It is City Council's job to protect Philadelphians, not illegal aliens. Please vote no to undermining ICE. Thank you. (Audience boos.)
I just want to do some rules for the day. And this is a democracy. All I ask is that we just be respectful regardless if you agree with a person's position or not agree with a person's position, just for the sake of us conducting business today. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible).
One second, sir. She gave her opinion. Opinion is different than hate speech. I'm Black and African American. I know what hate speech is. So all I'm just saying, a person comes, they want to give their opinion rather you support it or not support it. Let's just be respectful to one another as human beings just for the day. Go ahead, sir -- go ahead, young lady.
Okay. My name is Melissa Monts and I want to speak to give my testimony on behalf of Theresa Howell and Eden Gibson, who are ill today and were not able to be here and have been in this fight with us for six years. I know when I feel what it feels like to hear no at every stage of life. No mental health support growing up in a dysfunctional home, no real help as a struggling single mother. Believing I had no other options, I signed my three children over to the state of Oklahoma, hoping to get help and return for them. That did not happen. Today all three of my children carry that no. All three have jail records. Two of them are felons and one felon is still incarcerated. And now, I see the same pattern here. Our children becoming collateral damage of policy decisions. No quality education because schools close. No livable wages while corporate taxes are being cut. No relief for small businesses with the BIRT tax being removed and shrinking household incomes. No stability in families living in fear of being disappeared by masked, armed, unidentified men, which is why I support the ICE Out bills. And now, Safe Healthy Homes are being questioned even after a child like Jah'Nae Campbell died from mold exposure. At some point we have to tell the truth. When every system says no, people stop believing in the system. And when young people stop believing in systems, they don't just disappear, they create their own outcomes. So I will say this plainly: Let our children hear today yes to Safe Healthy Homes and yes to ICE Out or be prepared for the consequences of a city that continues to say no. 11 (Applause.)
Hi. My name is Robert Aarchnyak and I'm a member of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club --
Sorry. My name is Robert Karchnyak. And I'm a member of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club. I serve as its Co-Chair of its Conservation Committee, member of its Governing Council and a birding guide at FDR Park. I'm speaking in support of the Bird Town resolution. Birds are in trouble. Back in 2019, a report was released that found roughly 3 billion birds have been lost in North America. And just last year, the 2025 State of the Birds report highlighted this tragic reality of bird population decline, with the main Atlantic region being of particular concern. We know conservation works, but we need it to be comprehensive. Philly sits along the Atlantic Flyway, a critical part of bird migration and provides crucial stopover habitat. Initiatives like Bird Safe Philly and Lights Out have formed to counter some of the most dangerous obstacles facing birds on this epic journey. It's vitally important to bridge the gap of what is considered the natural world. Too often the thought is that nature exists outside the urban suburban areas. In -- oh, go Birds. (Applause.)
My name is Earl D. Fowlkes, Jr. and I'm here to speak to my resolution. I'm a native Philadelphia, was born and raised at 26th and Allegheny. And what's happening here is what I learned to do around the world, negotiate conflicting points of view to come out to a resolution 19 that everyone can live with. And I've been representing the LGBTQ community for the last 35, 40 years around the world and I will continue to do so. I will say one thing. I have one little gift that I can give to Philadelphia. I'm a member of the Democratic National Committee. I've been an At-large member for the last five terms. I'm going to advocate Philadelphia coming to the Convention for the Democratic Party in 2028. That's -- you should be happy about that. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Thank you for this opportunity. My name is Justin Oppong. I'm a Chestnut Hill College student and political science major. Thank you, Councilmember Bass, Council President Johnson, for the opportunity, including City Council. Chestnut has given me the opportunity to get a degree, but also changed my character, the way I think and the way I develop and it's worth representing. As I reached the last life of my undergrad career, I wanted simply not just to get a degree, but to give back in any way I could. I believe I represent something bigger than me, and I can make an impact in any way I can and others as well. And in the future of the school, throughout my years at Chestnut Hill College, the political science department has helped me to develop community- building skills, communication and also student development, not in just the classroom, but a simple impact and care for others, including a change. I know what it means to hold each other accountable, including myself, with grace, and create a space for students to feel like they're welcome and constantly representing them and myself as well. I'm also looking towards becoming a corporate attorney and also have hands-on experience to study not only political science but also have three majors with the -- three minors with the help of the department. When coming to higher education, CHC was no question, as I'm also pursuing my MBA as well at the college. I want to make an impact in Philadelphia any way I could and it starts here. I had the honor to be a Griffin alongside my students that are with me as well, and it's been an absolute blessing as well. Thank you, Dr. Carroll. Thank you, Dr. Reich, including my family. And also above all, thank you, God, for this opportunity to speak. It's been a blessing to speak to you all. Thank you. (Applause.)
I hope Channels 3, 6, 9, 10, Fox is taking some of this video, the positivity of our young people.
Firstly, I would like to thank God for this moment. I would like to thank Council President Kenyatta Johnson, Councilwoman Cindy Bass, for this recognition. Additionally, I'd like to thank Dr. Jeffrey Carroll for asking me to give a comment on this momentous occasion. My name is Chloe Youngblood. I am the Executive Chair of the Young Adults Committee of NAACP Philadelphia Branch. I am the Elected Majority Inspector of Elections for the 12th Ward of the 20th Division, and I'm alumna of Chestnut Hill College, also known as CHC. I graduated with my Bachelor's degree in Political Science and International Affairs, Magna Cum Laude --
Thank you. With departmental honors in May of 2024. As I look back on my college years at CHC, it wasn't just a place of higher education and personal growth. CHC became my biggest support and a second family to me after the sudden passing of my father. My father passed away my freshman year, and when I notified the faculty and the staff at CHC, I received such an overwhelming presence of love and support. Many of my professors actually attended my dad's funeral and while others truly became prominent figures in my life such as Dr. Jeffrey Carroll. As I reflect further on my collegiate years as a young undergraduate student studying political science, all I can think about is how the political science department at CHC truly helped me to cultivate my thoughts as a young political scientist. The political science department at CHC always challenged me to critically think and analyze the relationship between the public and the politicians, also known as public servants, to question and to truly answer or to understand the why of the political realm. In doing so, I was effective communicator when I interned at Representative Anthony Bellmon's office my senior year. In addition to these skills, it has helped me to educate others on the importance of voting, since that is the first step when determining public policy. As I have campaigned for various public servants, including Kamala Harris in the 2024 Presidential election. I am forever grateful for my experience at CHC and for my amazing former professors, such as Dr. Carroll and Dr. Jackie Reich. Thank you and God bless. (Applause.)
Good morning. I am Dr. Jeffrey Carroll from Chestnut Hill College -- (Applause.)
I'm the Associate Professor of Political Science, the Chair of the Center for Data and Society, and the President of Pennsylvania Political Science Association. It's the nation's oldest state political science association, and I am the first person of color to be as president. Thank you, Councilwoman Bass, for your resolution honoring CHC. And thank you, Council President Johnson and the Council, for allowing us to be here today. This right here in this room is an institution that I've studied, revered for decades, stemming from my time in graduate school at Temple University. Go Owls. I taught a class called Local Government and Community Advocacy with my mentor and former Mayor and Council President John F. Street. Several folks in the chamber today participated in that exercise. Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young, Jr., team members Collin Crossley, Desmond McKenzie here, Marvin Wiley is here today, all participating. City Council, you've opened your arms to me as a researcher, a policy advisor, a community advocate, internship coordinator, white paper author. Among all these roles and over the years, I played just my small part to contribute to conversations about power, civics, public service. And so, I just want to let you know that we are outside and we are here. So to close, at CHC we're deeply committed. So I'm proud to have lived and worked in the City of Philadelphia over 23 years with my family who is here 24 today, and raising my two sons in South Philly in the School District of Philadelphia School. So we're here to stay to serve and to impact. So on behalf of Chestnut Hill College, my Chair Dr. Jackie Reich, leadership of the Sister Saint Joseph, and our President, Brian McCloskey, thank you, City Council, for your service and for today's recognition. (Applause.)
We have Seneca Grant, Leyla Moreno, Queen Judith Robinson. May Sharon White, Nicholas Taylor, Robert Simms, Danielle Campbell, Nadia Graves, John Floria and Kevin Wright, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning, Council President Johnson and distinguished members of Council. My name is Seneca Grant, and this is truly an honor. The Safe Healthy Homes Act is an urgent necessity for hundreds of thousands of renters like myself, including many here in the room today. I'm a lifelong resident of Philadelphia and lived in unsatisfactory homes most of my 42 years, from leaks, mold, rodents, flying cockroaches and no heat as a child to leaks, broken stoves, showers, roaches and rodents as an adult. In my current apartment of three years, I have had no heat. I submitted my latest complaint to 311 in early March. The inspector didn't come until two weeks ago, much too late to get an accurate temperature reading of my apartment. I've been scared to put rent in escrow because I don't want to go through eviction diversion court for a third time, although I'd probably win for a third time. This and many other reasons is why we need our Safe Healthy Homes Act passed into law without further delay. As I've said before, the corporate lobbyists and greedy, corrupt slumlords are on the wrong side of history. I got a lot more here, but my time is up. Council President, Mr. O'Rourke, thank you very much. To the full Council, we ask for you to stand with us and vote yes for Safe Healthy Homes. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning, and thank you all for being here today. I want to begin by offering my sincere gratitude to Councilmember O'Rourke for meeting with a group of us recently, representing mom-and-pop and small landlords. Despite going over his schedule to pick up his kid from daycare, he gave us his dedication and undivided attention. That did not go unnoticed and we truly appreciate it. Equally important is for me to thank Councilwoman Lozada for facilitating the meeting with Councilmember O'Rourke. Thank you for responding to issues that directly affect your constituency. This is one of those issues. Thank you, Talis. And thank you, Gianna. Bill No. 250329-A is a sweeping reform of Philadelphia's property license and regime. Specifically, it requires all rental properties to obtain a license annually and it mandates rigorous costly inspections a year for small landlords. The group I'm speaking for, including myself, those of us who manage just one or two properties, this creates a disproportionate financial burden. Section 6.1 imposes a stringent timeline for reporting any violations, leaving small landlords vulnerable to automatic fines if we miss a single deadline. In addition, Section 7.4 requires landlords to publicly post their license status inside each unit. This is a significant administrative load, as many small landlords work part-time or manage properties themselves. The result is that we risk the fines -- ICE Out. ICE Out. My name is Leyla Moreno. (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Nicholas Taylor. And while I've lived in Philadelphia for many years in many different Philadelphia neighborhoods, I now call Councilman Jones' district home. Living across these neighborhoods, I've had experiences with negligent landlords of all sizes, twice having to turn to the court system for help. I was able to receive debt owed to me by a corporate landlord because I had the ability to represent myself during the months' long ordeal. When I went without heat for months and needed to break a lease with my small local landlord, I was once again forced to advocate for myself legally. The process drew on for years while I was also completing chemotherapy. Preemptive L&I inspections would have prevented this. I regularly volunteer with face-to-face Germantown and State Representative Tarik Khan's office. I serve on the East Falls Community Council and City Election Board. I collaborate with my community to make tangible improvements, most importantly for those who are underrepresented and overlooked. I am now asking each of one of you, each and every one of you, to do the same by voting yes on both the ICE Out and Safe Healthy Homes legislation. Thank you. (Applause.)
My name is Robert Sims. How's everybody doing in here? I just want to say one thing, man. I got a sick mother, man, from these fumes and these dirty houses, man. The landlords ain't looking out for these houses. We need the Safe and Healthy Homes bill passed because my kids, my youth, man, my youth is coming up, being taught not to -- being taught about the Safe and Healthy Homes Act. I want this bill to pass so they can look at me talking about, oh yeah, my dad, my dad helped that bill to get passed. Now, we ain't got to worry about, we ain't got to worry about struggling and trying to get bills passed because of my dad. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Danielle Campbell. I'm here today to address all ears in a desperate plea that you listen, not just to the testimonies heard, but to your -- oh. My name is Danielle Campbell. I'm here today with a desperate plea that you listen not just to the testimonies heard but to your own hearts. Some of the atrocities that have occurred before our very eyes are unspeakable. This is not a vote on whether or not to simply pass more bills. It's a vote on whether or not there's an ounce of human decency that remains within the hearts of our lawmakers. This is not a question of how to stop what's been happening. It's a question of how these things have ever been allowed to happen in the first place. Is there no place safe? If you watch the news, it doesn't look like there are any safe places left. By passing the Safe and Healthy Homes Act, you can help ensure that the places that we call home will be safe, safe from unlivable conditions, safe from health-threatening infestations, safe from domestic violence, safe from unlawful evictions, safe from discrimination, safe from being slaughtered by untamed, unstable men with or without badges. Let home be where the heart is once again. If not everywhere at once, let's start with our City of Brotherly Love. Let's start today. For those who question what we should do, the answer is whatever it takes. (Applause.) UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Hello, Council and Philadelphia. I would like to thank God for this beautiful city made richer by the contributions of our immigrant and tenant communities and I'm here speaking in support of both the Safe Healthy Homes and Ice Out bills today, because this is a battle between billionaires and corporations. I'm going to rephrase for the record. This is a battle between billionaires and corporations and working people of Philadelphia. I'm a working-class Philadelphian from the Kingsessing neighborhood. And in my building there are many safety concerns due to disrepair of our garage system, has gone in and out of repair. We have 14 open L&I violations. We have our packages stolen, our groceries stolen, our DoorDash is stolen. We have sometimes people living in our hallways. This is not a safe home. Landlords are not being held accountable because we don't have a true legislation. Tenants need to be protected and migrant communities need to be protected in the city. And that is why I urge City Council to vote in support of Safe Healthy Homes today to show working-class Philadelphians that we are prioritized by this City Council chamber. Thank you. (Applause.)
We have John Floria, Kevin Wright. May Maria Serna, Tyrese Rogers, Emma Johnson, Gina Irvine, Cory Phillips, Tyrone Jones and Ogbonna Paul Hagins, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
My name is John Florio. I'm a lifelong resident of South Philadelphia and I'm here today to speak on the behalf of the families, the residents who deserve to hear what I'm about to say. Our neighborhoods need more than temporary solutions. We need assistance. We need investments. We've got to slim down with the violence and the private and youth, and we need programs in place. We need strong people that between (inaudible) agencies and community leaders. We need clean streets. We need quality of life. Our residents are frustrated by illegal dumping, vacant lots, and (inaudible) sanitation services, clean and safe neighborhoods should not depend on zip codes or opportunities. We need more workforce development programs, support small businesses and pathways for return of citizens and young adult youths in our cities that the schools are feeling the young youths. And finally, PPA is totally out of control. My name is -- (Applause.)
Let me say this: My name is John Florio and look for in 2027 because I'm going to be taking one of your spots.
Good morning. My name is Kevin Wright and I am opposed to the Safe and Healthy Homes bill because it's going to put the small operator out of business. And when he's out of business -- for example, the small operator, I think he provides housing to about 20,000 to 30,000 people in Philadelphia. When that guy's out of business, who are you guys going to rent from other than the big operators? It's going to be costly. They're not going to rent to you because some people don't have some of the credit scores or good jobs or whatever you need to rent into these big-time properties. You guys should have a means test for this Safe and Healthy Homes for the small operator. It should be a gradual enforcement -- maybe there should be a moratorium on enforcement. And also, if you want the small operator to be in compliance, you need to do something about the test clearance process because you require 25% down instead of 10% down to address any issues with finances, and you need to address deed theft.
Thank you, sir. SISTER WHITE: My name is Sister Sharon White and I'm a proud Sister of St. Joseph of Philadelphia. I hold a Doctorate of Ministry and an MA in Theology, Pastoral Ministry and Spirituality. I am also a licensed clinical social worker and a licensed marriage, family and sex therapist. For 30 years, I have served in private practice and I have responded to traumatic events in workplaces and in schools. I have spent a lifetime listening to people who have survived violence, loss and profound instability. Even with that experience, the fear and trauma I now witness in immigrant and asylum-seeking communities here in Philadelphia go beyond whatever I could imagine when I was trained. My friends, ICE is here on the streets in Philadelphia. I know it firsthand. Read my lips. I know firsthand that ICE is in Philadelphia. I am up close and personal and I am experiencing it -- already? We need this bill 10 passed because we can do it. We need to defend our immigrants and those who are being terrorized. I love you all. (Applause.)
Hey, good morning. I'm Tyrone Jones. I've been in the City of Philadelphia. I'm here to let you -- I'm here to let you guys know to vote yes for Safe and Healthy Homes because people have died in our city due to landlord negligence between fires to mold and causing deadly asthma attacks and other medical issues. My brother has suffered permanent nerve damage to his shoulder and can no longer work because the ceiling fell on him due to the negligence of the building that I was living in and now lost his job because of it. In the same building someone else on the top floor also lost their life because the EMS team couldn't get to them in time because they had to dodge debris from falling from the deteriorating building. That is not okay. That is not safe. That is not healthy. We need Safe and Healthy Homes Act to protect against landlords, especially large corporate landlords who profit over spending their money -- spending their resources and maintaining their property while collecting rent every month. Thank you. (Applause.)
Okay. Hello everybody. My name is Maria Serna, immigrant de Colombia, South America. I prefer in Spanish because this is America. (Applause.)
Good morning, everyone. It's sad that we're here gathered for this renter's bill for our opposition. Why does it take this bill to make you gather once again basically to ignore our request? A number of you rent out properties, ignore making decent repairs to your near- failing structures, collect rent, but retaliate if a renter calls L&I out or speaks out. This is a business and you profit from the squalor we exist in. A doctor, supermarket, vendors, for example, must have proper documentation or surely will be shut down. If these ordinances are too much for you, there are other careers available. For too long, you have skirted around the issues and now you're having fits. But that's me. And you know what, I have mice in my building. All right. Okay. But they are feat to deal with, but I don't have an infestation, so that makes me feel unfortunately like I have a better situation than those -- like the other people have. And my maintenance man is a professional. So if anything is damaged in our building, it's fixed and it's fixed well. Okay. I'm going to sum it up. What you see is a tiny representation of the over -- you know what, okay. But we are hoping that the Safe and Healthy Homes bill will be passed. And ICE Out.
What's your name -- excuse me, sir. What's your name, sir?
I'm sorry. My name is Tyrese Rogers. Lifelong Philadelphia resident.
My name is Emma. I'm years old. My mother and I have moved three times in the past two years. Each time was due to landlord negligence and retaliation. I want Council to vote yes for the Safe Healthy Homes Act, Bill No. 250330. When you vote yes for this bill, you are securing well-being and stability for all Philadelphians. Thank you for your time. (Applause.)
My name is Gina Irvin. And as I stand before you today, I hear my story is everybody's story. I will go over some key points. There is no point in being redundant and saying all the tragedies that we all went through as trying to secure housing. There are many key and vital issues facing Philadelphia renters right now. Nearly 50% of all Philadelphia renters -- I'm sorry. Nearly 50% of Philadelphians rent. Nearly 40% of all renters live in unsafe and substandard housing, and many of us deal with serious safety issues, such as pests, rodents, and mold. Housing is not a negotiation. It's a human right. City Council and L&I must enforce practices that create dignified, safe and healthy homes for all renters. The cost of moving in the city is astronomical and we need more protections to be put in place for people basically. The issues of substandard rental housing in Philadelphia affects those who are already amongst the most vulnerable in the city. Today City Council has a chance to start reversing that trend. Please vote yes on Healthy Homes Act. And I would like to make one more comment that's not going to be popular. What an outrageous comment from Mr. Bill Vargas when he spoke about this. If you pass this bill, someone will get killed, and I quote. If you don't want that, you need to kill the bill. We will not act in fear. We will act and believe that you will do the right thing. (Applause.)
May we have Corey Phillips, Ogbonna Paul Hagins, Vicki Clinkscales, David Paez, Ashley Redfern, Elle Band, Gia Fernandez, Mitch Chanin, Sarasha Graves Gowan, and Richard Moore, please come to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Corey Phillips, a member of One PA Renters United, who's here on -- I'm just here on behalf of Safe Healthy Homes as well as ICE Out, and that we just make these landlords accountable for all actions, property structure, health, wellness of people's health that they're renting to and stop putting out bogus evictions on people as a retaliation, which I am a victim of personally. And as far as ICE, we don't need them in Philly. We got our own police department. We got our own law enforcement to deal with illegal immigrants. So get the ICE out. Hit the road, Jack, and don't come back. As far as the landlords, it's put-up or shut-up time. Do the right thing.
Good morning, everyone. I'm a fourth generation chattel slavery survivor, Ogbonna Paul Hagins. My comment concerns the proposed amendment adding citizenship or immigration status as a protected class. First, this is a legal issue. Immigration status is defined under federal law, not by municipalities. Philadelphia cannot redefine or create categories. It can only act within existing federal classifications. Second, no evidence has been presented showing discrimination in employment, housing, or public accommodations. Neither the Philadelphia Commission's Commission on Human Relations nor the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission has identified patterns of complaints. This is being advanced without a factual record or demonstrated necessity. Third, Rule 413 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Evidence concerns courtroom fairness. It limits prejudice, presidential use of immigration status evidence. It does not authorize municipalities to create protected classes or reinterpret federal law. Finally, there is an inconsistency. Council expands protections here. Yet when lineage-based communities tied to the 13th Amendment raises concerns, the response is delay and uncertainty. I urge Council to state the legal authority, provide evidence and explain the disparity. Thank you. Ogbonna Hagins. Over and out. Oh, I have something here for the Crime and Safety Committee. Can you give this to every member, the names are on here? This is some information that they need in regards to the Freedmen Office. Thank you.
And I live in the Strawberry Mansion area. I'm here today to ask City Council to vote yes on the Safe Healthy Homes Act. Right now I am dealing with a landlord who refuses to make the necessary repairs. And now, I am suffering the blame and consequences for it. L&I recently visited the home and they came out and wrote up violations for several things. And now, I have a cease and desist order from L&I and need to vacate the premises by May 26. Thank goodness the Council passed the Right to Relocation bill which may be able to help me in this case, but we need the other two bills yesterday, the right to safety and the right to repair, so that landlords like mine can't get away with not maintaining their properties. Vote yes on the Safe and Healthy Act Home Act. Thank you.
Hi. My name is David Paez. I'm a landlord. This bill is just going to make me raise the rent. I don't know how that's going to help you, you know. We got to eat too. You guys think it's easy, you know -- (Background interruption.)
I'm going to tell you -- let me speak. I'm going to tell you something. I got to renovate -- I have to renovate a two-bedroom apartment at a cost of $25,000. This is an apartment in Albany. Now, I have to charge somewhere between 1500 to 2000. And do the math, that's somewhere around 20,000 in the year. That's before taxes, you know, insurance, all these other expenses. So I'm not going to make a profit for three to five years off that property. But that investment I'm hoping will last for 15 years or more. And another thing -- (Background interruption.)
And another thing -- hold on. And another thing, did you ever think about the fact that it takes 12 months to evict a bad tenant and that comes out of our pocket and now we can't use it to make repairs. We're not all bad actors, just like every cop is not bad.
Good morning. My name is Ashley Redfern. I'm CEO for American Paradigm Schools, representing 4200 public charter school students. I'm here today in support of the Safe and Healthy Homes Act. I support this bill because unsafe housing does not stay at home. It comes into schools through stress, absences, interrupted sleep and children trying to learn while carrying on the effects of unsafe conditions. At Memphis Street Academy Charter, we see this clearly. In one year alone, 475 students visited our health care center accessing 2164 visits, an average of 4.56 visits each per year. 100% of our required health screenings were complete. 38% of our students that were tested had uncontrolled asthma and received treatment in school, including our inhaler support. We support the work of City Council, and we take our work seriously as educators to make sure we're providing safe schools and support for children who are living in unsafe housing. (Applause.)
Hello, Councilmembers. My name is Gia Fernandez. I'm a military veteran and have worked for the Fair Housing Rights Center of Philadelphia in addition to being an activist and an advocate. Shout-out to my uncle Yule who passed away. He ran for State Rep twice because of the passion he has for this city. So that's where I get my passion from. And what I'm speaking today for is in favor of the Safe and Healthy Homes Act. Renters in Philadelphia need fairness, safety fairness and security. We need secure guidelines to make it mandatory for landlords to keep up with the repairs. Our children don't need to be breathing in all kinds of stuff, everything like that. I have a relative that lives in substandard housing because the landlord wants to raise the rent, because they're monthly rental. So every time they ask to get something fixed, they raise the rent. Meanwhile this person is, you know, having challenges and they're excellent in school. So what's going to happen to their brain if they're going to keep going through breathing and that type of stuff? Nobody's trying to help them. So what I would like for everybody to do is to come together and please vote for this Act. I appreciate it. Thank you. (Applause.)
Hi. My name is Mitch Chanin. I'm a resident of Northeast Philly here to express my support also for ICE Out and Safe Healthy Homes. Northeast Philly is not always part of these conversations, but I especially want to appeal to our Northeast Philly District Councilmembers to please vote for both of these. Predatory, negligent landlords are causing enormous harm to residents of Northeast, and ICE has a very strong presence that is terrorizing people in neighborhoods like Castor Gardens, Mayfair, Rhawnhurst and Oxford Circle, and has been doing that for months. We absolutely need to protect all of our renter neighbors and our immigrant neighbors. In addition, I just want to say one more thing. I believe in these bills because I think each person has an infinite and equal value. The residents of Chester, who are being poisoned by the 1 million pounds of trash that we're sending to be burned and turned into air pollution in their lungs every day also deserve protection, safety and health. And I want Council to pass the Stop Trashing Our Air Act bill. Thank you.
My name is Sarasha Graves Gowan. I'm a resident of West Philadelphia, where I live with my partner Breria who works at the airport. My uncle was a U.S. Army veteran. My mom moved to Ireland and she lives there with my dad. I'm a European migrant to the United States. I'm a citizen of the United States. I've lived here for the last number of years and I'm a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, Philadelphia's Housing Committee. I'm a graduate of Trinity College Dublin in political science. So it's great to see the political science people here and political communication from (inaudible) City University here to support the Safe and Healthy Homes legislation and the ICE Out package. In the words of the famous German conservative, Protestant Christian Pastor Martin Niemoller, if I said it, you'd remember it. First, they came for the communists. I did not speak out because I was not a communist. First they came for the immigrants, and I did not speak.
We have Elle Ban, Richard Moore, Anna Carter and then Tonya Wenger. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Richard Moore, Council President, members of Council. Thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Richard Moore. I'm a housing provider and broker of record at Best City Homes, 2216 South Street. I've worked in Philadelphia in the real estate business for 41 years. My office manages approximately 360 rental units for roughly 80 small owners. I'm here today regarding Bill Nos. 23529 and 23530. One good thing about these two bills, it has finally gotten housing providers and City Councilmembers into the same room 9 to discuss meaningful changes. I want to acknowledge Councilperson O'Rourke and his staff for being respectful, open, willing to listen. With changes they made, I personally don't have a problem with either one of these bills, but these bills are moving very quickly. I do not believe that housing providers across the city, especially small mom-and-pop owners, have had a real chance to review and provide meaningful input. With that implementation date of November 1st, we have time to slow it down a little bit and do it right. We need to use this movement to work together -- my request is simple and respectful. Please hold the final vote of these two bills, bring it back to committee so we can work together. The implementation date is November 1st, so we have time. Let's have time to do it right. Focus on the big picture, working together. And definitely ICE Out. (Applause.)
Hello. My name is Tonya Wenger. I live in Germantown and I'm an adjunct professor for English for Academic Achievement at multiple colleges. That's for immigrant students aiming to learn English and enter the college, the college program. This package of bills is imperative and urgent. The ICE Out bills, it's imperative because our city must be a sanctuary for immigrants who have been instrumental to making the city what it is since its inception. This includes our vulnerable immigrant students. To quote the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, Too many of our students live in fear that they and their guardians will be next. Educators across the country are doing their jobs while working to ensure terrified students that they are the helpers. The ICE Out legislation will ensure that all Philadelphians who strive to be helpers have the protection and backing of the city. We should not be in the position of helping to police our students, which we are often in the position of by scared administrators, not to mention the violence of ICE, putting all of our lives at risk. As we have seen in the news, citizens just driving down the street on their way to an appointment getting harassed or detained or worse. This isn't just about standing on principle. This package is also urgent. 2025 was the deadliest year of ICE deaths in two decades. Some have said that natural laws are in place to stop this, but they clearly haven't. Despite what some have said here, immigrants have lower crime rates and contribute to our society immensely. Thank you. (Applause.)
My name is Anna Carter -- good morning. My name is Anna Carter and I'm here to speak on the renter's behalf because I have suffered in an apartment myself and had have pulmonary problems right now because of black mold in my apartment and I'm not understanding the insensitiveness of the landlords. They're not sensitive to our feelings, they're not sensitive to our children and I feel as though that this thing needs to be passed because we need sensitive landlords sensitive to us. Stop raising our rents, not repairing our properties. I had water in my property. My landlord has not assisted me in my apartment, has not assisted me in a hotel. And I think that each and every one of us that came up with the same thing that we need to band together and allow this law to go ahead and pass.
Council 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING President, there are no further names for public comment.
That concludes today's public comment period. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I must be excused for very important Council business. I'd like to be reported as voting aye on all bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar only.
Leave is granted. Votes will be recorded. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Would the Clerk please 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING read the title of Resolution No. 3 260253.
A resolution appointing Bekir Gunaydin to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla for a motion regarding Resolution No. 13 260253.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 22 No. 260253 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 13 260254.
A resolution appointing Felicia Wilson to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla for a motion regarding Resolution No. 23 260254.
4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 9 No. 260254 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 23 260255.
A 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution appointing Ken Weller to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla for a motion regarding Resolution No. 9 260255.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 18 No. 260255 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Anyone opposed? 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of Resolution 9 No. 260256.
A resolution appointing Kya Kerner to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla for a motion regarding Resolution No. 18 260256.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 4 No. 260256 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 18 260353.
A resolution renaming the 300 block of East Rockland Street between B Street and C Street to "Honorable Sharon Vaughn Way," in honor of her service, advocacy and dedication to 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING public service.
The Chair gladly recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada for a motion regarding Resolution No. 260353.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 16 No. 260353 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Anyone opposed? (No response.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of Resolution 7 No. 260354.
A resolution renaming the 5300 Block of Kershaw Street as "Stan Lathan Way" to honor Stan Lathan and his extraordinary contributions to television and culture.
Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a motion regarding Resolution No. 260354.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING No. 260353 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The 12 motion carries. The resolution is 13 adopted. 14 Would the Clerk please 15 read the title of Resolution No. 16 260355. 17
A 18 resolution reappointing John 19 Solomon to the Citizens Police 20 Oversight Commission. 21
Chair recognizes 23 Councilmember Curtis Jones for a 24 motion regarding Resolution No. 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING 260355.
Thank 4 you, Mr. President. 5 I move for its adoption. 6 (Duly seconded.) 7
It has been moved and 9 properly seconded that resolution 10 No. 260355 be adopted. 11 All those in favor of 12 the motion will signify by saying 13 aye. 14 (Aye.) 15
The ayes have it. The 20 motion carries. The resolution is 21 adopted. 22 Would the Clerk please 23 read the title of Resolution No. 24 260356. 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
A resolution reappointing Melanie DeBouse to the Citizens Police Oversight Commission.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones for a motion regarding Resolution No. 10 260356.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 18 No. 260356 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Anyone opposed? 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 9 260357.
A resolution reappointing Hassan Bennett to the Citizens Police Oversight Commission.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones for a motion regarding Resolution No. 18 260357.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING properly seconded that Resolution 3 No. 260357 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 17 260362.
A resolution also naming the corner of East Haines Street and Morton Street "Honorable Donna Reed Miller Way," in recognition of her lifelong commitment to public service, impactful policy 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING leadership, and enduring inspiration to the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair gladly recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion regarding Resolution 9 No. 260362.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'm honored to move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 18 No. 260362 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Anyone opposed? 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Clerk, please read the title of Bill No. 250329-AA.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Property Licenses and Owner Accountability," to clarify licensing requirements, authorize the Department to create a Proactive Inspection program, require public reporting related to Code compliance, and establish remedies, damages, and protections for tenants, all under certain terms and conditions. 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
This bill has been read on two different days. The question now is shall the bill pass finally. Chief Clerk, please call the roll.
Councilmember Gilmore Richardson was aye. Councilmember Gauthier.
Aye. The ayes are 16. 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING The nays are 1. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. (Applause.)
Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 9 250330-AA.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Landlord and Tenant," to modify the requirements related to good cause for ending a tenancy, add protections against retaliation and harassment for tenants and tenant organizations, specify tenants' rights related to the implied warranty of habitability and provide a legal presumption related to breaches of the implied warranty of habitability, create a tenant right to organize, specify 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING deadlines for asserting claims, and establish and enhance enforcement mechanisms, remedies, damages, and protections, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Chief Clerk, please call the roll.
Councilmember Gilmore Richardson was aye. Councilmember Gauthier.
Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are 1. Majority of all bills having been voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 260056.
An ordinance amending Title of The 14 Philadelphia Code by adding a new 15 Chapter 21-3600, entitled "Non- 16 Intervention with Respect to 17 Immigration Enforcement," to place 18 certain restrictions on the 19 collection and use of information 20 related to citizenship and 21 immigration status, prohibit certain forms of discrimination in city services and provide for remedies for violations, all under 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Chief Clerk, please call the roll.
Councilmember Gilmore Richardson was aye. Councilmember Gauthier.