The finale ICE Out Philadelphia, Safe Healthy Homes in Philadelphia. Aye.
Councilmember Gilmore Richardson was aye. Councilmember Gauthier.
Aye. The ayes are 15. The nays are 2. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill officially passes. (Applause.)
See, this is why I love the City of Philadelphia. I love our people. Congratulations, Members Rue Landau, Kendra Brooks and Nicolas O'Rourke. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 260295.
An ordinance authorizing and approving 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING the execution and delivery of the service agreement between the City and Philadelphia Council --
Council will be at ease. One second. (Council at ease.)
Felt like I was at a Phillies game. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the Bill 260295. Olé, olé. Please proceed, Chief Clerk.
An ordinance authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of a Service Agreement between the City and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development relating to the provision by the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development of development assistance to support certain costs 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING related to promoting economic and commercial development of the City; approving the guaranty by the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development of certain obligations related to the issuance of a letter of credit to secure the funding of such costs; authorizing and approving the obligation of the City to pay in full when due the Service Fee and other amounts payable under the Service Agreement and covenanting to make necessary appropriations for such purposes; and authorizing City officials to take necessary or appropriate actions to accomplish the intent and purpose of the ordinance, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING finally. Chief Clerk, please call the roll.
Councilmember Gilmore Richardson was aye. Councilmember Gauthier.
Aye. The ayes are 17. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Chief Clerk, please read 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING any additional resolutions on today's Calendar.
A privileged resolution recognizing Reverend Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake on her retirement and the lasting impact she has made on the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. And the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Earl D. Fowlkes, Jr. during the week of Philadelphia Black Pride for his incredible and visionary leadership and dedicated service to the Black LGBTQ+ movement. Introduced by Councilmember Landau.
Chair recognizes 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion on the resolution.
In conjunction with Minority Leader Kendra Brooks, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
A 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING 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. Introduced by Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion on the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
In conjunction with Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke, I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it. And the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
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. Introduced by Councilmember Young,
Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young for a motion on the resolution. 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring Philly Black Pride, its ongoing work to center and support the Black LGBTQ+ community, and 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING recognizing Monday, April 20th through Sunday, April 26th as Philly Black Pride Week in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Anyone opposed? 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
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. Introduced by Councilmember Driscoll.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll for a 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING motion on the resolution. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Sam Rhoads on his retirement after 31 years of distinguished service at PIDC, 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia's public-private economic development corporation, and recognizing his transformative impact on the City's economic landscape. Introduced by Councilmember Driscoll.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll for a motion on the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Anyone opposed? (No response.) 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
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. Introduced by Councilmember Bass.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution supporting the City of Philadelphia's 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING 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. Introduced by Councilmember Bass.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
Council President, there are no further resolutions in my possession.
Go Birds. That completes our Calendar for today. (Applause.)
Are there any speeches on behalf of the Minority? Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. This marks the 27th year of Philly Black Pride and I'm looking forward to honoring and celebrating Black queer 8 changemakers after Council today. 9 And I want to thank my colleagues 10 on the third floor, Councilmembers 11 O'Rourke, Thomas, Gauthier, Driscoll, and Squilla for joining me in hosting today's reception. This is a week of learning, healing and organizing and celebration, all grounded in a deep commitment to the health and freedom of Black queer people here in Philadelphia. The changemakers who are with us today in City Hall are leaders who are carrying on the work in the legacy of my dear friend Michael Henson. With the racism and transphobia of our current administration, their work and this week are more important than ever. I also want to congratulate Minority Whip Nicolas O'Rourke and the powerful coalition behind the passage of the Safe and Healthy Homes Act today. (Applause.)
At a time when out-of-town corporations are buying up properties in our city and driving up the cost of housing for working families, this legislation meets the moment. It grants new rights and protections to renters who make up half of our city's population and makes real progress towards our shared goal of housing as a human right. Today we also passed the ICE Out legislation package that Councilmember Landau and I introduced in January. This legislation grew out of months of deep partnership between our offices, dozens of community organizations who wanted to see Philly government take action on the violence and fear that ICE has brought to our communities. I want to thank everyone who attended a community training, hung out an ICE sign in their window, signed our petition or took the time to share your support. Whether it was inside or outside of this building, I want to thank the Pennsylvania Immigrant Coalition for their commitment and centering immigrants in this process, their deep partnership in crafting the legislation and their trust in our offices to pass these bills through Council. This legislation shows that Philadelphians are not afraid to stand up to the Trump Administration. (Applause.)
We are not afraid to stand up to our neighbors and we do not take kindly to bullies who try to intimidate people in our communities. The overwhelming support for this legislation has given me a much- needed source of hope in the midst of this Trump Administration's ongoing attacks on our democracy and our people. It puts all of us in the City of Philadelphia on the right side of history. With the passage of Safe Healthy Homes and ICE Out legislation, today we are passing a total of nine bills that materially will improve the quality life of working people here in Philadelphia. These bills are a monumental victory for Philadelphians, and they are proof of what's possible when we craft legislation with deep partnership with the people in our communities. (Applause.)
And ultimately, today is a historic day for our movement, our party and people here in Philadelphia. Organized people working in collaboration with movement electeds are responsible for the most significant, far-reaching legislation that has been passed this year. And I'm so proud to be Minority Leader in this body today. And I'm excited for what we will accomplish next. (Applause.)
Before I close out my remarks, I also want to thank Majority Leader Kathy Gilmore Richardson and Majority Whip Isaiah Thomas for their leadership in yesterday's hearing with the school district. And I want to make this clear: the School Board must not vote to close schools today. We heard loud and clear over the last two days that the closure plan needs more work. When I fought as an organizer for local control of the school district, it was because we needed a school board that was accountable to the people. That means a school board that listens to feedback, that means a board that works in partnership with the city. And right now that means we need a board that's going to stop this vote and listen to what the people of the city are saying loudly. I'm asking everyone who is here for the ICE Out legislation and Safe Healthy Homes legislation to join us today at 440. The meeting starts at 4:00, so please get there by 3:30. We need to shut down this vote today. This fight needs all of us. Thank you. (Applause.)
Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.
Thank you, Mr. President. Melissa Monts said she's someone who has heard no all of their life. That touched me. She believed though and worked as a part of this organization with the expectation that today she might hear yes. And wouldn't you know it, Olé, olé, olé, olé, vote yes today; olé, olé, olé -- they voted yes today. Make some noise for hearing yes when all you've heard is no. 7 (Applause.)
First and foremost, I have to give all of my love and my gratitude to the coalition that has formed behind this legislation, to One PA Renters United Philadelphia. We can't say thank you enough to y'all for every single thing that you have done, for staying active, for staying engaged, for trusting me, for trusting our team, for working relentlessly to share your stories, for taking the calculated risks that organized and unorganized tenants are faced with when you speak out against unsafe conditions. I know it was a risk and I thank you for being bold. This is what six years of organizing can do. What excites me most is that I know that your organizing will not stop right here. To the Philly Thrive family, thank you for co-creating a campaign for disadvantaged tenants as well as homeowners. To Renters Justice, the Philadelphia Rent Control Coalition and all the folks at DSA who have played a part to the entire coalition of organizations who showed up at any point in this year plus, actually year plus at this point, this is a people power action that we have witnessed today and we have won. I want to thank my colleagues for standing with me, for standing by me, standing by Philly's tenants through this process. This is not easy stuff. I have spoken with all of you and I understand, and regulating how our constituents as landlords and tenants can relate to each other is difficult. We're standing in the crossfire, as it were. But I want to remind us that we would not be doing this at all if the floor for how many landlords treat tenants wasn't so, so desperately low, but today we have raised it. To my Minority Leader, Kendra Nikki Brooks. Thank you for all your help through this process, for your wisdom, your insight, your leadership, to you and your office for demonstrating what a people power legislative campaign actually looks like. I know we have some allies here from the NDWA that are here in the room, and the drive for the POWER Act was a huge inspiration for the coalition behind the Safe Healthy Homes Act. Today is a massive day for Council's Minority wing, and you're the unquestioned pioneer in that realm, and I am honored to follow in your footsteps, Madam Leader. Speaking of trailblazers, he has stepped out, but Councilmember Curtis Jones, if you can hear me, sir, thank you for introducing Good Cause to the legal landscape in Philly back in 2018. I hope you see your original vision reflected in this effort, because we could not have walked through this door without you opening it first that many years ago. Members Gauthier and Landau, the Chair and the Vice- Chair of the Housing Committee, advocates and champions who are not new to this, but have been true to this. Your help has been absolutely invaluable. You both have deep knowledge of what Philly tenants have endured, and you've used your expertise to fight for them through this process and stand with me as I find my way through how all this stuff works. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
To the esteemed presider of this body, the one that we call the President of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, Kenyatta Johnson, folks around the way calling Yat, all I'm going to say is, thank you, man. Thank you for holding it down and for working with me on all the legislative and the legal challenges that have come with this effort. This is a major move. I know it's probably been a lot for you, but I appreciate the role that you've played throughout this process. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
And yes, Philly, this is a major move. It's not something happening in a vacuum. Around the country, we're seeing a resurgence of tenant organizing, more rent strikes, more negotiated leases, more fighting alongside neighbors to secure justice living, more defying displacement, more resisting slumlords and more fighting price- gouging through grassroots power. We just heard a few weeks ago from the head of our Fair Housing Commission, local complaints are up as well. They had 100 more cases this fiscal year than in FY25. As the wider economy continues to weigh on working people, I'm not surprised that people want to secure access to the four walls they're paying to keep around them, and that they want to be sure that their shelter is safe and that it is healthy. In a time when corporations and out-of-town investors are digging further and further into the single and multi- family housing markets, in this Second Gilded Age, as it were, that just makes sense to me. And to the small landlords of Philadelphia, if there are any in the room and those who are watching later, far too many of whom are being poorly represented by the organization that they are part of, I know your struggles are real and vastly different from the major corporations that are eating up the market share here in Philly and around the country. Please know, please hear me, that I have fought for you on many occasions, whether you realize it or not. And I will continue to do so, from continually fighting for a swelling rental improvement fund, which many have told me is important, to the stand the Minority wing took against ending the BIRT exemption last year. I have genuinely been on your side and will continue to operate in that manner for those who are genuinely real mom-and-pop landlords, doing the best they possibly can to provide housing for their tenants. Small landlords, and I'm not talking about somebody with units when I say that, 23 small landlords, the true small 24 landlords are part and parcel of Philly's working families too. And as long as you are following the law that already exists, you will not have to worry about this legislation making your life harder. But for any landlord of any size who's neglectful, who's negligent, who's not concerned about maintaining the property you're drawing income from, who's not cooperating with the oversight that the city and this body in particular have established, who turn a deaf ear, a blind eye to the concerns and the challenges, the lived experiences of those who have been organizing for their rights for years, it's time to get yourself in order. Shape up and fly right. Today we work for the people. Glory be to God and all power to all the people. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. Speeches on behalf of the Majority? Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you, Council President. Thank you, colleagues. Thank you, everybody, today. I want to just start with the local first. The resolution I introduced with Councilmember Kendra Brooks honoring Earl Fowlkes during the week of Philadelphia Black Pride for his incredible and visionary leadership and dedicated service to the Black LGBTQ+ movement. Mr. Fowlkes has many years of service to an intersection of communities has been instrumental in advancing equity, visibility and community infrastructure for Black queer people across the country. He's played a foundational role in the development, expansion of the Black Pride Movement and is a committed advocate to the fight against HIV and AIDS. At a time when queer health care is more at risk than it has been in decades, it's the advocacy of community members like Earl that make a difference. Thank you, Earl, for all that you have done. It's an honor to honor you. I also introduced a resolution with Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke to recognize April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month. This is a time to celebrate the legacy, culture and contributions of Arab Americans in Philadelphia. Here in Philly we have a rich history of Arab Americans doing amazing things in our city. There are an estimated 127,000 Arab Americans living in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. And with this resolution, Council is saying we see you and you are always and will always be here, welcome, a part of our community, supported and lifted up here in Philly. So speaking of welcoming cities, I am so excited to celebrate the fact that we in Philadelphia have officially said ICE Out of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
ICE Out. It's -- I love you too. It's really kind of amazing that we did this, that you did this. We worked with dozens -- I don't even know, hundreds of advocates across Philadelphia under the leadership of PIC and so many organizations, dozens of immigrant rights groups, hundreds of advocates, the folks who came to trainings, posted on social media, called their elected officials. This is only possible because of you. We are here because of you. I want to echo the words of my colleague to say, thank you for trusting me. I was so honored to work with all of you, with your brilliance, with your advocacy, with your tenacity and your downright fun in the hardest of times to make this all a reality. We did it. Philly is now on the map. The entire country, and possibly the world, is watching us as having some of the strongest ICE Out protections in the entire country. We stood together and we told them what the community wants. Minority Leader Brooks, you are such a leader for communities that are too often overlooked, and I could not have been more honored to stand with you in this fight. I want to also take this moment from my long, long, long housing career to give special a shout-out to Nicolas O'Rourke on your Safe and Healthy Homes with all of the advocates here as well. What a struggle, what a win. (Applause.)
And finally, I too want to shout out Council President Johnson, who says he's found his inner activist in this work again, screaming ICE Out along with us the entire time. This is absolutely what community is made of. This is what we do here in Council. This is what we do here in Philadelphia. The fight doesn't end today. I promise to continue to push for immigrant rights, fight for our immigrant communities at every turn and to fight against this tyrannical administration that is terrorizing our communities. I hope you join me in the fight because I know my city, our city Philly stands up for Philly every single time. Thank you. (Applause.)
Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. I was out last week so I just wanted to recap. We had our second Annual Youth Job Fair at the Temple Star Complex on April 11th. It was such a great success. We had hundreds of young people who were signed up for their working papers on the spot. Hundreds of young people signed up for C2L for summer jobs on the spot, and we were showing them other opportunities. We had resume writing. We had other interviewing skills workshops, because we absolutely must ensure that our young people are prepared for today and for tomorrow. So I want to say thank you to the National Center for Urban Solutions, who was our partner in this, Temple University, C2L and every vendor who showed up, who invested in our youth because you helped open doors for our young people. There were so many resources again, and we're building on that momentum to ensure that every young person in our city has a fair shot at success. And this past weekend, our office partnered with the Office of Innovation and Technology and again the National Center for Urban Solutions to host a laptop giveaway at the John F. Street Center, putting critical tools directly in the hands of residents. This effort helped bridge the digital divide by expanding access to technology for students, job seekers and families who need it the most. We will continue advancing partnerships like this to ensure that every Philadelphian can access so they can learn, they can thrive in this digital world. And as a reminder, we also do a food giveaway every Tuesday and every Friday at the John F. Street Center at 11th and Poplar. m. m. That is every week our office sponsors a food giveaway every Tuesday and every Friday at the John F. Street Center. I also want to thank my colleagues for passing a resolution 13 we introduced today honoring Second Chance Month in the City of Philadelphia, honoring the dignity, potential and the humanity of all our returning citizens and reaffirming our commitment to true reentry success. With approximately 25,000 individuals returning home to Philadelphia each year, we must meet this moment with real systems and support employment pathways, housing access, record clearing and community-based services that make reentry sustainable. I represent North Philadelphia. You know, this is something that's really real in our community. Whether we are in the -- someone mentioned the criminal legal system. Whether we're in it because we did something or not, a lot of times, we still have to provide opportunities for people because they are human, they are literally my friends, my family, my network of people. So I commit all of our professionals, our advocates, our employers, the community organizers who work, who not only reduce barriers but strengthen the families, because these people come back to families and communities, you know, they still help improve public safety, and we want to help them rebuild their lives across our city. And finally, Mr. President, today I introduced a package of legislation that modernizes and strengthens Philadelphia's property tax relief programs while protecting long-time homeowners, seniors and low-income residents. These bills ensure that when a family home is placed in a trust for estate planning purposes, you should not lose your eligibility for the low-income tax freeze or their senior tax freeze or the LOOP program, because you're trying to protect your friend, your property's value, your family's wealth. That should not happen. This is about keeping families in their homes and preventing unintended tax penalties by allowing or aligning our code with how Philadelphians are actually preserving and passing down generational wealth. This is about preserving generational wealth. And each bill maintains a strong safeguard and documentation requirements through the departments, ensuring accountability while removing unnecessary barriers for working families and seniors.
Taken together, this legislation is targeted, practical updates that protects affordability, supports aging in place and preserves stability in our communities. So I look forward to moving these bills through the legislative process to preserve wealth for our low-income individuals in the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilwoman Dr. Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. What a momentous day today. So much happening, and we were serenaded by the Temple University Jazz Band, some of their members. And April is Jazz Appreciation Month, and I wanted to congratulate them again for winning the National Collegiate Jazz Championship. I also want to just underscore that jazz is a uniquely Black American art form. This is a huge contribution in our city and to showcase that and to look at young people continuing to showcase that is critical for the rest of the world to watch. I want to congratulate my colleagues Nicolas O'Rourke, Rue Landau and Kendra Brooks for the bills they got passed, because that is about making Philadelphia a healthier and a stronger city. And as an immigrant, I am very deeply grateful to my colleagues Kendra Brooks and Rue Landau for working to make sure that we're part of a protected class. So thank you very much for that. And I wanted to now introduce two really important young people here. If you would stand up and come here, so Jater Cartagena Rivers and Nashawn Lux. They are here from Lankenau High School. They are interning. (Applause.)
Yes, they have been involved in the fight to save their school and yet finding time to come and do an internship, and they're going to again in the evening go to the school district to fight for their school. And I want to once again underscore all of this entire plan is problematic, and particularly Lankenau, given it is the only environmental science curriculum school in this city and one of two in this state. So we need to really slow down this process. Ask the Board to delay this vote until May 28th and join my colleagues. I want to thank Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, our Majority Whip, who has been leading this fight as our Chair of the Education Committee, and all of you, all my members who have been participating in it. This is a critical moment for our young people to watch us do the right thing, stand up, even though there are a lot of pressures on us not to make this fight big. So I am grateful to both of you for being here and all of Lankenau now who has been fighting so hard. And finally, I wanted to talk about two other things coming up. April 28th I am joining Mayor Parker and the Office of Public Safety to announce the contracted consultants for the Anti-human trafficking campaign that was created with the $500,000 investment that I, with support from Council President, was able to secure in our budget. I'm excited to see what comes from this investment and look forward to working closely with our partners to guarantee its success. And another quick note about immigration: I have a bill 3 that is going to come into hearing on May 13th. This is for the T and U visa application. I would love for all of these advocates to come and support this bill and to really understand how we can safeguard those who are so much at risk, the immigrants, so much at risk who need a reprieve. And so, that's going to be May 13. We'll send out more information. And on Friday, this Friday, we have a joint hearing with Councilmember Anthony Phillips. This hearing is about online grooming and youth safety at 10:00 a.m. in City Hall, Room 400. We will have over 60 young people in attendance and they're going to come and testify and tell us what is their experience. But most importantly, they're going to look at us to see not only get the information, what do we do with this information. So I invite everybody to come to this really important hearing at Room 400 again, 10:00 a.m. on Friday. And good things happen in Philadelphia. We proved that today. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Council President. First, I'd like to begin with reminding everyone that tomorrow at 1100 East Erie Avenue Community Academy of Philadelphia, we're hosting our third annual Your Future Youth Fair from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00. We're going to have all types of resources to prepare young people for different employment this summer, paperwork for work permits and apprenticeship program representatives will be available, so we encourage everyone to take advantage of that. If my colleagues' offices are interested in being a vendor there, please let us know. We still have space and capacity. You're all welcome to join us. I'd also like to take a moment to thank all of my colleagues for the work on ICE Out, Safe and Healthy Homes. It is because of you that the immigrant community will feel much safer in their own neighborhoods. (Spanish translation). (Applause.)
Yeah. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President. I want to start with an invitation to colleagues and staff. Today we are hosting the Cameroonian Association of Philadelphia, who has set up a food tasting with us just to make us aware of this community's presence in Philadelphia --
Yes, yes. So they want to make us aware of their community and also the wonderful food that comes out of their community, so it should be set up by now in the Caucus room 23 and I invite everyone to go over and enjoy. Secondly, I want to say that this is such a great and important day for lawmaking in the City of Philadelphia. I want to give sincere thanks to my colleagues, Minority Leader Kendra Brooks, Minority Whip Nicolas O'Rourke, Councilmember Rue Landau. And between the ICE Out legislation and Safe and Healthy Homes, this Council has taken extraordinary steps to protect some of the most vulnerable people in our city and it makes me really proud to be a part of this body. (Applause.)
I also want to thank all of the advocates who have poured their passion, their stories to inform this legislation and who have championed these legislative pieces from start to finish and all the way across the finish line. Congratulations to all of us. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. I want to take a moment to acknowledge one of our Council President's staff that will be moving on, and he's responsible for making sure that a lot of our work we're doing is documented, that we have good content as well as pictures, and there's Durell Hospedale. Can you give him a round of applause? (Applause.)
He's like the photographer for the stars. And so, he has a great future ahead of him. Thank you for your dedication, your hard work for telling the story of City Council. Thank you very much. Let's give him a round of applause, everyone. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair calls on my Majority Whip Isaiah Thomas for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Council President. And congratulations to all of my colleagues as well as the advocates. With that being said, Mr. President, I move that Council stands adjourned until Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stands adjourned until Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and this motion carries. Thank you all very much. - - - (Stated Meeting adjourned at 1:13 p.m.) - - C E R T I F I C A T I O N I, hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence noted are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me in the foregoing matter, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. ________________________________ TANEHA CARROLL