Stated Meeting, May 7, 2026

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania May 7, 2026 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN CINDY 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 MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR. ELIZABETH McCOLLUM NAZARIO, CHIEF CLERK - -

Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)

Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)

I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this City Council is present. This City Council session has officially come to order. All visitors, please retire to the seats outside the rails before proceeding. I will ask all those present to please set your cell phones to silent and/or vibrate. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Reverend John Babowitch, which is Pastor of Our Lady of Calvary Parish. He is here today as guest of Councilmember Brian O'Neill. I will ask all members and guests to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests and visitors rise.)

In the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen. We stand before you, Holy Spirit, conscious of our own sinfulness, but aware that we gather in your name. Come to remain and enlighten our hearts. Give us light and strength to know your will and make it your own, and to live in our own lives. Bless all those that serve on City Council. Bless their staff. Bless their families. Bless all of us here present as they work for the City of Philadelphia. Guide them by their wisdom, support them by your power, for you are God, sharing the glory of the Father and Son, you desire justice for all. Enable us to uphold the rights of others. Do not allow us to be led, misled by ignorance or corrupted by fear or favor. Unite us to yourself and the bond of love, and keep us faithful to all that is true. As we gather in your name, may we temper justice with love so that all are decisions may be pleasing to you and earn the reward promised to good and faithful servants. You live and reign, God, forever and ever. Amen. May Almighty God bless you all, Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Amen. God bless. (Amen.)

The Chair thanks the Reverend for the invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll.

Morning, Mr. President. I request grant permission to attend to some important business, and I wish to be recorded in the affirmative on all bills and resolutions today.

Leave is granted and recorded. The next order of business is the Approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.

Good morning, everybody. Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the journal of the meeting on Thursday, April 30, 2026 be approved. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 30, 2026 stand approved. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is request for leave of absence. And the Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Majority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilmember Phillips.

The Chair thanks the Majority Leader. Leave will be granted. The Chair recognizes Minority Whip Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Minority, a leave of absence is requested for Minority Leader Kendra Brooks.

The Chair thanks you, and leave will be granted. The Chair now recognizes Majority Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion regarding 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 first 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 properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Majority Leader 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.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the motion carries. 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 your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our great city. We certainly invite you to come again. Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.

Thank you, Mr. President. As many of you know, I am the only Divine Nine member of Philadelphia City Council, an affiliation that has profoundly shaped both who I am and how I serve. With that in mind, today I am introducing a resolution 22 celebrating the National Pan-Hellenic Council, an umbrella organization composed of historically Black Greek letter organizations on its 96th Founders Day on May 10, 2026 and declaring May 10, 2026 NPHC Day in the City of Philadelphia. The resolution 8 recognizes the NPHC for its meaningful contributions, service and leadership within Philadelphia as well as the impact of our members across the city through scholarship, community service, mentorship, voter engagement, public health advocacy, economic empowerment and educational initiatives. I am grateful to have Cassandre Luberus, President of the Southeastern Pennsylvania National Pan-Hellenic Council here with us today in City Council to provide public comment in support of the resolution. Please join me in welcoming her and all the members of the Divine Nine to Philadelphia City Council. I ask that each of you who are represented here today, including the staffers, please stand. (Applause.)

Welcome to City Council. Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.

Again good morning, Council President. Today I introduced a resolution honoring Ben Dubin. If Ben Dubin and his family can stand up. Ben Dubin is here today. Ben Dubin is a 33-year public servant in the School District of Philadelphia, working at a number of schools, including Northeast High School, Gillespie Middle School and currently at Frankford High School. Ben Dubin is the Dean, the Athletic Director. years 6 Ben Dubin has been the Chair of 7 Boys Basketball, and I had the 8 privilege to work with him, not 9 just through that hat, but through 10 a number of different hats. And 11 so, today we honor Ben Dubin 12 because he's retiring. 13 And I just want to also 14 take a moment of personal privilege 15 to talk about the fact that during 16 COVID, during COVID, when the times 17 were so uncertain and we really did not know what was going to happen with public schools, the public league, and how we were going to move forward with extracurricular activities, there was a moment where we were going to allow private schools to play and not the public schools, and Ben Dubin was a part of the coalition of people who worked collaboratively to make sure that the public league was able to play. And in my opinion, that was one of the most important decisions that was made to save the public league and to save our schools. And so, I just want to commemorate Ben Dubin, welcome his family here, congratulate him on his retirement and thank him for his service. Can we give him a round of applause, everybody? (Applause.)

And Council President, he's a Frankford guy. So I had to put the Frankford side in there. Thank you, Council President.

You're welcome, and congratulations. That's a significant amount of dedicated years of service to our young people. I also want to take a moment to acknowledge and congratulate our member, Curtis Jones, Jr. on being named -- (Applause.)

I ain't even say what it is yet. But on being named the Interim Chair of the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commissioner by our Governor Josh Shapiro. (Applause.)

Congratulations, sir. The Governor spent the block and said, I need Curtis Jones, what's up? Very high honor, sir. And I'm sure you would do a great job.

Thank you, sir.

At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Brian O'Neill, who will present a resolution honoring and recognizing Austin J. McGreal, Esquire, for his over 40 years of legal services and dedication to the City of Philadelphia through his tenure as general counsel of the Philadelphia Municipal Authority. Would Attorney Austin McGreal and those accompanying him please join Councilmember O'Neill at the podium? And joining Member O'Neill are the following Councilmembers: Councilmember Cindy Bass, Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, Councilmember Rue Landau, Councilmember O'Rourke and Councilmember Jay Young, Esquire. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)

The floor is yours, Member O'Neill.

Thank you, Mr. President. I must say in advance, this is really Councilwoman Bass' resolution. Aus lives in her district, and I've known him for at least 40 years and him coming in from the Hospital Authority so many times and educating the Council on whatever legislation was before us. So, Aus, you're incredible. And my daughter knows one of your daughters and has been down at your house in Longport, that everybody tries to buy from you every once in a while, for when I'm here. But it's just a real pleasure because Austin is a legal titan and a Philadelphia titan. And it's great to have him in here because he spent so many times testifying and educating us. So this is a resolution 8 honoring and recognizing Austin J. McGreal, Esquire, for his 40 years of legal service and dedication to the City of Philadelphia through his tenure as general counsel of what is now called the Philadelphia Municipal Authority; and Whereas, Austin J. McGreal, Esquire, has devoted over 40 years of distinguished legal service to the City of Philadelphia's general counsel, that's kind of repeating the first one. But, Councilwoman;

Whereas, throughout his tenure at the Philadelphia Municipal Authority, Mr. McGreal provided exceptional legal counsel and expertise assisting the City of Philadelphia in the financing and execution of numerous major capital projects critical to the City's infrastructure and public safety; and

Whereas, such projects include, but are not limited to, the Criminal Justice Center; Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility; Philadelphia Gas Works Headquarters Project; Municipal Services Rehabilitation Project; Juvenile Justice Center; Guaranteed Energy Savings (Quadplex) Project; Public Safety Services Campus; Tax-Exempt Lease Purchase Financing; and

Whereas, Mr. McGreal also played a key role in financing and supporting vital initiatives for the Philadelphia Water Department, including the Automatic Meter Reading Project, Biosolids Project, and Biogas Project; and

Whereas, his legal leadership further supported the Streets Department through projects such as the Recycling Program and the BigBelly Project, enhancing sustainability and efficiency across the City; and Whereas, Mr. McGreal oversaw and negotiated numerous Lease and Sublease Agreements between the Philadelphia Municipal Authority and the City of Philadelphia, ensuring fiscal responsibility and operational continuity; and

Whereas, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. McGreal continued to demonstrate unwavering dedication and professionalism by ensuring that the Philadelphia Municipal Authority met all of its obligations to the City of Philadelphia in a timely and effective manner, despite unprecedented challenges; and Whereas, Mr. McGreal's decades-long commitment, integrity and legal acumen have left a lasting and positive impact on the City of Philadelphia and its residents; now, therefore, be it

Resolve, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, Hereby honors and recognizes Austin J. McGreal, Esquire, for his more than 40 years of exemplary services and legal dedication to the City of Philadelphia through the Philadelphia Municipal Authority; and Further Resolve, that an Engrossed copy of this resolution 6 be presented to Mr. Austin J. McGreal as an expression of the gratitude and appreciation of the Council of the City of Philadelphia. Thank you so much for your service. (Applause.)

Chair recognizes Mr. McGreal, Esquire. MR. McGREAL: First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Chairman and the Council for passing the resolution, which I was totally surprised to see, and thank you very much for doing that. Secondly, I wanted to thank former Mayor Bill Green who appointed me to this position over 44 years ago. Thank you, Bill. The next thing, I want to thank the Board members who served on the Board over that period of time. Some of them have gone to the return on rewards but the rest of them are still alive and they all worked uncompensated in that business for the last 50 years that I've been around. Thirdly, I'd like to personally thank the present Chairman of the Board, Robert Tzelecki, who spends all of his time dedicated to help in fulfilling the requirements of the Philadelphia financial situation. Thirdly, but not last, I want to thank Brian Gorman, the Executive Director of the Municipal Authority, who alone has run that authority for numerous years. The city certainly benefited from her work and I'm sure she will continue to do so. Thank you very, very much, Lorna. Finally, I'd like to thank my family who tolerated me for the last 44 years. And lastly, I want to say, God bless the City of Philadelphia and God bless the United States of America, both of which adopted me as an immigrant many, many years ago. (Applause.)

Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

At this time, the Chair recognizes Majority Katherine Gilmore Richardson, who will present a resolution recognizing May 7, 2026 as Alexander Graham Bell and AT&T Day in the City of Philadelphia on the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of the first successful phone call and the ultimate founding of AT&T -- (Applause.)

-- as well as the first broad public demonstration of the telephone later that year at the Centennial World's Fair in the City of Philadelphia. Would Sadia Walker and those accompanying her, please join the Councilmember at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)

Thank you. Thank you so much, Mr. President. It is certainly my honor and privilege to present this resolution recognizing the 150th anniversary of the first successful phone call and designating May 7, 2006 as Alexander Graham Bell and AT&T Day here in the City of Philadelphia. So not only are we celebrating our Semiquincentennial and the founding of this nation right here in the great City of Philadelphia, last night Councilmember Squilla and I had the opportunity to be at the nation's first hospital to not only celebrate their 275th anniversary and the grand opening of the newest museum in Downtown Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hospital, but today we are also celebrating the 150th anniversary of the first successful phone call and designating today as Alexander Graham Bell and AT&T Day. So first, we wanted to say thank you to AT&T, David Kerr, Sadia Walker, Corey Austin, Joe Divis. Let's give a round of applause for our friend, our longtime friend Joe Divis. (Applause.)

And not only are we celebrating the anniversary of that first phone call, we are also celebrating the first public demonstration of the telephone later that year at the Centennial World's Fair in Philadelphia, which ultimately led to the founding of AT&T. And so, while it's very difficult for us to imagine a world without phones today, the significance of this anniversary cannot be understated. What began as a single call helped to transform how we connect, how we share information and respond in critical moments, and that history is rooted right here in the great City of Philadelphia. Since then, our city has remained a leader in connectivity, innovation and progress. And it is my honor to recognize this milestone today; and Whereas, whether in government, commerce or public safety, one thing has been essential through every era of progress, the ability to communicate quickly, clearly and reliably; and

Whereas, on March 10, 2026, AT&T marked the 150th anniversary of the first successful telephone call -- which I vaguely remember -- a breakthrough that changed how people connect across distance and strengthen communities and accelerated economic and civic life. Thank you.

And whereas, in 1876 at America's first official world's fair, the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Alexander Graham Bell demonstrated his invention, the telephone; and

Whereas, on November 14, 1878, the first commercial telephone exchange in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania opened in Philadelphia through the Bell Telephone Company, bringing a new kind of connection to homes, businesses and institutions; and

Whereas, as communications evolved, Philadelphia remained essential to its expansion. On October 1, 1930 the first interstate connection for the police teletypewriter network opened between New York City, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, improving cross-state coordination and helping law enforcement share critical information faster and more reliable; and

Whereas, on October 1, 1948, a long-distance coaxial telephone cable linked Philadelphia through Pittsburgh to Cleveland, adding long distance telephone circuits, and significantly expanding national communications capacity constructed through the joint efforts of the Bell Telephone Company of Pennsylvania, the Ohio Telephone Company and the AT&T Long Lines Department. This product underscored Philadelphia's role as a vital hub in the nation's communications network; and

Whereas, as we recognize this 150th year milestone, we also honor the workers and innovators who helped make these advancements possible, the engineers, technicians, operators and public safety professionals, whose skills and dedication have helped keep people connected when it matters most; now, therefore, be it

As a son of a mother who was a union steward for CWA working at AT&T, Resolved that the Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby recognizes May 7, 2026 as Alexander Graham Bell and AT&T Day in the City of Philadelphia, marking the 150th anniversary of the first successful phone call and the ultimate founding of AT&T as well as the first broad public demonstration of the telephone later that year at the Centennial World's Fair

Further Resolved, that an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Sadia Walker and Corey Alston of AT&T as evidence of the gratitude and sincere admiration of this legislative body.

The Chair recognizes Sadia Walker.

Good morning, everyone. Thank you, Philadelphia City Council, for this honor and recognizing May 7, 2026 as Alexander Graham and AT&T Day. I am Sadia Walker, the Associate Sales Director for AT&T in Philadelphia, and I am proud to accept this on behalf of our employees and retirees across the region. Philadelphia has always been a part of the communication story from Alexander Graham, as we heard, demonstrating the first phone call in 1876 to today's G and FirstNet networks, connecting our communities every single day. We're proud to continue investing in technology, connectivity and most importantly, the people in this city. Thank you again. Connection changes everything.

Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant- at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Would the Chief Clerk please read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications in his possession.

To the President and the members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I'm submitting herewith for the consideration of your Honorable body the following proposed: An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Department, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an agreement with the Philadelphia Energy Authority to purchase electricity and certain attributes and benefits related to the generation of such electricity from a solar energy facility to be built and owned by Reactivate, LLC, located at Northeast Philadelphia Airport, for use at and in connection with City facilities, all under certain terms and conditions. A resolution confirming the appointment of Guarav Mehta as the member of the Board of Philadelphia Energy Authority. A resolution confirming the appointment of Matthew Bowman as a member of the Board of Philadelphia Energy Authority. A resolution confirming the reappointment of Barbara Moore as a member of the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority. A resolution confirming the appointment of Sonté Reavis as a member of the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority; and A resolution confirming the reappointment of Sophia Lee as a member of the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority. 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 business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.

Good morning. Thank you, Council President. Today I offer four bills and two resolutions. One of the resolutions is non-privileged on your behalf. The second resolution 15 is privileged on my behalf. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Would the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the bills and resolutions.

An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to change City procurement procedures and requirements; fixing the date of a special election for such purpose; prescribing the form of ballot questions to be voted on; and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance amending Section 17-103 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Bonds Relating to Procurement Contracts," to amend requirements related to performance and payment bonds on certain contracts and providing for disclosure and monitoring of bond acquisition costs, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance amending Section 17-109 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Local Bidding Preferences," by establishing a new category of bid preference for businesses that are both local and small, and amending definitions, certification, goal setting, and reporting requirements, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

An ordinance amending Chapter 17-1400 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Non-Competitively Bid Contracts; Financial Assistance," by updating references and exclusions, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

A non-privileged resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to change City procurement procedures and requirements, and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council.

And a privileged resolution recognizing, honoring and congratulating the National Pan-Hellenic Council on its 96th Founders' Day, and declaring May 10, 2026 as National Pan-Hellenic Council Day in the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.

Good morning, Council President. Today I have one privileged resolution and one non-privileged resolution.

Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the titles of the resolutions.

A non-privileged resolution, also naming the 4100 Block of Powelton Avenue as "West Powelton Steppers Way" to honor the legacy and impact of the West Powelton Steppers and Drum Squad in the community.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. Good job, Member Gauthier.

A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN) on its 25th anniversary for its outstanding leadership in advancing a just, green, and thriving local economy, and for its enduring commitment to the independent businesses and communities that make Philadelphia thrive.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.

Good morning, Council President. Today I offer three resolutions; one being co-introduced with Councilmembers Gauthier and Brooks. The other one being introduced on behalf of Councilmember Phillips. Thank you, Council President.

Thank you very much. Would the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the resolutions.

A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the St. Raymond of Penafort Boys Basketball Team for winning the 2026 Region 58 Championship, the 2026 Archdiocese of Philadelphia Varsity Boys Basketball Championship, and the 2026 Pennsylvania CYO State Championship, and celebrating a historic season that brought pride and distinction to the Mt. Airy community.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution celebrating and honoring Ben Dubin on his retirement after 33 years of dedicated service, unwavering leadership and a lasting impact on students, athletes and the school community.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia City Council Education Committee to hold hearings investigating concerns around Board of Education governance model decision-making processes and exploring options for an elected or hybrid School Board.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Good work, Member Thomas. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. Before I introduce my resolution, can we recognize the school up on the Ridge, Roxborough High School, who has joined us to look at our democracy in action. (Applause.)

Could y'all please stand?

Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution today.

Thank you very much, Member Jones. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the resolution.

A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the career and cultural impact of Stephen Colbert on the occasion of the conclusion of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.

Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and public. Today I have one bill 15 and four privileged resolutions.

Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the titles of the bill and resolutions.

An ordinance amending Section 9-208 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Cafes," to authorize additional locations for sidewalk cafes, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a privileged resolution declaring May 2026 as Affordable Housing Month in the City of Philadelphia, and recognizing the need for stable, safe, accessible, and affordable housing for all residents.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Spiral Q on the occasion of its 25th annual Peoplehood Parade and Pageant, for their extraordinary contributions to building a vibrant community of joy, creativity and abundance with unwavering commitment to justice and equality.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating the Reading Terminal Market for garnering the outstanding recognition as the Best Public Market in America.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution declaring May 16, 2026, as National Honor Our LGBTQ+ Elders Day in the City of Philadelphia, a day to recognize and celebrate the contributions of LGBTQ+ elders who have been pivotal in the fight for justice, equity, and rights for every member of the LGBTQ+ community.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.

Good morning, Council President. I have nothing today.

Thank you very much. Chief Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.

Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer two bills, one privileged resolution and one non-privileged resolution.

Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the titles of the bills and resolution.

An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designation of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Thompson Street, 17th Street, Girard Avenue, Ridge Avenue, 19th Street, Cabot Street, and 18th Street, and amending Section 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts" by amending Section 14-529, entitled "/VDO, Fifth District Overlay District," all under certain terms and conditions.

Amending Section 14-529, entitled "/VDO, Fifth District Overlay District," all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 120 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Cleveland Street from Girard Avenue northwardly to Stiles Street, striking from the City plan and vacating Stiles Street from 18th Street westwardly to 19th Street, under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a non-privileged resolution 3 supporting the proposed Sam Worley Elderly Tax Relief Act, legislation to exempt qualifying long-term elderly homeowners from school, county, and municipal property taxes on their primary residences in Pennsylvania.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution recognizing the week of May 4-8 as "National Teacher Appreciation Week" and May 7 as "Black Teacher Appreciation Day" in the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Let's go back to the resolution from Member Jay Young regarding tax relief for the elderly. Please recite that again.

A non-privileged resolution 10 supporting the proposed Sam Worley Elderly Tax Relief Act, legislation to exempt qualifying long-term elderly homeowners from school, county, and municipal property taxes on their primary residences in Pennsylvania.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.

Good morning, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.

Thank you very much, sir. Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.

Thank you, Mr. President. Good morning, Philadelphians. I have nothing today.

Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilmember Brian O'Neill.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill.

Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the bill.

An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Department, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an agreement with the Philadelphia Energy Authority to purchase electricity and certain attributes and benefits related to the generation of such electricity from a solar energy facility to be built on to be built and owned by Reactivate, LLC, located at Northeast Philadelphia Airport, for use at and in connection with City facilities, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill.

Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the bill.

An ordinance amending Chapter 10-100 ("Animals") of The Philadelphia Code to restrict the operation of carriage horse businesses and provide for penalties for violations, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one bill, one privileged resolution and one non-privileged resolution.

Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the bill and resolutions.

An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Business, Trades, and Professions," by prohibiting the sale of foie gras in the City of Philadelphia and providing penalties for violations, under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a privileged resolution recognizing the month of May 2026 as "National Foster Care Month" in the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a non-privileged resolution calling for the expansion of equitable cultural opportunities for children enrolled in childcare facilities throughout the City of Philadelphia through membership access to the Art-Reach ACCESS Program, particularly during the summer season when the City welcomes visitors from around the world.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next Council session. Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.

Thank you, Council President. I have four privileged resolutions, one of which is with Councilmember O'Rourke.

Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the titles of the resolutions.

Recognizing the critical role of the Philadelphia Sexual Assault Response Program in providing trauma-informed forensic care to survivors of sexual assault and affirming the City's commitment to uninterrupted 24/7 access to these services.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution recognizing May 2026 as Menstrual Health Awareness Month.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution recognizing May 2026 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution recognizing May 2026 as World Heritage Month in Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage 2ND READING Calendar. There being no reports from committees today, the Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning the resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar and the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions are being called up from the Final Passage Calendar and the following bills are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Resolution Nos. 260436, 260437, 260447, 260448 and Bill Nos. 251029, 251070, 260134, 260265 and 260266. The following 2ND READING resolutions and bills on the Calendars are being held: 250768, 250807 and 260340.

Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning additional bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the following bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar: Nos. 250806, 250836, 250918, 251067, 251100, 260026, 260063, 260216, 260217, 260240, 260242, 260267, 260337, 260338, 2ND READING 260339 and 260341. (Duly seconded.)

Yeah, Majority Leader. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of the Consent Agenda to consider the bills just read by Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries and we will consider the Bill Consent Agenda shortly before considering these bills and resolutions. We will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for possible action in today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up for today's session, please do so now by giving your name to Ms. Hasson at the table outside the rails to my left. Once you have signed up, you will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. Under ideal circumstances, public commenters each will have three minutes to speak -- as mentioned, under ideal circumstances public commenters each will have three minutes to speak. However, this time limit may vary from session to session. Today the time limit will be two minutes. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the two-minute limit. When you begin speaking, you will see a green light on the podium. When there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, the light will turn yellow, which is your reminder to please conclude your remarks. Once two minutes have passed, the light will turn red and the Sergeant-at-Arms will disconnect the microphone. At that point, please yield the podium to the next speaker if you have not done so already. I also reserve the right, pursuant to our rules of Council, to limit repetitious comments on the same subject matter. I will now ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.

Will Ben Dubin, Juan Namuvn, Octavia Williams and Annie Allman, Alex Bassett Strange, Annette Griffin, Kimberly Nelson and Lynn Landes, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good morning, my name is Juan Namuvn. Thank you so very much to everybody for having us. I am representing our entire Frankford High School family in the School District of Philadelphia in honoring Benjamin Dubin. I have had the honor of working alongside Ben for years 21 at Frankford High School and I am 22 just here to say that I wish 23 everybody could understand the 24 amount of work and strength he has shown our school and our student athletes from around the city for 33 years. And if you know anything about basketball at the national level, Philadelphia basketball high school level is a hotbed, and Ben Dubin is at the forefront of making sure our student athletes are seen and heard. On a personal note, I have to share with everybody, I have had a front row view of watching Ben Dubin work closely with our special needs population, and he has been a remarkable advocate for them every morning, smile on his face, energy showing a pep in his step, working with our special students and every other student also. But we want to thank Councilmember Thomas for allowing us two minutes, along with our entire admin and other coaches in saying that Ben Dubin deserves every honor he gets because of the wonderful career he has given and all the love he has shown to our students and student athletes. Thank you. Have a great day. (Applause.)

Hi. I'm Ben Dubin. First, I want to thank my family, friends and coworkers for coming here. I know coming through rush hour here in the morning is not easy and I really appreciate you being here. I also want to thank Councilmember Thomas for insisting that I do this. It's generally not the kind of thing that I say yes to. But when Councilmember Thomas' eyes get big, it's very hard to say no to him, so here I am. I also want to thank the rest of City Council for giving me this. This is a true honor to be here and accept this resolution. Last night, while I was watching the Sixers' unfortunate loss, me and my brother were texting. And one of the things we were talking about was that the announcers always seem to hate Philadelphia, whether it's last night's game or, you know, whatever sport it is. And you mentioned the reason why we love Jason Kelsey in Philadelphia so much is because he embraced that nobody likes us, we don't care, and I love that old T-shirt of Philly Versus Everybody, and that is what I've always been prideful being from Philadelphia. Any time I go in the country, I'm excited to say that I'm a Philadelphian. I'm a Philadelphia public school student teacher. It's been over 50 years to be part of Philadelphia. And I'm proud of that and I know after I leave here with my little piece and go back to work, you guys have a lot of important issues that are going to be contentious and will be tough. And we fight for what we believe in, in Philadelphia. And my hope is that as you're fighting for this, we understand that everybody's in it for Philadelphia, whether you're politically different, philosophically different, but we're in this together and it really is, truly is Philly versus everybody. And as you have these moments, do in a way that makes Philadelphia's proud, showing that we look out for each other first. And, yes, we can still get to what's important to resolve these issues but let's do it together, and try to keep it in a way that we get to where we need to be and want to be. And again, thank you for the award. I appreciate the administration. (Applause.)

Good morning. My name is Octavia Williams and I'm the staff attorney at the Housing Justice Team at Senior Law Center. Thank you, honorable members of the Philadelphia City Council, for the opportunity to testify. Senior Law Centers seek justice for older adults by using the power of law, educating the community and advocating at the local, state, and federal level. We provide free legal assistance to thousands of older Philadelphians each year, including victims of elder abuse and financial exploitation, grandparents raising grandchildren and older individuals facing undue or financial burdens in Philadelphia. Additionally, our housing justice program serves older, low-income homeowners and tenants facing housing crisis and homelessness by representing and advocating for those facing evictions and landlord issues as well as homeowners facing problems with tangled titles, mortgage and tax foreclosures, deed fraud and other homeownership issues. I am here today to support the resolution proposed by Councilmember Landau declaring May 2026 as Affordable Housing Month in the City of Philadelphia. I also want to note that May is National Older Americans Month, which observed by the administration for communities living at a time to recognize older Americans' contributions and reaffirm their commitment to serving older adults. This resolution is more than symbolic. It is a vital call to action. Almost half of the renters in Philadelphia are struggling financially, spending over 30% of their income on housing, with some paying more than 50% on housing costs. In fact, around 70% of extremely low-income renters and a similar percentage of extremely low-income homeowners spend more than half of their income just for housing. This is not sustainable. Rising housing costs impede older Philadelphians' ability to pay for housing in Philadelphia -- let me just wrap up really quick. Senior Law Center appreciates how City Council has prioritized lifting its citizens out of poverty through homeownership and a transfer of wealth. Thank you.

Good morning. My name is Annie Allman and I'm speaking in support of Councilmember Landau's resolution 11 recognizing Reading Terminal Market, which was just named the number one public market in America by USA Today. I'd like to begin by thanking City Council and Council President Kenyatta Johnson for your leadership and your partnership in supporting all the amazing institutions, including Reading Terminal, that make Philly special and unique. I'm here today in my role as CEO and General Manager of the Market Corporation, which serves as a steward of Philadelphia's historic public market, which many people do not realize is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For 133 years, the market has been feeding Philadelphia's heart and soul. As a nonprofit, we are not just a destination but a mission-driven public asset to the City of Philadelphia. 880 small family-owned businesses currently operate out of our National Historic Landmark building. In the past five years, we have opened or expanded nearly 30 merchant businesses at the market. All of this is part of our commitment to foster entrepreneurship and serve as an economic engine for the City of Philadelphia. Let me remind you, we also bring fresh food to Philadelphia. We serve all neighborhoods and we are believed to be the number one site for redemption of EBT and SNAP benefits in the entire Commonwealth. Leading up to today, we put in a lot of work to be the very best Reading Terminal Market we can be to keep bringing a positive experience to our loyal locals and our visitors, and bringing the cleanest public restrooms in Philly. Our public dining areas are getting new seating, and this summer we are committed to transforming the 1100 block of Filbert Street into a pedestrian plaza. These are just a few of the examples on the way. Our team is deeply invested in Philadelphia and we want to set it up so that when you're celebrating the Semiquincentennial, which is 100 years from now. The Reading Terminal Market will still be the shining light that it is. Thank you. I know I'm out of time. Thank you to Councilmember Landau, to Councilmember Squilla and Councilperson Kathy Gilmore Richardson for always being in our corner, and come visit us. (Applause.)

All right. Thank you. My name is Alexander Bassett Strange. I'm with Bassetts Ice Cream Company, the last remaining original tenant in Reading Terminal Market. We're extremely proud to be here. It's a real honor. Thank you for having us. City Council, Bassetts Ice Cream has been around since 1861. It's the oldest ice cream company in the United States. Was founded by my great-great-great- grandfather, and we've served Philadelphian-style ice cream over our counter for the last 133 years at the Reading Terminal Market. We're so proud to serve Philadelphia. We really appreciate the designation as the number one public market in Reading Terminal Market. So thank you for the record.

My name is Annette Griffin and I'm here as a Board of Trustee member of the Spiral Q Puppet Theater. And thank you. And if I may, I would like to play a poem written by our founder Matthew Hart: And the drum still remembers how a street becomes a body, how a body can become a question, how a question can become us. Peoplehood says come closer, says bring your cardboard saints, your busted halos, your aunties laugh, stitched into silk, your grief painted gold and carried high above Girard Avenue, because the future, baby, ain't waiting in some marble room downtown. It's here in the trumpet, coughing blue notes into July heat, in the child with paper mache wings, in the elder dancing despite the ache in both knees in the soft center of this rough city, where tenderness survives like weeds through concrete, Spiral Q knew this. We all knew this. Knew you could build a congress without permission. Knew the streets themselves could testify. New performance was never pretend when your whole damn life been rehearsing survival outside the box, outside the velvet rope, outside the old machinery of who gets to matter. They made a theater with no ceiling. We made that theater. Philadelphia answered. North Philly stepped in beside West immigrants, besides union workers, besides queer kids, beside grandmothers, besides ghosts. All of us carrying impossible colors through impossible times because Peoplehood is not a slogan, it's a rhythm. It is somebody shouting your name across the avenue, like salvation still has breath in it. It is a parade of unfinished dreams refusing to disappear. Some would say, listen, the people are a drum that cannot be silenced. Others would leave the silence afterward so we could hear our own hearts entering it. After years later, the procession still moves forward, ragged, radiant, a city tough on the edges, soft and sweet on the inside. (Applause.)

Thank you, ma'am. Thank 10 you very much. 11

Good 12 morning, everyone. Good morning. 13

Good morning. 15

My name is 16 Kennedy Nelson. So the bathrooms 17 at Overbrook High School and the 18 (inaudible) and I can't go to the 19 bathroom. 20 (Applause.) 21

Good 22 morning, everyone. This is my 23 daughter Kennedy that has been 24 advocating. I'm teaching her to advocate for children with disabilities that are her peers. We're here this morning because we are advocating for accessibility inside of our public schools that have been given money for decades for children with disabilities, up $84,000 per year. Our children haven't been able to use any of those fundings for IEPs that have physical therapy, speech therapy or occupational therapy. None of them have been able to get one-on-ones. We're here this morning because of the bathroom situation throughout our city and our children aren't able to use their restrooms. My daughter here just testified that she can't use her restroom inside of her school and hasn't been since she was mandated to go to our neighborhood catchment school. And this is an issue. I want to make sure that City Council hears my cry as well as her peers' cry and the children without disabilities. Because children inside of our city can't use their restrooms. They are not working. They're not functionable. And if it was up to me if I had to call DHS, the School District of Philadelphia will be held accountable and they will take those children from those schools. They don't have running fountains and they don't have working restrooms, and that's something that we all need every day. And those children are there over eight hours a day and they can't hold their bathroom all day long. So I want to make sure that the City Council knows and understands that we need to make some difference inside of our schools. It's not fair. And also, outside of our schools we don't have any noted signs for disabled people to park or a place obligated for our parents to pick up our children. I was given a ticket waiting for my daughter at a spot that was recommended for me to stay and pick up my child. And my daughter was traumatized by the police officer that was giving me a ticket. Please make sure that you make a difference when it comes to the funding for the school district because they are not doing their jobs and they haven't been for decades. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

Will Ed Miller, Jeremy Blatstein, Kyle Macklin, Joe Piette, John McCauley, Javonnie Newton and Jeffrey Haskins, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good morning. I'm Lynn Landes of Philadelphia's Republican Network. I'm opposed to Bill 250807 because Center City District, a quasi nonprofit organization with reportedly over $40 million in annual revenue, violates the spirit and intent of the Sunshine Act, and that it is allowed to tax and condemn properties, but it is not required to hold public meetings nor accept public comments. Its policies are an unfortunate extension of the rules for City Council and City departments, both of which restrict public comments to agenda items only. In contrast, Councilmembers can speak on any subject they choose. Last week several Councilmembers spoke out against school closings and called for an audit of the school district. Frankly, City Council and every City department should also be audited every year and the public should be able to track every dollar online. City Council should definitely audit the exploding numbers of nonprofits whose revenues in Philadelphia are reportedly over $48 billion and yet are subsidized by Philadelphia taxpayers through federal, state, and local exemptions as well as loans and grants, which are worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Some of these nonprofits have agendas that are distinctly pro-Democrat and anti-Republican, and that includes Philadelphia's news organizations, many of which are nonprofits or funded by nonprofits such as the Lenfest Institute. Philadelphia taxpayers have been involuntarily subsidizing a democratic agenda through these nonprofits for decades, and that's not fair, nor legal. In fact, nationally the whole nonprofit industry needs a thorough review, if not permanent retirement, because of its inherent unfairness to all taxpayers and open doors to massive fraud. Thank you.

Hi. My name is Ed Miller. Good morning, Council President Johnson, and good morning to all City Councilmembers. And before I forget, I wanted to mention that the William Way LGBTQ Community Center is celebrating our 50th anniversary this year, and our Executive Director Dr. Darius McLean and all of our staff are working on exciting exhibitions and parties and events around the city, so a shout-out to William Way Community Center. (Applause.)

My name is Ed Miller and I'm the Elder Initiative Program Manager. One of our missions is to advocate for LGBTQ+ older adults. We offer HIV and aging education, support services and social programs that are for some life-sustaining connections. Outreach expands through partner organizations like PCA, where I Co-Chair the PCA LGBTQ+ Advisory Council. The Council works with PCA senior centers to share best practices and offer tools in developing more welcoming and inclusive senior spaces. We are partnered with SAGE, the country's largest and oldest advocacy services organization. And in closing, I just wanted to say that we are very excited to support the first annual Honor Our LGBT Elders resolution in Philadelphia. Councilmember Landau remains steadfast in her support for our community, and this acknowledgement is deeply appreciated and it will go far in creating new opportunities for better visibility and inclusion. And in services for LGBT elders in Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.)

Hello, City Council. My name is Jeremy Blatstein. We're passing some home financing today and some Turn the Key monies in there, right. And we're talking about gentrification, gentrification, gentrification. That's the boogeyman, right. But it's not. It's not, because Turn the Key is not gentrifying neighborhoods. Turn the Key is building homes for hardworking Philadelphia residents, right. Turn the Key is allowing hardworking Philadelphia residents to move into these neighborhoods. If anything, you're anti-Black, because 90% of the people that are moving into Turn the Key homes are Black. And the communities are fighting this because they do not want Black people going to their community. And that's wrong and I call it out as being wrong on so many different levels. We cannot allow that to happen, right. Because in these neighborhoods, homes are going for $400,000 to $500,000 and homes are getting sold for $280,000 to hardworking Philadelphia residents. These are your union people that you talk about. That's who's moving into these homes. So 280 with the subsidy, $200,000. Fighting this is not fighting gentrification. This is helping stabilize these neighborhoods. Last but not least, we're talking about a report just came out today. We're up 11%. 11% ridership, that's great. We need to fund SEPTA. We need to make sure that it's functioning properly. And last but not least, right, the homeless issue around the city, you're walking outside and there's an issue, so we really need to figure out what the plan is for 250 right now because it's not working. And whether or not the hotel tax gets passed or not isn't going to really affect the immediate need that needs to get cleaned up. Thank you.

Good morning. My name is Kyle Macklin. I am the Elder Initiative Social Engagement Coordinator at the William Way LGBT Community Center, and I also provide the supportive services programming over at the John C. Anderson LGBT Friendly Senior Apartments. I'm here today to express gratitude to Councilmember Landau and to all of City Council for its recognition of Honor Our LGBTQ+ Elders Day in the city of Philadelphia. These elders are a crucial part of the legacy of Philadelphia, and it is important that these histories be acknowledged and shared. For those in the room who are interested in learning some of these community histories, there will be a panel of LGBTQ+ elders speaking next Friday, May 15, at the Church of St. Luke and Epiphany at 2:30 p.m. at 330 South 13th Street sharing about their experiences coming up in activism and community organizing and on the LGBTQ+ elders who inspired them. I would also be remiss not to mention how important this recognition feels, this celebration of our LGBTQ+ elders, especially our trans elders, as our current political environment has been actively hostile to the rights and access to benefits that these and other underrepresented communities previously had access to. I view this recognition from City Council as a commitment to prioritize and uplift LGBTQ+ elders in the fight to defend these rights in the years to come. Again, much gratitude from myself and from the elders at John C. Anderson and William Way. Thank you. (Applause.)

My name is Joe Piette. I live in East Falls. I'm speaking on Councilperson Landau's resolution on Peoplehood. Peoplehood is as unique to Philadelphia as the Reading Terminal is. For years, thanks 19 to Spiral Q, individuals and 20 organizations have been encouraged 21 to come from every neighborhood to 22 work together and support each 23 other's needs and demands. 24 It all comes together in one wildly imaginative, energetic, musical, colorful, kid-friendly, spectacular parade and pageant every fall, but Peoplehood doesn't end when the parade and pageant are over. Peoplehood continues throughout the year in the form of more solidarity and personal friendships borne when we meet at Spiral Q, to design, cut, and paint each other's props. Thank you, Peoplehood, for bringing us together, for making this city's progressive movement so much more visible, vibrant, and united. Thank you. (Applause.)

Will Galina Novakhova, Suzanne Posen, Jennifer Turnbull, Ariel Morales and William Smalls please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.) MR. McCAULEY: Good morning, everyone. My name is John Alonte McCauley. I'm with a grassroots organization called Flip Philly Red. We're here to offer you something different because you've been voting Democrat for the Mayor's office for the past 70 years. In regard to Resolution 13 No. 260437, this is a simple procedure to extend existing H.O.M.E.'s program budget for Fiscal Year 2027. This program was touted to be conservative-friendly, but when I took a magnifying glass to it, my eyebrows raised. Because of the ICE Out legislation being an illegal alien is now a protected class under the city's fair practices ordinance developers and independent contractors can't refuse to hire someone because of their immigration status or if they're an illegal alien. If they do, it will prevent them from attaining contracts with Mayor Cherelle Parker's H.O.M.E. Plan. That means if they hire them, they can't hire you. And if they hire you, you can't get a fair wage because that illegal alien would do it for cheaper. When you fight for illegal aliens, you fight against yourself. Why would I want to sign up for a plan that would take 20-plus years to pay back the principal and interest, 1.26 billion off of 800 million paid back. You look at me crazy for wearing a MAGA hat. I look at you crazy for allowing this Mayor and the City Council to raise your wage tax, property tax, the business income tax, realty transfer tax, sales tax, soda tax, hotel tax, parking tax, tax, tax, tax. Nowhere United States Constitution or the Pennsylvania State Constitution does it say government is responsible for providing housing. Maybe if Senator Dave McCormick challenged Ms. tax-them-to-death Parker on free markets and capitalism. Instead of eating cheesesteaks and passing out free food, we wouldn't have this problem. John Alonte McCauley for PA GOP State Committee. Stacey Garrity for Governor.

Good morning, everyone. My name is Javonnie Asante Newton. I am the newest member of the great organization called Flip Philly Red Resolution No. 250807. The reason I don't support this authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire on behalf of the City fee, is that I'm concerned that this ordinance allows the city to take or control land in that area, possibly even through condemnation and then lease it to another organization, which could affect current property owners and how the space is used. I'm also concerned about this matter, is that property owners in the target area could be directly affected if the city uses condemnation, eminent domain, that means they might be required to sell their property even if they don't want to, though they would typically receive compensation. Us, as the Philadelphians, will have to pay more skyrocket taxes and new parks get built in our area. I mean, what about our parents? What about our elders? They will be so heartbroken to give up a place they called and made countless sacrifices that they called home. Think about all the blood, sweat, and tears plus years that took these fine citizens in America to build a foundation with no form of help from the City of Philadelphia. How can we afford to live a normal life when we constantly are prisoners in our own city, we are enslaved in our own environment? Thank you.

Good morning. I'm Jeff Haskins and I am the HIV Programs Manager for the William Way Community Health Center, who has celebrated 50 years. And in that 50 years, we have been first and foremost. That's also phrase, but we have been the City of Philadelphia in dealing with elderly people who are living with HIV, living with sterilization, living with discrimination, and that the federal government is trying to erase. I come to stand before you today to tell you we will not be erased because we've been here a long time. We've been here with the programs of this city, with the Health Department. ACO started here before there were programs in New York City, and around the Independence Hall. We march on July 4th every year from 1965 to 1969 and we will not be erased because we showed up and we showed out. And so, with this new resolution that is coming before from Councilwoman Rue Landau, we aging people are proud today to be in this chambers. Aging people are proud today to stand before you. Aging people are proud today to work with you. Aging people are proud today to sign on to this resolution and to also spread it out. As we develop our Elders Community Coalition, we will be working with City Council and we thank you for funding our programs and we thank you for the commitment from all of them. And get ready for June, June Pride. Get ready for July, 250 years of America at the Independence Hall. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

Good morning, Council President and Councilmembers. My name is Suzanne Posen, P-o-s-e-n. I am President of West Central Germantown Neighbors which is an RCO, and we're a strong and active all volunteer organization which dates back more than 50 years. I'm here today to speak to you about Council Bill 260242. First, I want to thank those Councilmembers who I met last week. I went to your offices and you gave me the time to explain how we support the development of Town Hall, which is located at 5830 Germantown Avenue. You gave me the time to explain that. And you also gave me the time to explain our concerns. We ask that Bill 260242 be amended and include an automatic enforceable reversion clause. It's imperative for City Council to mandate the automatic reversion clause because it assures that the building town hall, Germantown Town Hall, will be developed within a reasonable time or that its deed will revert back to the city. In an email I received this week, Councilwoman Bass' legislative assistant Whitney Brown stated, and I quote, We hear your concerns and will advocate for PAID to include an automatic reversion clause when they transfer the deed. My question to you is, why do we wait for PAID -- hold on a minute. Why do we wait for PAID when you Councilmembers have the authority with Councilwoman Bass' approval to amend the bill? For far too long, city- owned properties in its 8th district have sat undeveloped, sometimes in the hands of a chosen developer for years without being completed. They have become eyesores and in one case the scene of an horrific crime --

Good morning. My name is Jennifer Turnbull. I am a Co-executive Director of Spiral Q, alongside my longtime coworker, Liza Goodell. Thank you, Councilmembers Landau and Gauthier, for sponsoring this resolution. Please be warned, I will be asking you all to sing in a little bit. October 20, 2007, Peoplehood Day was my first day of work with Spiral Q. This was the first time in all of my years that I could show up as a full person, where my myriad of intersecting identities was welcomed and celebrated. Peoplehood is a rare manifestation of the collectively liberated world that we dream of. Peoplehood is for everyone, everyone, everyone. And if you're down for that, then it is for you. So I share this Peoplehood song written by Noah Slade. It is one of the many, many layers of love contributed over these years. We will do one 10 round of call and response to teach 11 it to you and then we will do it 12 three times altogether. Are we all 13 ready? Are we ready? 14 (Yes.) 15

We are 16 the people, we are the memory. We 17 are the dream, we are the free. We 18 are the people, we are the memory. 19 We are the dream, we are the free. 20 We are the people, we are the 21 memory. We are the dream, we are 22 the free. Last time. We are the 23 people -- 24

I appreciate you, ma'am. That's your time. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

Thank you.

My name is Ariel Morales. And I'm going to be testifying this morning on behalf of Candice Davis, who was not able to make it due to illness. So this is not my testimony, but I'm passing along the message. My name is Candice Davis. I am a disability advocate, an Overbrook resident and a consumer of Liberty Resources, Inc. I am testifying today as part of the Philadelphia Coalition for Affordable Communities on Councilmember Landau's resolution 23 declaring May 2026 as Affordable Housing Month in the City of Philadelphia. Thank you. I have been a resident of Philadelphia for the last years. I acquired my 5 disability in 2021 due to 6 complications from COVID-19. 7 My new reality changed 8 everything. Since acquiring my 9 disability, my brother and I have 10 had to move, not once but twice 11 because access is still treated like a luxury and affordability feels like a myth. Even now in Overbrook, I am still navigating spaces that were never built with me in mind. My rent is three times my income. Allow that to sink in. I live with my brother, without whom I wouldn't have a place to live because the system was never designed for me to survive it alone. I've been on the PHA public housing list for four years, four years of waiting, hoping and being told not yet. My story is not unique and that's what makes it more difficult. I live in Council District 4, where 30% of households have a person living with a disability, just like me. So when I say this is bigger than me, I mean that. Let's make May Affordable Housing Month by investing in the following amounts in key housing programs: 14 million in Adaptive Modification 15 Program, 140 million in rental housing production and preservation, 80 million in Basic Systems Repair, 6 million in the Shallow Rent program, and 45 million in Eviction Diversion rent payments. Thank you again. This was for Candice Davis. Thank you. (Applause.)

Will David Jenkins, John Hoffmeier, Zabeth Teelucksingh, Cassandre Luberus, Azshera Gary, Malbry Trainor and Charles Freedman, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good afternoon. My name is William Small. I am the Republican candidate for U.S. Congress in Pennsylvania's Third District. Right now I stand opposed to Bill 15 260242 because this is another example of government expanding control over public assets without first proving it can manage what it already has, and I'm tired of this pattern in the city. Trust in City Hall is not where it needs to be, and decisions like this continue to raise serious questions about priorities, accountability and results. What we are seeing is not a lack of ideas. It is, in too many cases, intellectual laziness. Some people in this chamber continue to suggest there are only two options: raise taxes or stand the tax base. But let's be honest, that's not happening. Businesses do not look at Philadelphia and see opportunity. They see high taxes, heavy regulation and a system that makes growth harder than it should be. So instead of expanding here, they leave or scale elsewhere. Repeatedly expanding the tax base without fixing the reality is not a strategy. It's a slogan and residents feel that every day. The same lack of urgency shows up in our schools. Let's be clear, school closings are not new. This has been happening for years. We've been in consolidating, restructuring, shutting down schools for decades. Yet we are still having the same conversations about failing outcomes. Nothing about this crisis is new. What is new is how often it gets ignored until it becomes politically convenient. Every election cycle, every endorsement season, every campaign, suddenly education becomes urgent. Then the moment it passes, nothing changes. This is what we're tired of. And instead of talking about real accountability, like auditing thousands of city-funded programs and contracts that continue year after year without clear performance results or measurable outcomes, we keep pretending the answer is always more funding, not better management. Accountability starts where you follow the money. We also have to be okay. I ran out of time for the first time. Thank you. And for the record, it's hard to say anything mean up here when you got a pastor looking at you. It's like he's staring into my soul. (Applause.)

Indeed, Mr. President, members and guests. David Alexander Jenkins. And I rise per Resolution 260437 as presented, without reservation. And in light of Member Landau's resolution memorializing May, thusly the constructing of affordable units, rehabilitation of aging, housing stock, tenant-based rental assistance and the acquisition of properties for affordable housing purposes are exactly the kind of resolution that makes me excited to live in the city. I remind the world was named aptly for love. We can and we must not only support this initiative, but go further because if strengthening Philadelphia's access to homeownership, providing stronger incentive for rehabilitating existing housing, reducing speculation and finding potential revenue for recovering schools while stabilizing our neighborhoods is truly our goal, it must be. We need, with the help of programs like H.O.M.E., to examine the city's tax policy, which has helped to produce the inequity we seek to amend today. The era of subsidizing corporations and wealthiest citizenry amongst us at the expense of the poorest must end. The children of Philadelphia can no longer be a casualty of the backroom handshakes made during political seasons with developers whose own numbers show an underwater opening of luxury condos, unstable market predictions and growing divide between, as Madam Parker would say, the haves and the have-just-a-little-bits. So I ask us to support this resolution, while also putting our money where our mouth is. Please know that I ask this as a citizen and a neighbor living in Rittenhouse Square, one of the city's wealthiest neighborhoods, where we are no stranger, Madam Bass, to fragrance or to caviar. I say this, members, as a citizen who is getting ready to suggest a measure that will absolutely not help his personal bottom line, but will absolutely generate the revenue required to stop things like, I don't know, the closing of schools, the revitalization of 9 neighborhoods and the longevity of 10 his greatest of cities. 11 You see, in this time we 12 must stop allowing people to 13 receive 10-year tax abatements who 14 don't need it, and we must give 15 those tax abatements to the people 16 who do. $130 million to $160 17 million of revenue is lost every year on people like me. Thank you. (Applause.)

Good afternoon. My name is Jonathan Hoffmeier, and I'm here in support of Councilmember Isaiah, this resolution concerning governance of the School Board, especially with the recent decision to close 4 schools. For months, the School 5 Board heard testimony and grounded 6 facts, lived experience, genuine 7 concern from students, educators 8 and families and community members. 9 Yet instead of truly 10 listening, individuals who voted 11 yes chose to align with Tony 12 Watlington and President George 13 Streater, disregarding the voices 14 of every community member they are 15 meant to serve. I have seen 16 consequences like these decisions 17 before from University City. Just four weeks ago, I attended a funeral for a former student whose life trajectory was impacted by these closures. These decisions are not abstract policy choices. They are lasting consequences on our young people's lives. During the facilities hearings, I have to ask, where were the supporters of this plan. Overwhelming presence was opposition. People pleading with the Board to reconsider presenting evidence, sharing stories and offering alternatives. Yet those voices were dismissed. Placing unquestioned trust in Dr. Watlington's plan is deeply concerning. Leadership requires scrutiny, not blind alignment. How many members of the Board visited campuses they voted to close? How many of them walked through Lincoln or spoke to its students and witnessed the environment they dismantled? The students of Lincoln, all themselves, demonstrate what's possible when school communities build on relationships, opportunity and purpose. I must also address the heavy police presence at the most recent meeting. It was completely inappropriate and deeply troubling as a Black male Marine Corps combat veteran living with PTSD, witnessing armed officers positioned in a way that felt intended to intimidate students, young people peacefully protesting and exercising their rights. It was one of the most disturbing moments I have witnessed in this process. That is not what respect for students look like. Each of the Board members who voted yes should reflect on whether their actions align with genuine commitment to the well-being of students. Based on it, it's difficult to see how they do and that's why I support Councilmember Isaiah Thomas' resolution on the governance of the School Board. And with the School Board, just -- I'm a math teacher, so I'm going to shoot a little bit of math facts out. Philadelphia schools employs 4% more teachers than they did in 2016, but administrative positions have grown by 56%. There is some places where they can get the money from instead of closing down schools. Thank you.

Good morning. My name is Zabeth Teelucksingh and I am the President of Global Philadelphia Association. Council President, members of City Council, thank you for the opportunity to speak today in support of this important resolution recognizing World Heritage Month 2026 and Philadelphia's unique role as America's first World Heritage City. The resolution reminds us that Philadelphia's significance is not only American, it is global. When Independence Hall was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979, it joined a remarkable group of places recognized for their outstanding universal value to humanity, including the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Taj Mahal and Machu Picchu. In 2015, Philadelphia took another historic step when it became a World Heritage city, alongside cities such as Kyoto, Edinburgh, Quebec City and Cairo. But this designation is not simply honorary. It carries responsibilities. World Heritage Month this month connects Philadelphians to the living story of our city, a story that begins with the Lenape people, continues through generations of immigrants, abolitionists, artists, educators, workers and civic leaders, and is still being written in every neighborhood today. Each May, World Heritage Month brings together museums, universities, historic sites, cultural institutions, neighborhood organizations and international communities. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this work becomes even more important. Millions of people will look to Philadelphia during this historic moment. On behalf of Global Philadelphia Association and our many partners across the city and region, I thank City Council for your ongoing support and Councilmember O'Rourke and Councilmember Nina Ahmad for recognizing World Heritage Month. (Applause.)

Good morning, Council. My name is Cassandra Luberus, and I humbly greet you as the President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Southeastern Pennsylvania, also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Omega Chapter. First, thank you to Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson for sponsoring this momentous resolution. We stand here today to celebrate a legacy that was borne out of necessity and built on the bedrock of excellence. The National Pan-Hellenic Council or NPHC, colloquially known as the Divine Nine, represents close to a century of Black leadership, scholarship and service. But here in our own backyard, NPHC of Southeastern Pennsylvania, formerly known as NPHC of Philadelphia, takes that global mission and makes it personal, comprised of 35 member chapters representing over 4000 Greeks across Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, Philadelphia, and Delaware Counties. Our council isn't just a coalition of organizations. We and the chapters we are comprised of are the heartbeat of our local communities. The importance of NPHC's mission lies in its ability to turn unity into tangible action. While each individual fraternity and sorority has its own distinct mission, NPHC serves as the unifying force that amplifies our collective voices locally. We see this impact through initiatives such as family legacy building, economic empowerment, mental wellness and food insecurity. NPHC ensures that our service is not performative but transformative with measurable long-term impact beyond immediate service. NPHC is invested in the future. We aren't just giving back, we are building up. We are creating a pipeline of leaders who understand that Greek life is a lifetime commitment to community awareness and social action. Whether it's through voter engagement, drives our initiatives or multi-chapter collaborations, we are equipping our members with the skills needed to have the same integrity as our founders of 1930. It would be a great day to say Happy NPHC Day. Thank you all. (Applause.) Ms. GARY: Good morning, everyone. My name is Azshera Gary and I serve as the Interim Executive Director for the West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, the Paul Robeson House and Museum. We are a proud nonprofit organization representing West Philadelphia and Walnut Hill Community Association. (Applause.)

Yes, we are. It is a joy to stand and celebrate with you today years of 19 Peoplehood in honoring this 20 citation recognizing the 21 extraordinary work of Spiral Q. 22 Thank you to our Councilmember 23 Landau and Councilmember Gauthier 24 for this extraordinary resolution. The founder of WPCA, Fran P. Austin, believed deeply in the power of culture, creativity and community to bring people together and inspire action. It is within this legacy that we are proudly standing in support of Peoplehood, a tradition that reflects the very best of Philadelphia. For years, the 13 Peoplehood Parade has begun its 14 journey at the Robeson House, 15 transforming our streets into 16 spaces of joy, imagination and 17 collective expression. Year after 18 year, we have witnessed neighbors, 19 artists, families and young people 20 come together, not only to 21 celebrate culture, but to affirm 22 the humanity and creativity of 23 every community represented here. 24 Peoplehood reminds us that public art and public gathering are powerful acts of belonging. It shows us what is possible when a city invests in creativity, equity and shared vitality. We are honored to continue this partnership and we look forward to many years of Peoplehood inspiring Philadelphia with courage, joy and community spirit. Thank you. (Applause.)

Will Miracle Jones, Nhakia Outland, Mr. Blackwell, Kelvin Zheng, Paul Ogbonna Hagins, Anthony Filbert, Julie Word Carnegie, Jack Lewis, Lori Wasselchuk and Regina Smith, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Hi. My name is Mallory Trainor. And on behalf of Access Matters, I want to express support for Councilmember Nina Ahmad's resolution designating May 2026 as Menstrual Health Awareness Month. Access Matters is a public health organization based in and serving Philadelphia with a focus on sexual and reproductive health. Since the 1970s, we have worked to ensure Philadelphians have access to high-quality, medically-accurate sexual and reproductive health information and care, and a key part of that is reducing stigma around sexual and reproductive health and wellness related topics, including menstrual health. In fact, a key part of one of our longstanding programs serving adolescents in Philadelphia, our Health Resource Center program, a program we are seeking city investment in for Fiscal Year 2027, provides youth with information on menstrual health and wellness and access to period products. As such, we applaud Councilmember Ahmad's introduction of this important resolution to recognize May as Menstrual Health Awareness Month, and her work, along with the work of the Reproductive Freedom Task Force, Councilmember Brooks and others, to raise awareness around menstrual health. This resolution, coupled with the recent expansion of local anti-discrimination laws to explicitly cover menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause help reduce stigma and prevent discrimination. Menstruation is a basic function of people's bodies. Menstrual health, the access to sanitary products, the freedom to take paid time off due to health conditions related to menstruation is not just a health issue, but human rights issue. This framework is supported by many esteemed organizations and associations, including the World Health Organization. Programs like the Health Resource Center and actions by local government, including this resolution and investments in key health education programs, are critical to stigma reduction. These initiatives help lay the groundwork for education, access to information and support that reduces stigma associated with menstruation and other sexual and reproductive health topics. Access Matters is pleased to support this resolution 3 and we urge Council to support and adopt Councilmember Ahmad's resolution declaring May 2026 as Menstrual Health Awareness Month in Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.)

Good morning, everyone. Good morning, Council President Johnson. I'm here to speak on Bill 260216, the dumpster. I like what Mark is doing and I'm trying to push it in my community. I've been on a lot of zoning meetings where these developers promised us the moon, and they would have somebody there to make sure the trash is placed in the proper containers and wrapped up the way it's supposed to be, and it's been nothing but chaos. We now have people throwing their apartment goods out on the street. I got one apartment in my community that's gated off, but the trash isn't and it blows down my block. So I'm trying to help my Councilwoman to adopt some of these rules because it should be citywide. It'll be easier to implement it instead of neighborhood by neighborhood, you know. It should be just citywide. These guys is making the money and they can afford a dumpster or something so we can upgrade this city all the way around. And I appreciate Gilmore Richardson and Mark Squilla for keeping this bill alive. And I'll be there for lunch, Mark. And anyway, I'll take a recess and step back and let somebody else have a chance to talk, because my age I can't remember everything. So I hope y'all have a good day and I'll see you next Thursday.

You too, sir. Yes, sir.

Hello. My name is Miracle Jones. I'm the Executive Director of the Abortion Liberation Fund of Pennsylvania, a nonprofit that protects and expands abortion access, no matter a person's reason, income, zip code or method. We strongly believe the need to respect bodily autonomy and reproductive justice rights, which includes policies and actions around menstruation, housing, education, in addition to awareness. Resolutions like the Philadelphia City Council's Menstrual Health Awareness Month are so important to move away from the archaic ideas and uncomfortableness people have around discussing legislation around menstruation and sexual health. Menstruation not only impacts employment and education performance, but is also an overlooked and ignored indicator of reproductive health infection. We must remember from painful periods to endometriosis, ignorance around menstruation often forces people not only to suffer in silence, causing long-term issues with reproductive health and causing individuals to seek out abortion in their lifetimes. Menstruation care, like abortion care, is integral to not only ensuring reproductive and body autonomy, but also to ensure the ability to participate in society that is not obstructed. We know sanitary items are still taxed differently, and many institutions do not provide enough products, causing people to miss school, work and necessary issues due to their cycles. It's also important to address the impacts of period poverty, which still impact people across Philadelphia every single day. And in that, we must not forget those who are incarcerated, who often lack the necessary amount of products needed when menstruating. We also must uplift our gender expansive community members who have to navigate period, poverty and transphobia while also trying to get care. So thank you so much. (Applause.)

Good afternoon, City Council. My name is Nhakia Outland. I am a mother, advocate, social worker, certified sex educator and founder of Prevention Meets Fashion, a nonprofit in the City of Philadelphia dedicated to sexual health knowledge of Black, LGBTQ and non-binary communities through fashion advocacy, community and education. I am here today in support of Councilwoman Ahmad recognizing May 2026 as Menstrual Health Awareness Month. Menstrual health is a fundamental state of complete physical, mental and social well-being in relation to the menstrual cycle, rather than simply the absence of disease. Much of the education around menstruation is taught reactively rather than proactively. Menstruators are getting their periods younger and younger, and education must happen sooner rather than later. Additionally, advocacy work around menstruation focus on normalizing periods, but I urge you to think about the following today: How can we normalize periods when not all people that menstruate are included in the conversation around menstruation, i.e., disabled people, non-binary people and trans men. Stigma and taboos still exist for many of us around menstruation around the world, not just in the U.S. For example in 2024, 843 Indian women underwent unnecessary hysterectomy surgeries to remove their uteruses in order to perform labor work in the fields. In 2025 in Beijing, a student was asked to drop her trousers to prove that she was menstruating in order to take a period-specific sick leave that she was entitled to. In 2019, A 14-year-old Kenyan girl unalived herself after being shamed in the classroom for being called dirty after she unexpectedly got her first period in the classroom. You may be thinking that these examples are not examples of U.S. menstruators, but they are. But I want to also urge you to also think about how we are perpetuating many of the stereotypes and taboos that I talked about today. In conclusion, yes, menstrual health is a fundamental right. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you for letting me speak today. My name is Mr. Blackwell. How are you doing? All right. And a special thanks to Councilmember Landau for this opportunity today. So May is annually observed as Affordable Housing Month in Philadelphia, highlighting the urgent need for stable, accessible housing and addressing the city's housing crisis. A major obstacle, one of many, is political conflict on solutions. I'm Co-founder of Philly Homeless Union and we're deeply concerned about this obstacle. Even though we concentrate on assisting our homeless brothers and sisters, it has been concluded that affordable housing for all should be a human right. Other concerns include extreme rate burden, deteriorating housing stock, falling homeownership rates, inaccessible repair financing and a supply lap in actual affordable housing. And then on a final note, Philly Homes Union was actually borne out of Act Up. And I've been marshal on previous parades for Spiral Q, so special shout-out to you guys too. All right. Thank you very much. Have a great afternoon. (Applause.)

Good afternoon, Council President Kenyatta Johnson, Councilmember Nina Ahmad and distinguished members of the Philadelphia City Council and fellow Philadelphians. My name is Kelvin Zheng. On behalf of the Asian Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, I am honored to offer this public comment and strong support of the resolution 22 recognizing May 2026 as AAPI Heritage Month. We extend our sincere gratitude to Councilmember Ahmad, Legislative Director Julian and the entire office of the Councilmember At-Large, Dr. Nina Ahmad, for this leadership in introducing this important resolution. Your commitment to honoring the rich contribution, culture, history and resilience of AAPI communities across our city is deeply appreciated. Philadelphia's AAPI community is vibrant, diverse and growing. Our members, including business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders play a vital role in driving economic growth, creating jobs and an enriching cultural fabric of our city. Proclaiming AAPI Month sends a powerful message of inclusion, recognition and unity. The Asian American Chamber of Commerce stands ready to support this resolution and to continue partnering with the City Council and City of Philadelphia to celebrate and uplift our community throughout the month of May and beyond. Thank you once again for this meaningful initiative. We look forward to celebrating AAPI Heritage Month together as one safer, cleaner, greener city with access to economic opportunity to all. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

Ogbonna Hagins, fourth generation chattel slavery survivor. I'm speaking on the resolution extending approval to the 2025-26 Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) program budget. I support the housing program, but in this city we need safe and stable places to live, right. One of the things that undergirds this housing program is structural racism. Y'all familiar with that. You know, there was a Roadmap to Safer Communities that said the root cause of gun violence is structural racism and the solution is large scale investments, and this body hasn't put into large scale investments that's necessary. There is a need right now for structural racism to be recognized, for people to understand what structural racism is. So we have these months for this and for that. Why isn't there a month that deals with letting this city know exactly what structural racism is? How is that -- your study said that the root cause of gun violence is structural racism. So if that's the case and that's causing all the gun violence and the people are being affected by it, to me it's just sensible governance, you know. That's what I'm about, sensible governance. To me, we already know what to do. And the Freedmen have the right to exist. Over and out.

Please state your name for the record, sir.

Good afternoon, City Council President. My name is Anthony Fullard. Glad to be here in City Council really just to give thanks to a number of Councilpeople that I'll represent that I have worked with through the years. And I just want to take this time out to name a lot of them. First, of course our champion up in the 8th District, Councilmember Cindy Bass, Curtis Jones. I take my hat off to Councilmember Quetcy who works hard for her district and speaks very clear about where she's at about supporting development in her district. Jeff Young, worked with him, Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier, Councilwoman Gilmore. Councilman Harrity, known him before he became a Councilmember, out there just working for the people. So I'm speaking here for town hall thanking Councilmember Cindy Bass for supporting this development. We are now ready to proceed with this development. We are in support of the community of whatever their concerns are. We go before the committee, the community. We update them on a regular basis, but we support their push back, their concerns. But finally, we have this development that is going to move forward. Finally, it's about a $13 million development and we are very confident that we can make this development happen. So I just want to thank all of you for your hard work, for all of your support for Black developers in the City of Philadelphia. You guys know my track record. I've been out here for a long time fighting for African American businesses in the City of Philadelphia. (Applause.)

Keep up the great work. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Thank you. Without my glasses, I can see farther now. Eye surgery, that's good for me. Anyhow, good afternoon, Council President, Councilmembers and those who are assembled here in the City of Philadelphia. There is someone who we don't often speak of. I dedicate myself to John Adams, a man who believed that everyone should get paid the wage. Thank you. So anyhow, in regards to Council President and Councilmember Gauthier, thank you very much for Resolution 260437 extending the approval of the 2025-2026 Housing Opportunities Made Easy, acronyms H.O.M.E. I know as a Council assembly you all work very hard and I know that you all have been to the drawing board so many times in regards to this, and that's because of the current administration. We in Philadelphia, because I've heard it more than once so I can speak for we, the people, know this to be the fact. Thank you very much. Oh, and I suggest that you use and circulate the John Adams coin and how about a John Adams stamp, so people will then get the message: Free labor, free people, freed men and women. Thank you. (Applause.)

Shout out to Thera Martin Connelly. Welcome to City Council, Thera Martin and guests.

Good afternoon, City Council. My name is Jacques Louis representing the Allegheny West Foundation, and I am going to defer my time to Thera Martin.

Thank you, Allegh --

Good to see all of you this afternoon. We are in support of 260063 and we thank Councilwoman Cindy Bass for introducing that. We're proud to be here on behalf of the Allegheny West Foundation. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded back in 1968 and incorporated in 1974. One of the things we're honored to do is to oversee operations at the Panati Recreation Center. We've done all kinds of educational and positive programming there for at least the last two-and-a-half decades. Allegheny West Foundation is an integral part of our North Philadelphia community, and it's been our privilege to keep the Panati Rec Center up and operating for all of these years. It is our privilege to have the opportunity to ask Philadelphia City Councilmembers to be in support of renaming the Panati Recreation Center to Allegheny West Recreation Center and we thank you, Councilwoman Cindy Bass, for doing this with us. Thank you. (Applause.)

We want to also thank Allegheny West for feeding thousands of individuals across the City of Philadelphia with tons and tons and tons of produce, groceries as well as meats as well. And so, we thank y'all for supporting those most in need. Very fitting recognition.

Good afternoon, everyone, Council President, and especially -- oh, my name is Regina Smith. I am the President of Allegheny West Civic Association. I have been Chair of the Civic Association since '05. I would like to greet everyone here in City Council and thank Councilmember Cindy Bass for initiating this proposal. As a representative of the Allegheny West community, we have been in there since '05, doing programs and engaging the community and we are invested in the recreation center, and we are so happy that it's going to have our name, as we have many programs planned upcoming to be in there, and we just want to thank you so much. We are very grateful and happy for the name change. Thank you, Councilmember. (Applause.)

Hello. My name is Lori Waselchuk, and I am a proud member of the Board of Trustees of Spiral Q. And I want to thank Councilmember Landau and this body for honoring the year 4 legacy of the Peoplehood Parade. 5 Impossible colors and impossible 6 times, I was so struck by that 7 beautiful poem by one of our 8 founding members, Matt. 9 Peoplehood Parade is a 10 space and time for everyone. It is 11 a day when we express our hopes, 12 our resistance and our creative 13 souls. Peoplehood Parade is 14 radical acceptance, radical love 15 and is one of the most beautiful 16 expressions of our humanity I have 17 ever experienced. It is an 18 expression of our solidarity with 19 one another and our shared 20 responsibility for all things that 21 we share on this planet. 22 Last year there were 23 three glowing white egrets with 24 wingspans 20-feet wide, made of paper, operated by three humans. It was a sight that I have -- I couldn't even prepare myself for, floating through the bowl at Clark Park. Y'all, it was amazing. And I want to just congratulate Liza, who is our master puppetmaker. Can you please stand, Liza, for the beautiful work you do. (Applause.)

Jennifer Turnbull leads the parade, and I've never seen anybody so inexhaustible in my entire life. I would like to just have Jennifer Turnbull stand up and say hi. If you haven't experienced the Peoplehood Parade, I want to invite you all to come to our next one, Saturday, November 7th. We start at Paul Robeson House, one of our longtime partners, at 1:00 p.m., and we end at Clark Park for an amazing pageant. We are the people. We are the dream. (Applause.)

Council President, this concludes our listing for the public comment today.

Thank you very much. That concludes today's public comment period. Before moving on to the Calendar, I would like to acknowledge Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion to consider additional communications.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit consideration of an additional communication at this time. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of an additional communication at this time. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the motion passes. The Clerk will please read any additional communications that she has in her possession.

To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on May 7, 2026, I signed the following bills, which were passed by Council at its session on April 30, 2026: Bill 7 Nos. 260213, 260214 and 260215. And then also on May 7th, I signed the following bills, which were passed by Council at its session on April 23, 2026: Bill No. 12 250329-AA, 250330-AA, 260056, 260057, 260058, 260059, 260061 and 260062. Bill No. 260060 was returned unsigned. There are no further additional communications, Council President.

Thank you very much. We will now turn to the regular order of business. We will now consider the resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar. 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 4 260436.

A resolution approving the appointment of William Snyder as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Philadelphia Housing Authority.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution No. 260436.

Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING No. 260436 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? 9 (No response.) 10

The ayes have it. The 12 motion carries. The resolution is 13 adopted. 14 Will the Clerk please 15 read the title of Resolution No. 16 260437. 17

A 18 resolution extending approval of 19 the 2025-2026 Housing Opportunities 20 Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) Program Annual 21 Program Statement and Budget, which 22 addresses expenditures by various 23 agencies in the first year of the 24 H.O.M.E. Program, to constitute 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING approval of spending in Fiscal Year 2027, pursuant to that same Program Statement and Budget.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore -- no, I'm sorry. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 12 260437.

Thank you, Council President. On your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted, Resolution 22 No. 260437. All those in favor signify by saying aye. 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 12 260447.

A resolution approving the reappointment of Abby Pozefsky to the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion on behalf of Councilmember Mike Driscoll on Resolution No. 260447. COUNCILWOMAN GILMORE 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING RICHARDSON: Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilmember Driscoll, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 11 No. 260447 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING 260448.

A 4 resolution also renaming the corner 5 of E. Collom Street and Wakefield 6 Street "Herbert 'Drum' Burch Way," 7 to honor and recognize the life, 8 service, and enduring legacy of 9 Herbert "Drum" Burch, a devoted 10 community activist, veteran, 11 healthcare professional, and 12 political leader in the City of 13 Philadelphia. 14

The Chair recognizes 16 Councilmember Cindy Bass for a 17 motion regarding Resolution No. 18 260448. 19

20 Thank you, Mr. President. 21 I move for the adoption 22 of the resolution. 23 (Duly seconded.) 24 COUNCIL PRESIDENT 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 4 No. 260448 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. We will now consider today's bills on the Consent Agenda. I will ask the Clerk to read the titles of all the bills on the Consent Agenda. After each title is read, any member may object to the inclusion of the bill 23 on the Consent Agenda. Upon such an objection, 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING and without debate, the bill will be immediately removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on our regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. The Clerk will now read the titles of the bills on the Consent Agenda. Before you read the titles of the bills on the Consent Agenda, the Chair recognizes that Councilmember Mark Squilla would like to be recorded as aye on all resolutions?

Yes, Mr. President. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, could you now please read all of the bills on the Consent Agenda.

Bill No. 23 250806, an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 1811 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 250836, an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 1444 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia PA, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 250918, an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 161 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19122, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 251067, an ordinance authorizing real estate transactions by the Commissioner of Public Property, the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and the Philadelphia Land Bank necessary to permit the City of Philadelphia to 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING acquire property bounded by Island Avenue, Elmwood Avenue, South 77th Street, Buist Avenue, South 78th Street, Cobbs Creek waterway, the vacated section of South 75th, and the former Grays Avenue, including property known as Cibotti Recreation Center, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 251100, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an amendment to a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority for use by the City all or a portion of the premises located at 1600-26, John F. Kennedy Boulevard, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 260026, an ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING "Designation of Bicycle Lanes," to authorize a bicycle lane and removal of parking on Columbia Avenue, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 260063, an ordinance renaming and designating the properly commonly referred to as Panati Playground, located at 3100 North 22nd Street, to the "Allegheny West Recreation Center" in recognition of the community and neighborhood that it serves. Bill No. 260216, an ordinance authorizing the installation, ownership and maintenance of a dumpster encroachment in the vicinity of 509-19 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 260217, an ordinance authorizing various 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING encroachments in the vicinity of 2655 South Juniper Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 260240, an ordinance removing the parking lane and prohibiting stopping on the south side of Cinnaminson Street, from Mitchell Street to Pechin Street. Bill No. 260242, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver a deed to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, conveying fee simple title to a certain tract of City-owned land with buildings and improvements, situated on 5928-30 Germantown Avenue in the 8th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia. Bill No. 260267, an 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING ordinance authorizing an encroachment in the nature of a staircase in the vicinity of 611 South 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 260337, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into lease or sublease agreements with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for all or a portion of the premises that includes certain parcels of land, generally referred to as Victory Gardens and Emerson Landfill, for environmental remediation of the land, development of a facility at said premises, and use by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 542, all under 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING certain terms and conditions. Bill No.

260338, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to grant PECO Energy Company an easement for the purpose of accessing, installing, maintaining, and repairing underground transformers and supporting infrastructure along and adjacent to a portion of the Pennypack Path in and about the area commonly known as 7801 State Road, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 260339, an ordinance amending Bill No. 241031 (approved January 15, 2025), entitled "Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Municipal 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Authority, for use by the City of a portion of the premises located at 1 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under certain terms and conditions," to authorize the lease of additional space within the premises, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 260341, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a lease or sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority for use by the City of a portion of the premises located at 9353 Krewstown Road, under certain terms and conditions. There are no further bills on the Consent Agenda.

The bills having been read on two different days, the 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING question -- Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Council will resume. A bill will be removed from the Consent Agenda on behalf of Councilmember Cindy Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I make a motion that Bill No. 260063 be removed from the Consent Agenda. (Duly seconded.)

All those in favor of the bill being removed from the Consent Agenda signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: The ayes have it and the bill -- please recite the bill no. 4 specifically, Chief Clerk.

Bill No. 6 260063.

Will be removed from the Consent Agenda. These bills haven't been read on two different days, the question for each bill now is shall the bill pass finally. Chief Clerk, call the roll. And upon being called, each Councilmember shall vote aye on each of the bills, nay on each of the bills or indicate those bills for which the member is voting aye and those bills for which the member is voting nay.

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson. COUNCILWOMAN GILMORE 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING RICHARDSON: Aye on all bills.

Councilmember Gauthier.

Aye on all bills.

Councilmember Thomas.

Aye on all bills.

Councilman Jones.

Aye on all bills.

Councilmember Landau.

Aye on all bills.

Councilmember Lozada.

Aye on all bills.

Councilmember Young. 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING

Aye on all bills.

Councilmember Harrity.

Aye on all bills.

Councilmember O'Rourke.

Aye on all bills.

Councilmember Driscoll was aye. Councilmember O'Neill.

Aye on all bills.

Councilmember Squilla.

Aye on all bills.

Councilmember Bass.

Aye on all bills. 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING

Councilmember Ahmad.

Aye on all bills.

And, Council President Johnson.

Aye on all bills. The ayes are 15. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmatives for each of the bills, the bills on the Consent Agenda are passed. We will now consider the bills on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 251029.

An ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Traffic Code" to provide for designated transportation network 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING company vehicle stands definitions and prohibitions, clarifying penalties related to bus, taxi cab, and TNC vehicle stands, amending violations subject to camera-based parking enforcement, and amending parking violations subject to towing, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Chief Clerk, please call the roll.

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.

Aye.

Councilmember Gauthier.

5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Aye.

Councilmember Thomas.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilmember Landau.

Aye.

Councilmember Lozada.

Aye.

Councilmember Young.

Aye.

Councilmember Harrity.

Aye.

5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmember O'Rourke.

Aye.

Councilmember Driscoll was aye. Councilmember O'Neill.

Aye.

Councilmember Squilla.

Aye.

Councilmember Bass.

Aye.

Councilmember Ahmad.

Aye.

And, Council President Johnson.

Aye. The ayes are 15 and 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING the nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Chief Clerk, please read the title of Bill No. 251070.

An ordinance amending Section 12-926 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Center City Parking Regulations," to confirm regulations adopted by the Department of Streets that establish and revise loading zone regulations in additional portions of the Center City area, and to reauthorize changes and additions to such regulations, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Chief Clerk, please call 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING the roll.

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.

Aye.

Councilmember Gauthier.

Aye.

Councilmember Thomas.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilmember Landau.

Aye.

Councilmember Lozada.

Aye. 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING

Councilmember Young.

Aye.

Councilmember Harrity.

Aye.

Councilmember O'Rourke.

Aye.

Councilmember Driscoll was aye. Councilmember O'Neill.

Aye.

Councilmember Squilla.

Aye.

Councilmember Bass.

Aye. 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING

Councilmember Ahmad.

Aye.

And, Council President Johnson.

Aye. The ayes are and 10 the nays are 0. Majority of all 11 members having voted in the 12 affirmative, the bill passes. 13 Council will be at ease. 14 (Council at ease.) 15

Councilmember resumed. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 260134.

An ordinance amending Chapter 12-923 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Smart Loading Zones," authorizing the Philadelphia Parking Authority to install Smart Loading Zones in 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING the area of Center City, bounded by Spring Garden Street, Bainbridge Street, the Schuylkill River and the Delaware River, for the purpose of improving the appropriate use of loading zones and reducing traffic congestions, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Chief Clerk, please call the roll.

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.

Aye.

Councilmember Gauthier.

Aye. 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING

Councilmember Thomas.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilmember Landau.

Aye.

Councilmember Lozada.

Aye.

Councilmember Young.

Aye.

Councilmember Harrity.

Aye.

Councilmember O'Rourke. 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING

Aye.

Councilmember Driscoll was aye. Councilmember O'Neill.

Aye.

Councilman Squilla.

Aye.

Councilman Harrity:

Aye.

Councilmember Bass.

Aye.

Councilmember Ahmad.

Aye.

And, 5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Council President Johnson.

Aye. The ayes are and 5 the nays are 0. Majority of all 6 members having voted in the 7 affirmative, the bill passes. 8 Will the Clerk please 9 read the title of Bill No. 260265. 10

An 11 ordinance amending Title 12 of The 12 Philadelphia Code, entitled 13 "Traffic Code" to amend certain 14 requirements applicable to buses in 15 areas designated for use by buses, including applicable penalties, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill having me read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Chief Clerk, please call the roll.

5/7/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.

Aye.

Councilmember Gauthier.

Aye.

Councilmember Thomas.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilmember Landau.

Aye.

Councilmember Lozada.

Aye.