COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania April 23, 2026 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN CINDY GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN CURTIS J. JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN RUE LANDAU COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY M. LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN NICOLAS O'ROURKE COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR. ELIZABETH McCOLLUM NAZARIO, CHIEF CLERK - -
Members, please take your seats. All visitors, please retire to the seats outside the rails. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. This City Council session is now called to order. I'm asking for all visitors to please put your cell phones on silent and/or vibrate. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Jose Gonzalez of the Response to Grace Church. He is here today as guest of Councilmember Quetcy Lozada. I will ask all members and guests to please rise. (Councilmembers, visitors and guests rise.)
Let's pray. Father in heaven, there are no categories to describe how amazing, how powerful, how awesome you are. God, at the mention of your name, God, demons tremble. Father, stars in the universe were formed from the breath of your mouth. You are big, you're massive, you're amazing, God. And God, we are small, we are little. But yet even though you are above us, yet even though you are beyond us, you choose to be close. You invite us to call you Father. You want a relationship with us in this community. And so, God, we are calling on you in this place. Father, the world is divided. It's full of chaos. It's empty, families are broken, people are struggling. But, God, you have filled this room with game- changers. You have filled this room with generational curse- breakers. You have filled this room with people who have a desire and passion to make a difference. So, God, our prayer this morning is that you would start with us. Our prayer this morning is that you would use the people in this room, God, that you would empower the people in this room, God, that you would give us eyes to see people the way you see, that, Father, you would break our hearts for the things that break yours. Father, that you would use us powerfully to change this city to love on people and do right by people. God, give us wisdom not to do what's right in our own eyes. Give us wisdom to discern how to do right by people on your terms, God. Father, I pray that you would give us an unshakable confidence for those who are weary and tired of trying to make a difference and are struggling and are feeling the system push back. God, I pray that you would kindle the fire that nobody could put out. Father, that you would open doors that nobody would close, that you would use the people in this room, Father, to restore this community, that when people enter this city, they wouldn't see a people full of violence and divided, but that they would see a community of people who are different, because our differences make us mirror your image. God, I pray that you would use the people in this room 2 to see serving not as an inconvenience, but to see serving as an opportunity, that we will look at problems as opportunities to make a difference, to be a blessing. So, God, we pray that you would start with us, that you would set that fire, that you would set this room ablaze with these people, set our hearts ablaze, God, to do right by each other and to see others the way that you see us. We thank you for being our God, and we pray that the city of Philly, God, when people walk in this place, that it wouldn't just be a place that's full of chaos, disorder and void, but that it would be a place where heaven and earth overlap, that you would start with this people, this community, right here, right now. We ask all this in Jesus powerful name and the people say Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks the Pastor for the invocation. Council will now be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the Approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 16, 2026. The Chair recognizes Majority Deputy Whip Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 16, 2026 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 16, 2026 stand approved. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is the request for leave of absence. And the Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Majority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Majority Leader. The Chair recognizes Minority Leader Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Good morning, Council President. On behalf of the Minority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Minority Leader. Thank you very much. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's session of Council and that were not listed on the Calendar circulated prior to today's Council session.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda for this session of Council and, as required by law, subsequently published on an amended agenda after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments to bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or re-called from the Mayor, amendments to bills re-called from the Mayor, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in this session, a motion to withdraw a bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar and a motion placing a bill or resolution on or returning a bill or resolution from the Suspension Calendar that is not listed on today's Calendar. The purpose of this motion is to provide the public with notice concerning possible actions by Council that arose too late to be included on the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson may be added to the agenda for today should those matters arise during the course of this session of Council. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Council chambers today. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate you taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our great city. We certainly invite you to come again. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I would like to welcome to our chambers my son Parker, who was here with us on Bring Your Child to Work Day. (Applause.)
Welcome to City Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I want to welcome, and I'm proud to do so, Chestnut Hill College and its Political Science Department here in the balcony, I believe, to Council Chambers. Welcome. And we will be introducing a resolution that the students helped to edit, and several of them will be speaking during public comment. And we also recognize Dr. Jeffrey Carroll, whose historic leadership as the first person of color to lead to Pennsylvania Political Science Administration marks a meaningful step forward in this field. His work reflects the very best of this institution and inspires the next generation. And thank you so much for coming. We appreciate you all. (Applause.)
Welcome. As there are no 2 presentations today, the next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant- at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Would the Chief Clerk please read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications in her possession. Council will be at ease for one second, Chief Clerk. (Council at ease.)
I'm just going to ask if 16 you are visiting our Council 17 chambers today, could you please 18 take all sidebar conversations out 19 of the Council chambers. Council 20 will resume. 21
To the 22 President and members of the 23 Council of the City of 24 Philadelphia, I am transmitting for the consideration of your Honorable body a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 5123, 5125, 5127 and 5129 Baltimore Avenue located in the 3rd Council District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 5103 Chester Avenue located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 1425 South Paxon Street in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of the City of Philadelphia, and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 214 Hermit Street in the 4th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia, and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1707 Ridge Avenue located in the 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3001 and 3003 North 10th Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1800, 1818, 1862 N. 23rd Street, 1802, 1806, 1808, 1810, 1820, 1828, 1845, 1848, 1852 N. 24th Street, 1801, 1813, 1837, 1855, 1868 N. Bucknell Street, 1800, 1814, 1858 Judson Street, 2318, 2326, 2330, 2332, 2334, 2336 W. Montgomery Avenue located in the 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. A resolution Extending approval of the 2025-2026 Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) Program Annual Program Statement and Budget, which addresses expenditures by various agencies in the first year of the H.O.M.E. Program, to constitute approval of spending in Fiscal Year 2027, pursuant to that same Program Statement and Budget. And to the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on April 16, 2026 I signed the following bill, which was passed by Council at its session on April 16, 2026: Bill 2 No. 260263. And that pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bill: Bill No. 260242. The Commission voted to extend its review 45 additional days on the following bills, Bill 12 Nos. 260238 and 260239. There are no further communications in my possession, Council President.
Thank you very much. The 18 messages will be printed in the 19 Journal. 20 The next order of 21 business is introduction of bills 22 and resolutions. 23 The Chair recognizes 24 Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips.
Good morning, Council President, and good morning to all of the wonderful residents who are here today. I have two bills for introduction today.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the bills.
An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Lawrence Street between Tabor Road and Olney Avenue, Sparks Street between Front Street and Mascher Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," by amending Section 14-520, entitled "Ninth District Overlay District," by making technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Council President. Today I offer one privileged resolution on behalf of the entire City of Philadelphia, and one bill on your behalf.
Thank you very much. Would the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the bill 4 and resolution.
An ordinance amending Section 10-710 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Dumping of Debris and Short Dumping," to change the standard for determining violations, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution recognizing Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake on her retirement and lasting impact she has made on the City of Philadelphia.
Very fitting acknowledgement. Welcome to City Council today, Dr. Lorina Marshall- Blake. This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Good morning, Council President. Today I have four non-privileged resolutions and three bills, one on your behalf.
Thank you very much. Would the Chief Clerk please read the resolutions and the bills.
An ordinance amending Title of The 5 Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning 6 and Planning," by adding a new 7 chapter to require specific permit 8 applicants to provide notice of the 9 presence of particular murals on 10 the property to the Department of 11 Licenses and Inspections, all under 12 certain terms and conditions. 13
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance naming and designating 60th and Baltimore Park, located at 5961 Baltimore Avenue as "Tyrone 'Cakes' Sims Park."
That's one of my mentors. Good job. This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing various encroachments in the vicinity of 2955 Market Street, Philadelphia Pa, 19104, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution 17 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 1425 South Paxon Street in the 3rd Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia, and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council.
And a non-privileged resolution 15 authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 5123, 5125, 5127 and 5129 Baltimore Avenue, located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council.
And a non-privileged resolution 6 authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 5103 Chester Avenue, located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council.
And a non-privileged resolution urging the United States Congress and the Trump Administration to provide comprehensive fertility care, including In Vitro Fertilization, IVF, under TRICARE in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr.
Good morning, Mr. President, colleagues and the viewing public. Today I offer one bill 13 and one non-privileged resolution.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the bill 18 and resolution.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Acorn Street between Hazelwood Lane and Ridge Avenue; Martin Street between Mitchell Street and Pechin Street; N. 66th Street between Haverford Avenue and Media Street; Rector Street between Manayunk Avenue and Terrace Street; Lawnton Street between Fountain Street and Gorgas Lane; Scotts Lane between Ridge Avenue to 3540 Scotts Lane (Trestle).
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution 15 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 214 Hermit Street in the 4th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia, and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues and the public. It is a great day today. Today I have two privileged resolutions and two bills and one privileged resolution on your behalf.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the bills and resolutions.
An ordinance authorizing the Chief Information Officer, on behalf of the City, to enter into a multi- year agreement to purchase licenses for email, cloud services, enterprise software, data services, security software and other related computing products and services, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Chief Information Officer, on behalf of the city, to enter into a multi- year agreement to purchase support for mainframe and database software protocols and applications, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution 8 confirming the appointment of the Honorable Idee C. Fox as a member of the Board of Ethics, to serve in the term ending November 16, 2030.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Earl D. Fowlkes, Jr. during the week of Philadelphia Black Pride for his incredible and visionary leadership dedicated to service to the Black LGBTQ+ movement.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month, and celebrating the heritage culture and contributions of Arab Americans in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. Good morning, everyone. I have nothing today.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young, Jr.
Good morning, Mr. President. Today I offer four bills, one on your behalf, one privileged resolution and three non-privileged resolutions.
Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the titles of the bills and resolutions.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-4600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Low-Income Tax Provisions" to extend the low-income tax provision to trusts that own property for the benefit of a natural person, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-2900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Senior Citizen Low Income Special Tax Provisions," to extend the tax provision to trusts that own property for the benefit of a natural person, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled: Tax Exemptions for Longtime Owner- Occupants of Residential Properties," to extend the tax provision to trusts that own property for the benefit of a natural person, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 9-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Commercial Activities on Streets," to make certain changes to permissible location for farmers' markets, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution recognizing April 2026 as Second Chance Month in the City of Philadelphia, and honoring the work of reentry professionals, community organizations, employers, advocates, families and returning citizens who strengthen the City by supporting successful reentry.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution 13 authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3001 and 3003 North 10th Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a non-privileged resolution 4 authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1800, 1818, 1862 North 23rd Street; 1802, 1806, 1808, 1810, 1820, 1828, 1845, 1848, 1852 North 24th Street; 1801, 1813, 1837, 1855, 1868 North Bucknell Street; 1800, 1814, 1858 Judson Street, 2318, 2326, 2330, 2332, 2334, 2336 West Montgomery Avenue located in the 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a non-privileged resolution 24 authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1707 Ridge Avenue located in the 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Council President, I have one resolution, one resolution 17 privileged to introduce today.
Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring Philly Black Pride for its ongoing work to center and support the Black LGBTQ+ community, and recognizing Monday, April 20th through Sunday, April 26th as Philly Black Pride Week in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.
Thank you, Council President. Good morning, everybody. I have nothing today.
Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, Philadelphians. Nothing today.
Morning, Mr. President. I have five bills on your behalf and two privileged resolutions.
Thank you very much, sir. Chief Clerk, please read the titles of the bills and resolutions.
An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by amending Subcode "M" (The Philadelphia Mechanical Code) and adopting the 2021 edition of the "International Mechanical Code," as published by the International Code Council, with amendments thereto, as authorized by the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code Act, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by amending Subcode "G" (The Philadelphia Fuel Gas Code), Subcode "PC" (The Philadelphia Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities), and Subcode "EB" (The Philadelphia Existing Building Code), and adopting the 2021 editions of the "International Fuel Gas Code," "Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities," and "International Existing Building Code," as published by the International Code Council, with amendments thereto, as authorized by the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Act, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Subcode "A" (The Philadelphia Administrative Code) of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code (The Building, Construction and Occupancy Code), by revising and clarifying certain provisions; making corrections for compliance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code Act; and making technical changes; all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by amending Subcode "B" (The Philadelphia Building Code) and adopting the 2021 edition of the "International Building Code," as published by the International Code Council, with various amendments thereto, as authorized by the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code Act, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance amending Title of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by amending Subcode "R" (The Philadelphia Residential Code) and adopting the 2021 edition of the "International Residential Code," as published by the International Code Council, with amendments thereto, as authorized by the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code Act, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution recognizing May 2026 as Dual Asian American Pacific Islander and Jewish American Heritage Month in Philadelphia, in recognition of America 250, celebrating the rich history, interwoven stories and significant contributions made by generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and Jewish Americans to our nation, Commonwealth and City.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Sam Rhoads on his retirement after 31 years of distinguished service to PIDC, Philadelphia's public-private economic development corporation, and recognizing his transformative impact on the City's economic landscape.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Brian O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two privileged resolutions and one bill.
Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the titles of the bill and resolutions.
An ordinance amending Title of The 7 Philadelphia Code, entitled 8 "Regulation of Businesses, Trades 9 and Professions," by adding provisions prohibiting retail establishments from rounding transaction totals upward when a customer tenders cash without exact coinage, and requiring rounding downward to the nearest five-cent increment; all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Chestnut Hill College and its Political Science Department for their commitment to academic excellence, diversity, civic engagement and the advancement of future leaders, and further recognizing Dr. Jeffrey Carroll for his historic leadership in the field of political science.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution supporting the City of Philadelphia's participation in Bird Town, Pennsylvania, and promoting sustainable conservation initiatives in the City, and committing to community-based conservation initiatives to protect birds, wildlife, and the environment. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible).
Gotta love Philly. This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you very much. The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla for a report from the Committee on Appropriations.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Appropriations reports three bills with a favorable recommendation.
Chief Clerk, could you please read the report.
The Committee on Appropriations, to which were referred the following bills: Bill No. 260213, an ordinance to amend Bill No. 250198 (approved June 13, 2025), entitled "An Ordinance to Adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Years 2026-2031 inclusive," By revising various appropriation amounts and totals, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 260214, an ordinance to amend Bill No. 250197 (approved June 13, 2025), entitled "An Ordinance to Adopt a Fiscal 2026 Capital Budget" by revising various appropriation amounts and totals, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation. And Bill No. 260215, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2026 from: the General Fund, the Water Fund, the Transportation Fund, and the Grants Revenue Fund, all from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions; to: the General Fund, the Water Fund, the Special Gasoline Tax Fund, the Grants Revenue Fund, the Aviation Fund, and the Transportation Fund, all to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill 2 to Council with a favorable recommendation. There are no further bills to report out from the Committee on Appropriations, Council President.
Thank you very much. 10 The Chair recognizes 11 Councilmember Mark Squilla for a 12 motion. 13
14 Thank you, Mr. President. 15 I move that the rules of 16 Council be suspended as to permit 17 first reading this day of the bills 18 just read into the record by the 19 Chief Clerk. 20 (Duly seconded.) 21
It has been moved and 23 properly seconded that the rules of 24 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. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. And 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 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. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla for a motion regarding Bill No. 260215 just reported out of committee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the rules of Council be suspended as to permit an amendment to Bill No. 260215. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of an amendment to Bill No. 260215 at this time. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla again.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 260215. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 260215 be adopted. All those in favor will 2ND READING signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the bill has been amended. This bill 10 will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for our next session of Council. As there are no 14 additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning the bills and resolutions on the 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: Nos. 260253, 260254, 260255, 260256, 260353, 260354, 260355, 260356, 260357, 260362, 250329-AA, 250330-AA, 260056, 260057, 260058, 260059, 260060, 260061, 260062 and 260295. The following bills and resolutions on the Calendar are being held: 250768 and 250807.
Good job, Majority Leader. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading of Final Passage Calendars for possible action at today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up before today's Council session, please do so now by giving your name to Ms. Hasson, seated in the hallway outside of Room 496. Once you have signed up, you will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. Under ideal circumstances, public commenters each will have up to three minutes to speak. However, this time limit may vary from session to session. Today due to the repetitious public comment, 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 your microphone. Please do not get mad at Lopez. He's just doing his job. At that point, please yield to the podium to the next speaker if you have not already done so. I also reserve the right to our rules of City Council to limit repetitious comments on the same subject matter. I will now ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Mo Rushdy, Carmen Maria, Halcyon Joseph, Reverend Gregory Holston, Ryan Spak, Simon Radecki, Jeremy Blatstein, William Small, John McCauley and Stephen Bronskill, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning, Council President, Councilmembers. Let me start by first saying that the BIA of --
Council will be at ease for one second. (Council at ease.)
All visitors, we welcome you to City Council as we do our business, the People's House. All I'm asking if you can take your side conversations just out of the Council chambers. It's very, very hard to hear up here when people are speaking on the floor. The floor is yours, sir. Please begin your testimony.
I want to start by first saying that the BIA and Councilmember O'Rourke have had policy differences in general when it comes to execution. But without a doubt, we had an alignment in intent. Over the last 30 to 60 days, Councilmember O'Rourke has engaged in good faith, along with his aide, specifically Kate Underwood, with multiple stakeholders to address concerns of housing providers when it comes to unintended consequences of well- intentioned language in these bills. So I thank you, Councilmember, for this. And I thank Council President for always standing at an equal distance from different stakeholders that have different interests and encouraging dialogue to reach a place where everyone is okay and not necessarily getting all that they want. Last week's amendments maintain the bill's legislative intent while allowing housing providers some flexibility and thus, not discouraging desperately- needed housing in the city. My testimony today does not offer a blanket support or opposition, but rather an opportunity to explain how the BIA changed its position from a strong opposition to supporting the bills when they got amended with much of the BIA and other concerns. Pending appeals of certain taxes, liens, fines and fees, resulting in outstanding balances will not be deemed noncompliant. Housing provider will not be deemed noncompliant in case of violation that leads to fee, underlying conditions that was not issued under Title 4, whereas the outstanding balance is the sole reason preventing the license from being issued or renewed. The owner filled a timely administrative and judicial appeal of the violation or tax clearance determination as applicable. 5, that the owner has not failed to take any required interim corrective actions within the owner control, that for a renewal of rental license an owner shall not be deemed noncompliant for purposes of this section solely for failure to timely renew a rental license during days. And 4 over time, there is other changes 5 as well. The bill started with 6 good intent, but with unintended 7 consequences -- 8 (Background 9 interruption.) 10
We are housing providers that want to support our tenants and residents and do not want to see bad housing providers protected. And so, the BIA thanks Councilmember O'Rourke. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Nicole and I'm reading on behalf of one of our members who's here today, but because of safety concerns isn't speaking. I'm a proud resident of Philadelphia and originally from Guatemala. I work as a house cleaner and I'm a member, leader with the National Domestic Workers Alliance. I'm here to strongly support both the ICE Out laws and Safe Healthy Homes. (Applause.)
The increase in immigration enforcement spreads fear and devastates our communities. The fear is felt in everyday life, in the park, library, church and our children's school. The increase in deportations also results in more workplace abuses. Some employers take advantage of the situation to threaten workers. Workers speak out less now, report fewer abuses and demand their rights less. I also want to highlight the current hunger strike at Moshannon Detention Center in Pennsylvania, where 100 detained immigrants are protesting horrible treatment and several deaths. Detained immigrants in Philadelphia are frequently sent to these conditions in Moshannon. We fight to protect our communities from these private prisons who earn money off of our suffering. Lastly, I urge you to pass the Safe Healthy Homes Act. Landlords in this city treat renters horribly, and in many cases keep housing conditions poor because of our immigration status. Renter justice is immigrant justice. Vote yes on both.
Excuse me. Could you just say your name for the record?
Yep. My name is Nicole Kligerman and I am reading on behalf of one of our members who, because of safety concerns of what's happening in this room right now, isn't herself speaking.
Good morning, Councilmembers, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Halcyon Joseph. I am a member of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. I have been a professional geriatric care provider for many years. I've migrated from the Caribbean of the countries of Trinidad and Tobago. I like taking care of people who need real care, like elderly and kids. We need the voices, eyes, hands on seniors and babies. The work that we do is invaluable and support all aspects of society. I'm here today as an immigrant, a worker and an advocate for the communities I care deeply about to ask the support of both ICE Out policies and Safe Healthy legislation. I ask you to vote yes to the ICE Out package because it's unfair how the government is treating us. We're all here for the same reasons, to live on earth in peace. They are also abrasive and deporting people who have had (inaudible). The presence of ICE breaks families apart. It gives me first-hand anxiety and even PTSD to the fear of living in deep fear. They are known and never known from moment to moment. REV. HOLSTON: My name is Reverend Gregory Holston, Executive Director of Just Nation, here supporting both ICE Out legislation and Safe Healthy Homes. I know I only got a minute. We're here today because everyone deserves to be safe in their home. That's the through line. That's the moral line. But in our city, the promise is being broken in two ways. When I think of the people I pastor, the African immigrants, the Haitian immigrants, the Jamaican immigrants who live in fear that a knock on the door will take away, that ICE could turn their home into a place of terror, I'm concerned that we need to do something. At the same time when families are living in homes that are unsafe and unhealthy, mold, lead, broken heat, so even ICE is knocking, the home itself is harming the people inside of it. We need to stand up against that. The simple principle that puts all of these laws together into one thing is the simple scriptural oppression principle: Love your neighbor, love your neighbor, love your neighbor, so as we stand up together and we fight together and we believe together and we hope together and we dream together. Let that principle stand over and over again. Love your neighbor as yourself and we can transform this city for everyone.
Good morning. My name is Ryan Spak. I want to thank the body for allowing me to come and speak with you this morning. I want to thank Councilmember O'Rourke and his staff for the conversations and for amending this legislation and ensuring that state law is reiterated within this Council body. I want to thank Councilmember Rue Landau for the conversations that we had regarding this legislation. I am here in support of the Safe and Healthy Homes Act. As a housing provider for the last 15 years, my company has felt that it is a moral obligation for the residents that live within our buildings, for us to provide a safe and healthy home no matter what. However, I do want to stress to this legislative body, as I have before, I appreciate your effort and the moral compass that is pointed in the direction. However, every piece of legislation is being passed within a vacuum with no solution attached to it to other problems we know exist. Please, please, please, please keep that in mind as you continue to fight for the rights of the City of Philadelphia. Thank you.
Hello. My name is Simon. I'm glad to be a resident of Philadelphia and was lucky enough to be born and raised in Minnesota, in a small Minneapolis suburb called St. Anthony Village. The reason people here are all familiar with that town, if they are at all, is because it was where a Black man named Philando Castile was murdered by police in 2016. He was murdered one year after Jamar Clark, two years before Thurman Blevins, and four years before George Floyd, all in Minneapolis. The response of many of the people in Minneapolis to ICE terror campaign this winter was the result of continued organizing, relationship-building and solidarity led and built by Black and Brown people through years of combating injustices from voter ID and state-sanctioned murders. I just want to take a moment of solidarity to recognize those people. ICE has existed as a weapon of race-based terrorists since its inception, targeting Muslim and immigrant populations with similar tactics to those seen today. The reality is they've been using children as hostages in immigration hearings and tools of entrapment for decades. Sorry, I wrote for a lot more minutes. You have an opportunity today to make the direction clear for Philadelphia, the next city and those after that. Vote yes with the power of the citizens have loaned you. Because that's the thing about power in this country, one way or another someone will come to collect.
We have Jeremy Blatstein, William Small, John McCauley, Stephen Bronskill. May Lisa Volta Zalloum, David Alexander Jenkins, Jackie Zaneri, Lynn Landes and Robert Aarchnyak, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Hello. My name is Jeremy Blatstein. I'm here in support of the Safe Healthy Homes bills. In theory, it's exactly what the City of Philadelphia needs, right. We need to hold bad landlords accountable. The thing that I do want to stress is the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office and the eviction process that needs to improve. It cannot be taking so long because it's impacting everybody. So as long as this legislation goes forward, and there's work to be done on the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office, this is a good bill. But if there's not improvements in the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office, the whole thing's going to crumble and you're going to hurt really small mom-and-pop landlords, and that's the thing that you're going to -- that's the thing that needs to be kept in mind, is making sure that people with two to four units have the support and the help to get through this new legislation. And last but not least, we're talking about SEPTA. We know it's important to fund it. Ride the ride. Grow Philly to 2 milly. Thank you.
Good morning, everybody. My name is William Small, candidate for U.S. Congress in Pennsylvania's Third District. Today I stand here in opposition in every bill, ordinance 21 and its agenda, but not out of disrespect, out of principle. I know everybody heard what Mayor Cherelle Parker said this weekend. How dare you? She called out 1.8 million people in Philadelphia. She doesn't think she's the Mayor. She thinks she's the damn queen --
Sir, could you speak on the bill? Speak on the bill,
Excuse me, sir. We understand you're running for office. If you can speak on the bill, you can. Right now you can. Have a good day, sir.
Me too, sir. Thank you, sir. Have a blessed day. Appreciate it. Could you please call the next speaker please.
We have John McCauley, Stephen Bronskill, Lisa Volta Zalloum, David Alexander Jenkins, Jackie Zaneri, Lynn Landes and Robert Aarchnyak. (Witnesses approached podium.) MR. McCAULEY: Good morning, everyone. My name is John Alonte McCauley. I'm with a grassroots organization called Flip Philly Red. We're here to offer you something different because you've been voting Democrat for the Mayor's office for the past 70 years. In regard to these ICE Out bills, they have statistics coming out of the country of Sweden that says, because of their open border policies, out of every women can be expected to be raped. These are things that I think -- (Audience boos.) MR. McCAULEY: -- that City Council make it difficult for ICE to --
Listen up, everyone. Listen up, everyone. MR. McCAULEY: I need time back on the clock. I need my minute back. No, no, I need my --
Listen up. Excuse me, sir. I'm actually running this so let me handle this. MR. McCAULEY: Are you?
Let me handle this how I need to handle this. MR. McCAULEY: Thank you --
You know what then, call on the next speaker please. MR. McCAULEY: (Inaudible).
Call on the next speaker. I believe in the right of freedom of speech, but not disrespect. Not disrespect, sir. Please call on the next speaker.
Stephen Bronskill, Lisa Volta Zalloum, David Alexander Jenkins, Jackie Zaneri, Lynn Landes and Robert Aarchnyak. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Thank you very much. Please call the next speaker. Let that run viral. (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Lisa Volta Zalloum and I'm speaking in support of Councilmember Rue Landau's resolution declaring April as Arab American Heritage Month. I'm here today as the Executive Director of Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture. Al-Bustan is a nonprofit organization dedicated to showcasing and cultivating the beauty and diversity of Arab culture through the arts, but also I'm here as the grandchild of a young Syrian woman who came to this country with her language, sharp wit, hope and love of life. Her story is one of millions that begins right here in Philadelphia. In anticipation of the Semiquincentennial, Al-Bustan began researching a largely overlooked part of Philadelphia's Arab history. When Philadelphia hosted the 1876 Centennial exhibition in Fairmount Park, over 1600 Arab traders and artisans made the journey to this country to celebrate America's 100th birthday. Arab culture was on full display, Egyptian, Syrian, Algerian bazaars and the Moroccan building. Fast- forward 2002, Al-Bustan was founded in the wake of 911 when gross stereotypes were created about Arab people and -- thank you so much.
Mr. President, David Alexander Jenkins. When I walked into chamber this morning and the sound of all the things you are, that jazz band out in the hallway, and I looked around at my brothers and sisters of love here with the signage all around me of inevitable rights, human hope, dignity, safety, refuge, I was invigorated with the kind of energy that was so palpable that I was suddenly reminded of why I come to this podium week after week, year after year. I come like you to celebrate, defend and protect all the things we are. I was prepared to come before you to impress upon you with moral clarity and resolve my resounding support for the ICE Out legislation before you, which upholds the moral imperative against state violence. I was prepared to come up in the fierce defense of Member O'Rourke's amendments through its lens of inclusivity, dignity and a shared responsibility to humanity. And I was prepared to come before you in gratitude for Member Brooks's enshrinement and space held for the LGBTQ and Black communities, and for the body's dedication to holding vital space of intersectionality and visibility. But when that Reverend took through the dais, I was reminded of Kurt Franklin's I've been through the fire and I've been through the flood, I've been broken into pieces and seen lightning from above. And through it all, we remember that he loves us and he cares, and he'll never put more on us than we can bear.
Good morning. My name is Jackie Zaneri, and I'm a supervising attorney in the Housing Justice team at Senior Law Center. Thank you for the opportunity to again voice our strong support of Bills 250329-AA and 250330-AA, the Safe Healthy Homes Act. Senior Law Center seeks justice for older adults using the power of the law, educating community and advocating at the local, state and national levels. We provide free legal assistance to thousands of older people each year, including tenants facing housing crisis and older homeowners. We support these bills because they're aimed at common, serious issues that older tenants are facing in Philadelphia. We regularly meet with and represent tenants who are being evicted out of properties with serious open code violations or that contain uninhabitable conditions that tenants are fearful of reporting because of the threat of eviction. These laws provide basic legal protections that all tenants deserve and that would prevent the worst landlord behavior and these dangerous living conditions. We urge you to pass these bills. Thank you. (Applause.)
May Lynn Landes, Robert Aarchnyak, Earl Fowlkes, Justin Oppong, Chloe Youngblood, Jeffrey Carroll, Seneca Grant, Melissa Monts, Leyla Moreno and Queen Judith Robinson, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning. I'm Lynn Landes of Philly's Republican Network. We oppose Bill 2600056 and related bills aimed at undermining federal immigration enforcement because it is essentially an invitation for more illegal immigrants, criminal cartels and foreign enemies from across the nation and around the world to come to Philadelphia, a city with one of the highest rates of poverty, crime, illiteracy, unemployment and taxes in the country, and who already has over 75,000 illegal immigrants. The principal job of any government is to manage people and resources, which is why all nations have borders and immigration laws. Over 8 billion people live on our planet. 340 million live in the United States, including tens of millions of illegal immigrants. In addition, 60 to 80 million visitors come to the U.S. every year. Undermining ICE will tempt many of these people to come to Philadelphia to live here illegally. It is City Council's job -- (Audience boos.)