Stated Meeting, March 13, 2025

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING City Hall, Room 400 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 13, 2025 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN CURTIS J. JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN RUE LANDAU COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY M. LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN NICOLAS O'ROURKE COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR. ELIZABETH McCOLLUM NAZARIO, INTERIM CHIEF CLERK

Everyone, good morning. Everyone, good morning. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this council is present. I will ask for all members to please take their seats and I will ask for all sidebar conversations please take them out inside the chambers. And I will ask that all those who are present to please put your cell phones to silent and/or vibrate. Thank you. As we prepare to celebrate St Patrick's Day to give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Father Patrick Welsh, Pastor of the St. Matthew Parish. He is here today as the guest of Councilmember Driscoll. I will ask all members and guests to please rise.

Brothers and sisters let us listen to the word of God spoken to us through the Prophet Isaiah. Cry out full-throated and unsparingly lift up your voice like a trumpet blast. Is this the manner of fasting I wish or keeping a day of penance to bow one's head like a reed and lie in sackcloth and ashes is this what a call. Is this what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord. Is this not rather the fast that I choose? Releasing those bound unjustly untying the thongs of the yolk setting free the oppressed breaking off every yolk. Is it not sharing your bread with the hungry, bringing the afflicted and the homeless into your house, clothing the naked when you see them and not turning your back on your own. Then your light shall break forth like the dawn and your wound shall quickly be healed. Your vindication shall go before you and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call and the Lord will answer, you will cry for help and he will say, here am I. If you remove the yolk from among you, the accusing finger and malicious speech, if you lavish your food on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted, then light shall rise for you in the darkness and the gloom shall become for you like midday. Then the Lord will guide you always and satisfy your thirst in parched places, will give strength to your bones and you shall be like a watered garden, like a flowing spring whose waters never fail. Having listened to God's word we pray: In you Lord Our God all things have their beginning continuation and end. Grace us with your saving presence, aid us with your constant help and let us glorify you now and forever. Amen.

Amen. The Chair thanks the pastor for his invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

The next order of business is the approval of the journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 6th 2025. The Chair recognizes Deputy Whip Councilmember Cindy Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the journal of the meeting of Thursday March 6th, 2025 be approved.

It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 6th of 2025, stand approved. All those in favor the motion was signify by saying aye. Those opposed? 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 Councilmember Katherine Gilmore-Richardson.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.

The Chair thanks the councilmember. The Chair recognizes minority leader Councilmember Kendra Brooks.

Good morning, Council President. On behalf of the minority, there are no requests for leave of absence.

The Chair thanks the Councilmember. The Chair now recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore-Richardson for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's session of council and that were not listed on the calendar circulated prior to today's 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 recalled from the Mayor, amendments to bills recall 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 that the legislative matter stated by Councilmember Majority Leader Gilmore-Richardson be added to the agenda for today to those matters arise during the course of this session of council. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motions carry. 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 time -- we appreciate you taking time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our great city. We certainly invite you to come again. Before I acknowledge some of the dignitaries who are here with us today, we have a special group of young men from Atlanta visiting City Council today I just want to publicly acknowledge. These are the mighty young men of Morehouse University. (Applause.)

Often times when you turn on the television you see images of young black men engaging in things that are not productive to our society, but these are young men who are in the right place at the right time doing the right things for the right reasons, which I consider black excellence. The Chair recognizes the host of the young men from Morehouse University. Councilmember Anthony -- Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips.

Thank you. Thank you. Good morning, everyone. I want to say thank you, Council President. Thank you all for your words of encouragement as I just defended my dissertation and so I want to say thank you all so much. I -- I want to begin by saying that and this is going to be really brief because in 2008-2009, I was a visiting student at Morehouse College coming from Bates College in Maine. And it was at Morehouse I learned about excellence, whereas all the -- all the brothers there were striving to become lawyers, they striving to become doctors and business people. And that inspired me to say what can I do for myself to be excellent and so I decided to go on the Ph.D journey. All these brothers are coming from Kentucky, Maryland, South -- the southern areas, California, and they're on this thing called "Get On The Bus tour." And they're coming to talk to hundreds of men here in Philadelphia about leadership, excellence and they're there to mentor them. This is what leadership is about, this is how we help our city of Philadelphia. And I want to shout out a student of mine that I've known for many years since Youth Action. He was one of my mentees. Jordan Phillips. Jordan Phillips. He's the one who organized this program today. And I want to say thank you so much and we're looking forward to this. And also one of the our outstanding alumnus is here today Senator Sharif Street from Morehouse College. But so this is the "Get On The Bus" tour, what I would like for them to do is brothers lock arms, left to right, and do what y'all do. Let's go. (Morehouse song sung by guests.)

As we dispense with the regular order of business -- as we continue the regular order of business, I want to acknowledge some elected officials who are here. Now, if you know me I'm a stickler for time and I start on time, so those who will come later on in the day will just have to wait to be acknowledged. Well, first and foremost, I want to acknowledge my big brother, also my friend State Senator Anthony Hardy Williams. We'll give him a round of applause. I want to acknowledge State Representative Andre Carol. Give him a round of applause. The Chair of the Philadelphia delegation who knows this body well, State Representative and Chairwoman Morgan Cephas. The register of wills, Mr. John Sabatina, Senior. A young lady who needs no introduction, The Honorable Jannie L. Blackwell. Commissioner, Omar Sabair. Controller, Chrisy Brady. Sheriff Rochelle Bilal and State Senator Sharif Street. As there are no presentations today the next order of business is communications. The Chair requested the Sergeant at Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the chief clerk. The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Neill.

I know he was on time because I was on time and he was here. State Representative -- new State Representative Sean Dougherty. Thank you.

He was on time because I did greet him early on. Even though he's supposed to be over there, but I'll talk about that later on, but it's okay. Good to see you, Sean. He's a special guest of Councilmember Brian O'Neill and I like that bipartisanship, so I like that. Oh, Rue Landau. Oh, okay. All right. Okay. The progressives working with the northeast, I like that. That's what's up. That's what's up. Will the chief clerk read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications in her possession? Chief clerk?

To the President and members of the Council of the city of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on March 7th, 2025, I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on March 6th, 2025: Bill Nos. 250071, 250072 and 250073. " And an ordinance to amend chapter 19-45 4400 the Philadelphia code entitled, "Development Impact Tax" to end imposition of the tax, under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Business income and receipts taxes," to revise tax rates and end certain exclusions from the tax on receipts, all under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance amending section 19-1806 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Authorization of realty use and occupancy tax," to eliminate certain exemptions, all under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance amending chapter 19-1500 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Wage and net profits tax by revising certain tax rates, under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance amending chapter 19-1800 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "School tax authorization," to provide for an increase in the tax that the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia is authorized to impose on real estate. And amending chapter 19-1300 entitled, "Real estate taxes," to establish an equivalent reduction in the tax rate for the city real estate tax, all under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance amending chapter 19-1400 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Realty transfer tax" by revising the rate of the tax, all under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance amending section 10-1001 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Fees of the commissioner of Records," to increase the portion of fees for the recording of deeds and mortgages and related documents to be used for housing trust fund purposes, all under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance amending chapter 12-1000 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Traffic code," to revise the fee for the use of parking meters, all under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance to amend Bill No. 24182 approved June 14th, 2024 entitled, "An ordinance to adopt a capital program," for the six fiscal years 2025 through 2030 inclusive, by revising various appropriation amounts and totals to conform to amendments to the FY 2025 capital budget ordinance, all under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance to amend Bill No. 240181, approved June 14th, 2024 entitled, "An ordinance to adopt a fiscal 2025 capital budget," by revising various appropriation amounts and totals, all under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for fiscal year 2025 from the General Fund, certain or all city offices, departments, boards and commissions; the Water Fund, certain or all city offices, departments, boards and commissions; and the Grants Revenue Fund, certain or all city offices, departments, boards and commissions to the General Fund, certain or all city departments, boards and commissions; the Aviation Fund, certain or all city offices, departments, boards and commissions. And the Transportation fund, certain or all city departments, boards and commissions. And an ordinance to adopt a fiscal 2026 capital budget. And an ordinance to adopt a capital program for the six fiscal years 2026 through 2031 inclusive. And an ordinance adopting the operating budget for fiscal year 2026. Council President, there are no further communications in my possession.

Thank you very much. The messages will be printed in the journal. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips.

Thank you, Council President. I have no bills of resolutions for introduction today and good morning, everyone. God bless.

Good morning. The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore-Richardson.

Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues, and good morning all. Today I offer five bills on your behalf and one privileged resolution.

Thank you very much. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the bills and resolution?

A privileged resolution authorizing the committee on Children and Youth to hold hearings on the implementation of Bill No. 220654-A and the success of Community Evening Resource Centers.

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

And an ordinance amending chapter 19-1500 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Wage and nets profit tax," by revising certain taxes under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance providing for the approval by the -- I'm sorry. And a resolution, a non-privileged resolution providing for the approval by the council of the city of Philadelphia of a revised fiveyear financial plan for the city of Philadelphia covering fiscal years 2026 through 2030, and incorporating revisions with respect to fiscal year 2025, which is to be submitted by the Mayor to the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority pursuant to an intergovernmental cooperation agreement by and between the city and the authority.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of council.

And an ordinance adopting the operating budget for fiscal year 2026.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance to adopt a fiscal 2026 capital budget.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance to adopt a capital program for the six fiscal years 2026 through 2031 inclusive.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.

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

Thank you very much. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the privileged resolution?

A privileged resolution honoring Officer Jessie Woodhouse for his outstanding service to the 16th Police District in West Philadelphia on the occasion of his retirement.

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

Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the listening public. Today I have four bills on your behalf Council President and one privileged resolution on my own behalf. Thank you, Council President.

Thank you very much. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the bills and resolution?

A privileged resolution honoring the members of the Commonwealth Association of School Administrators as they have made significant contributions to their community advocating for the rights and interests of staff and students in the school district.

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

And an ordinance amending chapter 19-2600 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Business income and receipts taxes, to revise tax rates and end certain exclusions from the tax own receipts, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance amending chapter 12-1000 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Traffic code," to revise the fee for the use of parking meters, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance amending chapter 19-1800 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "School tax authorization," to provide for an increase in the tax that the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia is authorized to impose on real estate, and amending chapter 19-1300 entitled, "Real estate taxes, to establish an equivalent reduction in the tax rate for the city real estate tax, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to your appropriate committee.

And an ordinance amending section 19-1806 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Authorization of realty use and occupancy tax," to eliminate certain exemptions, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from the 4th Councilmatic District, Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr.

Thank you. Mr. President, today I offer two privileged resolutions. One co-sponsored by yourself, both co-sponsored by yourself, Member Thomas and Member Young.

Thank you very much. Would the chief clerk please read the title of the privileged resolutions?

A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the career of Tumar Alexander, a dedicated public servant, on the occasion of his retirement from city government.

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

And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Trey Howard for his heroic response to the plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia.

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

Did I fail to mention Member Driscoll because he co-sponsored the second? All right. Thank you. Please correct the record.

Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.

Good morning, Council President, colleagues and guests. Today I have one non-privileged and one privileged resolution that is especially co-sponsored by you.

Thank you very much. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the privileged and non-privileged resolution?

A privileged resolution commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights marches across the Edmund Pettis Bridge in Selma, Alabama to Montgomery on March 7th, 1965, also known as Bloody Sunday.

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

And a non-privileged resolution condemning the Trump Administration for its reprehensible actions to drastically defund the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD, which will have a devastating effect on the enforcement of fair housing laws, damage community and escalate the affordable housing crisis.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey J. Young.

Thank you, Mr. President. Good morning. I'll offer one bill for introduction today.

Thank you very much. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the bill?

An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Ogden Street between North 13th Street and Camac Street, Wood Street between North 18th Street and North 19th Street. North 21st Street between Hamilton Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Franklin Town Boulevard between Callowhill Street and Wood Street.

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

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Minority Leader Councilmember Kendra Brooks.

Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution to introduce today.

Thank you very much. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the privileged resolution?

A privileged resolution recognizing March 20th, 2025 as Children First Day, in the city of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes the leader of the Kensington Caucus Councilman Quetcy Lozada.

Now that you forgotten, right?

No.

Buen vienedos, everyone. Good morning. Council President, I don't have any resolutions.

Thank you very much.

Thank you for remembering me.

Thank you. Thank you, Leader Lozada. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.

Thank you, Council President. I have nada today, my brother.

Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Minority Whip Councilman Nicholas, Nick, O'Rourke.

Good morning, Mr. President. I have nothing to introduce today.

Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll.

Good morning, Mr. President and Happy Irish Heritage Month here in Philadelphia. I have no bills or resolutions to be introduced today.

Thank you very much. And thank you for my gift. I will make sure they're put to good use later on today. Irish potatoes cookies, so y'all know.

And by the way, my wife Franny made them.

Look forward every year. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from South Philadelphia Chairman of Appropriations Councilmember Mark Squilla.

I don't know if we wanted to skip Councilmember O'Neill.

Councilmember Mark Squilla.

Yes, thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. I offer three bills on your behalf and three additional bills for me. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Will the chief clerk please read a title of the bills?

An ordinance to amend Bill No. 240182, approved June 14th, 2024, entitled, "An ordinance to adopt a capital program," for the six fiscal years 2025 through 2030 inclusive, by revising various appropriation amounts and totals to conform to amendments to the FY 2025 capital budget ordinance, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance to amend Bill No. 240181 approved June 14th, 2024, entitled, "An ordinance to adopt a fiscal 2025 capital budget," by revising various appropriation amounts and totals, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for fiscal year 2025 from the General Fund, certain or all city offices, departments, boards and commissions; the Water Fund, certain or all city offices, departments, boards and commissions; and the Grants Revenue Fund, certain or all city departments, boards and commissions to the General Fund, certain or all city offices, departments, boards and commissions; the Aviation Fund, certain or all city offices, departments, boards and commissions. And the Transportation Fund, certain or all city offices, departments, boards and commissions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia zoning maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Federal Street, 13th Street, Wharton Street and Broad Street.

This bill refer the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance amending section 12-1117 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Physically handicapped and disabled or severely disabled veteran parking," as it will take effect pursuance of Bill No. 240613AA approved December 18th, 2024, by revising the definition of disability parking space and further amending the Philadelphia code by updating cross references to section 12-1117 that now appear in title 19 entitled, "Regulation of businesses trades and professions and title 12 traffic code," all under certain terms and conditions. COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: This bill be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance amending title 12 of the Philadelphia code and title traffic code to clarify penalties and procedures associated with Smart Loading Zone parking enforcement, under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be refer to the appropriate committee. The Chair now recognize the gentleman from the 10th Councilmatic District from the Northeast Philadelphia, my good friend Councilmember Brian O'Neill.

And since we're a tri-partisan council and I have my -- and since I have my bright green tie on, I thought I'd be hard to skip today. But Council President, good morning. I have no bills or resolutions.

Thank you very much. Tri-partisan. That's a good one. The Chair recognizes Deputy Whip Councilmember Cindy Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf I offer three bills today.

Thank you very much. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the bills?

An ordinance amending section 10-1001 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Fees of Commissioner of Records," to increase the portion of fees for the recording of deeds and mortgages and related documents to be used for housing Trust Fund purposes, under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance amending chapter 19-1400 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Realty transfer tax," by revising the rate of the tax, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

To amend chapter 19-4400 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Development impact tax", to end imposition of the tax, under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. To Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.

Thank you, Council President. Good morning to all colleagues and guests. Today I have one bill.

Thank you very much. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the bill?

And ordinance amending section 9-633 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Sale of electronic smoking devices and unapproved nicotine delivery products," to update definitions and to provide for additional penalties, enforcement and compliance options, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The next order of business is reports from committee. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from the 5th Councilmatic District, Councilmember Jeffrey J. Young for a report from the committee on Streets and Services.

Good morning, Mr. President. Again, the committee on Streets and Services reports out three bills with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you very much. Would the chief clerk please read the report?

The committee on Streets and Services to which were referred the following bills: Bill No. 250100, an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 177 Markle Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127, under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to council with a favorable recommendation. And Bill No. 250066, an ordinance amending chapter 11-20 of the Philadelphia code entitled "openings and excavations in the streets" to impose additional penalties on violators of underground permitting requirements, under certain terms and condition. I conditions and Bill No. 240147, an ordinance authorizing Philippian Baptist Church or a subsequent owner to install, own and maintain an encroachment at 5801 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19141, under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to council with a favorable recommendation. There are no further bills to report out from the committee on Streets and Services, Council President.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey J. Young for a motion.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the bills read today -- I move that the rules of council be suspended to permit first reading of the bills read today into the record by the chief clerk.

It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of these bills just read by the chief clerk at today's session of council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The next order of business is the consideration of the calendar I note that the bills just reported from the committees with the suspension of rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar 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 the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on a Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars.

Thank you, Mr. President. The following bills and resolutions are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Numbers 250183 and 240427-A. The following bills and resolutions on the calendar are being held: 250168 and 240665. 240427-A is being amended and 240304-A is being placed on the suspension calendar.

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. Once you have signed up you will be call 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, however this time limit may vary from session to session. Due to today's agenda the time limit will be one minute. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the one 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 conclude your remarks. Once one minute has 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 already done so. I also reserve the right pursuant to our rules of council to limit repetition comments on the same subject matter. I will now ask the chief clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.

May Jeremy Blatstein, Kate Perez, Peter McDermott, Venita Samuels and David Picket make their way to the podium. Jeremy Blatstein, Kate Perez, Peter McDermott, Venita Samuels and David Picket.

Good morning, City Council. My name is Jeremy Blatstein. I'm here to talk about the bill related to the Department of Education. The Department of Education has been crucial to ensure the safety of all students in both Philadelphia School District and on the campus of universities. Speaking of safety, unfortunately this week a speed camera bill was held up because some members of this Council said that they weren't aware of it. I know that a closed door meeting was held on October 21st, 2024, where it was explained to City Council where these speed cameras were going. So to then claim that you didn't know about these cameras is disingenuous and is something that needs to be brought to the attention of everybody. So we're talking about safety the last thing we're talking about is this rumor that I heard about City Council disbanding the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office. I'm not sure if it's true or not, but let's put it on the ballot. And last thing is raise your hand because we're talking about SEPTA. Raise your hand if you rode SEPTA in the last week. Each week I challenge City Council to ride SEPTA once a week. See the issues that your constituents are facing and each week no hands. So ride the ride to City Hall, and let's grow Philly to 22-millie. Thank you.

Okay. Kate Perez. Our government has threatened funding cuts to universities that don't scale back on equal protections for all students and cut EDI policies. Our government is revoking funds at will, like stopping 400-million to Columbia University using anti-semitism to silence anyone speaking up against an apartheid occupation, but staying silent against university Nazi rallies. The president is online bragging about using ICE to kidnap Mahmud Khalil from his New York home to a Louisiana Detention Center a thousand miles away with no warrant on no charges. Attempting to deport a green card holder based on First Amendment protected activity without due process is an unconstitutional and authoritarian tactic to disappearing centers and smother free speech. Schools have a duty to protect students from political persecution and I urge us to issue robust policies refusing cooperation with ICE. Preparing to refuse subpoenas and preemptively deleting leading student files regarding activism. On the city budget just cutting the budget for vacant police roles could free around $200-million for the city. And the 56-million that the state is spending on genocidal war bonds could completely replace our idea funding for special needs education in Philly. They're gutting higher education. We need to enact sanctuary policies, commit to protecting freedom of speech, stop letting weapons supporting genocide leave our ports and meet the needs of our people before buying more drones for the cops. Free Palestine.

We have Peter McDermott, Venita Samuels, David Picket. May Paul Brown, Lynn Landis and Ernest Wiley also make their way to the podium.

Venita Samuels. Good morning, Council. I would like to explain that we have a good officer, Jesse Woodhouse, who has been in the 16th District for eight years as our community relations officer. And we would also like to wish him a well on his retire. (Applause.) MR. McDermott: Good morning, Council President and esteemed members of Council. I will be brief. I want to thank Mike Driscoll for introducing 250168 resolution, honoring Father Judge High School boys basketball team for winning the 2025 Philadelphia Catholic League Championship and celebrating their remarkable achievement. It was 27 years since they won the last title. Twenty-seven is a number that's near and dear to a Father Judge alumni like myself. They have proceeded to move through the state and are mowing down more opponents. So good luck to Father Judge and thank you, Mike Driscoll.

David Picket. Good morning, Council President. Good morning, Councilmembers. I'm honored to stand here today to talk about Officer Jesse Woodhouse. I've had the privilege of working with him for a number -for a number of years. And I watch how giving he is to the community. He cares about the community he works in. I see him take out of his own pocket to help fund activities within the community. He's a wonderful addition to the team. And I just love to honor him and thank him for all the work that he's done. CAPTAIN BROWN: Captain Paul Brown of Philadelphia Police Department. I'd just like to thank Councilmember Gauthier and other members of council for taking the time out to recognize Officer Jesse Woodhouse on his dedication and commitment to the Philadelphia city of Philadelphia and its community. I'd also like to take the time out to thank Officer Woodhouse for allowing me to share in his efforts to bridge the gap and bring neighbors, community stakeholders and police together to help improve the quality of life within the confines of the 16th District. Jesse, may success follow you to your next endeavor. Thank you, sir.

We have Lynn Landis, Ernest Wiley, Ying Xang Lin, Yang Wu Leu and Bao Jen. Can you also make your way to the podium.

Good morning. I'm Lynn Landis of safestreetsphilly.com. I support the resolution to restrict mobile service providers to certain locations in the 7th District which includes Kensington. These providers service those in need and particularly the drug addicted and mentally ill homeless community. They also have created a real nuisance for many neighborhoods including Center City every weekend at Logan Circle in front of the Central Library. Those in need should be serviced in an organized and civil manner at a city agency and not lined up on the sidewalk to be made a public spectacle of. The city should do the right thing and get the mentally ill, homeless and drug addicted off the street and into mandatory treatment and secure facilities. It's common sense and the compassionate solution. Thank you.

Good morning. My name is Ernest Wiley. I am a first responder responding to the current economic crisis and multi crisis situations. I am placing all elected officials and the Sergeant of Arms at this city hall on notice. I'll be carrying out a rescue operation at this meeting. I'll be teaching everyone in the country how to neutralize the Trump's tariff manipulation. It will make the budget management process easier for all elected officials. Placing limits on my time will be considered obstructing a first responder from rescue operations. A criminal complaint will be filed against all politicians in this room. Obstructing my rescue operations will entangle all elected officials and the Sergeant of Arms with manslaughter criminal complaints and attempted manslaughter criminal complaints in the event my time limitations are applied to this report. It's similar to obstructing a first responder or a doctor while actively performing CPR on a patient. At this time I am requesting that the clerk resets my time and my official time will begin now as we continue. The following report is less than four minutes. Got it. Thank you. CAPTAIN BROWN: Next speaker, please.

Ying Xang Lin, Yang Wu Leu, Val D. Jen. May Kelsey Leon, David Jenkins and Mutiazamu Sabaru also make their way to the podium.

Thank you. My name is Ying Xang Lin from Chinese Community. I'm here today to -- I want to say thank you to the community relation officer Jesse Woodhouse. He is really, really good. He did a good job. He bring us to the community and we organize so many activities and for the Chinese community. We really enjoying to work in the society together. Thank you so much thank you.

Good morning, City Councilmembers. My name is Kelsey Leon. I'm a harm reductionist. Here again to mourn the life of a community member and drug user who died in prison custody. His name was Andrew Drury and his death was cruel, predictable and preventable. Andrew's family described him as warm and a generous person, a good listener and a helping hand. I feel that something is not right, a family member said, and I won't know until I can get the coroners report. I'm in the dark right now. My heart breaks for Andrew Drury's family, the same way it broke for Joey Gabor's family and Amanda Kahills, when they also described being left in the dark about their loved ones death. Desperately seeking answers and being utterly stonewalled. The Kahills waited six months for Amanda's death certificate only for the coroner to say she died of a fentanyl overdose. Overdoses happen in minutes, but we know Amanda screamed for help for hours. These facts don't add up. The Gabors had to send Joey's body to another state in order to get a second opinion on the cause of his death before they could lay him to rest. How many more families will be forced to grieve unnatural deaths which plunge them into the morbid details of bureaucracy and logistics. The city government knows that the prisons and jails are woefully understaffed, that inmates across the board are not getting adequate medical care. In fact, there was a $25-million judgment against the city to direct funds to improve prison conditions. Yet the Mayor's budget contains funding to expand the so-called Wellness Court from one to five days a week. You should not need to be a perfect person in order to access your rights. At present the city cannot guarantee that imprisoning people who use drugs won't be a death sentence. Mayor Parker, City Council how many more drug users need to die before you drop your carceral approaches? Again, I say let Andrew Drury's memory be a blessing to his family and to all who knew him. Let it be a reminder of our fundamental rights to bodily autonomy and compassionate medical treatment. And that even in our lowest moments we can still know love, laughter and community.

Thank you, ma'am. Thank you, ma'am.

We have Yung Wu Lue, Bao D. Chen, David A. Jenkins and Mutiazamu Sabaru.

David Alexander Jenkins. Mr. President, members of the body and special guests of the chamber, I rise today in staunch support of the Councilmember Thomas's resolution as our children's future is under attack. The reckless attempt to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and slash Federal funding for public schools isn't just some distant policy debate in Washington D.C. No, it is a direct assault on the students, teachers and families of America and of our great city. Philadelphia's Public Schools rely on hundreds of millions of federal funding, funding which pays for special education, career training, school meals, vital programs that help level the playing field for our low-income students. And sadly these cuts do not affect the politicians who cavalierly dismantle the hopes and dreams that education affords. No, it is our children and our teachers and our communities. Brothers and sisters of love, 178-million, 56-million, 7-million, 86-million. These are the numbers these are not just numbers and compares, these are truths represented by the faces of our children, our future workers the very heart of our city and we will not stand for it. As I gaze upon you all who sit here today in blue clad, who protect, the administrate the law. The elected those, who choose to represent the multitudes, those who stand up on the very educations that these actions would strip from the futures. I am reminded by the great words of Sir Thomas Moore. If you suffer your people to be educated and then strip them of their manners which corrupts them from infancy, and then charge them for the education that is that is missing. You have done nothing but create the thief, only then to punish it. I am solidifying the knowledge that although it may not be apparent to the world today, we are not in the business in America of creating thieves. We stand with our teachers, we stand with our students, we stand for the future where every child no matter their zip code, their social economic stance, their inefficiencies has a chance to learn and thrive and succeed. So let Washington come if they dare, knowing that we here in Philadelphia will stand up.

Mutiazamu Sabaru, Abona Haggins also make their way to the podium.

General Mutiazamu Sabaru. General is my title, Mutiazamu Sabaru is my name. I'm from the great state of North Philadelphia, city of Richard Alan and we try to represent as best we could. The ordinance that we come to talk about is one in which we talked about before, however we have new knowledge and new information requires us to be much more alert as to the need to be against this particular ordinance. And we're against it, it's ordinance 240304-A, and dealing with specificity, the building construction and occupancy code. Like we said before, the language is vague, therefore folks can't understand the language and so we need to resist this. We have new knowledge out of the District Attorney's office that Philadelphia now is the No. 1 city with the decrease in homicides. So therefore, after safety and security comes prosperity. And part of prosperity is the housing issue. We can't actually know how what's going on in our city with housing if we don't know the language in which we use to make the ordinances. So we ask all legislators to use language that we can understand and stop being so coded and cryptic in these languages. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

Abona Haggins, fourth generation chattel slavery survivor. One minute is just not enough for me to get through everything, but I just want to try to get to the gist of it. The education -- the Department of Education, slashing of the funding. The Department of Education had failed the American Freeman youth over the past 40-50 years. When I graduated from high school, couldn't read, write or do math on a high school level. You couldn't believe it, right, the way I speak, right? But, you know, it's something that's happening you guys are dealing with called the Power Act. I just want to remind you that It's possible that the Department of Government Efficiency may come here to check y'all out. Because it's something that's not quite right with that Power Act. So I would suggest that you know if y'all don't want to be in handcuffs that you relook -- look -take another look at that power act because it's absolutely unconstitutional. Abona Haggins, unseated Council President. Over and out.

Council President, there are no further names for public comment.

That concludes public comment. We will now consider the bills and resolutions. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on a Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Will the clerk please read a title of resolution No. 250183?

A resolution opposing any attempts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education or slash Federal funding for public school programs that support low-income students or students with disabilities.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Majority Whip Isaiah Thomas for a motion regarding resolution No. 250183.

Thank you, Council President. I tried to get the name of the witness who testified because I don't think I could have said it any better myself. So I appreciate the remarks on public comment around this specific resolution. Education is one of the most pressing issues we have. So with that being said, Council President, I enthusiastically move for the adoption of the resolution.

It has been moved and properly seconded that resolution No. 250183 be adopted. All those in favor the motion was signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted.

Council President, just respectfully I just wanted to --

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas.

Thank you, Council President. I just wanted to say his name. David, thank you for your comments today. Very much appreciated. Thank you, Council President.

Thank you. You're welcome. Will the clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240304-A?

An ordinance amending sub code A, the Philadelphia Administrative code of title 4 of the Philadelphia code, the building construction and occupancy code to require proof of certain insurance certificates, all under certain terms and conditions.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey J. Young for a motion on this bill.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Bill No. 204304-A be placed on a suspension calendar.

It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill No. 204304-A be placed on the suspension calendar. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. Will the clerk please read a title of Bill No. 240427-A an ordinance amending section 14-35 of the Philadelphia code entitled "nonconformities" by providing further provisions on changes from non-conforming uses, all under certain terms and conditions.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey J. Young for a motion.

Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 240427-A. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of council. I move for the adoption of the amendment.

It has been moved and properly seconded that amendment to Bill No. 240427-A be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. And the bill has been amended. This bill will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of council. Will the clerk please read any additional resolutions on today's calendar?

A privileged resolution authorizing the committee on Children and Youth to hold hearings on the implementation of Bill No. 220654-A and the success of Community Evening Resource Centers introduced by Councilmember GilmoreRichardson.

The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine GilmoreRichardson for a motion.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. Would the clerk please read the title of the next resolution?

A privileged resolution honoring Officer Jesse Woodhouse for his outstanding service to the 16th Police District in West Philadelphia on the occasion of his retirement introduced by Councilmember Gauthier.

Member Gauthier, is Officer Woodhouse here? Officer Woodhouse, could you please come to the front of the entrance, please? (Applause.)

Officer Woodhouse, we thank you for your service. The Chair recognizes the lady from the 3rd Councilmanic District, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion on the resolution.

Thank you. Council President. Congratulations and thank you, Officer Woodhouse, for everything that you have given to our community. You not only keep us safe, you engage with us and support young people. And you lead fitness classes that are so rigorous that I'm scared to join them, but I appreciate them. And with that, Council President, I move for the adoption of the resolution.

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Congratulations. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the next resolution?

A privileged resolution honoring the members of the Commonwealth Association of School Administrators as they have made significant contributions to their community advocating for the rights and interests of staff and students in the school district, introduced by Councilmember Thomas.

The Chair recognizes Majority Whip Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.

Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Will the chief clerk please read the next title of the resolution?

A resolution honoring and recognizing the career of Tumar Alexander, a dedicated public servant on the occasion of his retirement from city government, introduced by Councilmember Jones.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion on the resolution.

In the spirit of public service, in the spirit of four administrations, in the spirit of making government work, I move for the adoption.

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Let's give Tumar some props, y'all. Now, y'all stood up, I don't know where he at, but I'm going to go with the flow. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the next resolution?

A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Trey Howard for his heroic response to the plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia, introduced by Councilmember Jones.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion on the resolution.

In conjunction with Member Driscoll and true heroism, I move for the adoption.

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the chief clerk -clap for that. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the next resolution?

A privileged resolution commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights marches across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama to Montgomery on March 7th, 1965 also known as Bloody Sunday, introduced by Councilmember Landau.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion on a resolution.

Thank you, Council President. In conjunction with you, I move for the adoption of the resolution.

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the next resolution?

A privileged resolution recognizing March 20th, 2025, as Children First Day, in the city of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilmember Brooks.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion on the resolution.

Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.

Is there a second? It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.

Council President, there are no further resolutions in my possession.

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

So at this time I want to take a moment to acknowledge other elected officials who are here as well as former members of this body. So I'm going to start with the Honorable Blondell Reynolds Brown. Let's give her a round of applause. Also, acknowledge State Representative Anthony Bellman. Give him a round of applause. State Representative Jason Dawkins; State Senator Nikil Saval. Nikil is also the minority leader in the senate for the Philadelphia delegation, correct? Also, want to acknowledge commissioner Lisa Deeley. Minority Appropriations Chairman State Senator, my good friend, Vincent Hughes. Give him a round of applause. Hollywood right there. Y'all know he from South Philly, for real, but it's a different story. Good to see you. Attorney General Dave Sunday. Let's give him a round of applause. From that great part of Philadelphia known as South Philly, specifically 17th and Dickerson, the Majority Appropriations Chairman of the House of Representative. Some call him money bags, I call him little bro, Appropriations Chairman Jordan Harris. As our calendar is officially completed, the time has come for us to consider the Mayor's presentation of our annual budget address. The Philadelphia Home Router Charter states that the Mayor shall submit to council no later than 90 days before the end of the fiscal year her operating budget message and proposed operating budget ordinance for the ensuing fiscal year. At the same time the Mayor shall submit to Council the recommended Capital Program and Capital Budget as received from the City Planning Commission to the extent approved by the Mayor. I now appoint the following committee to escort the Mayor into the council chambers. Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore-Richardson, Majority Whip Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, Majority Deputy Whip Councilmember Cindy Bass and Minority Leader Councilmember Kendra Brooks. Please escort the mayor to the podium. Give a shout out to Mrs. Johnson I see over there. Hey, babe. SERGEANT AT ARMS: Council President, the Mayor has arrived. (Applause.)

Let me start by saying good morning to my friend. Please be seated. Please be seated. Please be seated.

Excuse me. Council will be at ease. One second. Madam Mayor? Madam Mayor?

Yes.

Ladies and gentlemen -- she ready. Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to introduce the first woman and 100th Mayor of the city of Philadelphia, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. (Applause.)

The floor is yours, Madam Mayor.

It's alright now, Mr. President? Good morning to my friend, Council President Kenyatta Johnson. To council's leadership team Majority Leader Katherine GilmoreRichardson, Majority Whip Isaiah Thomas, Deputy Majority Whip Cindy Bass, Minority Leader Kendra Brooks, Minority Whip Nicholas O'Rourke and every member of City Council. To members of the Philadelphia delegation and all statewide leaders here with us today. AG Sunday, we are super excited about your presence. Thank you so very much, sir, for being here. To our faith leaders, men and women of organized labor, community leaders, the business and philanthropic community. Members of my cabinet and our city workers and to everyone watching online, listening on word and tuning in on TV. Good morning and thank you for welcoming me back home into the chambers of the Philadelphia City Council. Before I begin telling my story, I need to say a special thank you to two people in particular who are the foundation on which I stand. I want to say a special thank you to my 12-year-old son, Langston Mullins and to my former husband and parenting partner Benjamin Mullins, he's here somewhere today. Okay. I see you. Langston and Ben, I love you very much and I couldn't do this job without you. Please give them a round of applause. ) Last year, I told the story about how my journey to public service began in this chamber. I gave a black history month speech here as a 17-year-old high school student. I later came here to work and I learned from giants, my mentors, Councilmember Marian Tasco and Gussie Clark. Yes. With role models like Anna Verna, Jane Krajewski and Jamie Blackwell. These leaders taught me many things, but none more important than this. If you show up and do to work everyday for the people of Philadelphia, good things will follow. I am proud to returned today as the 100th Mayor of our great city of Philadelphia having submitted my proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, five year plan, and recommended capital budget and program to City Council for its consideration. Last year, I called it One Philly Budget, that was the title of the budget. It was how we would fund my promise to the people of Philadelphia for a safer, cleaner and greener city with access to economic opportunity for all. 37-billion budget that invested in a city government that people can see, touch and feel. This year, Mr. 20 Budget, the new and improved budget. 7-billion budget brimming with vital investments for Philadelphia. However, before I dive into the details, I need share a story about something that happened six weeks ago in our city. On January 31st, an unimaginable black swan event struck our city. An airplane crashed near the Roosevelt Mall in Philadelphia. Seven people tragically lost their lives. Two more remain hospitalized with severe burns, including a young boy whose father perished that night. By now, Philadelphia, you know that your Mayor is a praying Mayor. And so I ask that you pray for all of the victims of this tragedy and I'm going to ask everyone in attendance to please stand with me in a moment of silence. ) Thank you. Our emergency responders, Philadelphia Police and Fire and other city workers responded immediately to the crash, and they have continued working everyday since to help the people of Northeast Philadelphia recover. Our Mayor's business action team met with dozens of businesses of businesses impacted by the crash. Our neighborhood and community engagement team knocked on every door in the neighborhood to let people know where to find help. Our licenses and inspections team inspected every impacted home for structural issues. And we are providing trauma and behavioral health care to those who need it.

People know that they can call 9-8-8 and our support staff will help you get through this tough time. Councilmembers Driscoll and O'Neill, Northeast Philadelphia is resilient and strong like our city, and we will not rest until we have provided every support available for our residents and businesses. I'm going to ask the following individuals to please stand: Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, Fire Commissioner Jeff Thompson; Managing Director, Adam Thiel; Emergency Director Dominic Morellis; Director Alba Martinez and Saleem Wilson from our Commercial Department. L&I Commissioner Basil Merenda and Hasan Freedman from my neighborhood and community engagement team. Every city employee who have served residents at the crash site, if you're here right now, stand. Let us now honor every city worker who has worked at the crash site or in the surrounding community. Thank you. ) Now, before I address the challenges in front of us in fiscal year in 2026, I need to highlight some of challenges we took on in the current year FY 2025 and look at how we did so far. In other words, don't just listen to what I say, watch what I do. Or in this case, what we have done. We fact check what we do in the Parker Administration and what we promised to the people of Philadelphia. So I want you to know that we cross checked every promise that I made in last years budget, 33 promises to be precise. And in the flyer of that we're handing out today, we're letting you know exactly how we did so far. We do not promise perfection and we are doing the best we can with what we have and I want you to take a look. On public safety, I said it last year that I felt a sense of urgency and we'd be laser focused and unapologetic about improving public safety. How did we do? Homicides are down 37 percent, shootings are down 36 percent, and we have 200 police officers doing community policing in our neighborhoods. I promised it and it's working. One of those news community policing officers is here with us today. Police Officer Anatasia Briscoe who joined the police department last fall is now walking a foot beat in the 1st District in South Philadelphia around Broad and Snyder and she's getting to know the people that we are sworn. Thank you, thank you so very much are for your support and service. And for being here not only when people call 9-1-1, but proactively. I want you to know that our officers are working hard and helping to make our city safer. It's not just policing, though. Our mantra is prevention, intervention and enforcement. PIE, led by Chief Public Safety Director Adam Geer and Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, we practice it everyday. Anti-violence, we awarded $19-million to anti-violence community based organizations that know their neighborhoods best in 2024 and another 24-million so far this year. It's making a difference. Youth sports, we're funding youth sports because that is how we will help to give our children a positive path. Our kids shouldn't have to stand on street corners with helmets and drums to raise money. The city should support them and we are. 2-million in the current budget. Two special people are here today and I want them to stand. Amir Fisher is a football player and his coach, Donald Richardson from the Blackhawks Athletic Club from North Philly are here. Please stand. Where are they? Hey, Coach. Thank you so very much, Coach. We appreciate you and we are happy, happy that you are here. Now, we're going to turn something that's extremely important and that's Clean and Green. I promised the new office an approach to tackle quality of life issues and banish that Filthadelphia moniker once and for all. So how did we do?

We cleaned over 67,000 city streets and neighborhood corridors, 67,187 to be precise. We towed 11,617 abandoned cars and vehicles. Thank you to the Philadelphia Police Department, Parking Authority and Clean and Green. We also cleaned 17,319 vacant lots. Thank you CLIP and thank you PA Horticultural Society. This is intergovernmental collaboration at its best and we are proud. The next issue that I'm going to talk with you about is one that you all know is near and dear to my heart. That's PHLTCB. We promised we'd fund PHL taking care of business, a community based cleaning program that creates economic opportunity at the same time. How did we do? TCB employees 324 workers and we're supporting 39 community based organizations that are cleaning up 155 commercial corridors. By the end of March TCB will add new organizations and more workers to clean 39 more areas across Philadelphia. Now, we'll turn to education. We promised that we would invest in year-around schooling to give our children the same opportunities as children in the suburbs. And guess what, we now want to measure how we did in this effort. We opened 25 extended day and extended year pre and after school promise, traditional public and charter schools offering over 7,000 new slots for educational enrichment, and that's progress. That is progress. We increased the portion of the real estate tax going to school districts to provide an additional $125-million over five years. We also added 125-million over five years for schools going through our property revaluation process. These added funding streams for schools are in addition to the $280-million contribution that we make each year to the School District through the budget process. Now, I want you all to do the math. I want you to do the math. And this is important especially for our state leaders who are present, I think Chairman Hughes and Harris are here. 4 billion in contributions over the next five years, in addition to the $250-million in new support. We see and hear you, Dr. Watlington. And, folks, this is just a snapshot of what we've been able to get accomplished. You can clap for that. That's important. Thank you. I also want to note that we are never satisfied in this administration and note that we is a lot more work to do, but we made progress. And in our first year City Council has been a full partner in that process, Mr. President. We actually did a whole lot more, but we want to get to this budget and our plans for FY 2026. But quickly, before we do that, know that you can go to our brand new data tracking website, Philly Stat 360, and look at that time wide range of city programs and see for yourself how we're doing. Councilmember Landau, you know like I do, that solid data and transparency are essential for making good decisions and everything that we do. Philadelphia, if you haven't gotten a closeup look, go to our new Philly Stat 360 dashboard and see it for yourself. Kristin Bray and Melissa Scott, I see you both. And let me say one more thing before we dive into fiscal year 2026 and my proposed budget. And this -- this is important that I as the Mayor share this with the city. I know there is uncertainty in the air right now. People don't know what to expect from their government and uncertainty can breed fear. I want to people of Philadelphia and our city employees to hear me. Your city is here to keep you safe and to safe guard your basic rights. Our diversity is what makes us One Philly, a united city, and we will never compromise that. ) Let us start with the state of the city's fiscal health. The state of the city's fiscal health remains strong. We continue to make contributions to the budget stabilization fund.

It will have $280-million by the end of the proposed five-year plan. That fund will be especially important as we face economic and federal policies uncertainties moving forward. I want to thank you, Katherine Gilmore-Richardson for your strong leadership on this issue. The trajectory of the City's Pension Fund continues to move in the right direction. We've now reached a 65 percent funding level the highest in decades. That's an increase of more than 20 percentage points in just eight years. And it's due to reach 80 percent in FY '29, and 100 percent by FY '33. That was a key factor, you know, that led S&P global ratings to upgrade the city of Philadelphia to its highest combined credit rating in decades. Finance Director, Rob Dubow; Deputy City Treasurer, Matt Bowman, and all of the dedicated finance employees, take a bow and thank you very much for your service. I also want to thank you the members and staff of the Pension Board, our Municipal Unions, City Council and our Philadelphia delegation to the general assembly. Everybody has played a role in the stabilization of our pension fund and enormous fiscal consequences for our city. We all know that higher credit ratings are a key factor in determining the interest rate the city pays to borrow money. Lower interest rates mean we pay less to borrow and can invest more in city services for our residents. But our discipline with the Pension Fund does even more. Once these obligations to our workers are fully funded, our annual General Fund cost will drop more than $430-million. That's real money we can use for our biggest priorities. We will face fiscal challenges ahead. 3-billion in the 1990s to sure up our Pension Fund. And guess what, we are still paying for it today. From now until FY '29, we'll pay $1-billion in debt service, including an $80-million balloon payment in FY '29. But no worries, we'll meet our obligations as we always do. I will not allow anything to compromise our fiscal stability. Now, let's turn to FY '26 and see what's in the budget for Philadelphians. We are continuing to make big and bold investments in our city and our residents, just as we did in our first year. Let's start with public safety, my No. 1 priority as your Mayor. As I said earlier, our model of PIE, prevention, intervention, enforcement, the baseline for all of our public safety efforts. We cannot police our way out of the problems with associates gun violence or open air drug markets in our city. We can't, police alone won't do it. It is our comprehensive public safety strategy that is making a difference. Councilmember O'Rourke, we all know that a comprehensive strategy is essential. And our PIE strategy is beginning to show results. Under Chief Public Safety Director Adam Gear many action steps are underway and we are making further investments in public safety in FY '26. Neighborhood Wellness Court. We opened a neighborhood Wellness Court as a pilot in January in Kensington. I want to thank, wholeheartedly thank the First Judicial District for working with the Parker Administration on this innovation. The Wellness Court offers fast track diversion for people arrested for drug-related offenses. 7-million investment in wellness that will be well spent. In addition -- thank you. In addition to a judicial hearing and warrant clearance, the defendants can receive same day medical and behavioral health assessments, treatment intake and other services all in one setting. This innovative new program compliments our existing Police Assisted Diversion or PAD, which provided pre-booking diversion for drug-related offenses and over 1,000 cases last year. 8-million investment.

Both of these public safety investments are designed to get more individuals suffering from a multitude of ailments off the street and connected to the treatment services that they deserve. Public safety is not about programs, it is about real Philadelphians. With this in mind, I'm proud that one of them is here with us today, Allen Burrel. Allen was shot 10 times. He was referred to our group violence intervention initiative by a family member. His aunt believed that GVI could help Allen. He has engaged actively with our GVI program and dedicated himself to making a change. He enrolled in work force development programs. And today, he is working full-time with the city of Philadelphia. Allen, please stand and be recognized. We appreciate you in your journey. ) You are why we do this work, Allen. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Allen. It wasn't 10 times, it was 25 times. These were just some -and he's still standing. Give that a round of applause. ) These are just some of the many prevention and interventionbased programs that our Office of Public Safety is leading on everyday. , and all of City Council for creating this office just over a year ago. It is making a difference in helping Philadelphia to become safer. Councilmember Jones, I believe the Office of Public Safety is practicing intergovernmental collaboration exactly as your blue print a safer Philadelphia called for. You helped lay the road map and we thank you. ) You heard the numbers already. Our homicides and shootings are down significantly in Philadelphia compared to a year ago. And they're declining more sharply here than in other big cities. But no one is exhaling or shouting mission accomplished around here. Every homicide, every incident of violence is a loss for Philadelphia and a stain on our city's soul. Someone's son or father, daughter or mother, family member or friend, they are not statistics, they are human beings. And I will never rest until every family and individual in every neighborhood feels safe in their home and walking the streets of their community. We have much more work to do and our police department under the leadership of the greatest police commissioner in the nation is more than up for the job. What else are you doing with public safety? We're embracing technology to improve our performance. The police department will move forward with a new forensics lab to assist the force with forensic investigation to help solve crime. Now, I got a first-hand look at how good our department is at forensic science. During its painstaking investigation following the plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia, Dr. Michael Garvey, our Police Departments Director of Forensic Science, thank you for your service doing this difficult investigation. We're investing -thank you, Doc. Thank you. Thank you. ) We're investing in forensic sciences now to get you and the department more support. Dr. Garvey, we want you to know that our FY '26 through FY '30 plan, we are excited about it. It includes an additional $67-million for a new forensics lab and related costs. It's money well spent to help us solve crime and to keep Philadelphia safer. We listened to you. I'm also proud to publicly announce that the new lab will be located in West Philadelphia at 4101 Market Street. This will mark a giant step forward in forensics technology and crime solving ability for our police department. And, Doc, as you can see, we've been listen, listen, listening. We're also making progress you should know at recruiting, training and hiring new police officers, too. Last year, 369 officers went through our police academy and joined the force.

That is a significant increase from previous years when only 201 officers joined the department. I'm also very proud to report that every police officer on the streets of Philadelphia will be outfitted with a body worn camera by the end of this year, 2025. Yes. But that's not all, we're moving towards installing dash cam cameras in every police patrol car, too. That's critical. It's a critical tool that's used by the Pennsylvania State Police. We know that these investments protect our officers and the public. And I've always made it clear, I fully support every police officer on the front lines protecting and serving Philadelphians, so long as they do so without any misuse or abuse of their constitutional authority. We support those who protect and serve. That is important for me to mention, Philadelphia, because I've often been criticized for being too pro police. I don't agree. Philadelphians want to be safe and feel safe and they deserve that basic human right and I am unapologetic about supporting our police department. I have one more thing to say about our police department. We all hear about the sacrifices that the police officers make to be on the front lines protecting Philadelphians. It's one thing to hear about those sacrifices, it's another thing to live them. Last June, Police Officer Jamie Roman was on patrol in Kensington, when he made a routine car stop. The stop turned deadly and when a suspect shot Officer Roman, he was gravely wounded. Officer Roman clung to life before succumbing to his wounds in September. He gave the last true measure of devotion to our city. His widow Jasmine Hernandez is here with us today. Please let us all rise to honor Officer Roman's ultimate sacrifice for Philadelphia. Jasmine, we will be here for you and your family. It's a tragic -- tragically tough time. We thank you. Now, we also deserve public safety on our roadways and streets, so we'll start talking about Vision Zero. This time last year I signed an executive order recommitting the city of Philadelphia to the goal of reaching zero traffic deaths. In alignment with the Vision Zero Task Force, my administration has moved to advance safety projects across the city, with a focus on every mile of the high injury network where the majority of fatal and serious crashes occur. The speed cameras on Roosevelt Boulevard, one of the most dangerous roads in the nation, have saved over 50 lives. Meanwhile, Councilmember Isaiah Thomas who has been a leader on this issue is pressing for more red light cameras that will help to us safe. Thank you, Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, for your work. This public safety work matters. And I also want to give a special thanks to State Representative Ed Neilson and our delegation in Harrisburg. This program is permanent and allowing us to expand to five more corridors. Yes, five more corridors. Five more. Since then and working closely with this body, including Councilmember Jeffrey Young, who chairs the Streets Committee, we're installing cameras on North Broad Street and PA 13, two more major roadways on the highway injury network. However, we know far more needs to get done and will get done to finally eliminate all traffic fatalities in our city. This is why our proposed budget and plan includes major investments for a slate in Vision Zero projects. We're committing $5-million for Vision Zero in FY '26, and $30-million in capital investments over six years for speed cushions, line striping and other traffic safety measures. But this isn't even close to the whole story. Why? Because we've secured and put to work millions of dollars. Millions more from the state and federal government. All of this will help us reach our goal.

Every Philadelphian deserves to travel safely throughout our city and return home safe and unharmed. It doesn't matter where you live or work, your age, your race your or ethnicity, income or how you choose to travel, you deserve to be safe traveling on our streets. Now, one more thing I have to mention because people talk to me about more than other issue as it relates to travel in the city of Philadelphia. I am proud to report that once the Martin Luther King bridge behind the Art Museum is completed, that Martin Luther King Drive will fully reopen and you will be able to drive through straight through the parkway. If you live in Northwest Philadelphia or in West Philadelphia, you know how valuable that route is to get downtown, so we are really, really excited. They're saying it will be done by September. Streets Commissioner Kristin Delrossi, I know you're on it and we are grateful. Give that another round of applause, please. ) Now, we'll turn to SEPTA. Public transportation is critical to sustainable resilient neighborhoods, so let's talk about SEPTA for a moment. SEPTA is facing its own set of fiscal challenges, that's why this budget and five-year plan includes $716-million in operating support to SEPTA over five years, and a $76-million capital match over the capital program. Philadelphia, this is important. Don't let anyone tell you that we're not contributing our fair share to help SEPTA while we await the Commonwealth's support to put the system on solid ground. We are and we will continue to support mass transit. Public transportation is absolutely vital for our city's future. And we hear you, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, mass transit and SEPTA matters. )

Clean and Green, FY '26. As with public safety, there's no other issue I hear more from residents than Clean and Green and they tell me they can see and feel a difference, but we're just getting started ed. First, Director Carlton Williams and our departments are going to partner with non-profits, community groups and philanthropy to implement a new 10-point greening plan. We're talking about neighborhood actions here, like tree planting, vacant lot cleaning and greening, improving our parks, supporting community gardens and much more. Councilmember Kendra Brooks, we know how important community gardens are and we'll lift them up through Clean and Green. In addition, that's why my administration strategized and drafted the priority bid legislation for the Land Bank and asked you to introduce it because of your work, your partnership is invaluable, Councilmember Brooks, and we will address the greening and ownership of vacant lots. Please give green space a round of applause. ) At the same time a new Anti-litter Task Force is going to coordinate efforts across government to enforce litter and violations while we target with increased fines and hundreds of surveillance cameras, the illegal dumping that plague so many neighborhoods. We're also going to be removing graffiti from highway passes and hot spots in our neighborhoods. 4-million over three years to redirect graffiti artists energy through powerful programs run by mural arts to display their talent for all to enjoy. Why? Because we can't forget that this is what many thousands of people will see when they visit our city in 2026. A first impression matters and we're going to make good one. 2-million in planters to be installed along neighborhood commercial corridors. These will beautify our streets while helping to improve traffic safety. If they can work in Center City and Chestnut Hill, then we deserve them all over the city. As for the programs we started last year, the One Philly city-wide cleaning program, twice weekly trash collection and residential cleaning crews by council district, none of this is going away. Now the game plan going forward is to expand them and make them more effective. Twice a week trash collection in Center City and South Philly now, Mr. President. And we'll bring it next to North Philly this year. We see you, Councilmember Young and Senator Street. Housing, housing, housing. Last month I was thrilled to formally launch our housing initiative by signing an executive order creating the housing opportunities made easy initiative or HOME for short. My promise is this, 30,000 units of housing created or preserved while I serve as your Mayor. Now to accelerate the planning process, the executive order I signed sets several important steps into motion. First, some 25 city departments and offices are charged to make housing one of their top priorities. They have 30 days to come up with recommendations, to streamline processes, cut red tape and make legislative and regulatory changes that will help spark the faster production and restoration of housing without, without sacrificing health and safety. Councilmember Cindy Bass, we'll need your expertise on zoning issues as we work together on housing. At the same time, and this is important, we are engaging an advisory group and dozens of external stakeholders. You can only get big work done around a big table. So I'm talking about developers and CDCs. Partners like Philadelphia Works, PHDC, PHFA, and the Philadelphia Housing Authority. And keep players in the industry like the BIA, GBCA and the building and construction trades and carpenters. All of these folks will be helping to shape our housing plan.

Now, I know you may be wondering, how much is this going to cost or where is the actual housing plan? I am proud to announce one part of the funding strategy today. I am also pleased to reveal that for the first time in the history of our city, we will have a special session on housing hosted by my friend and our legislative leader, Council President Kenyatta Johnson and this council, March 24th. March 24th, that's the day. D day for housing. That's when we'll share all the details of the proposed housing plan. This is going to be a historic unprecedented investment for Philadelphia. Council President Johnson, in our meetings and when we talk, I have long said that this plan, housing preservation and the building of new, will be one of our Maynard moment. Referencing the late Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson who real and tangible and ongoing economic communities for Atlantans. To get started with the first part of the funding strategy, I want you to know that over the course of my five-year plan, this administration will issue $800-million in bonds for our housing plan. Yes, 800-million. And not only that, we will begin by issuing 400-million of those bonds in FY '26, and we plan on spending that money as quickly as possible. I want shovels in the ground and I want houses rehabbed and restored. So let me clear, we started this work on day one and we will not spend years in planning mode. this cannot wait. If you know anything about me, you know I understand the urgency in our communities. We are here to take action. Philadelphians need more housing and they need it now. More housing now. I want Philadelphians, renters and homeowners in the best possible housing until they can attain the ownership and the quality that they desire. And I want more Philadelphians to become homeowners if that is what they so choose. This also means that we will not -- let me say it again, this also means that we will not in any way, shape or form pick the have-nots against those who have just a little bit. Chairman Harris, this is about ensuring Philadelphians across income levels and across the city have a safe and secure and affordable place to live and I won't play politics on this. We won't pick the have-nots against those who have just a little bit. We won't do it. Not in the Parker Administration, we won't do it. I'm beyond excited to work with this council to get this done and I look forward to laying out the full plan in the special session on housing on March 24th. But the while we're talking about housing, you should know that we are going to eliminate the construction impact tax. We cannot incentivize the building of new housing with this levy, so we will be removing the construction tax in our efforts to create more housing in the city of Philadelphia. Education for FY '26. We are proud and as proud as we are of our efforts to improve the quality of our educational system during the first year of the Parker Administration, we know how much more work remains to be done. Senator Hughes, I was heartened to see Governor Shapiro propose millions more for teacher stipends to tackle the dire teacher shortage in the Commonwealth. I was a secondary English teacher trained at Lincoln University. The first historically black degree granting institution in the nation. I had to say it, Ryan Boyle, I couldn't help it. And I know what a stipend would have meant to me when I was doing my teaching at Coatesville High School. This is why I'm proud to note the city is making another mileage shift in the real estate transfer tax in FY '30, to increase funding for public education by another $12-million a year to be specifically earmarked for teachers salaries.

Our teachers deserve to earn a living wage and this is part of our ongoing commitment to our teachers as we pull on every lever from stronger recruitment to work force housing to make Philadelphia the best place in the country to work in the classroom. Officer Steinburg, we hope that you are proud, we look forward to work with you, the PFT, and the School District to get this achieved. Dr. Watlington, we hear you. I'm also proud to announce that we are expanding our extended day and extended year program of before and after school educational enrichment opportunities by 15 more schools. Ten district operated and five charter schools. This will be our extended day and extended year initiative to a total of 40 schools serving thousands of children and their families. Study after study shows that these programs matter greatly when it comes to children's educational development and we're doing what we said we would do. I want to thank Chief Deputy Mayor Vanessa Garrett-Harley and Chief Education Officer Dr. Deborah Carrera for all of their work here. And over the course of this none of this progress would be possible without the close working partnership that we have with the best school superintendent in the country, Dr. Tony Watlington. Councilmember Anthony Philips, I'll note that this program and value, you and I share and support together. I'm happy to note that one parent whose child is thriving because of extended day, extended year is here with us today. Lindsey Russel is the mother of Sidney, who is nine-yearsold and attends Gompers Elementary School. Sidney is benefiting from extended day and extended year and her mom wanted to be here today for us. Thank you, Lindsey. Thank you. One more young person to lift up this morning and I'm excited about her. I want us all to welcome Jeanine Gaskins. She's a sixth grader at Edmonds School, another one of our extended day and extended year schools. Now, listen, you got to hear about her. Listen to what she just achieved. She recently won first place in the One Philly Black History Month oratorical show case that was held at City Hall. Jeanine is here today with her father, Donavan Gaskins and her Principal Wendy Sharp. Jeanine, I, too, won that oratorical contest in City Hall. We want to say congratulations and we're so proud of you. Now, on to something extremely important. Fair, multiyear contracts for our municipal work force. As Philadelphia readies itself for the world in 2026, and as we focus on 30,000 housing units through out home initiative, it is well worth pausing to remind ourselves of exactly who does all the work for the residents of the city of Philadelphia. The dedicated municipal work force that rises to every occasion, that's our city employees are. Whether its the Philadelphia Police on the front lines or our fire fighters and emergency responders running into harms way, or the hard working individuals who pick up the trash everyday and keep our streets and sewers clean, or every social worker, librarian, housing employee or prison correctional officer who shows up everyday to serve the people of Philadelphia, or the thousands of other workers and other departments. Our work force makes me proud and humbled to serve as their Mayor. It's important for us to know that city workers are our people, not assets. And we will treat them with the respect and the dignity that they deserve. Councilmember Jimmy Harrity, Chair of council committee on labor, I know you support this sentiment and believe what I'm talking about. We must lift up our municipal workers. So let's just come out and say what many are thinking today.

If we can find the money for tax investments and job growth, then surely we can find the money to give our hardworking municipal workers the fair contract agreement they deserve. On today, I am proud to stand before you council, colleagues, and I am proud to report that we have $550-million in the labor reserve fund in this proposed five-year plan. It's a historic and unprecedented figure. I am committed under the leadership of our Chief Deputy Mayor Sincere Harris and her team of labor negotiators to reach a fair and fiscally responsible multi-year agreements with all four of our municipal unions this year. ) Listen, with all that's going on in the country right now with government workers, our One Philly philosophy has never been more important. Roosevelt Poplar of Lodge 5 of the Fraternal Order of Police; Mike Bresnan of Local 22 of the Philadelphia Fire Fighters and Paramedics Union; Greg Boulware of District Council 33 of AFSCME and April Gagetts of District Council 47 of AFSCME. I want you to know that we will continue working together to find common ground and get to yes on our multi-year agreements for our city's work force that pay a fair wage with a health and pension benefit that you can be proud of, while maintaining our city's fiscal stability. Presidents Poplar, Bresnan, Boulware and Gagetts, and all of the hardworking men and women represented by AFSCME and Local 22, please stand if you're here in the chambers. Please stand, the leadership. I want to be clear about our priorities so that we can make it plain. Economic opportunity. Creating economic opportunity is essential to the Parker Administration in so many ways. Through our innovative city college for municipal employment, we are working in partnership with community college. The School District of Philadelphia and others to train Philadelphians for careers in city government. We're talking about good paying city jobs with health benefits and pensions that will mean brighter economic futures. We are upskilling existing city workers, too, training them to advance on their career paths. I am super excited to announce that this Spring, and please listen to me closely, 32 high school seniors will receive CCME training that will give them the opportunity for city employment with fleet services, the water department and public property. And we will continue to work with other departments on growing quality opportunities for direct pipelines from our high schools into city employment. So that's right, from the School District of Philadelphia to city employment, that's the kind of pipeline the Parker Administration is building for our young people. And we are very excited about it. Now, one of our CCME students is Alena Chandy, who's enrolled in the computer support specialist program at Community College of Philadelphia CCME. Alena hopes and plans to work for the city of Philadelphia while supporting herself and family. Please welcome Alena here with us today. Alena, you are the future that we are fighting for in Philadelphia. Dr. Guy Generals, CCP; Pat Clancy of Philadelphia Works; and of course, our terrific superintendent Dr. Watlington, thank you for collaborating with us on CCME. You can learn more Philadelphia about CCME and start your pathway to a good job with the city of Philadelphia. phila/CCME. And to our city team who make this possible everyday. Chief Administrative Officer Camille Duchesa, CCME Executor Director Carl DeFris and Chief Human Resources Officer Candi Jones, thank you, thank you, thank you. Please give them a huge round of applause. Y'all stood it up and I'm grateful. ) More on economic opportunity for all.

I signed the PHL Open for Business executive order last Spring and our Commerce Department led by Director Alba Martinez is working to get it faster, easier and less costly to do business in Philadelphia. You all know that Commerce just announced a new $5-million small business catalyst fund to provide what Della would call love capital, patient capital to businesses early in their growth journey, especially those from historically under invested neighborhoods. I want to thank you for getting the job done. Thank you, Alba Martinez. Wellness for FY '26. Let's talk about the new wellness eco system that we are building under the Parker Administration, and what it means not only for Kensington, but for our entire city. Before I say another word, it is very important to me that I personally thank a group of public officials who are working everyday to improve the quality of life and public safety for the people of Kensington. In speak, of course, of none other than Kensington Caucus. Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, Councilmember Mark Squilla, Councilmember Mike Driscoll and Councilmember Jimmy Harrity. Thank you for everything that you are doing to help restore the community of Kensington. You should know that I recently started hours in Kensington and I head a well-attended a community stakeholder meeting and will continue engaging with the people. I want to thank you for a your support and you have not been moved on standing firm and delivering for the people of Kensington and for that, we are grateful. Please give them a round of applause. ) Since day one we have worked shoulder to shoulder with the residents of Kensington to end this Opioid driven humanitarian crisis once and for all. So first, we assembled the most experienced people in our city's health care system to learn what was working and what wasn't and how we can work together to create a new eco system of wellness care for people struggling with substance use, addiction, mental and behavior health challenges and homelessness. It had never been done before, but we assembled that network of experts, we listened and we took action. We put $100-million in capital investments, the FY '25 budget. Thank you to City Council for helping us to begin building out that network and for the facilities we needed to provide wellness care. I also went to thank our City Solicitor, Ranee Garcia, and her dynamic team of lawyers for their relentless work to secure tens of millions of dollars in opioid settlement funds that's re-enforcing so much of our wellness work. Thank you. Now, there were some who said that it couldn't be done. That it was too much, too fast. Where would the facility be located? Where's the plan? We did not have time to wait. We are in the middle of a humanitarian crisis and we acted with urgency, focus and a plan. Under the leadership of Managing Director Adam Thiel, Capital Programs Director Aparna Palentino, and a host of city agencies and with the tremendous work of Philadelphia building trades and other unions, we gutted and rehabilitated an existing city facility in Northeast Philadelphia in 88 days. Record time. And we opened the Riverview Wellness Village in January. Riverview has a 336 bed capacity and I think some of our providers are here. Merakey, Gaudenzia and the Black Doctors Consortium and it is serving people from across Philadelphia right now. Please give our providers a round of applause. ) Folks, we believe that what we are doing with our wellness model at Riverview can set the standard with how we treat the homeless and unhoused throughout our city.

I want to thank Dale Construction and the building trades for working with the Parker Administration on developing a proof of concept plan as we continue on this journey address housing for those who are homeless and unhoused in our city. There is nothing we cannot do when we work together, Philadelphia. This is just the beginning. And we will continue building out the Riverview site as I promised we would during FY 2026. This additional building you all heard us describe it, it's plan will add hundreds of additional bed which can be adopted to meet the eco systems evolving needs. We will invest another $216-million over the next five-year plan to support all of our wellness operating costs. Riverview provides not just food and shelter, but medical care, behavioral health care, job training and a host of other services. I'm with you, Councilmember Nina Ahmad, in wanting every Philadelphia to have access to health care, including the most vulnerable. This is how we demonstrate our compassion, care and love for the most vulnerable people in the city of Philadelphia. In a little over a year America will be celebrating its 250th anniversary. And I assure you Philadelphia, the birth place of democracy, is ready to welcome the world in 2026. We will engage every corner of Philadelphia with meaningful investments, economic opportunities and a spirit of celebration across every neighborhood. At the same time, we'll ensure that the nations birth place and first World Heritage City takes center stage as we host a slate of major events that will elevate Philadelphia on the world's stage. The big events begin this year with the 2025 FIFA cup, World Cup this summer, followed by homecoming 250 honoring or veterans and celebrating the finding of the United States Navy and the Marine Corp. Founded right here in Philadelphia. Next year is the 2026 FIFA World Cup, MLB All Star week and America 250 celebrations that will remind the world where this democracy started. So as of last month the Parker Administration in partnership with Council President Johnson and this council have committed more than $30-million for partner and event preparations, along with nearly $28-million new investments for public safety to date. So with the mid year transfer, along with the funding proposed in this FY '26 budget, that will bring a total investment in 2026 to over $100-million. ) This means community events and programming, investments in our commercial corridors and cleaning and beautifying Philadelphia citywide. This is important. When we clean up areas along Interstate 95 and I-76, these are the areas that guests from all over the country and the world will see first as they arrive in Philadelphia. Sometimes I think some people forget that preparing for 2026 means that we must get our own house in order and that's what we must do. We're also investing transportation infrastructure with the Philadelphia International Airport as our global gateway and SEPTA as the artery to move these hundreds of thousands of people around the city and the region. Now, for the record, the airport alone, and I haven't read this anywhere. The airport alone has been putting to use $500-million for capital projects to manage spikes in traveler volume and to ensure a top class guest experience. Atif Saheed, we are counting on you and the airport execs to make this happen. Thank you so very much. We're also investing in both out world renowned cultural institutions as well as the local treasuries that people will discover as they explore our city. Val Gay, I'm so proud we have you on our team and we need you. This will be an exciting year and I hope y'all are ready.

I know that Michael Neumis, our director of 2026, and Jazelle Jones, our great city representative and director of special events, they are ready. Please give Michael Neumis and Jezelle a round of applause. ) Now on to tax investments. At the beginning of my remarks I spoke of the city's fiscal health and our fiscal responsibility today will help free up more money tomorrow for us to invest in services for our residents. I also said when it comes to economic opportunities, we have done well, but we need to be laser focused on creating jobs for all Philadelphians. The only way to create access to opportunity for every Philadelphian is to grow the economic pie. To attract and grow businesses that will create jobs that pay family sustaining wages. But doing this require that we finally address a tax structure that's hindered growth and stunted the job creation that we need. Now, I know this isn't a new challenge and it's not an easy one. So I'm grateful to Council President Kenyatta Johnson for his wisdom and approach to this issue carefully in collaboration with my administration. This is also why we made no changes to tax rates last year And we caught a whole lot of heat for making that decision, too. Instead, we focused with this council on making deep, historic investments in city's services. Two-billion dollars worth to making our neighborhoods safer and cleaner as an important inducement for businesses to locate here and grow. In the meantime, the tax reform commission reconvened by this council studied pathways we can take together. Thank you to co-chairs, Richard Vague and Matt Stitt and all of the commission members for their service and to our friends in the African-American Chamber, Hispanic Chamber, Asian Chamber, Independent Business Alliance and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. For our part I directed my team to move forward with these guiding principals. First, the changes we make should be significant and unprecedented in scope. Big opportunities warrant big changes from status quo. Second, we must be fiscally responsible. Nothing is more important than our cities fiscal health. And third, we should take advantage of the fact that finally Philadelphia's pension Fund will soon be fully funded, dramatically reducing costs that have sat on us for decades. This last point is extremely critical. When the pension fund reaches full funding status in fiscal year 2033, pension costs will decrease by more than $430-million per year. This creates an opportunity to set Philadelphia on a different course. One of steady growth and creation of jobs that sustained families and neighborhoods. If we work together there is nothing we cannot accomplish for Philadelphia. It is time to reform or business tax structure now, right now. ) Why? Because Philadelphia is a tax outlier on how we tax businesses. The business income and receipts tax targets both gross receipts and net income. That means both the revenue businesses generating for itself and profits. Now, Philadelphians if you to been to our budget briefing and town hall meetings, I want you to think about your own pay check in Philadelphia and put this in prospective. Right now every Philadelphian pay taxes on the gross amount you earn. The gross amount, the total you make. Fair enough. Social security, Medicare and other things, that's fair. But here, if you were a business in this city, we're taxing the whole amount you earn and your net. What you have left after paying your bills and daily expenses. That's like a double tax. And our administration, quite frankly, is finally going to address it in partnership with Council President Johnson and this council.

8 percent within seven years of the pension fund reaching 100 percent funded status in FY 2023. I know, tax investment is not sexy, y'all. Over the same time period we will eliminate the gross receipts portion of the tax entirely. 5 percent in FY '30. With that said, an existing exclusion of the first $100,000 in gross receipts is going away. Not because this Administration is taking it away, like you may have read. It's not going away because we're taking it away. It's going away because of legal challenges to it Constitutionally. And, Mr. President, I have to digress, when I was a member of this legislative body, I would never introduce a piece of legislation that wasn't approved by the law department that they said they could defend wholeheartedly for us because I would always be afraid that some decision that we made could have a negative economic impact on our city, and this is affirmation of why the law department in proofing and working through legislation is so important. Now, this is unfortunate because this exclusion that you just heard me reference saved thousands of neighborhood-based businesses from even having to file a BIRT return with the city. But we are not going to turn our backs on these businesses. The Commerce Department is ready to move forward with the new Jump Start Business Program with $30-million a year in this five-year plan that can help impacted businesses with technical assistance and grants. And I have to give credit to the tax reform commission for their signal that jump starting businesses and jobs is our overarching goal. Now, as for the wage tax. Successive administrations have made small, but consistent reductions. This should continue, too, and we will be restarting reductions in FY '26. 39 percent in FY 2030. Now while tax investments are never exciting, Philadelphia, I want you to know that this is really a big deal. In fact, no mayor or City Council have stood together to reduce both sides of the BIRT and the wage tax at the same time in 17 years. Thank you for your leadership, Mr. President. In 17 years. These $212-million in tax reform investments are historic and unprecedented. And I'm proud to stand behind them and I hope that you are, too. Now, listen, this is a part we have to get to because even before I could get in the building today I started to getting some messages from people saying this is not enough. So, Mr. President, I want to state, for the record, that I know we're going to have some nay-sayers, but this is what we can do can afford do. And I shall not be moved on this delicate balance of enacting business/tax reform while protecting the fiscal stability as a city. We will not. This proposal will spur businesses to grow and new ones to locate here allowing our residents more and better opportunities to get a good paying job. And that means I hope out of this effort to see more SCIU and Unite Here jobs being created for Philadelphians because we deserve every Philadelphian to earn a living wage, health care and retirement security. Now, if you want to talk to businesses that here today, if you ask them what they need, they will tell you more than anything, they need certainty. That's why we're codifying these historic reductions beyond this five-year plan. So don't just listen to what we say, business community, watch what we do. Philadelphia is open for business and we welcome you right now. Our business community. Now, however, business community and chambers, we have some expectations of you, too. As I said during my chamber speech, we need the business community to help us lobby Harrisburg to enact a $15 minimum wage for our Commonwealth.

And I want to say to the business community, if that doesn't appear to be possible in Harrisburg, then I want to publicly make an appeal to you today that you stand shoulder to shoulder to with me, Council President Johnson and members of this council in fighting for the Pennsylvania General Assembly to give Philadelphia, as the only city of the first class in the Commonwealth, to enact the authority our own $15 minimum wage. That's what you can do. ) Now, I'm sorry to start telling your age here, but I'm going to look and glance at you, Chairman Hughes. I want to give some direction because I only spent a couple of years up there. But when I say we need your help, we don't simply need a letter or rally. What I learned from my few years in Harrisburg is that when the business community speaks up with the heavy weight tone that only the business community can use, both Democrats and Republicans listen. Philadelphia, the time is now for a $15 minimum wage. Our people deserve it. Now, let's talk about East Market Street. After getting through the shock and awe of learning that our 76ers were going stay in Philadelphia, no one could deny that this was a good decision for our city. As a matter of fact, it's a win, win, win for our city, the Sixers and Comcast. The new joint venture between Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment and Comcast, it will lead to a state of art arena and that mixed use development in Philadelphia building out that vision for the battery. Comcast you should have never taken me to see your headquarters and to visit that battery. I'm in love. And Philadelphia, we can build out a battery that no one has ever seen before, and I'm excited about that potential. But closest to my heart, especially when I was member of this body, is a venture -- this venture, this joint venture that will take Philadelphia one step closer to having its own WNBA team. That I'm excited about. And, yes, this will help us to revitalize the historic Market Street East corridor. I welcome Comcast to this partnership and I am so grateful that they are here. Councilmember Squilla, you know that this is why right now we're investing in the planning study to carefully determine our course going forward. And within the next month, I will formally establish the Market East Revitalize Task Force chaired by Jerry Sweeney. Jerry could not be here with us today. He's got a business to run, but he sends his regards to everyone and he is all in on this assignment. Please give Jerry Sweeney a thank you round of applause. Thank you, Jerry. You should know that, yes, we'll include representatives from Chinatown and the rest of Center City. It will also include those who own land and property along the corridor, as well as the Sixers and Comcast, who remain committed to revitalizing Market East. Now, as for the new arena in South Philly, we can now leverage all of the work already being done especially on how to ensure economic opportunity for local residents and businesses to make sure that this project benefits the city as a whole. I want to be very clear. Nothing about our intent and our goals changes. A project of this magnitude has to have a positive benefit for the entire city and these efforts will lay out the foundation for that next exciting round of work. I want you to know that I feel really good about the fact that a woman, who -- I don't know anybody who works harder than her or who's smarter than her. My chief of staff, Tiffany Thurmon, thank you. And I am so grateful that you will lead this effort. Tiffany manages all things related to our efforts and I'm grateful, Tiffany, for your help. Now, here's what everybody's been waiting for.

It's nice to hear you talk about all those investments, but now you're going to tell us how you're going to pay for it. And that's important because I've never been one who can tell you how to spend some money, but not how we going to raise the money to pay for what we want. The first answer, the biggest answer is from the dramatic savings we're going to see from lower pension payments once the pension fund reaches 100 percent funding. But we're also going to make adjustments in this proposed budget and five-year plan to make ends meet. First, a small increase to the realty transfer tax will generate $173million over the next 5 years. When we need to build and preserve 30,000 units of housing, this revenue will help us to get there. And don't forget, and this is when, Philadelphia, we should celebrate ourself because we have what not a whole lot of other cities have. We have Philly First Home, our program that provides closing costs and down payment assistance. And I'm not sure how many people paid attention to Wells Fargo Neighborhood Lift Program, to also help with housing costs and down payments. This plan also proposes -this is the second phase of this, this plan proposes increasing the parking rate in Center City from $3 to $4 per hour. This would be -this would be and I didn't know this until we were going through these rates. This will be the first parking rate increase since 2014 and will provide revenue to both the School District and the city's General Fund. And lastly, we'll increase housing transfer function of the document recording fee by $3 and use the revenue to help cover, Councilmember Katherine GilmoreRichardson, our tangled title work as a part of our housing plan. Tangled title work, important for housing in the city of Philadelphia. I don't take lightly any proposal or raise -- to raise a fee or a tax, we don't take any of it lightly and we took no such action during our first year in office. But I also know we did big things, bold things. And by working together and thinking creatively and acting decisively, these new revenues and the savings from a healthy pension fund will make the big things possible. From housing and fair contracts to tax reform and wellness, these investments in the long run will make our city the safest, cleanest and greenest big city in America with access to economic opportunity for all. Nothing about our vision, goals or objectives have changed. We remain laser focused on our mission to deliver a government that people can see, touch and feel. And I don't know about you, but no matter where I am in the city of Philadelphia, people will tell me that they feel that something different is happening in neighborhoods across the city. And I'm glad we don't promise perfection, but just to do the best that we can. And I'm happy they know that we are making good on our promises. In closing, I want you to know my name is Cherelle L. Parker and I am the 100th Mayor and first woman to lead Philadelphia in 341 years. 0 budget to the City Council of Philadelphia with historic investments in public safety, clean and green education, housing, fair contracts for city workers and tax investment and job growth and I do wholeheartedly approve this message. Today is just the beginning of this process. I'm coming soon to a neighborhood near you for a budget briefing or housing town hall meeting. Let's work together with collaboration, diligence and purpose towards its passage and implementation for Philadelphia with a shared goal. A safer, cleaner and greener city with economic opportunity for all. Together, I pray and believe -- everybody put your ones in the air for me right now. Oh, that's not nice. Everybody put your ones in the air.

Let me hear you all say, One Philly, a united city. They're recording this, you have to do it louder. Repeat after me. One Philly, a united city. Let's go, Philly. Let's go. )

Please clear the floor. Members, please take your seats. Are there any speeches on behalf of the minority? Are there any speeches on behalf of the majority? The Chair recognizes -seeing none, the Chair now recognizes for a motion to adjourn Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.

Thank you, Council President. I just want to take a moment to thank all of the support staff and all of the Sergeant of Arms and all the great people who made today a huge success. And, of course, Council President, thank you for your leadership today and making today smooth. And with that being said, I make a motion that council stands adjourned until Thursday, March 20th, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

m. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. Thank you very much and happy St. Patty's Day. ) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence are contained fully and accurately in the notes taken by me of the above case, and this copy is a correct transcript of the same. _______________ Samanda J. m. C. m. com. S. l unharmed 64:21 vibrate 33:5 65:12 visitors 125:11 2:15 67:13 9:20 unpreced V vicinity 74:5 unhoused vital ented 34:5 ultimate 153:17, vacant 67:24 133:23 46:23 122:11 24 56:6 96:6 143:20 unimagin 103:22 victims 127:13 unapolog 161:15 able 128:10 97:2 etic 167:14 voice 100:17 96:13 129:3 vienedos 3:8 unseated 121:11 Union vague 35:24 73:11 volume unapprov 144:14 71:4 Village 158:8 unsparin 161:4 153:3 ed unions gly voted 45:15 110:9 Val Vincent 8:14 3:8 144:4 63:3 89:8 uncertai untying vulnerab 152:21 158:19 vindicat nties 3:18 le 109:5 Unite valuable ion 155:3,5 update 126:7 168:15 4:7 uncertai 45:16 nty united Vanessa violatio updating W 108:5,8 108:14 139:15 ns 41:18 wage 164:15 156:6 vary 129:10 upgrade 18:6 180:2,5 51:11 violator unconsti 109:21 23:17 tutional units vehicles s 138:8 55:16 131:17 103:17 47:12 144:23 Stated Meeting 51 03/13/2025 166:16, watch weeks Whip wisdom word 58:17 96:11 5:20 160:8 3:4 5:3 167:8 99:21 weight 26:18 wishing 93:12 168:18 169:5 170:19 36:21 51:15 149:16 169:15 watching 43:9 words welcomin withdraw 170:5, 93:11 74:13 11:13 g 8:15 82:18 69:5 water 93:15 WNBA wages 90:24 99:19 20:19 well- 172:7 159:23 91:2 40:3 attended work 92:17, woefully wait 146:14 150:10 59:2 18,20 65:17 13:23 watered 63:17 135:4 wellness wholehea woman 84:4 4:23 65:24 rtedly 92:3 152:11 94:15, waters 113:8, 113:12 174:9 waited 24 4:24 10,16, 165:12 178:23 64:22 95:19 Watlingt 20,22 179:8 women 106:21 waiting on 149:10, wide 93:7 115:12, 174:19 106:13 11 107:9 145:6 20 walking 138:19 151:8, 157:9 won 117:19 101:6 139:23 20 widow 58:3 123:18, 117:17 147:19 152:4 122:8 140:24 19 wanted 153:2, ways 141:8 125:4, wife 38:6 145:16 13 154:16 37:20 wonderfu 75:19 weapons 128:22 177:22 Wiley l 76:2 56:17 130:13 Wells 57:2 58:23 140:13 132:13, website 176:6 59:24 wonderin wanting 18 107:7 61:9,10 g 154:23 Welsh 135:2 week 2:20 Williams 133:8 136:10 war 53:8 56:10 3:3 14:5 Wood 137:7 54:8,9, 128:3 34:7,12 138:11, warm Wendy 10,13 14,17 141:7 wills Woodhous 64:7 66:2 139:18 West 14:13 e warrant 113:21 141:15, 26:11 Wilson 26:9 55:11 131:2 21,24 80:9 98:23 57:7 114:3 156:10 142:16 119:13 58:15 161:16 weekend win 144:22 126:6 59:9,13 60:17 171:9 146:16 Washingt 63:12 Wharton winning 147:10 on weekly 80:7, 41:3 57:21 151:7, 67:16 130:19 14,19 70:2 81:6 24 Stated Meeting 52 03/13/2025 152:4, 148:19 63:3 18 24:8 30:10 149:19 67:2 100:15 25:14 33:17, 154:4 151:6 www. 102:7 38:23 18 162:15 153:20 phila/ 105:7, 57:9 46:5,8 173:16 165:18 22 58:2,17 48:10, ccme.