Philadelphia City Council, January 25
January 25, 2024
On Thursday, January 25, 2024, newly elected Council President Johnson gaveled in to begin a new term of the Philadelphia City Council. It has been over a decade since the Council elected a new President to lead the prestigious body. Council President Johnson has committed his presidency to address gun violence, improving the City's business climate, promoting solutions to housing insecurity, and to increase the performance of our public schools. The Council also welcomes a new leadership team with the following members: Councilmember At-Large, Katherine Gilmore Richardson serving as Majority Leader; Councilmember At-Large, Isaiah Thomas serving as Majority Whip; and 8th District Councilmember, Cindy Bass serving as Deputy Majority Whip.
Highlight of Introductions:
Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson introduced an ordinance requiring security cameras for parking areas connected to chain retail stores. For example, this would apply to Target or CVS.
Councilmember Lozada introduced a package of bills that seeks to curtail and track issues of the ongoing drug crisis in Kensington.
The first bill seeks to regulate the hours of operation for certain business establishments in an area bounded by East Leigh Avenue, Kensington Avenue, D Street, East Tioga Street, and Frankford Avenue. The bill specifically cites take-out restaurants, convenience stores, and certain food establishments; and further prohibits its operation between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The second bill, if passed, would require the Managing Directors Office (MDO) to submit a report(s) to the Council tracking the number and location of First Responders’ operation of opioid treatment, such as NARCAN.
The third bill would require the MDO to also submit to the Council a report(s) concerning camping activities carried out in violation of the Philadelphia Code and the City's efforts to address such activities.
Councilmembers Brooks and O'Rourke introduced the Angel Davis Eviction Accountability Bill. The legislation, if passed, would amend Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," by providing for the licensing of persons responsible for performing tenant evictions at residential properties. The bill would require:
"A deputized contractor(s) to obtain a license from the City by paying a $500 fee and completing an 189-hour basic training course with an emphasis on use-of-force course requirements for sworn law enforcement officials who typically conduct evictions."
The legislation is in response to a shooting last Spring, where Philadelphia resident, Angela Davis was shot in the head by a landlord tenant-officer attempting to evict her from her apartment. Despite the Sheriff's right to perform evictions, many landlords use deputy landlord-tenant officers ("LTO") to enforce evictions.
Councilmember Driscoll introduced an ordinance reauthorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development ("PAID").
Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson on behalf of Council President Johnson introduced a resolution recognizing January 22-26, 2024, as National Gun Violence Survivors Week, in honor of survivors of gun violence and the lifelong burdens they carry.
Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson introduced a resolution authorizing the Committee on Finance to investigate the operations and significant overspending of the Office of Homeless Services under the previous administration, as well as the quality of services provided in the homeless services system.
Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson introduced a resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings concerning the practice of "leveling" and its impact on students and teachers in the School District of Philadelphia, especially following the learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson on behalf of Council President Johnson introduced a resolution confirming the appointment of Adam N. Geer as the Chief Public Safety Director.
Councilmember Gauthier introduced a resolution authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to conduct a hearing on the City of Philadelphia's capacity to prepare individuals of all educational backgrounds for careers in the growing life sciences industry, with a focus on the cell and gene therapy subsector.
Councilmember Gauthier on behalf of Council President Johnson introduced a resolution approving the 2023-2024 Neighborhood Preservation Initiative Program Statement and Budget, which addresses the expenditure of $150 million by various agencies in the third year of the Neighborhood Preservation Initiative Program.
Councilmember Thomas introduced a resolution authorizing the Committee on Streets and Services to hold hearings to investigate the rise in moving violations and traffic deaths since 2020 and explore solutions to create a safer Philadelphia for people walking, cycling and driving.
Councilmember Jones introduced a resolution honoring Jerry Jordan, President of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, on the occasion of his retirement.
Councilmember Jones introduced a resolution calling on the leadership of the City of Philadelphia to implement the over 140 recommendations and next steps found in the Blueprint for a Safer Philadelphia, such as expanding the safe school corridor program, ensuring witness relocation, creating a "helping hand" release program, examining firearm restrictions, reducing retail theft, examining drones, increasing the closure rate of homicides, supporting Philadelphia's youth, and instituting "The Promise Initiative."
Councilmember Landau introduced a resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on Technology and Information Services to hold hearings examining data to most effectively implement place-based strategies and appropriate technologies to reduce violence through the targeted investment of resources, services, and environmental improvements.
Councilmember Young introduced a resolution authorizing the Council Committee on Commerce & Economic Development to hold hearings regarding the Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act of Pennsylvania.