WHEREAS, Bill No. 120013 was approved by City Council on March 1, 2012, and called for the establishment of an Economic Opportunity Review Committee; and
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 120184 appointed a five (5) person committee entitled the “Economic Opportunity Review Committee” pursuant to §17-1607 of The Philadelphia Code; and
WHEREAS, Bill No. 250654 expanded the Economic Opportunity Review Committee to seven (7) members in total and the number of business community members from two (2) to four (4); and
WHEREAS, Asian American-owned businesses are one of the fastest-growing segments of Philadelphia’s local economy and contribute significantly to job creation, commercial corridor revitalization, and economic diversity across the City; and
WHEREAS, According to Visit Philadelphia, the Asian American population in the City is 8%, Asian American-owned businesses make up 11% of the City's small businesses. This demonstrates that the Asian American community contributes more than their share of the overall population; and
WHEREAS, The inclusion of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia would not only help fulfill the Committee’s mandate to represent the broader business community, but also align with the City's commitment to equity and inclusion; and
WHEREAS, The LGBTQ+ community is an essential part of the business economy in the City, LGBTQ+ businesses in Philadelphia are more than just enterprises, they are driving forces for culture, identity, and progress; and
WHEREAS,
The Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law found
that the LGBTQ+ population occupies 5.8% of Pennsylvania and 4.2% of the Greater Philadelphia region. Philadelphia is home to the Gayborhood, a recognized and celebrated area with several LGBTQ-owned or allied bars, cafés, boutiques, and bookstores; and
WHEREAS,
The inclusion of the Independence Business Alliance ensures a more inclusive and equitable Philadelphia where LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and residents can thrive authentically; and
WHEREAS, The experiences, challenges, and perspectives of Asian Americans and LGBTQ+ individuals should be included in the City’s economic review to ensure all communities are fairly represented in Philadelphia’s economic development; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Resolution 120184 is hereby amended and restated as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council hereby appoints the following members to the Economic Opportunity Review Committee to review the implementation and effectiveness of Chapter 17-1600 of The Philadelphia Code entitled, “Economic Opportunity Plans” and to make recommendations to Council regarding the adoption of resolutions calling for debarment of certain contractors and recipients of City financial assistance under §17-1606:
(1) A representative from the Office of Economic Opportunity;
(2) A representative from the African American Chamber of Commerce;
(3) A representative from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce;
(4) A representative from AFSCME District Council 33;
(5) A representative from the AFSCME District Council 47; [and]
(6) A representative from the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia;
(7) A representative from the Independence Business Alliance; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, That in the event that any named organization shall decline to name a representative, be unable to do so, or ceases to exist, the City Council shall through resolution designate a successor organization of generally similar character, which shall thereupon be entitled to select a member for appointment to the Committee.
----------------------
Explanation:
[Brackets] indicate matter to be deleted.
Italics
indicate new matter added.
End