Authorizing the Legislative Oversight Committee to hold public hearings to analyze the impact of Bill No. 130457 on the diversity of corporate board seats throughout the City of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, Bill No. 130457, known as the “Women on Boards” bill was signed by Mayor Nutter on September 6th, 2013; and

WHEREAS, The Women on Boards bill amended

Chapter 17-104 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Prerequisites to the Execution of City Contracts," by requiring contractors seeking to do business with the City to disclose certain demographic information including gender, race and geographic data of those serving as board members; and

WHEREAS, In 2017, women continue to earn 79 cents for each dollar earned by their male counterparts; and

WHEREAS, In 1976 women occupied approximately 5 percent of Fortune 500 board seats; and

WHEREAS, Despite representing 52.8 percent of the City population, women occupy only 11 percent of corporate board seats in Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Women of color represent less than one percent; and

WHEREAS, In 2015, Philadelphia voters seized the opportunity to make a change by establishing a permanent Commission for Women in City government; and

WHEREAS, The Commission for Women now offers women and girls a permanent seat at the table; and

WHEREAS, As former First Lady Michelle Obama stated “no country can every truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of the contributions of half its citizens”; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby authorize the Legislative Oversight Committee to conduct public hearings to analyze the impact of Bill No. 130457 on the diversity of corporate board seat throughout the City of Philadelphia.

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