WHEREAS, The 20th Century economy, dominated by traditional manufacturing, allowed industrial cities like Philadelphia to evolve as a 9 to 5 City; however, that is no longer the case in the present post-industrial knowledge economy dominated by informational technology and globalization; and
WHEREAS, As traditional working class job opportunities have declined with outsourcing and economic restructuring, innovation and entrepreneurship have become core economic development policies at the federal level to fuel continuous and sustainable growth; and
WHEREAS, Economic development initiatives and programs are emphasizing ideas, creativity, and innovation as a means to generate new business growth leading to robust job creation; and
WHEREAS, The workers in the creative/innovative economy are not restricted to operating within the hours of 9 to 5 pm due to the nature of their work and the widespread use of evolving technology; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia is endowed with many assets – cultural diversity, the arts, history, infrastructure, talent, and world class higher educational institutions - that can be leveraged to develop a section of the City devoted to the creative/innovative economy; and
WHEREAS, A planned and designed 24-hour section in the City can create a dynamic space for industry leaders, entrepreneurs, students, educators, scientists, and artists to incubate new ideas, technology and innovation while serving as a catalyst for attracting new employers to Philadelphia, retaining the City’s college graduates, and creating access to global opportunities for new products, services, and investments; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby authorizes Council’s Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy to hold Public Hearings to investigate the feasibility, benefits, and costs of establishing a 24-hour Arts and Innovation Section of the City of Philadelphia.
End