City Council Initiatives and Accomplishments

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Initiatives
&Accomplishments
Term Report April 2015
Contents
1
2
4
About City Council

Letter From City Council
Creating Affordable
Neighborhoods and Preserving
Homeownership
20
24
13
Enhancing Commerce
And Economic Opportunity
28
32
33
16
Enhancing The Overall

Quality Of Life
34
Promoting a Safe
and Healthy City
Refining Our Educational

Environment
Finding New Revenue Sources
and Improving Government
Efficiency
Engaging The Community
Philadelphia City Council
Standing Committees
Councilmember
Contacts
District Map
Cover photo: B. Krist for VISIT PHILADELPHIA
About City Council

favorable vote of a majority
of all members of Council.
A bill becomes law once
approved and signed by
the Mayor. The Mayor may
allow a bill to become law
without his signature as
a sign of disapproval. Or,
the Mayor can veto a bill.
Council may override the
veto by a two-thirds vote.
The functions of City
Council influence a wide
range of public affairs in
Philadelphia and directly
impact the quality of life for
its citizens.
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The rules require Council

to hold weekly public
sessions, usually on
Thursday mornings at
10:00 a.m., in Room 400,
City Hall. Every proposed
ordinance is in the form
of a bill introduced by a
Councilmember. Before
a bill can be enacted by
Council, it must be referred
by the President of
Council to an appropriate
standing committee of
Council, considered at a
public hearing and public
meeting, reported out by
the committee, printed as
reported by the committee,
distributed to the members
of Council, and made
available to the public.
Passage of a bill requires the
LP
The 1951 Home Rule

Charter established
Council as the legislative
arm of Philadelphia
municipal government,
consisting of 17 members.
Ten members are elected
by district and seven are
elected from the City-atlarge. Each is elected for
a term of four years with
no limitations as to the
number of terms that can
be served. Members elect
one of their number to
serve as Council President.
OF THE
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Letter From
City Council
THE CO
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he 2012 Term City Council embraced a

strategy with the ultimate goal of ensuring
Philadelphia meets its projected destiny as
Americas next great city. This means safe streets,
abundant housing options, thriving commerce, first
class schools and access to quality amenities like
well-maintained parks and recreation facilities. No
neighborhood can be left behind.
Fully understanding disparities that exist in

our city across several demographics, Council is
aggressively addressing the issue of income-equality.
Examples include ensuring residents can earn a living
wage, ensuring all who want to live here can afford
to do so, allowing workers the opportunity to earn
paid sick leave and finding sustainable funding for the
Philadelphia School District.
With this goal in mind, Council has been more

proactive than ever before. As a legislative body, we
have turned out an unprecedented level of work since
2012 with over 750 bills and resolutions enacted. T
his
document highlights many of these efforts.
In addition, Council has consistently reduced wage

and business taxes, enacted measures to build small
businesses and create jobs, improved public safety
and found alternative methods, beyond taxes, to
generate revenue for the Citys general fund.

In order to make the great American democracy
experiment really work for generations to come,
we in City government must behave as if we
truly believe our greatest days lie ahead of us.
Darrell L. Clarke
Council President
5th District
Mark Squilla
1st District
Curtis Jones, Jr.

Majority Leader
4th District
Bobby Henon
6th District
Marian B. Tasco
9th District
Brian J. ONeill
Minority Leader
10th District
Ed Neilson
At-Large Councilman
Dennis OBrien
At-Large Councilman
With citizens, the private sector, and government

working collaboratively toward a healthier and more
prosperous future, we can achieve our goal.
Kenyatta Johnson
2nd District
Maria D. Quiones-Snchez
7th District
Jannie Blackwell
3rd District
Cindy Bass
8th District
W. Wilson Goode, Jr.

At-Large Councilman
William K. Greenlee
Majority Deputy Whip
Atw -Large Councilman
David Oh
Minority Whip
At-Large Councilman
Blondell Reynolds Brown

Majority Whip
At-Large Councilwoman
Creating Affordable
Neighborhoods and Preserving
Homeownership
ACHIEVEMENTS
Property Tax Relief
When homeowners received
drastically higher property tax bills
for 2014, Council also sent notice
of a bevy of tax relief programs
to help them out.The new Actual
Value Initiative (AVI), which
reassessed real estate properties
in Philadelphia at their full value,
caused the jump in property taxes.
The change from the old system
of partial value assessments was
potentially devastating for the
40 percent of City homeowners
earning less than $35,000 a year.
To protect residents, Council quickly
pushed through a package of tax
breaks and payment programs to
offset some of the hike.
Key AVI Tax Relief Programs

The Homestead Exemption
reduces property assessments by
$30,000 for qualifying Philadelphia
homeowners, shaving up to $402
off their yearly tax bill. Some
218,425 homeowners qualified for
the tax break in 2014. Philadelphia
homeowners were previously
barred from this exemption by
state law. Council worked with state
legislators to make the exemption
available to Philadelphians for the
first time ever.
The Longtime Owner-Occupied

Relief Program (LOOP)
saved 17,486 homeowners an
average of $700 off their 2014
property taxes. LOOP reduces
assessments for qualifying owners
who have lived in their homes
for more than 10 years and meet
financial eligibility requirements.
An Installment Payment Option
is available to elderly and lowincome homeowners who
may be able to pay their yearly
property taxes in full.The plan
which required a change in state
law, will be especially helpful for
the estimated 40 percent of city
homeowners who do not have
mortgages and who may be unable
to pay their yearly property taxes
in full. Some 17,100 homeowners
opted for the installment payment
plan in 2014.
The 2,000 New Affordable

Housing Units Initiative
Council put a plan in place to
increase housing affordability and
encourage a greater supply of
new housing in Philadelphia.The
program encourages and supports
development of 1,000 rental
and 1,000 homeownership units
affordable for households earning
between 80 to 120 percent of
Area Median Income, also known

as workforce housing, on Cityowned land in blighted and
gentrifying areas.
The plan takes advantage
of the thousands of publicly
owned real estate parcels and the
Citys ability to access untapped
federal resources and creates
Neighborhood Opportunity Zones
in areas with high volumes of
such land. The zones are then
targeted for subsidies thus making
AVI Tax Relief Programs

By The Numbers
* Total Number of
Owner-Occupied
Households:
Total Homestead
Exemption
Enrollees:
Total LOOP
Enrollees:
*U.S. Census Bureau
them attractive for development.

Council estimates the addition of
these housing units in these zones
will add roughly $179 million in
value to the property tax base
and generate $36.6 million in
economic activity during the
308,921
218,425
17,486
construction phase.
For more information on
Councils 2,000 New Affordable
Housing Units Initiative visit
phlcouncil.com
(continued on next page)
Councilman
Mark Squilla
1st District
Elected in 2011, Councilman Mark Squilla

represents City Councils 1st Council District,
a diverse and growing area that includes
portions of South Philadelphia, Center City,
Chinatown, Northern Liberties, Fishtown,
Kensington and Port Richmond.
The populous district is home to several
exciting new development projects such
as demolition of an entire block between
Market to Chestnut and 11th and 12th
streets to make way for a mixed-use
development. The nearby Gallery Mall
also is closing for a two-year renovation,
and a luxury hotel is planned at Broad
and Spruce Streets. These projects will
heavily impact adjacent neighborhoods.
Councilman Squilla acts as intermediary
between the developers, nearby residents
and businesses.
A prolific legislator, Councilman Squilla
has introduced at least 270 pieces of
legislation since 2012.
He spent considerable time and money
informing constituents about the tax relief
measures Council put in place to mitigate
the impact of the Actual Valuation Initiative.
His office also educated constituents on how
to appeal their property assessments before
the Board of Revision of Taxes. Additionally,
he sponsored legislation to allow property
owners appealing their new assessments
to delay paying their 2013 property tax bill
until their appeal was decided.
Councilman Mark Squilla supported property tax relief legislation.
Darrell L.
Clarke
Council
President &
5th District
Councilman Clarke does double-duty as

representative for the 5th Council District and
Council President. As Council President, the
forward-thinking lawmaker has advanced a
progressive legislative agenda that includes
promoting economic and neighborhood
development, ensuring the availability
of affordable workforce housing and
improving the overall quality of life of all
Philadelphians among its top priorities.
Council President Clarke fervently
believes Philadelphias ability to grow and
prosper in the 21st Century requires that
every neighborhood within the City be
safe, stable, sustainable communities that
current and prospective residents would
choose. Toward this end he has launched
the Community Sustainability Initiative (CSI),
the 2,000 Affordable Housing Units Initiative
and School Based Family Service Centers.
Together these three programs address
some of the Citys most critical issues a
severe shortage of affordable housing and
workforce homeownership opportunities,
the need for more jobs that pay a living wage,
and the need to grow the tax base.
The Community
Sustainability Initiative
City Council fervently believes
Philadelphias ability to grow
and prosper in the 21st century
requires that every neighborhood
become a Community of
Choice; safe, stable, sustainable
communities where current
and prospective residents
would choose to live. To that
end, City Council created the
Community Sustainability Initiative
(CSI) an unprecedented
and comprehensive strategic
framework to guide the work
of City Council in making every
neighborhood in Philadelphia A
Choice Community.
This initiative tracks
information on school
While Philadelphia emerged from

the Great Recession intact, we still have a
ways to go in moving our City forward,
said Council President Clarke. As elected
leaders, tackling income-based inequality in
Philadelphia is a mandate.
The 5th District includes much of North
Philadelphia and a portion of Center City.
performance, mortgage
foreclosures, tax delinquency,
crime, shifts in population,

location of amenities such as
libraries, parks, retail shopping,
and more. The comprehensive
data snapshot will regularly be
compared against certain goals in
each category creating a context
to measure legislative efforts and
an evaluation tool to assure that
Councils actions move the City
closer to its goals.
The Philadelphia
Land Bank
Council created this land
repository to streamline the
process of turning often-vacant
city-owned real estate into
productive developments.The
Philadelphia Land Bank is starting
with 8,000 City-owned parcels and
began soliciting proposals from
developers in January
2015.This Land
Bank will finally give
Philadelphia the tools
needed to reclaim our
neighborhoods from
blight, abandonment,
and tax delinquency,
and to get properties
back into productive
reuse, said Maria D.
Quiones-Snchez,
who wrote the bill.
The Land Bank has the
authority to acquire
vacant and taxdelinquent properties
through Sheriffs Sale
to build its inventory.
The Land
Bank opened for business in
January 2015 with the transfer
Maria
quinonessanchez
7th District
The first Puerto Rican to be elected to a

District Council seat and the first Latina to
join the legislative body, Councilwoman
Quiones-Snchez made history when
she was elected by a landslide vote of 80
percent in 2007. As a Council member,
her focus has been on creating and
preserving family-sustaining jobs, business
tax reform, and keeping owners in their
homes.
Her business tax reform changes help
local businesses by reducing their liability
on sales made outside the city. She helped
mitigate the burden of the Actual Value
Initiatives (AVI) property tax hike for
just under 10,000 small businesses by
providing a $2,000 tax-exemption for the
Use and Occupancy Tax.
Councilwoman Quiones-Snchez was instrumental in expanding access to property tax relief programs for
low-income homeowners.
of 17 parcels in the 1600 block

of Bodine Street in North
Philadelphia. Those parcels were
chosen as the Land Banks first
because they are in an area with
new development, Councilwoman
Quiones-Snchez said.The land
is envisioned as rental or owneroccupied housing. Furhter land
deposits are expected in the near
future. For more information go to
This Land Bank will finally

give Philadelphia the
tools needed to reclaim
our neighborhoods from
blight, abandonment, and
tax delinquency, and to
get properties back into
productive reuse, said
Maria D. Quiones-Snchez,
who wrote the bill.
philadelphialandbank.org
Call 215-686-9200 for more
information on these programs.
The councilwoman is spearheading

the Citys efforts to secure diverse
hiring and language access policies as
well as providing access to municipal
identification for residents, making sure
that all Philadelphians have access to city
jobs and services. She also sponsored an
amendment to the City Charter to ensure
language access is provided by all city
agencies.
In addition, she introduced a bill
reforming the process for collecting
delinquent taxes, making payment plans
truly accessible and affordable to lowincome homeowners, and led the effort
creating the Philadelphia Land Bank.
Promoting a
Safe and Healthy City
ACHIEVEMENTS
Public Safety Video Cameras
Council made the Citys 162
playgrounds safer with a $3.6
million initiative to install
surveillance cameras and
Cameras help keep playgrounds safe.
nighttime anti-loitering systems.

Councilwoman Cindy Bass led
the initiative. Councilwoman Bass
vision is to improve and elevate
City recreation facilities and create
more opportunities for young
people after school and in the
summer.
Protecting Immigrants from

Scams
Immigrants seeking U.S.
citizenship in Philadelphia
now have more protection
from exploitation by con artists
and frauds under a new law
approved by Council. Effective

June 19, 2015, the so-called
Notario Fraud bill drafted by
Councilman At-Large Dennis M.
OBrien and cosponsored by
Councilwoman Quiones-Snchez,
defines standards and practices
for immigrationassistance services
and sets penalties
for violators. It also
requires immigration
service providers to
register with the City
and provide a $500,000
performance bond. This
new regulation of
immigration assistance
services is a first for
Philadelphia.There are
many good providers
who are serving immigrants
well, said Councilman OBrien.
Unfortunately, exploitative and
fraudulent providers are known to
leave immigrants in financial ruin
and their families and businesses
in disarray. Unqualified providers,
regardless of intent, can do the
same.
ATV Control
Philadelphia police officers
confiscated numerous all-terrain
vehicles and dirt bikes which
violate a City law banning
operation of the vehicles on
public property, including parks,
recreation centers and public

sidewalks. Council passed the law
in 2013, to crack down on reckless
use of ATVs. Under the law, police
can impose a $2,000 fine or
confiscate the offending ATV and
dispose of it in a way that ensures
it wont return to Philadelphias
streets. Councilwoman Reynolds
Brown sponsored the legislation
as a first step toward reducing
the number of injuries and deaths
resulting from reckless ATV use.
The next step is to convene a
ATVs cause auto accidents on city streets.
task force to bring in ATV riders,

the Parks Department and others
to figure out how we can find
appropriate venues for this
emerging sport, she said.
Preventing Youth Gun

Violence
Council approved a number of
actions aimed at reducing gun
violence, especially among youth.
In 2014, 2nd District Councilman
Kenyatta
Johnson
2nd District
Councilman Johnsons 2nd District is one

of the Citys most rapidly changing areas.
This presents exciting opportunities for new
development, but also challenges to ensure
that the character and history of an area is
maintained.
Councilman Kenyatta Johnson leads community protest against youth gun violence.
Kenyatta Johnson addressed the

issue of youth gun violence with
legislation banning the sale of
realistic toy guns to minors and
boosting fines imposed for the sale
of pellet guns to minors.
Making Vacant Property Safer

Following a 2012 fire on York
Street that killed two firefighters,
Councilman OBrien successfully
pushed through legislation
establishing protocols to inventory,
inspect, secure, and track large
vacant commercial and industrial
properties.The legislation created
a new inventory of empty
buildings and lots in the city, as
well as a task force to monitor
them. He also proposed a mandate
for regular inspections of such
properties. The legislation
provides a comprehensive strategy
on vacant land safety.
Councilman Johnson called for a

Council hearing to investigate the
traumatic effects of gun violence
on Philadelphians and the Citys
plan to reduce violent crime.
Improving Building
Demolition Practices
A deadly building collapse in
Center City caused Council
President Clarke to call for a
Special Investigating Committee
on Demolition Practices. Eight
people were killed when a
contractor demolishing a building
At the start of the term,
A strong advocate for public education,

Councilman Johnson supported legislation
to provide $80 million in additional
public school funding. And, he introduced
legislation to provide a wage tax credit to
working families who enroll their children
in quality early childhood education.
In 2014, he addressed the issue of youth
gun violence with the passage of legislation
banning the sale of realistic toy guns to
minors and boosting fines imposed for the
sale of pellet guns to minors.
HEARINGS
Reducing Violent Crime
The first-term Councilman worked

to help long-time residents stay in their
homes and promote equitable development
that creates strong, safe and diverse
communities. He played an integral role
in implementing tax-breaks to offset
the financial impact of higher property
assessments under the Actual Value
Initiative. In addition, he was the first
District Councilmember to work with the
Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to
use publicly owned land as a subsidy to
support construction of affordable housing
in gentrifying neighborhoods.
Councilman Henon (left), and Councilman Kenney

during investigative hearings on demolition safety.
He also has worked with the Community

Life Improvement Program to clean over
3,000 lots since 2012.
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Councilman
At-Large
Dennis obrien
Councilman OBrien joined Council in 2012

after serving as a State Representative for
35 years, including a term as Speaker of the
House. In Council, he is a tireless advocate
for public safety, justice and individuals with
disabilities.
Some of his first-term achievements include:
Following a 2012 fire on York Street
that killed two firefighters, Councilman
OBrien successfully pushed through
legislation establishing protocols to
inventory, inspect, secure, and track
large vacant commercial and industrial
properties. This proven approach will
save lives and neighborhoods.
His legislative package boosting
constitutional protections for the rights of
abused and neglected children and lowincome defendants in the criminal justice
system was enacted into law.
at 22nd and Market caused a wall

to collapse on a neighboring
property. The hearings produced
71 recommendations for the
Department of Licenses and
Inspections to strengthen
oversight and enforcement of
the construction and demolition
industry.
the accident, the rail company

moved up planned improvements
to the bridge, and committed to
increasing track inspections on the
bridge and other main rail routes
where crude oil trains operate.
Council Questions Safety

of CSX Rails
Following a train derailment
that left two tank cars loaded
with crude oil hanging over
the edge of the 25th Street
Bridge, Councilman Kenyatta
Johnson introduced a resolution
authorizing Joint Committees on
Transportation and Public Utilities
and Public Safety to look into
the cause of the accident and
the safety of the transportation
infrastructure owned by CSX in
the City. Although CSX testified
that the bridge was structurally
safe and was not the cause of
Councilwoman Quiones-Snchez addresses hearing.
Council also passed Councilman OBriens

ordinance removing the words mental
retardation from The Philadelphia Code,
replacing them with the more appropriate
term of intellectual disability.
He worked with the Philadelphia Autism
Project to establish a task force that
created a strategic plan to streamline
connections to critical services for
individuals with an Autism Spectrum
Disorder and their families.
CSX train derailment over Schuylkill River prompted Council hearing.
11
Councilwoman
Cindy Bass
8th District
Councilman Dennis OBrien fought for laws protecing immigrants and children with disabilities.
Councilwoman Bass represents the

8th Council District, which includes
Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy, Germantown,
Nicetown, Tioga, Logan, and parts of North
Philadelphia.
Councilwoman Bass is a hardworking
legislator, who has introduced 58 successful
bills and resolutions since 2012. As Chair of
Councils Committee on Parks, Recreation,
and Cultural Affairs, she works tirelessly
to improve and elevate City recreation
facilities and create more opportunities
for young people after school and in the
summer. In her first term, Councilwoman
Bass spearheaded a $3.6 million initiative to
install surveillance cameras and nighttime
anti-loitering systems in Philadelphias 162
city playgrounds,
In her district, she has committed $2.2
million to stabilize the vacant Germantown
YWCA, and secured funding to renovate
Vernon Park and Pleasant Playground. She
also plans to bring equipment for adult
fitness and children with developmental
disabilities to these parks and other areas
around the district.
Acting on her campaign promise,
Councilwoman Bass opened an office in
the heart of the 8th District. For the first
time in over a decade, constituents dont
have to come downtown to meet directly
with constituent services staff. The office,
which maintains hours on evenings and the
weekend, also allows residents to meet with
representatives from the District Attorneys
office.
Councilwoman Cindy Bass led the fight for park improvements.
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Supporting Commerce
And Economic
Opportunity
ACHIEVEMENTS
The Sub-Contractor
Minimum Wage and Benefits
Ordinance
As part of its effort to reduce wage
inequality, Council expanded the
and businesses subsidized by the

City to give first consideration
to job applicants registered with
Philadelphia Works Inc., the Citys
workforce development program.
Under the program, contractors
and businesses doing more than
Councilman Goode pushed through higher minimum wage for workers on City contracts.
required minimum wage for direct

City contractors to include subcontractors. Councilman W. Wilson
Goode Jr. sponsored the bill. The
required minimum wage for all
employees on City contracts is
now $12 an hour. People working
for the minimum wage are often
being exploited, so public money
shouldnt be invested in poverty
wages, said Goode.
First Source Jobs Policy

One of the first bills Council
passed at the start of the new
term in 2012 requires contractors
$25,000 in City work must inform

the City of new entry-level jobs
and the minimum requirements
for those positions. Businesses
must spend 10 days interviewing
qualified candidates from the
list for any open positions and
report their hiring decisions to the
City, before beginning to recruit
candidates beyond the list.
Business Tax Reform

To benefit local and small
businesses, Councilwoman
Quiones-Snchez and
Councilman Bill Green led a
successful reform of Philadelphias

Business Income and Receipts Tax
(BIRT). The measure reduces the
net income tax rate and shifts the
balance of BIRT toward the gross
receipts tax thereby lowering the
burden on local businesses. The
legislation also creates a Single
Sales Factor Tax Credit allowing
businesses to exempt 100% of
their sales outside of Philadelphia,
supporting local manufacturing.

Further, the new policy gives
small businesses a $100,000
tax exemption which, upon full
implementation, will give 60% of
such businesses $0 tax liability.
Promoting Healthy Families

and Workplaces
Thousands of Philadelphia
workers are now eligible to
earn paid sick leave from their
employers. A new law approved
by Council will help more than
200,000 Philadelphians who
previously did not get paid sick
leave, according to federal labor
statistics. These workers are
those often forced to choose
between staying home to care
for themselves and sick kids and
losing a days pay, said Councilman
Greenlee.Now, they no longer

have to choose. The new law
applies to businesses with five or
more employees. Workers can now
earn at least one hour of paid sick
leave for every 40 hours worked to
accrue a maximum of 56 hours.
Pushing for More Diversity

at the Top
Council passed a bill requiring
contractors bidding on City
contracts to disclose gender,
race and demographic data on
the makeup of their boards
and executive staff. The bill
aims specifically at disclosing
the representation of women
and minorities in these
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Councilman
At-Large
w.wilson
goode, jr
An At-Large Councilmember since 2000,

Councilman Goode is the primary sponsor
of over 135 ordinances, 78 of them
introduced in the last four years.
Councilman Goode is recognized as one
of the citys leading authorities on urban
economic development. He kicked off the
current term with a bill providing business
tax credits for job creation to enhance
Philadelphias existing employment stimulus
program.
He has since introduced numerous
other bills that have become law. They
include: budget appropriations, revenue
increases for public education, civil service
preference for local residents, a living wage
and benefits standard for City-supported
employees, a labor peace requirement
for Philadelphia International Airport and
City-supported hotels, annual economic
disparity analyses, enforcement of diversity
goals for city contracting, fair lending
plans and community reinvestment goals
from banks holding City deposits, contract
enforcement of economic diversity goals,
reduction of the business gross receipts tax,
and investment in neighborhood economic
development. In addition, he established
the only campaign contribution limits for
municipal elections in Pennsylvania.
Councilman Goode is a recipient of
a National Achievement Award from the
National Community Reinvestment Coalition.
Workers packed Council chambers to show support for the earned paid sick leave bill sponsored by Councilman William K. Greenlee, seated front row left.
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Councilman
At-Large
william
greenlee
MAJOrity
Deputy Whip
Councilman Greenlee is a champion for
Philadelphias low-wage workers and victims
of domestic violence and has been since first
taking office in 2006. During the 2012-2015
term he successfully spearheaded legislation
providing earned paid sick leave for as many
as 200,000 Philadelphians beginning in May
2015.
In 2013, Greenlee also was the proud
sponsor of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
requiring employers to provide reasonable
accommodations to pregnant women, such
as extra work breaks. Greenlee said while
most businesses were receptive, the hammer
of legislation and fines were necessary in
order to help pregnant women. New York
City previously passed similar legislation.
Councilman Greenlee worked with
Councilman Kenyatta Johnson to secure
$3 million in funding for the City to open
a second shelter for victims of domestic
violence. The facility opened in October
2014. Councilman Greenlee previously
sponsored bills protecting domestic violence
victims from eviction or punishment from
employers. The 100-bed shelter, named
Carols Place, doubled the amount of shelter
space available for women and children
affected by domestic violence.
positions. In introducing the bill,

Councilwoman Reynolds Brown
noted that 41 percent of boards
in Philadelphia have not one
woman sitting at the table. Worse
yet, women of color represent
less than one percent of the board
seats in the City, she added. While
the bill does not set specific
quotas as a qualifying condition,
companies must provide goals for
inclusion of females in executive
positions and full boards, along
with a plan on how to achieve
those goals. Councils hope is that
mixed gender boards will lead
toward greater diversity in terms
of contracting. The bill was based
on findings resulting from public
hearings held in 2012.
Decriminalizing Marijuana
The possession of a small amount
of marijuana is no longer a crime
that will get you arrested and
jailed in Philadelphia. The new law
passed by Council in 2014, lowers
the penalty for possession of less

than 30 grams of marijuana to a
$25 fine. The bills chief sponsor,
then Councilman Jim Kenney, said
83 percent of the people arrested
each year for possession of small
amounts of marijuana are black
or Latino, most with no previous
criminal record. An arrest record
for marijuana possession can
prevent these individuals from
getting a job, obtaining financial
aid for college or joining the
military, Councilman Kenney
observed.
HEARINGS
The Economics of Gender
Discrimination
The Committee on Commerce and
Economic Development took up
the issue of Womens Economic
Health and Gender Inequality
in a public hearing pursuant
to a resolution sponsored by
Councilman Greenlee.
Councilman Greenlee is Council Majority

Deputy Whip, chair of the Rules and Law and
Government Committees and the Vice-Chair
of the Public Property and Transportation
Committees.
Councilmen Johnson and Greenlee celebrate the opening of Carols Place, a shelter for abused women and
their children.
Minority Hiring by Casino

Licensees
15
Councilman
At-Large
David Oh
Councils Commerce and

Economic Development
Committee held hearings to
examine the minority participation
goals and strategies for the hiring
of minorities by applicants for
casino licenses in Philadelphia.
Councilman Curtis Jones Jr.
sponsored the resolution.
Minority Whip
As the first Asian American member of

Philadelphia City Council and the only
current member who is a military veteran,
Councilman Oh, has become the advocate
for those communities. His broad interest
in stimulating job creation through
international trade and investment, as well
as creative and innovative economies, made
him the natural choice to Chair Councils
Committee on Global Opportunities and the
Creative/Innovative Economy. He also serves
as Councils Minority Whip.
Increased Minimum Wage

for Philadelphia?
Chronically low wages hurt
the Citys economy, so Council
continues to explore the possibility
of an increased minimum wage
for all Philadelphians. Councilman
Johnson sponsored a hearing to
explore the option before the
Committee on Commerce and
Economic Development.
Councilman Oh speaks with a board of directors.
Councilman Oh provides a bold vision

for Philadelphia as a world-class city with
a thriving creative sector and a globally
competitive workforce. To accomplish
this vision, he has sponsored legislation
establishing an International Trade and
Investment Authority.
Councilman Oh also:
Added budget reduction amendments
to the City operating budget: $48
million for the 2013 budget year and
$74 million for the 2014 budget year,
as well as a delinquent tax collection
bill.
Launched the widely acclaimed PHL
Live Center Stage initiative that provided
performance opportunities for local
emerging artists and demonstrating
the job creation potential of the music
industry.
Sponsored a new law creating a
business tax credit for employers who
hire returning military veterans.
Councilwoman Reynolds Brown pushed for gender equality.
16
Enhancing the
Overall Quality
Of Life
ACHIEVEMENTS
Bad Neighbor Initiative
Property maintenance issues and
illegal activity cause property
values to drop, the quality of
our neighborhoods to decline
been fighting blight and property

maintenance problems for years,
but their budgets have been
slashed significantly in recent years
even as the challenges facing our
communities continue to grow.
To meet this challenge
with basic community standards.

The Initiative targets the worst
of the worst property owners
and makes them accountable.
Councilman Henon also has taken
direct action on vacant property
through education campaigns,
Councilman Henon developed the Bad Neighbor Initiative to help neighborhoods fight blight and property maintenance problems.
and community pride to fade.

City government agencies like
the Department of Licenses and
Inspections and CLIP (Community
the Citys Community Life
Improvement Program) have
6th Dist. Councilman Bobby Henon

developed the Bad Neighbor
Initiative. It is a comprehensive
and focused effort to target bad
neighbors and landlords and
to bring them into compliance
legislation and efforts like the

Problem Properties Advisory
Committee.
17
Councilman
Bobby
Henon
6 th District
Councilman Henon was elected in 2011

to represent the 6th Council District in
Northeast Philadelphia, which includes
Mayfair, Tacony, Holmesburg, Bridesburg,
Port Richmond, East Torresdale,
Wissinoming and Rhawnhurst.
Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. commemorates the Venice Island project completion with Kay Sykora,
Manayunk Development Corporations founding executive.
Supporting Improvement
Districts
Improvement Districts are an
important economic development
tool because they provide a
way for property owners and
businesses to cooperate to keep
their commercial and residential
areas competitive.
Council has approved a
number of such districts over the
years to raise the quality of life
in neighborhoods throughout
Philadelphia and from time
to time the law requires their
authorization to be extended.
Since 2012 Council has extended
the lifespan of Neighborhood
Improvement Districts (NID)
in Mt. Airy, Port Richmond,
Roxborough, and the Aramingo
Avenue Shopping District ensuring
these vibrant retail areas would
continue promoting economic
and general welfare of their

communities. The Chestnut Hill
Business Improvement District
(BID) was continued as well.
In addition, Council approved
new or amended plans for
Special Service Districts (SSD) in
Manayunk, Old City, Germantown
and Old City.
Improvements and services
within these districts are funded
either by an agreed upon fee, or by
voluntary contributions made by
property owners, institutions, or
businesses within the defined area.
Guns Banned From City

Parks and Recreation Centers
Council made it illegal for
unauthorized persons to carry
firearms and deadly weapons
in or around City-owned or
City-occupied facilities.The bill
Since taking office, he has focused on

issues surrounding quality of life, job
creation and public health, while making
his office more accessible. This includes the
development of the first-of-its-kind City Hall
iPhone app and opening a 6th District Office
at 6730 Torresdale Ave.
Highlights of his first term include:
C reation of the Bad Neighbor Initiative,
to hold the worst of the worst property
owners accountable.
P assing legislation to toughen regulation
on bandit signs, streamline the zoning
notification process, tighten demolition
and construction licensing, allow
residents to set trash out early and the
first re-write of the property maintenance
code in decades.
L aunching Philly Play, aimed at reducing
childhood obesity across Philadelphia
through play-themed events and activities.
More than 3,400 kids participated in
2014.
S erving as co-chair of the Manufacturing
Task Force, composed of business, civic
and educational leaders from across
the region, and helping to secure an
expansion of the Dietz and Watson plant
in Tacony, which added hundreds of jobs.
18
Councilman
At-Large
ED Neilson
Since taking office in August of 2014,

Councilman Neilson has built a reputation
as a hard-working, issues-oriented elected
official who stays on top of constituent
service. Prior to his election to an AtLarge Council set, he served as a state
representative for the 169th Pennsylvania
House District.
Councilman Nielson and his team hit the
ground running, assisting almost 7,000
constituents with issues in his first 6 months
in office.
As a member of Council, the former
state representative has focused on jobs
and economic issues that will benefit
Philadelphians. He has won approval of
legislation to:
introduced by Council President

Clarke is aimed at reducing the
incidence of gun violence at
the Citys parks and recreation
facilities.
Improved Property
Tax Freeze for Older
Homeowners
Council, at Councilman Brian
ONeills behest, amended the
Citys Senior Citizens Property
Tax Freeze Program, to make the
freeze impervious to increases
in the tax rate or property
assessment. The amendment
allows elderly homeowners
enrolled in the program to
automatically benefit from any
reduction in the assessed value
or the tax rate. The change
Provide a wage tax refund to U.S. military

veterans who serve the City of Philadelphia
as police officers, firefighters, paramedics
or correctional officers.
Create a special committee of City Council
to identify the causes of income disparities
in Philadelphia, analyze the economic
trends impacting the sources of household
and business income under changing
economic circumstances, and offer datainformed recommendations. The special
committee would submit a full report
including its findings and recommendations
to the Council and the mayor.
eliminated the need for enrollees

to reapply for the benefit.
Protecting Community
Gardens
Council approved the transfer
of three community gardens
in Washington Square West to
the Department of Parks and
Recreation (DPR). Council
and DPR want to protect the
community gardens that have
been in place for decades
from the possibility of private
development. DPR plans to take
other community gardens under
its protection.
Fine-Tuning the New

Zoning Code
Maintaining the integrity of
residential neighborhoods
is an important quality
of life issue. Councilman
ONeill won approval of a
bill prohibiting businesses
with employees and
customers from operating
out of single-family
homes in residential areas
without obtaining a zoning
variance, in addition to
14 other ordinances to
improve the Citys new
Zoning Code.
HEARINGS
Restored Funding for
HEMAP
Combat human sex trafficking by

preventing hotels from renting by the hour
and maintain a room registry. Hotels also
must train employees to identify human sex
trafficking activities and victims.
City Council added its

voice to others across
the Commonwealth in
demanding the governor
Councilman Neilson, left, tours industrial site.
19
restore funding for the states

Homeowners Emergency
Mortgage Assistance Program
(HEMAP) in 2012.The mortgage
aid program was defunded in
2011 leaving many desperate
homeowners with no place to
turn. A resolution sponsored by
Councilwoman Tasco asked the
governor to restore funding using
the states $55 million share in a
state-federal settlement with the
nations five largest mortgage loan
servicers. The governor agreed
and HEMAP was back in business
by the summer of 2012. HEMAP
helps homeowners who have
fallen behind on their mortgage
through no fault of their own.
An investigative hearing, also
sponsored by Councilwoman
Tasco, found that 7,500

Philadelphia homeowners had
received aid from HEMAP since it
opened in 1973.
Reducing Juvenile
Recidivism
Councils Committee on Public
Safety held an investigative
hearing in June 2012 to judge how
Youth Courts, or Teen Courts as
they are called in Philadelphia,
could reduce juvenile recidivism
rates, violence in schools, bullying,
and ultimately reduce the cost of
incarceration. Councilman Jones,
who proposed the hearings,
said he believed the Teen Courts
operating in seven Philadelphia
public high schools should be
expanded.
Councilman ONeill, right, is responsible for 15 bills amending the new Zoning Code.
Councilman
brian j.
oneill
Minority leader
10th District
Councilman ONeill is best known for

providing a high level of constituent services
to residents in the 10th Council District,
which includes Parkwood, West Torresdale,
Somerton, Normandy, Millbrook, Morrell
Park, Bustleton, Fox Chase, Burholme, and
Rhawnhurst in Northeast Philadelphia.
Councilman ONeill emphasizes
accessibility to his constituents. He
maintains weekly District Office meetings on
Monday nights where citizens meet with him
personally.
Some additional services provided to his
district during this term are:
T he opening of a second neighborhood
office in 2012 at FOP Lodge #5
Headquarters at 11630 Caroline Road
(215-437-9167) and a third in Fox Chase
at 432 Rhawn Street (215-685-6431) in
January 2015.
O
pening the new Junod Playground
and sprayground on Dunksferry Road
in Parkwood and the new Champions
Park Playground at Verree Road and
Susquehanna Road, the first and only
playground in the City designed for
children with physical and intellectual
disabilities.
Councilman ONeill works to maintain
the integrity of the districts family-oriented
neighborhoods. He passed legislation
prohibiting businesses with employees and
customers from operating out of singlefamily homes in residential areas without
obtaining a zoning variance, in addition to
14 other ordinances to improve the Citys
new zoning code.
20
Refining Our
Educational
Environment
Local School Revenue
Increases 2012-2015
ACHIEVEMENTS
Funding for Schools
Fiscal Year 2012 Property Tax

increase generated $60 million;
City Grant raised $10.3 million;
parking revenue increases yielded
$6.2 million
Over the last four years, Council

has provided more than $4.1
billion to the School District of
Philadelphias General Fund, an
increase of $327 million, at a time
when the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvanias contribution has
decreased its annual funding by
Fiscal Year 2013 $20 million

property tax increase through
City Grant; $20 million from
Local And State Funding Comparison

Philadelphia School District 2000 to 2014
$550,000,000
$500,000,000
$450,000,000
$400,000,000
$350,000,000
$300,000,000
$250,000,000
$200,000,000
$150,000,000
$100,000,000
$50,000,000
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Growth in Local Funding

Growth in State Funding
approximately $150 million to

$4.9 billion. Council continues to
search for sustainable funding to
support the Citys public schools.
authorizing the School District to

impose a Use and Occupancy Tax
on any building in the City
Fiscal Year 2014 Expanded

tax collection effortsrevenue
neutral real estate tax rate increase
in first year of the Actual Value
Initiative; increased collection of
delinquent taxes by $14.7 million
Fiscal Year 2015 Sales Tax
increase generated $120 million;
Cigarette Tax of approximately
$49 million for partial year; an
additional $30 million City Grant;
and improved collection of $13.6

million in property taxes.
School Based Family Service

Centers
Council is moving forward on
a plan to establish a citywide
system of School-Based Family
Service Centers that will be in or
near public schools. The Service
Centers will assist students who
need far more than books, desks
and pencils to thrive academically.
Roughly 40 percent of schoolaged children in Philadelphia live
in poverty. About 30 percent live
with chronic ailments like asthma
and often lack such essentials as
adequate food and healthcare.
The Service Centers will act as
intake points to ensure students
and their families have access to a
comprehensive range of medical,
behavioral health and social

services to fit their needs.
SUPER: School-University
Partnerships and Education
Resources
Instead of pressing for Payment
in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT),
Council President Clarke has
proposed a formal program to
further encourage all colleges
and universities located
in Philadelphia to become
involved in initiatives helpful
to neighboring communities.
Colleges and universities could
use institutional resources such as
student involvement, purchasing
power, educational expertise
and employment in ways that
benefit the wider community.
21
Councilwoman
Jannie
blackwell
3rd district
Councilwoman Blackwell wants to see the

City of Philadelphia regain local control
of its public schools. To that end, she
introduced a bill to appear on the May 19,
2015, primary ballot to abolish the School
Reform Commission and return the School
District of Philadelphia to local board
control. She also introduced a second ballot
issue amending the Philadelphia Home
Rule Charter to provide for an independent
commission on universal pre-kindergarten.
The five-term councilwoman works
non-stop to move her West Philadelphia
community forward. The district is home
to several major universities and hospitals,
making it an integral part of the Citys
economy. Using the tools of public policy,
legislation and public involvement, the
councilwoman has supported construction
of numerous projects. A partial list includes
the Spectrum Health Center, the Juvenile
Justice Center, the 4601 Market Street
Public Safety Services campus, and The
Porch at 30th Street Station,
Councilwoman Blackwell also is
committed to improving West Philadelphia
parks and recreation centers. She
supported funding that brought new
restrooms at Friends of Malcolm X
Memorial Park, new floors at Christy
Recreation Center and new plans for the
former Conestoga Recreation Center.
22
Councilwoman
At-Large
Blondell
Reynolds
Brown
The benefits of such partnerships

include strengthening small
businesses, establishing amenity
retail, and improvements to the
physical environment through
cuts in staffing, after-school

programs and school closings
in 2012, Council unanimously
supported Councilwoman
Blackwells call for public hearings
Majority Whip
Councilwoman Brown is serving her fourth
term and is the only woman to win an AtLarge Council seat since 1999.
As Majority Whip, she is a powerful member
of Councils leadership. Since 2012, she
has passed meaningful legislation and
supported valuable community programming
that positively impacts her core issues:
children and youth, women, arts and culture,
education, small business development, the
environment and sustainability. She currently
chairs the Committee on the Environment
and is vice chair of the Education Committee.
Here are just a few of her recent legislative
accomplishments:
A bill enacted to require contractors
seeking to do business with the City
to disclose demographic information,
including the gender, race and
geographic data of their board members
and executive staff.
Legislation authorizing the Philadelphia
Authority for Industrial Development
(PAID) to borrow an additional $30
million for the School District of
Philadelphia.
Amending the Philadelphia Code to
provide additional penalties for criminal
conduct motivated by hatred regarding
sexual orientation, gender identity, and
disability.
A law restricting the use of off-road
vehicles on public sidewalks or private
properties unless authorized by law, and
allowing vehicle confiscation and fines.
Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown sponsored a bill providing an additional $30 million in school funding.
capital investments, community

educational programs and housing
reinvestment subsidies.These
School-University Partnerships
should involve the City Commerce,
Managing Director and Planning
departments, working alongside
district councilmembers. Visit
phlcouncil.com to learn more
about this initiative.
HEARINGS
Council Studies Up on Public
School Issues
Investigative hearings are
Councils version of homework
and there was lots of studying to
do. So, when the School District
of Philadelphia proposed massive
on the changes and their impact

on the adjacent neighborhoods.
The Committee on Education also
heard testimony on the School
Districts zero tolerance discipline
policies.
In March 2013, Councilwoman
Blackwell called for a Committee
on Education hearing to review
the findings of the Boston
Consulting Group report for the
School Reform Commission.The
consultants advised the SRC to
immediately close 50 schools,
plus another 20 over the next five
years. Council also scrutinized
the School Districts budget plan
through 2017.

That was followed by fall hearings
on whether Philadelphia should
have a locally elected Board of
Education. Also in 2013, Councils
Committees on Education and
Global Opportunities and the
Creative/Innovative Economy
heard testimony on several
resolutions looking into best

practices in public education
at home and abroad, and
whether those practices can be
implemented to create a worldclass public school system here.
Councilman Oh proposed the
hearings.
23
Councilman
Curtis
Jones, jr
majority leader
4th District
Since 2008, Councilman Jones has proudly

served the 4th District, which stretches from
Manayunk to Overbrook Farms and from
East Falls to Wynnefield. The district includes
quaint neighborhoods, bustling commercial
corridors and generous stretches of
Fairmount Park.
Councilman Jones achievements
during his second term reflect the diverse
demographics of the district. He has
introduced more than 219 bills and
resolutions since 2012.
On the community front, Councilman
Jones was instrumental in the commitment
of over $5 million to repurpose and improve
existing playgrounds and recreation centers.
New spray parks and play equipment at
McDevitt Recreation Center in East Falls
and the transformation of a once vacant
lot in Wynnefield renamed Triangle Park
are just two examples of the completed
projects. Similar makeovers are underway at
Shepard Recreation Center in Haddington,
Papa Playground in Overbrook and Rose
Playground in Overbrook Park.
In addition, work is slated to start this
spring to give aging facilities at Granahan
Playground at 65th and Callowhill Streets,
a major overhaul. Councilman Jones has
invested $500,000 to build a skateboard
park with new play equipment, benches, a
sprayground and many other amenities.
Councilwoman Blackwell called for Council hearings to investigate how the state funds public schools.
24
Finding New Revenue Sources

and Improving Government
Efficiency
ACHIEVEMENTS
Municipal Marketing
Based on a 2014 plan proposed
by Council President Clarke,
the City initiated a marketing
program, hiring two firms to sell
advertising space on municipal
property buildings, vehicles,
street furniture, etc. Council
believes the Municipal Marketing
Program has the potential to bring
in millions of dollars to support
much-needed public services and
projects. Its money that doesnt
need to be taken from taxpayers

pockets or borrowed from Wall
Street, the Council President noted.
Other major cities like New York,
Chicago, Boston and San Francisco
are generating millions from
successful municipal marketing
programs.
Sale of Surplus Schools

Nets $53M
The City netted $53 million from
the sale of 22 vacant School
District of Philadelphias buildings
as of April 2015. The District
Councils idea to have the Citys real estate arm sell surplus school netted $53 million in less than two years.
handed over the sale of 60 surplus

properties to the City in 2013 in
exchange for an upfront payment
of $50 million in emergency
funding. Council President Darrell
Clarke proposed the deal, which
allowed the Philadelphia Authority
for Industrial Development (PAID),
the Citys real estate arm, to handle
the sales. Councilmembers helped
bring many interested buyers to
the table, speeding the return of
the vacant buildings to the tax
rolls.
25
Councilwoman
Marian B.
Tasco
9th District
This is the seventh and final Council term

for Councilwoman Tasco, who is widely
recognized as one of Philadelphias most
influential, politically savvy, and pro-active
public officials. She represents close to
155,000 residents in an area that includes
sections of Northeast and Northwest
Philadelphia.
Some highlights from the current term are:
As chair of the Finance Committee, Councilwoman Marian B. Tasco led the investigation into the Citys
efforts to collect delinquent taxes.
A Community Zoning Meeting was held

on August 13, 2014, at The Masjidullah
Center for Human Excellence. The
meeting provided a forum for West Oak
Lane residents to voice their opposition
to building plans for a retail store in their
community.
The grand reopening of the newly rebuilt
Sturgis Playground in 2014 was long
overdue. However, the new facility lived
up to the communitys expectations. The
5.7-acre facility and playground were
redesigned to enhance play areas with
the addition of a sprayground, a newly
constructed recreation center and a new
soccer/football field with more outdoor
lighting.
The new Lawncrest Community Action
Center opened its doors on Dec. 17,
2014. The new office is located next
door to the Lawncrest Recreation
Center at 6000 Rising Sun Ave. Staff
from the District Attorneys Office and
Councilwoman Tascos office provide
services to the community from this site.
Selling ad space on public property will bring in more revenue.
26
Councilman
At-Large
William J.
Green iV
Although he left Council mid-way through

his second term to head the School Reform
Commission, Councilman Green left his
mark.
In his last two years on Council, he
successfully pushed through business
tax reforms and ethics reforms like the
registration of lobbyists. He also joined
Councilwoman Snchez in reintroducing the
Philadelphia Land Bank Bill, which was later
approved by Council and enacted into law.
His business tax reforms, in part, included
bills requiring non-profits pay Business
Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT) on
commercial activities that are not directly
connected with the corporations charitable
purpose. A second bill requires non-profits
that own tax-exempt properties to certify
annually that the property is still being used
for its tax-exempt purpose.
Public-Private Partnerships
Philadelphia City Council has been actively involved in the national
discussion about public-private partnerships. City assets, such as the
Philadelphia Water Department and Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), have
enormous potential to partner with private capital on new projects
that protect consumers, preserve existing jobs, and allow taxpayers to
retain long-term ownership. A special committee was created in 2014 to
investigate ways to achieve Councils objective of making Philadelphia
an energy hub. Enhancing the financial and operational performance of
PGW is also a top priority.
Collecting Delinquent Taxes

In 2013, Council approved a top-to-bottom overhaul of the citys
property tax collection system. Changes are designed to encourage
payments from delinquent taxpayers and bring Philadelphias revenue
collection efforts up to contemporary standards. The new collection
procedures have been modestly successful, but tons of money is still
being left on the table. Council President Clarke introduced a bill to
expand the Citys ability to sell commercial tax liens. The bill would
allow the sale of some $79 million in commercial property tax liens to
outside collection agencies in exchange for up-front revenue that could
be used to fund public schools.
Expanding the Tax Base

Development initiatives have the potential to generate a significant
amount of recurring revenue in the form of property taxes and, in the
case of rentals, wage and business taxes from property management.
Councilman Green also introduced

legislation calling for the development of
an annual information technology strategic
plan that evaluates the current state of the
Citys telecommunications and information
technology infrastructure and details as
well as analyzes the costs and benefits
of the Citys plans for the acquisition,
management, and use of telecommunications
and information technology over the next five
fiscal years.
Councilmembers gather in a sidebar discussion during Councils weekely meeting.

The City gained 1,404 real estate accounts from 2015 to 2016. These
accounts added a total market value of $1.3 billion, of which $756.3
million is immediately available.
27
Councilman
At-large
James Kenney
Making Government More Efficient

Council passed several bills pushing the City to acquire the technology
to improve government efficiency and delivery of services. As a result,
citizens and businesses can apply for most City licenses, permits and
programs online at www.phila.gov. The same goes for payments of
bills, taxes, fees and fines, or obtaining documents. Councilman Bill
Green passed a bill requiring the Finance Director to submit an annual
information technology strategic plan along with the Mayors proposed
annual operating budget beginning with the Fiscal Year 2016. In addition
to increasing efficiency and service, paperless electronic transactions
reduce transactional costs.
Informed Decision Making

Council established a mechanism to help it make more informed
decisions. The Finance Director must now submit a report on the cost
and effectiveness of the functions funded with the annual Operating
Budget. The Finance Director and City Controller also must provide
Council with information on the fiscal impact of pending legislation.
Defining Ethics for City Employees

Council strengthened the ethics rule that bars City officers and
employees from receiving gifts from anyone seeking business or official
action. The bill, which amends the Philadelphia City Code, prohibits
employees from accepting any form of cash or substantial non-cash gifts.
Before resigning his At-Large Council

seat on Jan. 29, 2015, to run for Mayor
of Philadelphia, Councilman Kenney won
passage of bills decriminalizing possession
of small amounts of marijuana and
providing for equal treatment of all persons
regardless of gender identity under the
Philadelphia Code.
Under the law that took effect in October
2014, the possession of less than an
ounce of marijuana is a civil rather than a
criminal offense. Instead of the mandatory
arrests of over 4,000 people a year for this
minimal offense, police will confiscate the
marijuana, and issue a citation of up to
$100 to the individual.
Councilman Kenney changed the
Philadelphia Code to provide for equal
treatment of all persons in the City of
Philadelphia regardless of gender identity or
sexual orientation. In addition to redefining
the terms Life Partnership and Life
Partner, to include and protect the rights
of same-sex partners, the bill authorized
a tax credit to encourage employers to
expand certain health benefits and require
all City forms and online websites to be
gender neutral.
In introducing the bill, Councilman Kenny
said it was the right thing to do, adding:
This is not special rights, its equal rights.
Council President Clarke
28
Engaging
The Community
ACHIEVEMENTS
Neighborhood Budget
Hearings
Council is making it even easier
for members of the public to
participate in public hearings,
where citizens can access timely

information on the pending
City budget.The site includes
documents, transcripts and video of
City budget hearings. Follow on
phlcouncil.com/budgetcenter.
From left, Councilwoman Bass, CFO Folasade Olanipekun-Lewis, Council President Clarke and
Councilmembers Tasco, Henon and Greenlee listen during neighborhood budget hearing.
especially those related to budget

issues. Starting in 2012, at least two
budget hearings a year are held at
neighborhood locations during
evening hours. T
he goal is to open
the process to people who are
unable to make the trek to City Hall
for hearings during business hours.
Budget Center
The City Council Budget Center,
Budget Central, is an online hub
Veterans Advisory
Commission Office
Moves
Councils Veterans Advisory
Commission (VAC) has opened a
new office in a more visible and
accessible location on the first floor
of City Hall in Room 127, adjacent
to the courtyard. Contact the office
at 215-686-3256 or 215-686-3257.
New District Council

Offices and New Media
Residents can now, more than ever,
access their local government.
New convenient district offices
have been opened throughout the
city. In addition, Councilmembers
can be reached via social media like
Facebook and Twitter, links to

which are provided on Councils
revamped website phlcouncil.com.
Those who do venture to City Hall
can also take advantage of free WIFI
on the 3rd, 4th and 5th floors of
Council, which include Councils
Chambers and Caucus Room.
For further convenience Councils

weekly sessions and public
hearings are broadcast live on
Channel 64, which also runs
Councils new issues and answers
program Inside Philadelphia City
Council. Council encourages all to
get to know your city government!
Councilwoman Bass newest District Office is at 4439 Germantown

Avenue is just feet from Wayne Junction Station
From left, Councilmembers Oh, Clarke and Blackwell join other City officials to
celebrate the opening of the Veterans Advisory Commissions new office.
29
Councilman OBrien believes that investing in kids pays big dividends.
30
Councilmembers Squilla, left, and Neilson, fourth from left, greet constituents in local pub.
Councilwoman Blackwell celebrates her birthday by feeding the homeless.
Councilmen Goode and Oh
Play pals help Councilman ONeill cut the ribbon at opening of new recreation facility in
Northeast Philadelphia.
Councilwoman Tasco visiting with Teresa Rollins and a young

friend from Need in Deed
Councilman
Mark Squilla
Council President Clarke, left, and Councilmen Oh, right, and Jones, rear, toured Hyundai Rotem railcar plant in South Philadelphia.
31
32

Standing Committees
Committee of the Whole
(The entire Council)
Appropriations
(All matters relating to the appropriation of funds)
Commerce and Economic Development

(All matters relating to the Department of Commerce)
Disabled and Special Needs

(All issues regarding the Citys disabled population)
Education
(All matters relating to education in the public
schools of Philadelphia)
The Environment
(All matters relating to air and water quality;
environmental initiative)
Ethics
(Investigations of individual members of the Council)
Finance
(All matters relating to finance, taxation and the
indebtedness of the City)
Fiscal Stability & Intergovernmental Cooperation

(Investigations of individual members of the Council)
Global Opportunities & Global/Creative Economy
(All matters relating to finance, taxation and the
indebtedness of the City)
Labor and Civil Service
(All matters relating to labor relations, the Civil
Service Commission, the Personnel Director, and the
Board of Pensions and Retirement)
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs
(All matters relating to the Department of
Parks and Recreation)
Legislative Oversight
(All matters relating to City property and buildings)
Rules
(Designed to improve and expedite the business and
procedure of Council)
Transportation and Public Utilities
(All matters relating to transportation facilities of any
kind and the charges, regulations and their operations)
Housing
(All matters relating to the creation and maintenance
of housing within the City, as well as all matters
relating to the alleviation of homelessness and services
provided to homeless individuals within the City)
Law and Government
(All matters within the scope of the Law Department)
Licenses and Inspections
(All matters relating to licenses and inspections)
Public Health and Human Services
(All matters relating to the public health, and the Air
Pollution Control Board)
Streets and Services
(All matters relating to the Department of Streets and
its departmental boards)
Technology and Information Services
(All matters relating to City information technology)
Councilmember
Contacts
district council Members
council Members at-large
Mark Squilla
District 1
Bobby Henon
District 6
Kenyatta Johnson
District 2
District 7
City Hall, Room 332

Philadelphia, PA 19107-3290
(215) 686-3458, (215)686-3459
FAX: (215) 686-1931
City Hall, Room 580

(215) 686-3412, (215)686-3413
FAX: (215)686-1932
City Hall, Room 484

(215) 686-3444, (215) 686-3445
FAX: (215) 686-1935
City Hall, Room 592

(215) 686-3448, (215) 686-3449
FAX: (215) 686-1936
City Hall, Room 316

Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 686-3414, (215) 686-3415
FAX: (215) 686-1928
William K. Greenlee
Majority Deputy Whip
City Hall, Room 508

(215) 686-3446, (215) 686-3447
FAX: (215) 686-1927
Ed Neilson
Jannie Blackwell
District 3
City Hall, Room 408

(215) 686-3418, (215) 686-3419
FAX: (215) 686-1933
Curtis Jones, Jr.

Majority Leader
District 4
City Hall Room 404

(215) 686-3416, (215) 686-3417
FAX: (215) 686-1934
Darrell L. Clarke
(Council President)
District 5
City Hall, Room 313

(215) 686-3442, (215) 686-3443
FAX: (215) 686-1901
Cindy Bass
District 8
City Hall, Room 594

(215) 686-3424, (215) 686-3425
FAX: (215) 686-1937
Marian B. Tasco
District 9
City Hall, Room 577

(215) 686-3454, (215) 686-3455
FAX: (215) 686-1938
Brian J. ONeil
Minority Leader
District 10
City Hall, Room 562

(215) 686-3422, (215) 686-3423
FAX: (215) 686-1939
City Hall, Room 312

(215) 686-3420, (215) 686-3421
FAX: (215) 686-1930
Dennis OBrien
City Hall, Room 582

(215) 686-3440, (215) 686-3441
FAX: (215) 686-1929
David Oh
Minority Whip
City Hall, Room 319

(215) 686-3452 (215) 686-3453
Fax: (215) 686-1925

Majority Whip
City Hall, Room 581

Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 686-3438, (215) 686-3439
FAX: (215) 686-1926
*James Kenney
resigned from Council 2015
*William J. Green IV
resigned from Council 2014
33
34
Legislative Summary 1/20122/2015

Total Bills and Resolutions
2,331
Total Bills Introduced
1,045
Bills Enacted
764
Bills Vetoed and Sustained
Bills Withdrawn
Total Resolutions Introduced
1,286
Resolutions Adopted
1,238
Resolutions in Committee
31
Resolutions Withdrawn

By District
Mark Squilla
District 1
Kenyatta Johnson
District 2
Jannie Blackwell
District 3
Curtis Jones, Jr.
District 4
Darrell L. Clarke
District 5
Bobby Henon
District 6
District 7
Cindy Bass
District 8
Marian B. Tasco
District 9
Brian J. ONeil
District 10
At-Large Council Members
William K. Greenlee
Ed Neilson
Dennis OBrien
David Oh
*James Kenney
**Bill Green
*resigned from Council in 2015
** resigned from Council in 2014
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City Council Initiatives and Accomplishments

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CI

About City Council

Enhancing The Overall

Refining Our Educational

Cover photo: B. Krist for VISIT PHILADELPHIA

About City Council

The rules require Council

The 1951 Home Rule

Philadelphia City Council

he 2012 Term City Council embraced a

Fully understanding disparities that exist in

With this goal in mind, Council has been more

In addition, Council has consistently reduced wage

Philadelphia City Council

Curtis Jones, Jr.

With citizens, the private sector, and government

W. Wilson Goode, Jr.

Blondell Reynolds Brown

Philadelphia City Council

Key AVI Tax Relief Programs

The Longtime Owner-Occupied

The 2,000 New Affordable

Area Median Income, also known

Philadelphia City Council

AVI Tax Relief Programs

them attractive for development.

Elected in 2011, Councilman Mark Squilla

Councilman Mark Squilla supported property tax relief legislation.

Philadelphia City Council

Councilman Clarke does double-duty as

While Philadelphia emerged from

crime, shifts in population,

Philadelphia City Council

The first Puerto Rican to be elected to a

of 17 parcels in the 1600 block

This Land Bank will finally

The councilwoman is spearheading

Philadelphia City Council

Cameras help keep playgrounds safe.

nighttime anti-loitering systems.

Protecting Immigrants from

approved by Council. Effective

recreation centers and public

ATVs cause auto accidents on city streets.

task force to bring in ATV riders,

Preventing Youth Gun

Philadelphia City Council

Councilman Johnsons 2nd District is one

Kenyatta Johnson addressed the

Making Vacant Property Safer

Councilman Johnson called for a

At the start of the term,

A strong advocate for public education,

The first-term Councilman worked

Councilman Henon (left), and Councilman Kenney

He also has worked with the Community

Philadelphia City Council

Councilman OBrien joined Council in 2012

at 22nd and Market caused a wall

the accident, the rail company

Council Questions Safety

Councilwoman Quiones-Snchez addresses hearing.

Council also passed Councilman OBriens

CSX train derailment over Schuylkill River prompted Council hearing.