their exceptional service and unwavering commitment to preventing gun violence and promoting community safety; and
Further resolved, that this body express its deep appreciation for the courage, dedication and service demonstrated by P3's team as they advance initiatives, compassionate solutions to gun violence and its root cause.
Stated Meeting a round of applause. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
Thank you for all of the work that you've been doing in our communities.
Before I bring up Jalil Meekins, I want to also acknowledge one of the founders of this program. He's always Team Johnson even though he's over there with the Administration. Mr. Joshu Harris. Thank you for joining us as well. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Jamie Jalil Meekins for remarks and Adam Geer, Public Safety Advocate, for remarks as well. Jalil, the floor is Stated Meeting
Good morning, everyone. I will behoove to say anything, knowing that I have the Program Director Dr. Kareem Brown, who built this program from its inception when it was just a piece of paper. So I would like to pass the mic to Dr. Kareem Brown.
My man. I first want to thank Council President Kenyatta Johnson and City Council for honoring Pushing Progress Philly. I would also like to thank Chief Public Safety Director Adam Geer for bringing P3 under the City's oversight with a special thank you to Councilwoman Cindy Bass. I want to begin by thanking everyone for the resolution and recognition of Stated Meeting for the continued commitment to safety and dignity of our city. There's a line from a Stevie Wonder song that always stayed with me that said, I thought the cold would leave by summer. Growing up in North Philadelphia, that line meant something different because for many of us, summertime didn't bring warmth, it brought fear. As the weather got hotter, the streets got colder. Gun violence increased, sirens replaced ice cream trucks. Too many lives were interrupted before they had a chance to begin. For decades, that was a pattern, predictable, accepted and normalized. But today, Philadelphia is in a different moment. We are now at historic lows in gun violence, and that did Stated Meeting It happened because the City chose to invest in evidence-based strategies, credible messengers, cognitive behavioral interventions, relentless outreach, transitional employment and community-centered violence prevention. Community-centered violence prevention happened because -(Applause.)
It happened because we stopped asking what's wrong with people and started asking what happened and what works. Pushing Progress Philly is proud to be a part of that ecosystem. Our work is rooted in data accountability and, most importantly, relationships. We walk with people through some of their most difficult moments. Stated Meeting Now, this coming summer will be a test, a test of whether we can sustain this momentum, a test of whether we will stay vigilant as the temperatures rise, a test of whether we continue to match investment with intention, because violence reduction is not seasonal work. It requires yearround commitment. Philadelphia is a city rich in history, culture and resilience and we are on the cusp of becoming one of the safest and greatest cities in the United States. But that future depends on whether we continue to invest in the very communities that for too long have been disinvested. If we do that, if we stay focused, coordinated and bold, then this summer doesn't have to get colder. It could finally get warmer. Thank Stated Meeting (Applause.)
Thank you, Council President. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Council President. It's amazing when we have leadership, right, our Council, our Mayor, our Council President, the folks behind me on the ground all rowing in the same canoe, down that same river towards where we know we're going to be the safest major city in the country. We are on that march. We are on that march because of the leadership. We are on that march because the innovation of programs like this, leaders like this and the investment again that our city is making collectively in this kind of work, it is working. We see that it is working. We must keep that Stated Meeting up, continue to partner as we do, stand together and make this, again, every single neighborhood, every single neighborhood safe to walk down, safe to live in so that we can enjoy what we know is the greatest city in America. So thank you very much, Council President. (Applause.)
Mr. President, before we adjourn to the front to take a picture, I just really wanted to acknowledge from my office Kenneth Thompson, who has worked so much with the gentlemen in this group and who has really been on the ground doing violence prevention work in my district. So I just want to make that acknowledgement. Thank you, Kenny. Stated Meeting (Applause.)
I would also like to acknowledge Kenneth Thompson as well. He's been a magnificent force when it comes to making relationships between city government and those on the ground. So I would acknowledge you as well. Also, obviously I would like to thank the leadership of -I would like to thank the leadership of Dr. Kareem Brown. Obviously, I lost a son to gun violence so this is personal to me. Obviously, I would like to thank the leadership of Council President. He's been -(Applause.)
He's been a magnificent force when championing this work. Obviously, this type of Stated Meeting Obviously, Councilwoman Cindy Bass, she's done so much for me. I can't forget Assistant Director Faith Dickey. A lot of times the women in this space they don't get a lot of credit. And we got some powerful women in this work. (Applause.)
We got people -- I'm 49 years old and I'll end with this. I can't remember the last time that we created a comprehensive ecosystem with city government, grassroots organizations, law enforcement, community-based organizations that's making sure that the voice is being heard of the people. This is the first time that I've ever seen that everybody is on the same path at the same time creating what you see today. Thank you. Stated Meeting (Applause.)
I see a couple individuals who are here supporting some of the boots-on-the-ground violence prevention organizations. I see Frontline Dads, Mr. Rueben Jones. Give him a round of applause. (Applause.)
I see Mel Wells from ODAAT. Give him a round of applause. (Applause.)
Philadelphia Motivation, give him a round of applause as well. We see you here. (Applause.) Stated Meeting
Re-entry Advocate, Ms. Saudia Moneybags. Where Sye at. Give her a round of applause as well. (Applause.)
That's what supports look like, and it's a community of individuals who are out there day-in and day-out on the front line, trying to make sure our streets are safe for our young people and people in general. As I mentioned before, we had a 60-year historical low when it comes to gun violence, particularly homicides and shootings, and that comes from investing in boots-on-the-ground organizations who are on the front line doing this work day-in and day-out. Stated Meeting time, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass who is presenting a resolution, on my behalf, honoring and commending Endangered Kind, it's Founder and Executive Director John Solomon and his leadership team, Nakim Higgins, Jalil Martin, Gary Hill and Eric Knight-Lane for their commitment to fighting youth gun violence and their profound grassroots leadership, uplifting vulnerable young men, families and communities throughout the city of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
Would John Solomon and those accompanying him, please join the Councilmember at the podium. Joining Member Bass at the podium are the following individuals: Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad, Stated Meeting Landau, Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, Councilmember Mike Driscoll, Councilmember Kendra Brooks, Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips, Councilmember Jim Harrity, the Honorable Jannie L. Blackwell, Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
Thank you, Mr. President. Councilmember Mel Wells, how are you. I'm very excited to honor, on Council President's behalf, Endangered Kind and the extraordinary leadership of its founder, John Solomon, along with Nakim Higgins, Jalil Martin, Gary Hill and Eric Knight-Lane and the Stated Meeting us today. Endangered Kind is not just an organization, it's a lifeline in our neighborhoods. They meet young people where they are with honesty, compassion and, most importantly, hope through street-level outreach, mentorship and violence interruption. They work directly with children and young men who are too often written off but never given up on. They're credible messengers who are people with lived experience, build trust, mediate conflicts and help young people see a future beyond survival. They connect families to resources, promote healing and strengthen entire blocks, not just individuals. By investing in dignity, opportunity and community leadership, this group is helping Stated Meeting safer and our neighborhoods grow stronger. And for that work, we proudly honor and recognize them today with a resolution. And the resolution reads: A resolution honoring and commending Endangered Kind, its Founder and Executive Director John Solomon, and its leadership team, Nakim Higgins, Jalil Martin, Gary Hill and Eric Knight-Lane for their commitment to fighting youth gun violence and their profound grassroots leadership uplifting vulnerable young men, families and communities throughout the city of Philadelphia
Whereas, Endangered Kind is a community-aligned organization founded in 2016 by John Solomon, a lifelong Philadelphia resident Stated Meeting community violence profoundly shaped the organization's mission and vision; and
Whereas, at age 15 John Solomon survived a gunshot injury and later served nearly five years in prison for a gun-related offense, during which he embraced personal growth and faith, committing himself to service and community transformation; and
Whereas, after his release John Solomon dedicated his life to uplifting others and building safer communities by addressing the root causes of violence, ultimately founding Endangered Kind where he now serves as Executive Director; and
Stated Meeting Whereas, the organization's leadership team, Nakim Higgins, Jalil Martin, Gary Hill and Eric Knight-Lane has been instrumental in guiding Endangered Kind's outreach programs and community initiatives, deepening its impact throughout Philadelphia neighborhoods; and
Whereas, through community outreach Endangered Kind works directly with residents and neighborhoods experiencing the highest rates of violence by engaging in streetlevel outreach, canvassing peer support and connecting individuals and families to critical resources and support networks that promote stability, healing and trust; and
Whereas, through its violence intervention efforts, Endangered Stated Meeting trained, credible messengers with lived experience to identify individuals at highest risk of harm, they assist in mediating conflicts, interrupting cycles of retaliation and providing ongoing mentorship and support aimed at preventing shootings and saving lives; and
Whereas, through community development initiatives, Endangered Kind invests in long-term neighborhood strength by supporting grassroots leadership, expanding economic and social opportunity and addressing the root causes of violence and divestment;
Whereas, Endangered Kind's holistic and community-centered model aligns with evidence in forum best practices in violence prevention Stated Meeting of Philadelphia's commitment to investing in solutions that center dignity and opportunity rather than punishment. Now, therefore, be it;
Resolved, by the City Council of Philadelphia, hereby honors and commends Endangered Kind, its Founder and Executive Director John Solomon and its leadership team for their commitment to fighting youth gun violence and their profound grassroots leadership uplifting vulnerable young men, families and communities throughout the City of Philadelphia.
And Further resolve that an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Endangered Kind as an expression of the sincere admiration and gratitude of the Stated Meeting of Philadelphia. Congratulations and -(Applause.)
Chair recognizes Executive Director John Solomon.
Greetings, ladies and gentlemen, City Council and every family member, friend and supporter who decided to come out here in support of our organization. I also would like to acknowledge our leadership team, Mr. Jalil Martin, Mr. Gary Hill, Mr. Nakim Higgins, Mr. Eric KnightLane for doing such an awesome job that's supporting this work. For those who don't know, my name is John Solomon. I am the Founder and Executive Director of a local nonprofit organization called Endangered Kind, which was founded Stated Meeting 2016 with the focus on improving community safety on the grassroots and systemic level, because we understand that beyond gun violence, there are other systemic issues that exist, and gun violence is just a byproduct of that. In fact, we understand that beyond gun violence we have other threats to our community right, threats such as housing, threats such as joblessness and living wages, threats such as lack of access to health care and education and other social, economic and political disparities that exist within low-income communities, which is why during a time where SNAP benefits were frozen, our organization decided to respond and feed and help hundreds of families across the North Stated Meeting we realized while we were serving these families is that we had to move beyond our pocket of the city, which is North Philly. We understood that if our goal is to advocate for people, if our goal is to serve people, we have to serve beyond our pocket, which is why we decided to launch what we call the Project Toward 2026, where we'll be visiting 13 different sections of the city because we believe we can't help what we don't hear. We have to hear from the people that we want to serve if we want to advocate for them thoroughly. And I'll close with this, because I think we have a great opportunity for the people that we represent, which is the community, specifically low-income Stated Meeting communities, right, in the year of the 250th year anniversary in the city of democracy, we have an opportunity to help those that are most in need, that's most impacted. We have world-class events coming to the city of Philadelphia. We have events that people can take advantage of in terms of opportunities, in terms of jobs, in terms of business opportunities, in terms of contracting opportunities. And I think that if we truly want to serve all Philadelphians, especially those that have been struggling generationally with poverty, then as a body, as City Council, the Mayor's administration and everybody that's invested into helping people have that opportunity to do so. I also would add, as we Stated Meeting housing, this is also an opportunity for people to be trained up, whether we got to put them in trade schools so they can be trained up and put in unions for them to have the opportunity to intern or take apprenticeships. We also want to give them the opportunity to take advantage of the economic opportunities coming to the city. So again, I'll close by just thanking Council President Johnson. He's been very supportive of the work that we've been doing over the last few years. And also want to thank the City Council. All those that said yes to this resolution, we appreciate you. And I hope that we can continue to do this work and continue to work with Council and other leaders in the city that's willing to do this Stated Meeting work, which is why I made it my business to invite people with other organizations to come here, because they too need to be acknowledged. So again, I thank you. But I wanted to take the time out to allow some of our team members to say a few words. (Applause.)
Real quick, I'm not going to be too long. I just want to say thank God, number one. And most importantly, without him none of this would be possible. Thank you to all our friends and family that's been supporting us along our journey and the City Councilmembers that voted for us to be able to receive this resolution. So many emotions running through me, right. I just want to say, yeah, thank you to everyone and every Stated Meeting fight to be the person that you needed when you were younger, every single day, man. That's all we doing. We fighting to be the person that we needed when we was young, when we was out there, you know what I'm saying. If we don't do it, who's gonna do it. (Applause.)
How y'all doing. My name Gary Hill. I appreciate my friends, my family, everybody who here supporting us. I just want to really give this moment to my man, John. I just appreciate him just adding me to his vision and believing in me and giving me the opportunity just to, you know, save people's lives. I've been shot, I've been in jail and just get my story out to people looking for somebody who I was Stated Meeting was younger. That's all I'm gonna say. But we're gonna continue. We're gonna keep working. Y'all gonna see us again and again and again. Appreciate you, John. (Applause.)
So sorry to interrupt, but I'm very important in including people. Also, the amazing Ms. Makita Hill. She does a great job at administration and logistics and operations when it comes to our business. And that's my lady. (Applause.)
Had to get right. And our youngest recruit which is Kahim Hunter. We call him 150. He's 19 years old. We got Stated Meeting path. (Applause.)
And this is a moment where he gets to have the exposure and really see what it's like to do things the right way and get support from people that's often times lacking. So I just wanted to make sure I acknowledge them. Again, I thank you Council President as well as City Council for acknowledging us. I'm not sure. Mr. Nakim?
So hold on. Before Council is at ease, right, young men, I want y'all to stand there. It's five of y'all, right, part of leadership team. So five positive Stated Meeting City of Philadelphia doing the right things for the right reasons, right. Channel 10 -- look at that camera, y'all. You see that press box over there? Make sure you are paying attention, because often times when you turn on the news, we don't see the images of positive Black young men in the streets of Philadelphia doing the right things for the right reasons. We see the opposite. But just want to make sure we continue to memorialize this moment and also create and tell our own narrative. So, press, check them out, y'all. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
On behalf of Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips, Stated Meeting here during the Student Government Citywide Day here in City Council, the following schools are joining us, Boys Latin, Universal Audenreid, Constitution High, Community College of Philadelphia, West Chester University, Drexel University, Russell Byers Charter School, Harambee Charter School, Temple University, Esperanza Charter School, Frankford High School, Abraham Lincoln High School, West Philadelphia High School, Friends Central, Independence Charter School, Tacony Charter School, Franklintown and Mastbaum High School, welcome to City Council. (Applause.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the SergeantStated Meeting from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Will the Chief Clerk please read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications in her possession.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise to you that on February 2, 2026 I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on January 22, 2026: Bill No. 250986 and Bill No. 250990. There are no further communications in my possession, Council President.
Thank you very much. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The next order of Stated Meeting business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips.
Thank you, Council President. Today I'm introducing four privileged resolutions. Two on your behalf.
Thank you very much. Would the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the resolutions.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Black Girls Love Math for its work in eliminating racial and gender inequality in mathematics by cultivating a positive math identity for Black girls through culturally responsive enrichment, mentoring and community Stated Meeting in Philadelphia.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
I'm lunching. This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
A privileged resolution declaring February 5, 2026, as Citywide Student Government Day in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution declaring February 2026 as "Black History Stated Meeting Month" in the City of Philadelphia, and recognizing the 100th anniversary of its observance.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution congratulating Donna Cooper on her retirement and recognizing her transformational leadership and lifelong advocacy for children in Philadelphia and across the state of Pennsylvania.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes the Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson. COUNCILWOMAN GILMORE Stated Meeting RICHARDSON: Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Today I offer two privileged resolutions, one of which is on your behalf.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution recognizing February 2026 as Career and Technical Education Month in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Nicole Cashman, Stated Meeting Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cashman & Associates, on the occasion of the firm's 25th anniversary, and recognizing her remarkable contributions to the business community and cultural vitality of the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Morning, Council President. Stated Meeting Nothing today.
Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer two privileged resolutions.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution Honoring and Recognizing the Legacy and Contributions of Prince Hall FreeMasonry during Black History Month.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Stated Meeting Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Rick Williams, Sharrie Williams, Ukee Washington, Thera Martin and Solomon Jones for their service to Philadelphia as trusted journalists and stewards of truth during Black History Month.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones.
Mr. President, we will be adding at least two names to that by the final time when we present. Thank you.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Stated Meeting Councilmember Rue Landau.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues and the public. I have one non-privileged resolution and one privileged resolution on your behalf.
Thank you very much. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the resolutions.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring HughE Dillon aka PhillyChitChat, for his remarkable contributions to the cultural and social life of the City, and celebrating his work chronicling the spirit of Philadelphia.
Thank you very much. This resolution will be placed on Stated Meeting today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution commending the Pennsylvania General Assembly for including the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit in the 2025-2026 budget, a crucial new tool to provide essential resources and lift families out of poverty across the Commonwealth.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution today.
Will the Chief Clerk Stated Meeting please read the title of the privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing Bad Bunny's cultural impact, advocacy for historically underrepresented voices and congratulating him on his 2026 Grammy award for Album of the Year for Debi Tirar Mas Fotos.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair now recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one bill on your behalf.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk Stated Meeting please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 9-208 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Cafes" and Section A-301.1.5 of Title 4 Subcode "A" ("The Philadelphia Administrative Code") of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Use Registration Permits," by removing expired provisions related to outdoor entertainment at sidewalk cafes, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged Stated Meeting resolution to offer today.
Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing and celebrating the women of All Of Us Or None Philadelphia, Why not Prosper and SWAG for their efforts to address and fix laws that permit enslavement as a punishment for a crime, on the occasion of Black History Month.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.
Good afternoon, Council President. I have one non-privileged Stated Meeting resolution and two privileged resolutions today.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the resolutions.
A privileged resolution recognizing the rise of cardiovascular disease as one of the world's leading causes of death and disability, and recognizing February 2026 as "American Heart Month."
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Labor and Civil Service and the Committee on Transportation to hold joint Stated Meeting hearings regarding the arrival of driverless rideshare vehicles in the City of Philadelphia and its impact on labor, the local economy and public safety.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution calling on the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework and conduct a formal safety and labor impact review of driverless rideshare vehicles operating in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our Stated Meeting next session of Council to recognize Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.
Good morning, Mr. President. Good morning, Philadelphians. Nothing today.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk -Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll.
Thank you very much for. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance to amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code by adding Section 14-546 entitled /SIX, Sixth District Overlay District, revise Stated Meeting Section 14-515, the /NE, Northeast Overlay District, remove Section 14-523, the /IMA, Industrial and Manufacturing Area Overlay District, and make other related changes, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Chair recognizes Councilmember Brian O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill and one Stated Meeting privileged resolution.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the bill and resolution.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Service and Other Businesses" to add a definition of fitness centers and provide a limited exception to the curfew permitting earlier hours of operation in the 7th and 8th Councilmanic Districts, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution honoring the legacy of William Thaddeus Coleman, Stated Meeting Jr. and recognizing March 10, 2026, as "William Thaddeus Coleman, Jr. Day" in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. I offer one bill, one privileged resolution and one non-privileged resolution.
Thank you very much. Would the Chief Clerk please read the bill and resolutions for Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.
An ordinance providing for the Stated Meeting submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the creation of the Philadelphia Child Welfare Commission; and authorizing and directing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, providing for the creation of the Philadelphia Child Welfare Commission; and Stated Meeting providing for the submission of the proposed amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Mercy-Douglas Hospital as the first Black Hospital in Philadelphia and commemorating the enduring legacy of its founder, Dr. Nathan Francis Mossell and his commitment to advancing health equity and medical excellence.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The next order of business is reports from the committee. The Chair recognizes Stated Meeting a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Rules reports out five bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.
The Committee on Rules to which were referred the following bill: Bill No. 251031, an ordinance repealing in its entirety Bill No. 241055 (approved December 23, 2024), entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Packer Avenue, Seventh Street, Pattison Stated Meeting Avenue, and Darien Street. To amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code by adding Section 14-541 entitled "/PAK, Packer Avenue Overlay District and making other related changes, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports that has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. Bill No. 250917, an ordinance amending Section 14-529 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "/VDO, Fifth District Overlay District," to provide for building requirements to prevent vacant lots, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 250988, an ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code (entitled "Service and Other Businesses") to Stated Meeting in the Fifth Councilmanic District; and amending Section 14-529 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "/VDO, Fifth District Overlay District," to restrict certain commercial uses and make other related changes, all under certain terms and conditions. And Bill No. 250989, an ordinance 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, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation. There are no further Stated Meeting from the Committee on Rules, Council President.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading this day of the bills just read into the record by the Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to prevent the consideration of these bills just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. All those in favor of the motion was signify by saying aye. Stated Meeting (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll for a report from the Committee on Licenses and Inspections.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Licenses and Inspections reports out two bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report. Stated Meeting
The Committee on Licenses and Inspections to which were referred the following bills: Bill No. 250980, an ordinance amending Chapter 9-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Property Licenses and Owner Accountability," by requiring non-resident landlords to provide verifiable contact information and a designated local contact and establishing penalties for non-compliance, all under certain terms and conditions. And Bill No. 251097, an ordinance 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 Stated Meeting Training as a condition of lifting a Cease Operations Order, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.