Philadelphia City Council, April 11, 2024

Written By Steven Chintaman

At today's session of the City Council, members voiced their concerns, frustration, and pain regarding the mass shooting at Clara Muhammad Square on Wednesday, April 10th during an Eid al-Fitr event. Councilmember Gauthier issued a statement immediately after the shooting by stating: 

"It is heartbreaking that thousands of my constituents were traumatized during what was supposed to be a holy and joyful day...No one should fear for their life at their place of worship...I will reiterate that the best way to prevent mass shootings like this one is to enact common sense gun safety measures that will stem the flow of guns into our neighborhoods. Harrisburg and Congress must act."

Mayor Parker also addressed the shooting at her "100 Days in Office" press conference by stating: "We know we just can’t police our way out of them...adding my public safety plans provide a holistic approach to crime prevention and enforcement." The Mayor also reflected on her clean and green vision for Philadelphia, while also addressing her commitment to significant investments in public safety and "lawlessness" in marginalized neighborhoods, including Kensington. 

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Highlight of Introductions:

  • Councilmember Jones introduced an ordinance that will amend Chapter 10-2200 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Hate Crimes," to expand the scope of qualifying crimes, under certain terms and conditions. 

  • Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson introduced a resolution calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to adopt the Solar for Schools Act (House Bill 1032) and thanking Representative Fiedler for her commitment to reducing the energy costs of public schools, expanding renewable energy production, and creating family-sustaining jobs for Pennsylvanians.

  • Councilmember Gauthier introduced a resolution authorizing the Joint Committees on Housing, Neighborhood Development, and the Homeless and Public Property and Public Works to hold hearings on the ten-year performance of the Philadelphia Land Bank; what barriers exist to effective application review, process efficiency, and transparent communication; and how these can be solved to maximize this unique opportunity to create genuinely affordable housing and community-stewarded green spaces for neighborhoods that need them the most.

  • Councilmember Lozada introduced a resolution authorizing the establishment of a "Special Committee on Kensington '' to analyze and examine the effectiveness of current policies to further develop data driven solutions and restore stability in the Kensington area.

  • Councilmember Harrity on behalf of Council President Johnson introduced a resolution expressing Council's support for food service workers at the Philadelphia Sports Complex and urging Aramark to negotiate fair and equitable contracts that provide these workers with a standard minimum wage and healthcare coverage.

  • Councilmember Ahmad introduced a resolution urging the United States government to take immediate action to protect and enshrine reproductive rights and ensure abortion access for all birthing people.

Highlight of Final Passage: 

  • Bill 240015 introduced by Councilmember Lozada: Adding a new Chapter 6-1600 to The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Reports on Opioid Antidote Use," to require certain reports from the Office of the Managing Director to Council concerning the City's use of opioid antidote.

  • Bill 240017 introduced by Councilmember Lozada: Adding a new Chapter 6-1600 to The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Reports on Opioid Antidote Use," to require certain reports from the Office of the Managing Director to Council concerning the City's use of opioid antidote.

  • Bill 240020-A introduced by Councilmember Bass: Amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," all under certain terms and conditions. 

    • The bill would require leaders of registered community organizations (RCOs) to live in the neighborhood they represent. This bill will only apply to the 8th councilmanic district. 

Upcoming Committee Meetings: 

  • The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs will be meeting on Thursday, April 18th at 1pm to hear testimony on Resolution 240003. 

  • Budget Hearings: 

    • Monday, April 15, 2024 @ 10am: 

      • Department of Public Health

      • Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities

      • Office of Homeless Services

      • Planning & Development

      • Register of Wills

    • Tuesday, April 16, 2024 @ 10am: 

      • Managing Director’s Office (including Office of Public Safety)

      • Defender's Association

      • District Attorney

      • Law

    • Wednesday, April 17, 2024 @ 10am: 

      • City Controller

      • FJD

      • Sheriff

      • Citizens Police Oversight

Steven Chintaman
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