Authorizing City Council's Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings regarding economic opportunity and diversity participation at the Philadelphia International Airport and the Navy Yard.

WHEREAS, According to the U.S. Census, Philadelphia’s population includes 54.5 percent minorities and 53.5 percent women; and

WHEREAS, It is crucial that these populations have equal access to the employment and business certification opportunities that are available in the City; and

WHEREAS, According to the City’s Office of Economic Opportunity, there have been slight increases in minority and women-owned businesses, yet no increases in disabled-owned businesses; and

WHEREAS, City Council has held hearings to discuss the possible expansion of Southport within the Navy Yard pursuant to Resolution No. 150386 on June 16th, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Potential expansions at the Philadelphia International Airport and the Navy Yard represent valuable opportunities for underrepresented populations in the City; and

WHEREAS, According to a report by

Philadelphia2035

, only five percent of Philadelphia employment is available in the Metropolitan Subcenter of Philadelphia. This includes the Philadelphia International Airport, the Navy Yard and the Sports Complex Center; and

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia International Airport annually generates over $14.4 billion into the local economy, employs over 141,000 employees and is linked with over two hundred businesses; and

WHEREAS, The Navy Yard is home to over 145 companies, over 11,500 employees and more than 7.0 million square feet of office, industrial/ manufacturing, and research and development spaces. Moreover, 70 percent of the of the companies at the Navy Yard are new to Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Economic and developmental expansion should be done in a way that will benefit the underrepresented populations in Philadelphia; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby authorizes the Philadelphia City Council Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings regarding economic opportunity and diversity participation at the Philadelphia International Airport and the Navy Yard.

End