Authorizing the creation of the Philadelphia Fashion and Garment Industry Task Force.

WHEREAS, The fashion and garment industry is a booming market with a global valuation of over two trillion dollars annually according to Forbes; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia was the apparel and textile capitol of the world at the turn of the 20th century; and

WHEREAS, According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Philadelphia’s employment in the garment industry declined more than 50 percent in the mid 1980’s; and

WHEREAS, Since its decline, New York City and Los Angeles have traditionally headquartered America’s fashion and garment industry but shifting trends may present opportunities for cities like Philadelphia to attract and revive the City’s fashion and garment industry; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia is one of the largest cities in the nation and it provides many of the same benefits of New York City - an international airport, vibrant consumer base, esteemed colleges and a strong workforce - with a lower cost of living and friendlier tax structure; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia already has established roots in the fashion industry on which to build. Some of the most famous super models, including Grace Kelly and Gia Carangi, are from Philadelphia and many of the City’s models and designers have been featured on hit television shows such as America's Next Top Model and Project Runway; and

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Fashion Week attracts over 10,000 industry leaders and consumers to the City. Embarking on its 14th year, the event is a regional leader, and a window into Philadelphia’s great potential within the fashion and garment industry; and

WHEREAS, As discussed in the public hearing held by Council’s Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy on February 19, 2020, fashion industry executives and leaders created an advisory body/task force to explore ways the City can further support the growth of the fashion and garment industry; and

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Fashion and Garment Industry Task Force will collectively work to sustain existing business, incentivize new investment, and expand educational and career opportunities within the fashion and garment industry in Philadelphia; now, therefore, be it

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY RESOLVES:

SECTION 1. Creation of the Philadelphia Fashion and Garment Industry Task Force. The Philadelphia Fashion and Garment Industry Task Force (hereafter referred to as “the Task Force”) is hereby created as a Council advisory body.

SECTION 2. Composition of the Task Force. The Task Force shall be composed of fifteen (15) members confirmed by Council by resolution. Members of the Task Force come a from a variety of areas of expertise within the fashion and garment industry, including but not limited to: fashion design, retail, manufacturing, marketing, sales, entrepreneurship, business development, and academia. The Task Force shall appoint one its members to serve as the Chair of the Task Force.

SECTION 3. Function of the Task Force. The Task Force shall consider the history of the fashion and garment industry in Philadelphia, evaluate the current state of the fashion and garment industry in Philadelphia, and develop a strategic plan for the re-establishment of Philadelphia as a competitive destination for fashion and apparel.

SECTION 4. Meetings of the Task Force. The Task Force shall be convened within 45 days of its creation and shall meet at such times as a majority of its members deem necessary and appropriate.

SECTION 5. Report of the Task Force. Within one year of its first meeting, The Task Force shall prepare and distribute to the Mayor, all Members of City Council, and any interested members of the public a report of its findings and its strategic plan.

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