WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia would like to officially recognize, honor, and congratulate Saleem Chapman on his appointment as Director of the Office of Sustainability; and
WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Office of Sustainability serves its community with a mission to improve the quality of life for residents by reducing the City’s carbon emissions, making food and drinking water accessible, and ensuring clean air both indoors and outdoors; and
WHEREAS, Serving as the Deputy Director of the Office of Sustainability for over three years, Saleem aided in the creation and implementation of the City’s Greenworks program, a comprehensive framework for the City’s sustainability; and
WHEREAS, Appointed in 2021 as the City’s first Chief Resilience Officer, Saleem led the development of the City’s first Environmental Justice Advisory Commission. The Commission is focused on ensuring equitable engagement with Philadelphia government across communities by providing resident-led recommendations to the Mayor, City Council and Office of Sustainability to study, report on and address environmental justice issues in neighborhoods of Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Saleem also helped guide and shape the City’s Beat the Heat program to address Philadelphia's most heat vulnerable neighborhoods through community-guided decision making. This program allows residents to have a voice and share their experiences in what they think will be most effective at reducing the effects of extreme heat and climate change in their neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, Saleem has worked closely with intergovernmental partners, the business community, and neighborhood residents in seeking to find a long-term solution to the ongoing and chronic environmental justice issues in the Eastwick neighborhood. His dedication, determination, and commitment to resident-focused solutions has fundamentally changed the conversation and created a new model for community engagement; and
WHEREAS, With an extensive background in in urban policy analysis, environmental justice, and sustainable economic development, and more than a decade of experience in the climate and environmental justice space, Saleem is an exceptional selection for Philadelphia’s next Sustainability Director. His vision and dedication to the City and its residents will allow Philadelphia to continue to distinguish itself as a leader in climate action; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, That we hereby recognize, honor, and congratulate Saleem Chapman on his appointment as Director of the Office of Sustainability.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Saleem Chapman as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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