This was my first foray into covering Philadelphia politics, Philadelphia politicians, and most definitely, Philadelphia City Council. Walking through the entrance, the excitement and positive energy were evident all around, from the guard who put my bag through the metal detector to everyone I met thereafter.
From the moment I walked into the Caucus room, which is basically the place everyone gathered before heading to the Council Chamber to begin the session, I noticed it was organized and calm. Caucus is where council members present bills and resolutions that they plan to introduce in council that day. Basically, it’s where they set the tone for the day’s council meeting. Caucus meetings had been prohibited since before the pandemic.
Immediately following the Caucus, we moved to Council Chambers. Once everyone was situated, Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson struck the gavel to open the session of Philadelphia City Council, ushering in a historic new era in city politics. The new president welcomed four new members and thirteen returning members, vowing to bring back traditions eliminated during the pandemic. From the prompt start and sense of order in the chamber, I’d say Council President Johnson is off to a fantastic start, and he appears to be in sync with Mayor Cherelle Parker’s vision for the city.
Council members appeared to be prepared and geared up to tackle the problems facing the City of Philadelphia. New and returning council members introduced a total of almost 50 bills and resolutions, many approving the hires of Mayor Cherelle Parker. While, others focused on homelessness, blighted properties, and other maladies that ail the city.
Here are some of the bills and resolutions that were presented on January 25.
Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson wants more oversight in the Office of Homeless Services, considering questions regarding its finances, introducing legislation to initiate hearings about its spending, and creating a new Ombudsman to oversee that office.
“I was extremely appalled to see that the Office of Homeless Services claim that they can no longer provide services to residents who need immediate shelter,” said Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson. I am even more disappointed to see that some people think this is connected to City Council not providing 5 million in the current year’s spending. After years of questionable management of funds and providing poor customer service, despite significant increases in funding from City Council, it is time to ensure unhoused constituents have an advocate working directly for them.”
City Council will take up the Mayor’s agenda and the proposal to build a new 76ers arena in Chinatown. The 76ers delayed its self-imposed deadline in 2023. It’s very likely that it will be brought before legislators before the June recess. Councilmember Mark Squilla, whose district includes the proposed site, has promised to give the community 30 days (about four and a half weeks) to review the legislation–though he has said he doesn’t expect drafts of the legislation until after the city completes its impact study, which has been delayed and is expected soon.
Councilmember Nina Ahmad introduced a resolution declaring the month of January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month. “This is a particular area of concern for me as a mother, particularly the mother of two daughters,” said Councilmember Ahmad. “As great of a human rights violation as human trafficking is, it generates billions of dollars globally through highly exploitive means and contributes to extensive levels of often permanent mental, physical, and emotional trauma for victims. Yet, it’s mindboggling to me that, here in Philadelphia, we don’t have the necessary tools to track these cases more efficiently.”
Council has approved hearings on a state law that allows nonprofits to address blight in their communities. Act 135 permits control of blighted properties or the sale of them. Councilmember Jeff Young said, “Although it is well-intentioned, in practice, this law has become predatory and strips equity away from disadvantaged communities.
Compelling testimony was presented in support of holding hearings on Act 135 by Linsey Franklin, who alleges that the Fishtown Business Improvement District (BID) improperly took control of her grandparents’ home, which was occupied by her aunt. When her aunt was temporarily moved to rehab, it invoked Act 135 and sought a court-ordered conservator for the property.
I was thoroughly impressed that the Council session started on time and was organized. Given today’s climate, there was a definite sense of order and decorum. There didn’t appear to be an unpleasant face in the room, which was crowded, with many standing against the wall. The atmosphere was one of absolute positivity. It looks like Philly has a strong, cohesive group of council members advocating on our behalf. I’ll be keeping my eyes open for positive changes and improvements.
An important observation. It would be wise for everyone to be patient when it comes to expecting the city’s issues to be solved overnight. In November, the people of Philadelphia overwhelmingly voted for change. Now, I hope for patience so we can allow the change to work. After being in that room on Thursday, I can see hope on the horizon.
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