COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, December 11, 2025 10:10 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN RUE LANDAU COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY M. LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN NICOLAS O'ROURKE COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR. ELIZABETH McCOLLUM NAZARIO, CHIEF CLERK
I note that the hour has come and a quorum of this Council is present. Members, please take your seats. Visitors, please retire their seats outside the rails. Before proceeding, I will ask all those present to please set your cell phone to silent and/or vibrate. Please take all conversations off the Council chamber floors. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Sufi Ahamed Muhaiyaddeen of the Bawa Muhaiyaddeen Fellowship. He is here today as a guest of I will ask all members and guests to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests and visitors rise.)
The floor is yours, sir. SUFI MUHAIYADDEEN: Council President, Kenyatta Johnson, Councilwoman Ahmad, my brothers and sisters of the blessed city of Philadelphia, in remembrance and trust in God, the God of compassion and mercy that guides those who quicken their heart with supplication and prayer, let us be those whose hearts are so quickened. The history of this city is filled with people of virtue and wisdom, City of Brotherly Love, Sisterly Love, Fatherly Love, Motherly Love and God's Love. example, founder William Penn, City for liberty, freedom, the wisdom of Benjamin Franklin, the inspiration of Pope Francis here and the service of the Sufi Bawa Muhaiyaddeen, by their actions, they show their love for the light of God in every single person. Let us make sure that every person in Philadelphia, rich and poor, especially those most in need, can live with safety and dignity, and this City Council I know is committed to that task. It's a task that seems impossible until it isn't. And that's what the power of God's grace can do. And that's why we turn to you, O God, and ask for your guidance in this very challenging time. Not long ago, each of us came into this world with very hearts, and that purity of heart is still available to all of us, but we have to dig deep for that, and that deep digging comes from turning toward the power of God's grace and the power of love and never from the love of power, but that power can get us in touch with that and it's in that same place where that heart of purity beats, that the voice of conscience can be heard, and the voice of conscience can guide us to intelligent actions of wisdom that can meet these insurmountable challenges. Because with God's grace, what is impossible becomes possible and that's what we need. None of us created this heartbeat or the next heartbeat, not this breath or the next breath we share. All of us in frailty and dependence live. Give us hearts of appropriate gratitude, gratitude for the privilege of service, gratitude for the privilege of being here together, gratitude for making the world a little better place. Now, there's nothing wrong with being grateful for the Phillies winning or the Eagles winning or the Sixers winning, but that's very seasonal and shortlived, but gratitude for the gift of the privilege of service and fulfilling that privilege is profound and long-lasting and stretches out to others. It becomes an inspiration to the students. It becomes a bomb of security for those in need. It becomes a signpost for those yet to come. And with God's grace, this City example, because this City Council is turning toward those most in need, the people who have been forgotten, the people who are the least amongst us, where he said he could be found, what you do to the least amongst us, the rich and the poor. The rich and the poor have a right to live in safety and dignity in this city. And if we can do it here, just like America began here, we can begin to heal the wounds in our country. That's the task before us and it begins in that purity of the conscience that resonates in our hearts. Dear God, separate from us that which separates us from one another, prejudice, jealousy, pride, cynicism, anger and the corrosiveness of forgetfulness. Awaken us with the open space of love, compassion, justice and the wisdom that emerges from these qualities. Surely as you watch over every sparrow, you will watch over us. Let our faith in the power of love overcome the arrogance of the love of power.
May the rule of law overcome those who are now pursuing the law of power. Let our time and our work be a beacon for those who come after us. Only you, God, can fully appreciate the challenges we face and the hard work we do for others. Only you will give us the recognition. The recognition we look to no other recognition other than your grace in our hearts. Surely as our hearts unfurl and the winds of your blessing fill out the sails of our hearts, you will carry us to a success. All praises are to you, the giver of consciousness, the giver of light, the giver of the love of family and community, the giver of our conscience, the giver of each other. Thank you, Dear God, for bringing us together. All praises are yours. Amen.
The Chair thanks the Sufi for the invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 4, 2025. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 4, 2025 be approved.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 4, 2025 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is request for leave of absence. And the Chair recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilmember. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. On the behalf of the Minority, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the Councilmember. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that 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 that 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.
It has been moved and properly seconded to the legislative matters stated by Councilmember Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson may be added to the agenda for today should those matters arise during the course of this session of favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
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. The Chair recognizes Richardson.
Thank you, Council President, and thank you colleagues. Today I am thrilled to welcome to Philadelphia City Council, a Philadelphia native and music industry leader. Have you ever heard of the Roots Picnic, Lil Wayne's Louisiana Festival, Mary J. Blige Strength of a Woman Festival, and I could go on and on. Brandon Pankey is a graduate of the Philadelphia public school system by way of Julia R. Masterman Middle and High School, where we hosted a show together in middle school. He is also a graduate of Annenberg School of Communications at the University of Pennsylvania. Brandon has gone from producing to of artist-led storytelling, where he is creating space for artists to tell their own stories. And as described by Essence Magazine, he is the culture builder. He started his career in business management, climbing the ladder over the years and now serving as the Vice-President of Business Development and Operations for Live Nation Urban and the founder of APEX, a streaming platform for artists. Brandon has had a profound impact on the music industry, and he's always keeping Philadelphia centered in every single thing he does. This includes his work to provide Philadelphia youth with opportunities to learn about the music field and industry behind the scenes at the Mann Music Center partnership with the School District of Philadelphia. Brandon is not a rising star. He has already risen. And we thank you so much for being here today and for everything you do. We sincerely appreciate your time and the way that you have helped to shape music and the culture in our city and beyond. And by the way, Council President, Brandon is a proud resident of the 4th Council District represented by my colleague Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. Brandon, please stand and be recognized by the Council. (Applause.)
You're welcome. Great job, Brandon. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips.
Good morning. Thank you, Council President, and Happy holidays to everyone. And it's also great to be here with all of our colleagues. I am pleased and thrilled to welcome to the City of Philadelphia the Rev. Marshall Hatch, Jr., who is my best friend from Bates College in Maine. When we were in dormitories, we used to talk about how we wanted to change the world. Little did I know that he would. He always talked about what he wanted to do in Chicago and I talked about what I wanted to do in Philadelphia. Today he is and he is the co-founder of MAAFA and the Executive Director, which is an organization that creates a space for young Black men to reimagine themselves as leaders. It's a re-entry program where they receive housing, workforce development, education, and he was recently named to Time Magazine's Top 100 Individuals in the Nation. So Philadelphia, we have a model of excellence when it comes to faith-based re-entry programs into the world. And he's a University of Chicago Divinity School graduate as well. Philadelphia, please welcome the Executive Director of MAAFA and show on the west side of Chicago the Reverend Marshall Hatch, Jr. (Applause.)
also, I am pleased to welcome someone who needs no introduction to Philadelphia City Council because he is truly a servant. He is accessible, he is someone that is responsive and he's also innovative. When there is a system or something that is not necessarily productive in his organization, he finds a way to fix it because he understands serving people matters. And so, Philadelphia, we are proud to see the changes in the Philadelphia Parking Authority when not only they focus on enforcement, but they have been heavily focused on the quality of life of neighbors in our city. Richie Lazer has found a way to address quality-of-life parking, towing of tractor trailers, improving parking management for residents, because often times residents are complaining about parking overcrowding on their streets, and he's aligning enforcement with disability access and just finding ways to be a little bit warm with individuals when it comes to assuring that those who serve under his leadership are warm with the residents of City of Philadelphia. The Parking Authority is by far nowhere perfect, but what I will tell you is that it has grown significantly under the leadership of the Executive Director Rich Lazer, who is no bureaucrat. And so, I want to honor him because Rich Lazer is one of the best people the City of Philadelphia has ado, Philadelphia, welcome Rich Lazer, the Parking Authority. (Applause.)
Thank you, Council President. Also, congratulations to La Salle College High School on their state championship. There you go, Brian. We'll see them in January.
Congratulations. Rich Lazer just happens to hail from South Philadelphia, but that's another conversation. Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you. Good morning, Council President, colleagues and all visitors here today. Today I am happy to Gauthier, PhillyBOLT. This is their academic -
-year. PhillyBOLT, stand up. There they are. There they go. PhillyBOLT is an organization that cultivates and supports grassroots leaders driving community-led change. These are leaders who live in neighborhoods across the city, and we are welcoming a cohort of over 80 Bolt youth coaches and fellows today. They come from at least four public high schools West Philly, Sayre, Palumbo and Olney. (Applause.)
These young people are learning about our city's history and how to mobilize, develop public-speaking skills and then teach what they learn to their peers. Thank you to the dedicated public school teachers supporting these students. And to the Bolt team, Hillary, Jalen, Selena, Horace and Jude, thank you and welcome to City Council. (Applause.)
I thank you very much. Also recognizing joining us today is the Head of Labor's District Council 332. Mr. Sam Staten, Jr., thank you for joining us as well as there are no presentations today. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Will the Chief Clerk from the Mayor and any other communications in her possession -- Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I also wanted to make acknowledgement today around someone that really needs no introduction here in the City of Philadelphia, Ms. Saudia, as we're going to be passing -- please stand. (Applause.)
Today we're going to be passing a resolution to rename the intersection of Broad Street, North Broad Street and Pike as Saudia Shuler Way. And, yes, let's give that a round of applause because we all know how much she does for so in the city of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
You know, listen, government can't do it all. We can't do it alone. We need partners like Ms. Saudia Shuler who is out here on the ground, day-in and-day out, you know, making it happen for so many families. Listen, I know she's about to close off Broad Street and bring out reindeer, Santa, toys, gifts, you know, the whole nine, just to make someone's day really special. And so, we want to say thank you and recognize that she and a few folks are here to speak for her today and we look forward to hearing from them. So thank you so much and congratulations to you in advance. (Applause.)
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am transmitting for the consideration of your Honorable body a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1437, 1438, 1539, 1544, 1546, and 1610 Ogden Street; 863 North 15th Street; 841, 845, and 851 North 16th Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. And pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill No. 250983, approval with amendments; Bill No. 250984, 250985 not for approval, 250987 approval with amendments, 250988 approval with amendments, 251017, Bill 251028, Bill 251031, and Bill 251032 not for approval. The Commission voted to extend its review 45 additional days on the following bills: Bill Nos. 250986 and 251030. 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 Dr. Anthony Phillips.
Thank you so much, Council President. I have three privileged resolutions and one bill for introduction today.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the bill and resolutions.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-4400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Responsible Business Operations," to add illegal sales of tobacco products to minors and unlicensed tobacco retailing as nuisance behaviors, and require completion of a Department-approved Tobacco Retailer Education and Compliance Training as a condition of lifting a Cease Operations Order, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Rich Lazer, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Parking Authority, for strengthening the Authority's operations, improving customer service and addressing key qualityof-life issues that impact residents across the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring La Salle College High School on winning the 2025 PIAA Class 6A State Football Championship.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing The MAAFA Redemption Project and its Executive Director, Rev. Marshall Hatch Jr., for creating a safe, healing, and disciplined pathway for young men to reimagine themselves as leaders and change agents-work that reflects the same fight for opportunity, safety, and dignity championed in Philadelphia's neighborhoods.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Today I offer two privileged resolutions.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the resolutions.
A privileged resolution recognizing, honoring, and congratulating Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated on its 112th Founders’ Day and declaring January 9th Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated Day in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing honoring and congratulating Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated on its 106th Founders’ Day and Declaring January 16th Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated 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 non-privileged resolution and one bill.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the bill and resolution.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the creation of the Office of the Youth Ombudsperson; and authorizing and directing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for the creation of the Office of the Youth Ombudsperson; and providing for the submission of the proposed amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration -- this bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the City of Philadelphia. Today I have one bill. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 20 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Officers and Employees," to provide for compensation of the Director of Office of Prison Oversight and members of the Philadelphia Prison Community Oversight Board, and amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Miscellaneous," to add a new chapter, providing for the powers and duties of Office of Prison Oversight and Philadelphia Prison Community Oversight Board and the manner in which other officers, employees and agencies shall fulfill their respective responsibilities with respect to the Office and Board, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one privileged resolution on your behalf.
Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee of the Whole to hold hearings examining the history and purpose of Philadelphia's Minority-, Women-, and DisabledOwned Business Enterprises (MWDSBE) contracting programs, the current federal and judicial landscape affecting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policy, and the Parker Administration’s revised approach to participation ranges and procurement strategy.
This bill will be referred -- excuse me. This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Good morning again, Council President. Today I have one privileged resolution I'm introducing along with Councilmember Gauthier.
Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution celebrating the fourth cohort of PhillyBOLT Grassroots Leaders in the City of Philadelphia and recognizing the students of PhillyBOLT AcademicYear Fellowship Program for their dedication to community-led change and leadership development.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Applause.)
Thank you, Council President. Today I have no bills and no resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young, Jr.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer two bills for introduction.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk read the titles of the bills.
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 of all or a portion of the premises located at 1600-26 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 14-500 ("Overlay Zoning Districts") of The Philadelphia Code to add a new section establishing the "Vine Street Expressway Overlay District," all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution today that I'm introducing with Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating The Wardrobe on the occasion of its 30th Anniversary of opening.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please -- Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two privileged resolutions to introduce today.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution welcoming the FIFA World Cup 2026 Teams playing in Philadelphia and celebrating the World Cup's Contribution to Philadelphia's Global Economy.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing December 21, 2025 as Homeless Persons' Memorial Day in the City of Philadelphia, acknowledging the lives of all unhoused people we have lost over the past year, and bringing attention to housing insecurity across the city.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll.
Morning, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions today. COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilmember Brian O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 1001 South 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The next order of business is reports from the Mark Squilla for a report from the Committee on Appropriations.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Appropriations reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.
The Committee on Appropriations to which was referred the following bill: Bill No. 251027, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2025 from: the General Fund, the Water Fund, the Water Residual Fund, the Grants Revenue Fund, the Aviation Fund, and the Transportation Fund, all from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions; to: the General Fund, the Water Fund, the Water Residual Fund, the Aviation Fund and the Transportation Fund, all to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, Respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. There are no further bills to report out from the Committee on Appropriations, Council President.
Thank you, Mr. President. of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day the bill just read in the record by the Chief Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the consideration of this bill just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries. This bill will be Reading Calendar for the day. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada for the report from the Committee on Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you. Council President. The Committee of Public Property and Public Works reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.
The Committee on Public Property and Public Works to which was referred the following bill: Bill No. 250807, authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire, on behalf of the City, fee lesser interest, by purchase, dedication, donation, condemnation, agreement in lieu of condemnation or otherwise, for the purpose of making, enlarging, connecting, extending, operating, and maintaining public parks for recreational use, certain parcels of land, generally bounded and located between Vine Street, Fairmount Avenue, 8th Street and 12th Street, together with all improvements thereon and all associated easements and appurtenances; and to lease the property, or a portion thereof, to the Center City District; all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. bills to report out from the Committee on Public Property and Public Works, Council President.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading on this day of the bill just read into the record by the Chief Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of this bill just read by the Chief Clerk Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. This bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for the day. Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad for a report from the Committee on Public Health and Human Services.
Thank you, Council President. The Committee on Public Health and Human Services reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the report.
The Committee on Public Health and Human Services to which was referred the following bill: Bill No. 250990, an ordinance amending Chapter 9-1100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Fair Practices Ordinance: Protections Against Unlawful Discrimination," to add protections against employment discrimination on the basis of human trafficking victim status, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. There are no further bills to report out from the and Human Services, Council President.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading this day of the bill just read into the record by the Chief Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of this bill which was just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. All those in favor of by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. This bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brian O'Neill for a report from the Committee on Fiscal Stability and Intergovernmental Cooperation.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Fiscal Stability and Intergovernmental Cooperation reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation. COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: Thank you. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the report.
The Committee on Fiscal Stability and Intergovernmental Cooperation to which was referred the following bill: Bill No. 251065 -
No, I'm sorry. I have to read the title. 251065, an ordinance -- an ordinance amending Bill No. 250568 (approved June 13, 2025), entitled "An ordinance authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of a Service Agreement between The City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority relating to the financing of a Housing Opportunities Made (H.O.M.E.) Plan which includes housing production and preservation, home affordability, homeowner and renter assistance, related contractor training and support, blight and vacant property reduction, urban beautification, neighborhood infrastructure, and other related programs; approving the issuance by the Authority of bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness (including reimbursement obligations related to lines or letters of credit) in one or more series to finance or refinance such plan and authorizing and approving the obligation of The City of Philadelphia to pay in full when due the Service Fee and other amounts payable under the Service Agreement; authorizing certain City officers to take certain actions required to issue such bonds, notes indebtedness; covenanting that the City of Philadelphia will make necessary appropriations in each of the City’s fiscal years to provide for, and will make timely payments of, the Service Fee and other amounts due under the Service Agreement; requiring an annual program statement and budget to be approved by Council, and other requirements; and authorizing and approving the Director of Finance of the City and other City officials to take other necessary or appropriate actions to effectuate the purposes of this ordinance; all under certain terms and conditions," in order to expand on the H.O.M.E programs and provide further process concerning spending, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it as considered the same bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. There are no further bills to report out from the Committee on Fiscal Stability and Intergovernmental Cooperation, Council President.
Thank you. Bill No. 251065 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for the next session of Council. (Applause.)
The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from the committees with suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be 2ND READING placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for the next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning the resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the following resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar: Nos. 251077, 251078, 251079, 251080, 251081, 251085, 251086, 251087, 251088, 251089, 251090, 251091 and 251092. The following resolutions on the Calendar being held: 2ND READING 250303.
It has been moved and properly seconded the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the resolution just read by Councilmember Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and we will consider the Resolution Consent Agenda shortly. 2ND READING The Chair again recognizes Councilmember Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning the 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 the Consent Agenda to consider the following bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars: Nos. 250534, 250573, 250574, 250606, 250717, 250771-A, 250801, 250805, 250809, 250832, 250839, 250840, 250841, 250842, 250846-A, 250847, 250888-A, 250913, 250914, 250920, 250946, 250947, 250954, 250982, 250983, 250984, 250985, 250987, 251017, 251023 and 251028. The following bills on the 2ND READING calendar are being held: 250843, 250986 and 251025. (Duly seconded.)
Good job, Majority Leader. That's what I'm talking about.
That's a lot of bills. Who said we ain't working. Is there a second, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier? (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda. Before considering the bills and resolutions, we would consider public comment as follows - 2ND READING
I don't know if y'all watch Stranger Things. Sometimes I feel like I'm in an upside-down world. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the bills just read by Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries and we will consider the bills on the Consent Agenda shortly. The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson for the purpose of calling any additional bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars.
Thank you, Mr. President. In addition to the bills and resolutions being considered on the Consent Agenda, the following bills and resolutions are on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for today: Nos. 251093, 250955, 250970-A, 251094, 250646-A, 250651-A, 250720, 250833, 250950, 250951, 250952, 250953, 250981, 251018, 251019, 251022-A and 250804-A. The following bills and resolutions on the Calendar are being held: 241070, 241056 and 25076-A(sic). (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. 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 at today's session of Council. 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 -- excuse me. Each public commenter will have up to two minutes to speak. However -- I'm sorry. Each individual will have up to three minutes to speak. However, this time may vary from session-to-session. Today the time will be two minutes because we have a very, very extensive, extensive, extensive, extensive, repetitive calendar which is okay. It's okay though. 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 only 30 seconds remaining to your time, the light will turn yellow, which is your reminder to conclude your remarks. Once two minutes have passed, the light will turn red and the Sergeant-at-Arms will disconnect the microphone. Now, he's just doing his job, y'all, so give him a little bit of grace. I also reserve the right pursuant to our rules of Council to limit repetitious comments on the same subject matter. Also, I want you to know that when your light turns red and the Sergeant-at-Arms will disconnect the microphone just be supportive of the next person who has to speak after you. I will now ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.
Arianne Young, Anne Dixon, David Alexander Jenkins, Kate Perez, Queen Judith Robinson, Allie Miscevich, John Dizzley and Nicholas Ducos, please make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Arianne Young, Anne Dixon, David Alexander Jenkins, Kate Perez, Queen Judith Robinson, Allie Miscevich -- Ashley Miscevich, John Dizzley and Nicholas Ducos. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Hi, everyone. I'm a resident of West Philadelphia and I'm speaking today to urge all City Councilmembers to vote yes on Bill, 250768, the Stop Trashing Our Air Act, which will be up for a full vote in January. Right now our federal and state governments are going backwards when it comes to cleaning up our air and environmental justice at large. The Trump Administration is gutting EPA requirements for keeping air pollution in check, while Pennsylvania backed out of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative as a compromise to get the state budget passed last month. The weakening of environmental standards at the national and state level mean that it's a pivotal moment for Philadelphia to fight for environmental justice at the regional level. With the contracts for incinerators ending next year, we have a timely opportunity to transition out of waste incineration in a way that is fair and just to everyone, if we sign new incinerator contracts that we may not get another opportunity for years. Philadelphia is ranked as the fourth worst asthma capital in the nation and No. 2 in cancer incidents out of our nation's 10 largest cities. The five incinerators near our city are all among the Philly area's top seven industrial air polluters. Studies of health around incinerators have found cancers to be one of the main health impacts associated with incinerator pollution, especially from fine particulate matter. It's critical that we place the health and well-being of Philadelphia and Chester residents at front and center. By cleaning up our region's air, we can take a large step in that effort by switching to landfill disposal only. I know you want to make the city clean and green, so please vote yes on the Stop Trashing Our Air Act. Thank you. (Applause.)
Anne Dixon. So many good reasons for passing the Stop Trashing Our Air Act were given at the Committee on the Environment hearing on November 17th. If you haven't seen it, I strongly suggest you go online to watch it. Landfilling is a better, less toxic alternative than incineration. The amount the city sends to incinerators is about 180,000 tons per year according to Carlton Williams, Director of the Office of Clean and Green. This is less than a third of the waste the City manages and works out to under 500 tons per day. Republic, the world's second largest waste corporation, has two transportation stations in the city with a combined capacity of 1900 tons per day, nearly four times what would be needed. They have the capacity to handle this additional trash and to bring it to their nearby landfills in Berks and York Counties, which each have enough capacity to handle the amounts we currently burn. There is no reason not to pass this important Act. Landfilling creates more jobs than incineration, and rumor has it that the incinerator workers at Reworld have recently unionized through the operating engineers and are a part of a local that includes Philly. I hope that City Council is looking at the big picture of how beneficial stopping incineration is and won't just capitulate to the lobbying dollars of a few. Thank you. (Applause.)
Madam Chair, members and guests, I'm David Alexander Jenkins and I rise as a point of privilege to address resolutions dear to the people of Philadelphia. If you love me, feed my people. While the federal government sat at this very Council, at times scrambled to decide what to do about many families who fell into panic during COVID, 5000 pounds of food, free food, was placed into the hands of North Philadelphia families. And it was not the first time and it is not the last. Long before that day and long before after it, Saudia Shuler has fed this city, its children, its elders, its workers caught in federal shutdowns, its parents struggling with back-to-school seasons, its neighbors facing holidays with empty tables and its countless residents who found themselves one crisis away from despair. And again and again, through toy drives, groceries, giveaways, hot meal distributions, it was and remains Saudia Shuler's emergency support that has arrived faster than any government agencies. During the federal worker shutdowns, back-to-school seasons, when parents had nothing left to give, during holidays when despair sat in the doorways of our neighborhoods, thousands can testify that they made it to one more day because one woman carried within her an ancient command, if you love me, feed my flock, tend my flock. For over two years, I have stood before this body pleading that the full weight of Council focuses on the crisis of humanities that plagues us today. I do so, reminded that the long architecture of this republic, no office stands higher than one's own title is not bestowed by election, inheritance or ceremony, but by the love for his brethren. The office of citizen, a citizen, shapes justice through insistence, exemplifies compassion through action and secures the future of strangers through choices made when no one is watching. Today we honor before us a citizen who in the absence of failure of emergency support for those who are most in need and countlessly has stepped into that breach, supplying the most fundamental of Maslow's needs, food, shelter, clothing and love. We all know what scripture teaches us about what God can do with two fish and five loaves of bread. But imagine what this body in Philadelphia as a whole could accomplish if it followed the example of Saudia Shuler, one woman multiplying limited means into massive impact. Imagine what the multitudes might come to know of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection if we governed with the clarity, heart and courage exemplified by Saudia Shuler's Way. Y'all see it. And as she would say it, Holla back. (Applause.)
Good morning all. Queen Judith Robinson here to testify on 250955. Floating a bond to manage poverty: When politicians are hell-bent on an agenda, ain't no stopping them, listening only to those who they assume agree with them, using PR and poor people as props. Paying rent, moving expenses -- I'm looking about -- I'm asking about sustainability of these issues, paying secure deposit on the layaway as we have it now. Homelessness, as the homelessness budget has ballooned over many years, I don't hear any talk about reducing that homeless budget as we talk about finding a way home. It's not easy, it shouldn't be easy. As a real estate professional, we always pre-qualify folks and it's always based on income, debt and savings. So I'm just here to give you a little reminder. Black women are 70% of Philadelphia yearly evictions. Many families are in shelters. We don't have any kind of details about how that will be reduced. Okay. Meanwhile Philadelphia Housing Authority, PHA is the clog in the wheel, which I don't hear you talking about. And if we do not deal with that, we will have problems to be continued. They have a 10-year waiting list which is closed, they do not help with security deposit and they have vacant and abandoned properties all over the whole city of Philadelphia in every single neighborhood. So I ask the question, what are we going to do about those things. So another reminder, MV Realty has a lien on homeowners' properties. Will any of the resources for tangled titles be used to make those people whole to pay off that lien? And then I'm going to close with this after wishing you all a happy holiday season. Attorney Leon Williams reminds us, and he said I can paraphrase him, We have operating budget, we have a capital budget and then we have the bond, which is a major expense over long-term. Thank you very much and have a great holiday, everyone. (Applause.)
Good morning, Majority Leader, members of Council. My name is Ashley Miscevich and I am Senior Manager of Local Government Advocacy at the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. And I'm here today in support of Bill No. 251022. I will keep my remarks brief as we previously submitted a letter to all members yesterday. But this bill is a timely and meaningful step towards strengthening our commercial corridors, supporting small businesses and enhancing the experience for residents and visitors as Philadelphia prepares for major events in 2026. It is critical that our city is vibrant, welcoming and easy to navigate. This legislation helps to achieve this by providing clear standards, predictable timelines and reduced administrative barriers. Enhancing outdoor dining is one of the most practical tools we have to boost foot traffic, create the kind of street level vibrancy the city needs to keep businesses competitive. We want to thank Councilwoman Landau for her leadership and hard work in advancing this important legislation. Before closing, I also want to acknowledge the package of bills for the Philly Saves Program. I know Council President has left, but we want to thank him and Councilmember Driscoll on their leadership for this initiative. It is exactly the type of bold, forward-looking policy rooted in collaboration with the business community that helps expand economic mobility and long-term financial security for workers across the city. We remain committed to being an active stakeholder as this program moves forward and we appreciate the opportunity to support legislation that strengthens both Philadelphia workforce and its economic future. We urge you all today to pass these bills. I thank you for your time and consideration. (Applause.)
We have John Dizzley, Nicholas Ducos. May Alfred Klosterman, Khan Miller, Jeremy Blatstein, Kelly Flannery and Michael Nees also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Hello. My name is John Dizzley. I'm the President and Head of Zoning for an RCO in South Philly called Dickinson Square West Civic Association. I'm here today on behalf of Councilperson Landau's sidewalk cafe bill. I don't have a whole lot of statistics for you. I only can speak from the heart as Dickinson Square President. Our goal is to create a commitment to a culture of a commitment to each other. These sidewalk cafes give opportunities to store owners, such as Sophia's Kitchen the opportunity to become an integral part of the city of Philadelphia. If, absent of this bill, they would have to sit before someone like me, an RCO who has to make a decision to send to the Councilperson's office who has to make a decision on whether they can do these sidewalk cafes. I just recently done one for Sophia's Kitchen, who after getting approval from the RCO and the City Council, still hasn't been allowed to do their sidewalk cafe. I think one of the hindrances is they have to spend so much money, get so many architects just to sit before us and sit before City Council. The RCO or City Council is great for the City of Philadelphia, but they don't need to be held back. That dream shouldn't be held back until they come to us. So I ask you today to pass this resolution that Councilperson Landau has introduced so that a lot of these sort of sidewalk cafes, they can become an integral part of the City of Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning and thank you, Councilmembers, for being here. Sticking on that sidewalk cafe topic, my name is Nicholas Ducos. I am one of the owners of Mural City Cellars with my wife. We're Philadelphia's first urban winery in the Fishtown neighborhood. We've been in business for five years and we have a small but mighty team. But for the last year we've been trying to get a sidewalk permit through the city to legally place four picnic tables on a 14 foot-wide sidewalk. We have worked across multiple departments, including L&I, the Streets Department, two neighborhood association votes, RCO, City Council's approval for encroachment ordinance. We've been directed to engage in an architect that has cost us upwards of $1,500, have encountered dead links on the city's website and we've also been requested to provide paperwork via a CD-ROM through the city system through eCLIPSE. We have done most things we've needed to do to get a business open here in the City of Philadelphia. We've done it by ourselves without a lawyer. We're not afraid of hard work. There are a lot of things difficult about running a business in Philadelphia, but this should not be one of them. Thank you. (Applause.) UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Good afternoon. For more than six years since moving into my home, I've been forced to live inside the realities of addiction, not because of my choices, but because of where I live. And it's never lost on me that Black and Brown communities are always first to sound the alarm when harm is being done. And too often, we are the last to be believed. Our concerns are dismissed, minimized and explained away with data and good intentions, with decision-makers who do not live amongst us and do not bear the consequences of those policies. Every time and every turn we're told that the patterns of the lessons were best learned at the expense of us. We're tired of being lessons learned. So let me, as a woman of color, say this plainly, we do not want mobile provider services in our community, not because of lack of compassion and not because we recognize that there's a need for addiction and that it is a real crisis, but because we've already carried this burden. No community, especially one that's been so long understood, underserved, should carry -- there are actual spaces designated outside of our community that serve people struggling with addiction. Our parks, blocks, playgrounds, sidewalks cannot continue to be treated as default staging grounds for suffering. We should not have to wait for someone to be ready for treatment for our families to live with a basic human dignity. In the meantime, we avoid spaces that are meant for us. We stay inside for fear for what lies outdoors and we simply have resigned ourselves to be prisoners in our own homes. We deserve a reprieve. We deserve safety. We deserve the right to shape what happens in our own community and we have been held captive long enough, waiting, grieving and sometimes losing hope that anything will ever change. Bill 257 -- 250720 finally gives us a meaningful tool to reclaim our neighborhood, our voice and our future. I support this bill with my whole heart and I urge you to do the same for the sake of our children, justice and for every resident who has waited far too long to be heard. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning to Council President Johnson and all members of City Council. My name is Kahn Miller. Thank you -- good morning to Council President Johnson and all members of City Council. My name is Kahn Miller. I serve as the Manager of Advocacy at Project HOME. I'm here today in gratitude to Councilmembers O'Rourke, Gauthier and Landau for co-sponsoring the resolution to recognize December 21 as Homeless Persons' Memorial Day in Philadelphia, and to thank Mayor Parker and City Council for your continued efforts to address the twin crises of homelessness and housing affordability in our city. On a single night in January of this year, over 1000 people in Philly were known to have spent the night without shelter, in a tent, in a vehicle or on the sidewalk. The temperature dipped to 11 degrees that night. Exposure to extreme weather and lack of accessible health care are two reasons why the average lifespan of someone experiencing homelessness is just 50 years old. That is two decades less than the average American. For over 30 years, Homeless Persons' Memorial Day has been observed in Philadelphia to recognize and honor those in our community who were experiencing homelessness when they died. Last year we memorialized nearly 300 people at Project HOME. We know the solution to homelessness is affordable and accessible permanent housing. We strongly support the $800 million investment in Mayor Parker's Housing Opportunities Made Easy Initiative as well as the efforts to ensure that the households most vulnerable to homelessness are not left behind. Homelessness is increasing in Philadelphia, as it is across the country. Your partnership, and in particular the leadership shown by Council President in taking meaningful action on this issue, is deeply appreciated. Our work continues because none of us are home until all of us are home. Thank you. (Applause.)
Hello and thank you for the opportunity to provide public comment today. I'm Kelly Flannery, the Policy Director at Positive Women's Network, a national network of cis and trans women and gender diverse people living with HIV in the U.S. Our Pennsylvania chapter has been organizing for reproductive justice and harm reduction for 15 years in Philadelphia. I'm here today in strong opposition to Bill 250720, which would ban mobile medical service providers from the 6th District. Mobile medical service providers connect people to treatment and reduce barriers to care for people who are vulnerable to HIV, including people who use drugs and those who are unhoused. They improve health equity by delivering essential health care directly to communities that are underserved by traditional health care infrastructure. It's an important way to connect folks to care, prevent HIV transmission and keep our community safe, a goal I know we all share. I'm deeply disturbed that this bill is being rushed through City Council for a couple of reasons: First, instead of increasing access to health care, this bill would compound the crisis we're already in. Eliminating mobile health care where it's most needed at the same time as the federal government is decimating the programs and services that people living with HIV and people vulnerable to HIV need to survive. Second, this bill restricts care and creates new penalties without creating any substitute services or infrastructure. It is a ban. It is pulling health care resources out of the 6th Council District. It will result in restricted access to lifesaving care, increased HIV transmissions and preventable deaths. And finally, it has been less than two weeks since the permitting system enforcement began. The Public Health Department has not had the time to assess, document or report on the impact the (inaudible) system. Moving this bill now shows a deep mistrust in the Public Health Department's judgment and processes. It also belies a cold truth, the goal of this bill is not oversight or accountability. If that were the case, you would allow Public Health to do their job. It's about disappearance and displacement. You know the solution? The solution is addressing the social and political conditions that keep folks poor and unhoused. Invest deeply in health care, housing, mental health, harm reduction policies that center the voices, needs and human rights of poor and working-class people. I implore you to stand up for your most vulnerable constituents and the providers who work tirelessly to care for them by opposing this cruel ban. Thank you. (Applause.)
Hello. My name is Jeremy Blatstein. I'm here to talk about three different bills, the sidewalk cafe bill first and councilmanic prerogative. Yep, it should be -- City Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier is leading the charge on putting her whole district in by-right. It shouldn't be piecemealed together. This is a simple thing to help small businesses. There's still the regulation, the oversight and enforcement that would go along with this bill. We're talking about a couple tables. So in terms of the nuisance businesses and whatnot, it's really not going to be that big of an impact. And if so, we can shut down those businesses even more so with this bill. So kudos to you, Councilwoman Landau, for fighting for Philadelphia and the small businesses. Next thing we're talking about is 250947. It's a zoning bill for the House of Umoja. Queen Mother Phillips, she's been an inspirational woman for me and is somebody that is trying to fight for peace in Philadelphia and she's working on a maker space. And this zoning helps further her vision of the maker space. And the last thing we're talking about is 240955, the H.O.M.E. Initiative. We're not going to get into the back and forth. I think overall the spending and the allocation of dollars is phenomenal. The next phase of this has to be more focused on supply. That's the only thing I'll have to say, right. We need $100 million revolving loan fund if we want truly affordable housing to be built in these new apartment construction. So AMIs are great, but if you want this mixed-income, more units, supply, supply, supply, then we need this revolving loan fund. My concern is that the next funding source isn't going to be enough supply. So that's all. And the last thing is of course we're talking about SEPTA. It still is struggling, right. We're still -- thankfully, the workers got their contract, but funding of SEPTA still needs to be on the forefront of everybody's mind. Ride the ride. Thank you. (Applause.)
We have Michael Nees, Samantha Pfeiffer, Betsy Way and Mike Ewall make their way to the podium please. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Kate Perez. The Retirement Savings Board will be establishing their own investment policies and I'm here to encourage us to make sure that none of those dollars can be invested into companies operating in apartheid states or would supply weapons or technology to states that regularly commit crimes against humanity. Yesterday in Jabalia, the IOF shot and killed a 10-yearold girl and hours later shot a 16-year-old Zahar Nasser Shamiyya in the head and then killed him by running him over with a tank, splitting his body in half and leaving him in the street. At the same time, civil defense teams reported 30 more bodies have been recovered from a mass grave inside the Al-Shifa Medical Hospital Complex. The number of victims in the hospital's mass grave are estimated to exceed 300. The board is responsible to invest in the interest of its beneficiaries, like knowing if they are to invest in Amazon stocks. Not only are they powering mass surveillance and occupied territories with Project Nimbus but also funding a billion dollar company that would rather pay thousands in union-busting instead of paying Americans a living wage. When you have your Christmas party later, remember that our sister city is still enforcing an illegal blockade and starving an entire country to death. UNICEF reported a surge in the number of babies being born weighing less than 5.5 pounds. Any surviving children will face malnutrition and lifelong medical complications. Low birth rate infants are about 20 times more likely to die than infants of normal weight, and many of these premature babies don't even get to die. Some are killed when the IOF bombs hospital generators surrounds hospitals and forces doctors to abandon entire NICUs with doctors like Dr. Hassam Abu Safiya, still held in torture camps without charge. I cannot imagine investing my money into companies like BlackRock or Day & Zimmerman that would provide weapons for these efforts. Our money is what allows us to continue, so I ask us again to build an ethical safeguards. Beyond bombings, there's storms hitting Gaza today and tomorrow, sending tents flying and families are soaking wet with no shelter. When you feel cold, remember them. No more normalization. We have to cut ties with our sister city. Stop the weapons from leaving our port. Free Palestine.
Good morning. My name is Betsy Way. I'm here with respect to Resolution 251080, which is a redevelopment contract for a parcel of land on Kenilworth Street in South Philadelphia, otherwise known as Hawthorne Community Garden. And I'm here today to thank the Council, Councilwoman Gauthier, Council President Johnson. It's been a long time to put the garden in place and your actions today really made a big difference. Thank you.
My name is Mike Ewall with Energy Justice Network in response to the popular Stop Trashing Our Air Act, supported by many environmental groups. The Sanitation Department is clinging to their belief that burning trash and landfilling toxic ash is better than going straight to landfills without burning the trash first. Carlton Williams of the Office of Clean and Green has been pointing to an inverted triangle image published years ago by the Environmental Protection Agency to justify his preference for incineration over landfilling. EPA admitted in early 2022 that they have no documentation to back up their placement of incineration over landfilling in that graphic. And in July 2022, they put a disclaimer on it saying that they plan to revisit it based on the latest data and information. This has been a slow process that's likely on hold, on hold under the current Trump Administration. However, the City has been taking this EPA waste hierarchy as gospel without acknowledging EPA's lack of any documentation to back it up. On the other hand, Delaware County commissioned the most comprehensive life cycle assessment of incineration versus landfilling and versus their implementation of their Zero Waste Plan, with 50 pages of dense analysis showing that incineration is far more harmful than landfilling. In fact, this recent 2023 study found that climate impacts are 69% worse from incineration than landfilling, and that the more localized human health impacts are a whopping 23 times worse for us than using landfills. This study is specific to the main incinerator that we're using, the one in Chester, Pennsylvania, and the landfill analysis is based on the waste composition of Philadelphia's trash. One couldn't get a more recent, comprehensive and locally specific study of our waste disposal options. Despite this, Carlton Williams and the Sanitation Commissioner have called for more studies by a supposedly objective consultant. Clearly, they don't like the results from the Delaware County study so they want their own pro-incinerator contractor to redo it, pretending that they're objective. That contractor doesn't have the tool that it takes to do this kind of study, and they only have a fraud analysis tool available to them. So if we want to stop feeding our trash to the largest air polluters in our region, we need to take action in time to impact the waste contracts that start in July and probably go for another seven years. We don't have time to play around with revisiting studies, because Sanitation doesn't like what the best science already says. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Sophia Neth. I am an owner and operator of Sophie's Kitchen located on 5th and Washington Avenue. I'm here to speak in support of Councilmember Rue Landau's Sidewalk Cafe legislation, Bill 251022. Thank you Councilmember Landau, for introducing this legislation. So during COVID, I was able to have a couple tables outside after the restriction was lifted. My customers loved it. We expanded our floor seating a lot. I have a lot of older customers who come to, you know, eat Cambodian food for the first time. And at one point, we had to carry them upstairs because we couldn't -- we don't have room downstairs because it's really small downstairs. So we haven't had seats in three years and our customers still want, you know, come and ask us if we can do outside, you know, seating. At the beginning of this year, I decided to apply again and the process has been very confusing and expensive. At one point they told me that Washington Avenue businesses are not allowed to have sidewalk cafe at all. So in May, I paid $1,200 for an architect to do a blueprint on the sidewalk and still nothing. And I had to go sit in front of the RCO member. Still nothing, I couldn't get it. I am support of this legislation because I know this will make it easier for me as a small business owner to get permit and additional seating. It will make my customers happy and it will make the sidewalk of Washington Avenue very inviting. Thank you. (Applause.)
May we have Saudia Shuler, Darryl Shuler, Wallace Peoples, Charlie Mack, Meredith Ellison and Lynn Robinson make their way to the podium. Saudia Shuler, Daryl Shuler, Wallace Peeples, Charlie Mack, Meredith Ellison and Lynn Robinson, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Lynn Robinson. I'm a retired Philadelphia public school teacher and I'm speaking in support of Bill 250768, the Don't Trash Our Air Act. Thank you City Council Environment Committee for raising it up. The Institute for -- I'm going to talk about how passing this Act will bring jobs to Philadelphia. The Institute for Local Self-Reliance is a national research and advocacy organization. Their most recent report on jobs produced by landfills versus incinerators shows that pound-forpound of waste, landfills in our region create 83% more jobs than incinerators do. Some of those jobs have to do with sorting, recycling materials or making materials out of recycled products, like Newman & Company in Bridesburg does. The Stop Trashing Our Air Act would create better-paying union jobs. The city could switch from a non-union transfer station that sends trash to be burned to a Teamsters union transfer station that would send trash to landfills. After we pass the bill, Philly Clean and Green can focus on reducing the volume of trash, reducing methane in landfills and creating thousands more local jobs in flat numbers. If Philadelphia meets a 75% recycling goal, it will bring over 11,000 new jobs to our city according to the American Sustainable Business Council. Here's three things we can do right away: Number one, 30% of our trash is organics. Mayor Parker's Future Track program sends workers blockto-block to sweep leaves into large paper bags and then dump them into the trash. Residents buy paper bags and fill them with weeds and leaves, but they're also thrown into the trash. Please let's revive processing the collected organics at Philly's Organic Recycling Center. Two, let's imitate New York City's food scraps curbside collection for composting, which will get eight to nine times more local jobs than for those same organic materials. And three, to garner 60 to 300 times more jobs, Philly needs to separate out other reusable materials. For example, we should require deconstruction rather than demolition with buildings that would enable, reuse and recycling. I think my two minutes are up. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Meredith Ellison and I'm the community business advocate at the Park to Broad District where I support 150 small businesses in Brewerytown. I am here today in support of Bill No. 251022, to simplify the sidewalk cafe permitting process in our city. This bill would save food businesses time and money in the pre-approval process for sidewalk cafes, which help animate our streets, grow the local economy, create neighborhood jobs and amplify community safety. The current, limited by-right sidewalk cafe geography hurts businesses outside Center City and the select few designated commercial corridors. If we truly want all of our neighborhoods and commercial districts to economically benefit from next year's 2026 festivities, business leaders in every part of the city must have the same access to outdoor dining expansion. The current city guidelines require restaurants outside of the by-right zones to get a City Council ordinance before they can even apply for a sidewalk cafe license. Brewerytown is a perfect example of the inequitable impacts of this setup of the neighborhood's 28 restaurants. Only one has gone through the formal process of obtaining an ordinance and sidewalk cafe license. Several other businesses have explored the possibility of obtaining a license over the years and have found the present process too onerous, costly and uncertain to undertake. As a result, Brewerytown restaurants either miss out on outdoor dining entirely or are provided informally and risk fines from Licenses & Inspections. Both of these groups lack the capacity to formalize the outdoor dining operations and need assistance from City Council. Bill No. 251022 is an excellent first step in creating more equitable small business growth in our city. However, there are crucial neighborhoods missing that cannot be left behind again. Parks at Broad is eager to work with Council to establish by-right sidewalk cafes in Brewerytown in January 2026, ensuring local restaurants can capture more business from visitors attending the nearby FIFA World Cup Fan Fest and other 2026 celebrations. My organization has met with a dozen Brewerytown restaurant leaders interested in growing and formalizing outdoor dining and also has dedicated funds to help restaurants purchase these highquality, mobile outdoor furniture that would only be present outside during the hours when the business is open. The present legislative process stands in the way. However, the passage and expansion of Bill No. 251022 would remove a significant barrier in creating a safer, more vibrant and welcoming environment for neighbors and business owners in Brewerytown and across the city. Thank you.
We have Saudia Shuler, Darryl Shuler, Wallace Peeples, Charlie Mack. And may David Evans, Katie Hanford, Jason Evans and Scott Van Bramer also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning, Council. Morning, President. My name is Sam Staten, Jr. I'm here to say a few words for Saudia Shuler. My first encounter with her was that I was driving down Broad Street for a meeting in Center City. And I got around Wyoming and traffic started backing up. And I kept saying, what's -- it must be an accident because they were backed up. Later on that evening when I got home and saw the news, I saw why the traffic was backed up. And I said to my wife, that's why I was late for my meeting because of what's going on there. I instantly became an admirer for Saudia. Because when you talk about people with her heart, her tenacity, her grace about people and they can show they're good, it just reminds me of an old spiritual. Anybody here know Mahalia Jackson had a song that says, If I can help somebody as I travel on my way, if I can help somebody as I travel on my way, then my living will not be in vain. So when I think about her, I think about the work, the happy faces and the people that she changed lives for. She's going to be blessed for what she's doing, as long as we continue to support her. Somebody said earlier, it's not a one person's job. There's so many people that's not as fortunate as we are that need help. She did give me a letter. I answered the letter because I understand and she also know that children and needs my heart. And I want to say to her, be encouraged, you got a lot of backing, you got a lot of support and God will continue to bless you to do the good work that you do. Thank you. (Applause.)
So good morning to City Council. My name is Darryl Shuler. Of course, I know most of y'all in City Council. I have a special relationship with our President, Cindy Bass, Isaiah Thomas, most of y'all. I wanted to say a few words about my niece and what she has done. And I want to start from the perspective of doing anti-violence. When I first started doing anti-violence, there was only two groups that was known at that time to me that was seriously involved in stopping the violence in our city. And one of them was named Men in Charge and the second one was Peace Not Guns. And then we formed a group, the next group that I know that was effective in our city was called Put It Down. And so Peace Not Guns and Put It Down actually collaborated and did a lot of good work in our city. And so, I say all that to say that all the work that we have done of course it's not gone unnoticed, but my niece has surpassed us. It's different ways of anti-violence. And what I do know is when you feed somebody, right, they'll listen to you. And so, the work that she has done for the last 10 years at least, really it speaks for itself. And so, I stand here today asking City Council to pass the bill -- is it the bills, am I saying the right thing -resolution, a resolution to change the street to rename the street, Broad Street, after my niece. And the last thing I want to say is to our City Council President, my niece is the product of North Philly and I'm a product of North Philly. So thank you.
My name is Wallace Peeples. I'm a member of the Philadelphia community. I love my city. I'm here to speak for Saudi Shuler today. Let me tell you something, I'm gonna get straight to it. You can't teach what you don't know. You can't leave where you don't go. If they homeless, she show up. Domestic violence, she show up. Kids that don't know they way, she show up, you know. And a lot of times we don't get the support we need in Philadelphia because we don't got the complexion for the connection, let's be real. But I'm here to be real for her today. Because when there's no support from City Hall, when people is hungry out there, when people is abused out there, when people trying to figure out life and don't know where to go, they go to Saudi Shuler Way. See, I'm speaking about the way right now because the way already exists before we decide to give her a street. See, a way is an energy. A way is a mindset. A way is a feeling. And that's what she is. She's been the way before we decided to say let's name something after her. See, energy, don't lie. Actions don't lie. Demonstration don't lie. People do and words do, but she don't do that. I don't care what's going on, what ain't going on, she's going to come through for the people. And I don't know how she find these people sometimes. Sometimes she's like an investigator because she will find somebody that's going through a hardship and she would make them smile. Let me talk to you. We talking about love here. We not talking about some social media. We not talking about no clout. We not talking -- we talking about a real human being in a place, in a time where people don't know how to be human no more, where people is really going through stuff. We living in a world right now and we don't know what's gonna happen tomorrow. But I know when tomorrow come, it's gonna be beautiful because Saudia Shuler is from Philadelphia and we got her and she got us. (Applause.)
That's what it's about. It don't matter who don't show up. If the police don't come, she gone come. If a mother don't come, she gone come. If a father don't come, she gone come. Because guess what, it's about Saudia Shuler Way and the way is the energy and it's always gonna be here. Thank you, Committee. (Applause.)
Good morning, City Council President and also Councilwoman Cindy Bass and distinguished members of Council. My name is Charles Austin, also known as Charlie Mack. It's my privilege to -
It's my privilege to stand before you to honor a woman whose heart, leadership, service has transformed North Philadelphia for more than a decade. Saudia "Auntie" Shuler is a proud single mother of a son JJ and the founder of the beloved North Philly soul food establishment, Country Cookin. But it's her service, not the storefront that has made her a legend in the city. But for over a decade Saudia has poured into children of families with levels of consistency, compassion and generosity that is rare. This is very rare in this world. She's organized back-toschool bookbag drives that equip thousands of students. She's hosted holiday giveaways that deliver joy and dignity to families in need. She's also provided scholarships to help young people continue their dreams. And she's created prom send-offs that allow young kings and queens to shine on one of the biggest nights of their lives. These acts were never for recognition. They were for the people. They were for the acts of love. Saudia has already been honored with the Honorary Sheriff badge, a symbol of her coverage for community leadership. And today the street naming, the City of Philadelphia is sending her legacy with very vibrant fabric of North Philly. Street names are reserved for individuals who live and have made a permanent impact. Saudia has done that boldly, humbly and consistently. Saudia has fed hundreds of -- Saudia has fed the hungry, supported families, inspired youth and (inaudible) for all of us, like served through full and fearless heart. Our city is stronger because of her. Our children are blessed because of her. And generations to come will walk the street and know her name. So today, on behalf of everyone who has ever been touched by her kindness, lift her up in the spirit and feed by her hands, I'm honored to present Saudia Shuler, the treasure of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
Before Saudia speaks, is there anyone else who wants to speak in regards to Saudia? Mr. Motivate 215, you as well. And, Saudia, you will be last.
Hello. How's everybody doing today. My name is Sister Taleah Taylor. I'm President of the City of Dreams Coalition but also Director of Community Engagement at Level Up Philly. I just want to say it's an honor, Councilwoman Bass, she knows how I feel about extraordinary women doing dynamic things in the city. And it's not just that I am here as another woman, as a community activist extraordinaire, but I am here because she heals this city, not just in North Philly but people from the surrounding areas. I watch the love that she gives to our people. When we're hungry, when we don't have clothes, when things are going astray in our neighborhoods, she walks up to the back with no problems. And I watch her do this over and over and over again. So I just wanted to come here today in honor to speak on behalf of Saudia Shuler. I salute you, Queen. I look up to you. Thank you for all you do for Philadelphia.
Come on, Philly. Come on, Philly. Come on, Philly.
Thank you, Yatt. You know, last time I was here I was speaking for LGP Qua. Now, I'm here today to speak for somebody that I admire very much. I came down here 22 months ago. If you go on your phone and you see Saudia Shuler Way and you scroll down, you see a petition up there with my name on it because I was fighting. So I got chills by being down here today because I can't even imagine this city without Saudia Shuler. I can't even imagine -when Wallo was just talking, it just almost made me cry because the passion that this woman got for our city, man. I don't want to be long, but I want to tell you all about my aunt from South Philly that died of cancer. She sold crabs, she sold beer and she passed away and all her kids. And she poured so much into me, but before she passed away a few years ago she didn't have social media, but she got social media because of this woman behind me. And my aunt didn't have no hair, she was in the hospital. And she said, if I don't do nothing else, I need to taste her food, I love this lady. And it hurt me that I couldn't let her meet Saud, but she put Saud on my radar and it never turned off. This woman -PhillyBOLT, PhillyBOLT, I'm proud of y'all. He said, y'all learning history. (Applause.)
Saudia Shuler is history, history. What would Philly -- like Wallo said, we're talking about a human person. What would this city be without adversity. None of us are perfect. None of us are perfect in the city of Philadelphia. Don't care what social media talk about. We all been through adversity. That's what make the City of Philadelphia. You went through adversity. Wallo, Darryl Shuler, myself. Now, we talking about Country Cookin. We about to get a Saudia Shuler Way, Broad Street, reindeers for us, for the City of Philadelphia. Saud, I just want to tell you while I'm here, I love you from the bottom of my heart, I love you, I love you, I love you. As you can see, y'all got some of the biggest men, some of the biggest influencers in here to step behind a woman that steps for us, rain, sleet, hell, snow, when nobody's there. Saudia Shuler is here. She's going to continue to be here whether that street was named or not. But now, she just don't own the building, she about to own the street. Come on, Philly. (Applause.)
Sheriff Rochelle Bilal. (Witnesses approached podium.) SHERIFF BILAL: Mr. President, taking a personal privilege to step up here today. I'm here on behalf of the street naming of Saudia Shuler. Let me say this: People see me giving badges around this city and trust me, you can't ask for them. You have to show that you are about this city. You have to show that you are doing things in this city that make this city better for those who live in this city. Saudia Shuler is one of those people, amongst many, because the ones back here, all y'all Honorary, step up here with me.
I'm your security today. SHERIFF BILAL: That's my security today. Here's my other security today. That's my other security over there. That's OG. And that's my big brother security. Just let you know, they didn't get them badges because they never asked for them. They got them because they doing the work in the city for the citizens of this city. When I gave her badge, it's because she -- look, I can't even give you the little stories that she's done in reference to me calling her saying I can't get there, can you, when she has. Giving her this honor says that millions of people around the country that help support her and what she does without a penny coming from the city says a lot. I want to say thank you, thank you, thank you, because she does this on the strength of her and everybody else that helps her with this. She deserves it. And as one of my Honorary Deputy Sheriffs -- and you better get your paperwork in there. I tell her to put that badge in a drawer and leave it there, but she continues trying to lock people up. I'm just saying, Thank you, thank you, thank you. She deserves it. (Applause.)
We will now hear from the guest of honor, Saudia Shuler.
Y'all see it, period. So if y'all know me, I'm Saudia Shuler. I'm gonna say this: The things that I do I wouldn't be able to afford it, afford to do the things that I do without my friends, my family, my volunteers, like everybody. I would like to say that I bring our city together, because people come from North Philly, West Philly, South Philly, Southwest, they come from all over the city to get into the things that they need or what they want. I'm talking about all of us. So it's not just a North Philly thing, even though I'm from North Philly. It's not a North Philly thing. I just want to say thank you. People always say, oh, you don't get recognized. I'm like, chile, I don't do it for that. Them kids know where this stuff is coming from. Them kids know Auntie love them and that's it. There's so many things that I do behind the scenes that I just cry about and wish I could just help so many people. But my mate, Keisha, I call her Keyshawn, but she be like, Babe, I know you want to do everything but we can't do everything, but we try. And then I'll be like, I see a kid in line like at a food drive or something -- like, the last food drive we had, seen probably about 13, 14 kids, I said, Keyshawn, I need you go do something, I know we spent a lot of money, but I need you to go do something. I said, Can you just go get them some sneakers. Their shoes is like -- and they boys. So imagine if you don't have -- your sneakers is this much off your feet, you walking on the back of your shoes, how you gonna go to school. You know, they picking with you. You know, they tease them. So I try to kind of like do things that I know that our city need and stuff that our people need, so that's what's dear to my heart. And I want to say thank you, Cindy Bass. Thank you to all the Councilpeople. Thank you, President for voting for me to get this Saudia Shuler Way. I'm so excited about that, because y'all know I wanted Broad Street -- I wanted the building on Broad Street for over 10 years and so everything just going in line. So hopefully that'll help me get so many other kids and get people, you know, to come together, because I have a gift of getting people to come together to do what I need them to do, especially this one and all of them. As a matter of fact, I just made Charlie Mack pay for somebody's college the other day. Not made you, Charlie, but you know, I boss him around even though he big. Wallo seen me crying on the thing the other day. Nobody didn't show up to my Christmas party. Nobody didn't show up to my Christmas party. He came down and brought me a $25,000 check. My uncle and them said they sick of me but we gonna still give it to you. It's like so many people. It's a citywide thing. And I would like to say they say, oh, it's not the City of Brotherly Love. Yes, it is because we all come together and do that together. So it's like so many kids, we give over 5000 kids a year. I hope all of y'all can come out so y'all can see how beautiful it is with the reindeer and how happy the kids will be just to get a big present. Somebody got offended the other day because I was like, I don't want the Five and Below toys. I don't want the thing -- they like, oh, she's being ungrateful. I'm like this is one time a year my kids know that they gonna get a big present and they're going to be really happy about it. They don't get nothing else the rest of the year. But I just want to say, I love y'all. I'm so grateful for the Saudia Shuler Way and that's all I got to say. Y'all see it. (Applause.)
I want to say something to the City Council. Excuse me, can all the young people in this room stand up real quick, all the Gen Zs stand up, up there, up top too. I just want to say something very, very important to City Council. Y'all better pay attention to these young people. They smart. They know how to vote. They know what's going on. Y'all better tap in. A lot of y'all gonna get phased out. They gonna phase y'all out. Listen to what they saying, listen to their needs, listen to what they talk about or they gonna put they people in and a lot of y'all gonna be getting pushed out. Don't -
Ms. Saudia Shuler. Ms. Shuler, we just want to say thank you for your hard work, thank you for your dedication. And we want to encourage you and inspire you to keep up the good work. And just so folks who may or may not know, she's here supported by some of the most powerful influencers here in the City of Philadelphia. One you just heard from, a very profound young man who changed his life which is Wallo267, who's also a founder of a very, very powerful podcast called Million Dollaz Worth of Game, as well as our Sheriff Rochelle Bilal, a community activist, Mr. Darryl Shuler, Mr. Motivate 215, who's always speaking truth to power to make sure that we're providing highly quality constituent services and services to the residents here in the City of Philadelphia. We see Sister Taleah from the Dream Coalition and also Level Up and all the activist work that she does. And none other than Mr. Charlie Mack, who's also Mr. Philly, and also Sam Staten and these are individuals who are working to move the City of Philadelphia forward as well as our Sheriff who decided to not make it robbery to come down and support you today. So we say continue to keep up the good work and God bless. Thank you very much.
They are a product of North Philly. All of them are a product of North Philly.
We have David Evans, Katie Hanford, Jason Evans, Scott Van Bramer. May, Thomas Pfeiffer, John Lindsay, Catherine Andreal, Emily Doley and Becca Richardson also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)