MAYOR MICHAEL A. NUTTER UNVEILS CITY OF PHILADELPHIA’S NEW SIGNATURE BRAND AT PHILADELPHIA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU’S ANNUAL LUNCHEON

Convention Center Expansion Celebrated; 15 Bring It Home Champions Honored; International Tourism Growth Continues

PHILADELPHIA…November 25, 2009… Today, during the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PCVB) Annual Luncheon at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Mayor Michael A. Nutter unveiled the City of Philadelphia’s new brand – “Life Liberty And You” before the largest gathering of Philadelphia’s hospitality industry. For the 1,000 hospitality industry leaders and press it was an opportunity to celebrate the core values Philadelphia was built on, successes of the past year, and future developments underway, particularly expansion of the Pennsylvania Convention Center opening in March 2011.

“Our new signature brand ‘Life, Liberty And You’ builds on the core values of the City and a timeless brand promise, rediscovered in the roots of Philadelphia’s City seal and the internationally known City icon – the Liberty Bell,” said Mayor Nutter. “We ask everyone who lives, works or visits Philadelphia to be our brand ambassadors and help establish Philadelphia as a customer-friendly place where anything is possible.”

The new signature brand was developed as a result of research done of best practices in other cities and at the State level. This led to an assessment of the City’s many communications vehicles, and ultimately a need to establish a unified voice for all Philadelphia departments and projects. The Office of the City Representative, working with the 65-person pro-bono Philadelphia Executive Marketing Council, undertook this extensive project that has been developed over the last 12 months. The Philadelphia-based Star Group donated their creative services, and the PCVB donated services to finalize a style guide that clearly outlines how the new brand will be implemented both internally and externally. The signature brand, designed to transcend administrations, will roll out organically through partnerships and existing communications vehicles, so as not to cost the City any unnecessary dollars to implement. In fact, the entire project was completed at no cost to the City.

In addition, the PCVB Annual Luncheon featured remarks by Governor Edward G. Rendell, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. PCVB Chairman Nicholas DeBenedictis reviewed highlights of 2009 and announced the 2010 PCVB Executive Committee, and PCVB President Tom Muldoon talked about what to expect in the coming year.

“The continued support and partnership of the Philadelphia community this year has put Philadelphia ahead of the curve nationally,” said DeBenedictis. “This has definitely been a challenging year across the world. However, by working together in a strategic fashion, Philadelphia is showing it can come out on top as we saw recently with high attendance at major conventions here and continued international growth in 2009.”

Among the highlights of 2009:
Expecting to end the year with a 68 percent hotel occupancy rate. While four percent lower than 2008, Philadelphia is bucking national trends. Conventions, meetings, international and domestic tourism, and events, such as Welcome America! and the Philadelphia Marathon, all contributed to this success.
Philadelphia is ending the year on a high note with conventions. The American College of Rheumatology, Infectious Disease Society of America, and the American Public Health Association each met or exceeded attendance numbers.
The Army/Navy Game presented by USAA and the Modern Language Association convention, each to be held in Philadelphia in December, will close the year out. This year, the City also secured the winning bid to bring back the Army/Navy Game in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2017.
Through August, Philadelphia showed the second-highest growing number of international arrivals at the airport; 8% growth year-to-date, only Orlando is higher.

Looking ahead to 2010, highlights include:
The Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) will continue to reach new heights with its current expansion project; the only major convention center expansion project in the nation. When completed in March 2011, the Convention Center will grow by 60 percent, allowing for new major tradeshows or two conventions to be held simultaneously. A second entrance will result in the development of North Broad Street and the Convention Center District, featuring the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA) and a new Cherry Street Plaza connection to Museum Row on the Parkway.
The PCVB, in collaboration with the PCCA, is unveiling a new marketing campaign for Philadelphia’s convention market in December. “Philadelphia: The Complete Package” was created by meeting planners for meeting planners. It is every meeting planner’s dream – the best meeting destination, with the best service, all wrapped up in one package.
Philadelphia is one of 27 U.S. cities vying to bring the FIFA World Cup back to the United States in 2018 or 2022. Everyone in the Philadelphia region is encouraged to sign a petition to support Philadelphia’s bid at www.GOUSABID.com/city, then select Philadelphia.
The American Bus Association (ABA), which is having its annual convention in Philadelphia in 2011, announced the Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress’ Global Fusion Festival was selected as one of ABA’s 2010 Top 100 Events for Groups.

Also at the luncheon, the PCVB honored its 2009 Bring It Home Champions, each receiving a coveted Rocky statue. These 15 individuals brought a lead to the PCVB that resulted in booking a convention in 2009. As a result of the PCVB’s Bring It Home campaign, along with the Serious Value for Serious Times campaign, the PCVB generated $5 million in business with just a $130,000 investment in 2009.

Those honored with 2009 Bring It Home statues were: Pastor Tokumbo Adelekan, Mt. Olivet Tabernacle Baptist Church; Christine Duffy, Maritz Travel Company; Mayor Nutter and Bob Ballentine, Fraternal Order of Police Pennsylvania State Lodge; Suzanne Boda, US Airways; Susan Robinson, Moss Rehabilitation Hospital; Pastor James Moore, Pennsylvania Baptist; Rebecca Neuburger and Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, Police Executive Research Forum; Jenn Ross, Professional Convention Management Association; Hilary Cummings, Radian Group Inc., Warren Montague, Conference of Minority Transportation Officials; Janice Sykes-Ross, Church of Pentecost; Ahmeenah Young, Rev. Dr. Steve Avinger Sr. and Pastor Deleconte, Progressive National Baptist; and Mickey Flynn, Auxilium Pharmaceutical.

MAYOR NUTTER AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE SECRETARY LOCKE TO DISCUSS ROOTS OF UNITED STATES CENSUS

WHO: Mayor Michael A. Nutter
U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke
Deputy Director U.S. Census Bureau Thomas Mesenbourg
National Constitution Center President and CEO David Eisner
“Philly Counts” Honorary Co-Chairs, elected officials, community leaders

WHAT: Mayor Nutter, U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke and U.S. Census Bureau Deputy Director Mesenbourg will discuss the importance of the U.S. Census and urge Philadelphians to participate and be counted.

WHERE: National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Kirby Auditorium

WHEN: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 11:00am

MAYOR NUTTER ANNOUNCES $30 MILLION IN RECOVERY ACT WEATHERIZATION FUNDING FOR PHILADELPHIA

New funding will create jobs and achieve energy bill savings for thousands of low-income Philadelphia households

PHILADELPHIA, November 23, 2009 — Mayor Michael A. Nutter visited a home in North Philadelphia today to announce that Philadelphia has been awarded almost $30 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program, an investment that will create jobs, cut energy bills, and lower energy use for individuals and families across the city. The total amount of additional funding for weatherization coming to Philadelphia is $29.8 million, with $15.9 million allocated to the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation, a City agency, and $13.9 million allocated to the Energy Coordinating Agency, a non-governmental organization.

“This is yet another example of how we’re using the Recovery Act funding to create jobs, grow our green economy, and achieve real and lasting improvements in the lives of Philadelphians,” said Mayor Nutter. “With this money we are replacing windows and doors, insulating roofs, upgrading heating systems and much more. These improvements are generating hundreds of dollars in annual energy cost savings for those Philadelphians who need it the most and are helping us achieve our Greenworks goal of becoming the number one green city in the United States.”

“Energy efficiency and weatherization have been ECA’s business for over two decades now and this additional investment will provide a fantastic boost to our efforts,” said Liz Robinson, Executive Director of the Energy Coordinating Agency. “We are especially excited by the boost to our training programs that this new investment will provide, enabling us to train additional people, and get more Philadelphians to work in the green economy.”

This funding flows to Philadelphia through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and DCED Secretary George Cornelius praised the progress that has been made by the City of Philadelphia.

“Philadelphia has been second to none in gearing up for the enormous growth of weatherization funds from the federal recovery act,” said Secretary George Cornelius. “Over many months, there have been preparations to open a training center, to forge partnerships with utilities, and to make sure this unprecedented chance to create jobs and economic opportunity in the community gets done in the best possible way. We’re looking forward to the next several years because these funds will help families save money, conserve energy and help put people to work.”

The additional investment in the Weatherization Assistance Program through the ARRA will roughly double the total number of homes in Philadelphia served on an annual basis. With this new funding the PHDC and the ECA will be able to serve approximately 4,000 homes this year, compared to approximately 2,000 homes served last year. At the same time the ARRA will vastly increase the amount of money that can be spent per home from $2,500 to $6,500 allowing much more work to be done in each property. It is expected that improvements made to these properties will result in energy savings for the homeowner of 30-40% in the first year. Eligible homeowners must be high energy users whose incomes are below 200% of the federal poverty level, so the funding is targeted at the lowest income Philadelphians.

The ECA expects to train at least 200 weatherization workers in the next year, a ten fold increase, and the PHDC has contracted with 25 additional contractors creating approximately 75 additional weatherization jobs. Approximately 50% of these contracts have gone to minority and women owned enterprises. All contractors were chosen through an open and transparent, public RFP process, heavily publicized through ethnic media publications.

The announcement took place in North Philadelphia, at 6th and Diamond, outside the home of Ms. Juanita Miller. Ms. Miller called the PHDC hotline (details below) to see if her property was eligible for energy efficiency improvements through the Weatherization Assistance Program. After being approved, an energy audit of her property was conducted and she was assigned a contractor. Over recent days a number of improvements to her home have been made – including pipe replacements, heater tuning, insulation of water pipes, caulking, and window replacements – all of which will result in lower energy bills for Ms. Miller and a reduced energy use for her property.

Clients whose properties are weatherized also receive energy efficiency education at each step of the process and as well as receiving improvements to their home, they also receive a caulk gun, radiator key, and information on how they can continue to reduce their energy use.

Mayor Nutter was joined at the announcement by Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) who, as Chair of the Congressional Urban Caucus, has long advocated for energy efficiency block grants, weatherization programs and other applications of federal resources for energy conservation in our urban areas.

“Weatherization works and weatherization dollars work in lots of different ways,” said Congressman Fattah. “As homeowners across Philadelphia will find out, these types of improvements will keep their homes warm, lower energy costs as well as providing federal stimulus funds to create jobs.”

The press conference took place in the Fifth Council District represented by Councilman Darrell Clarke:

“This is a success story for the Federal Recovery Act. Resources will be going to citizens with the most need for weatherization and job opportunities will be created for a substantial number of people, all while enhancing the City’s ability to become energy efficient.”

Also present was state Senator Shirley M. Kitchen who represents the Third Senatorial District in Philadelphia.

“Every winter, we hear the same stories about individuals and families who can’t afford to pay their heating bills. Many of these simply don’t earn enough income to account for the inevitable rise in heating bills,” said state Senator Shirley M. Kitchen. “This year, we have more people out of work because of the recession, and this stimulus funding specifies a crucial need to help people stay warm. It’s a critical investment that will help so many residents protect their houses from the cold and increasing heating costs this winter and for future winters. Especially for next year, when the PECO electric rate caps are scheduled to come off.”

State regulations require PHDC and ECA to first serve eligible residents (those below 200% of the federal poverty level) who appear on a list of previously identified high-energy users to ensure that the program achieves maximum energy savings. When all residents on that list have had the opportunity to receive service, PHDC and ECA will serve clients who sought weatherization through the agencies’ standard intake process.

Homeowners wishing to find out whether they are eligible for weatherization assistance should call the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation Weatherization Assistance Program Hotline on 215-448-2160 (Mon-Thurs) or contact your local Neighborhood Energy Center, details to be found through the Energy Coordinating Agency: www.ecasavesenergy.org/nec.html.

MAYOR NUTTER, ELECTED OFFICIALS, ECA TO ANNOUNCE MAJOR RECOVERY ACT INVESTMENT IN WEATHERIZATION

Following the press conference the weatherization of a home will be completed

WHO:Mayor Michael A. Nutter
Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA)
Councilman Darrell Clarke
State Senator Shirley M. Kitchen
Craig Heim, Executive Director for Energy Conservation and Weatherization, Commonwealth of PA
Anthony McIntosh, Executive Vice President, Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation
Liz Robinson, Executive Director, Energy Coordinating Agency
Alan Greenberger, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development

WHAT:Mayor Nutter will be joined by federal, state and local elected officials to announce a major investment in Philadelphia through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The announcement will take place outside the home of a resident whose house has been weatherized through the Weatherization Assistance Program. During the press conference the final window of the property will be replaced, completing the weatherization of this property.

This investment will create jobs, business opportunities, and increase the energy efficiency of low income households, reducing both energy usage and the energy bills of Philadelphians.

WHERE:632 W Diamond Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122

WHEN:Monday November 23, 2009 10:00 am

MAYOR NUTTER ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF NEW LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS DIRECTOR

PHILADELPHIA, November 18, 2009 — Today Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced the appointment of Lewis Rosman as Legislative Affairs Director. Mr. Rosman is a Senior Attorney in the Appeals and Legislation Unit of the City of Philadelphia Law Department, where he has worked since July 2000.

“Lewis is a well-respected legal expert and brings a great deal of experience and knowledge of city government to this position,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “He is well-known to City Council and has worked closely with the legislative branch of government on a wide range of issues for a number of years. He is a very valuable addition to our team.”

Lewis is a 1993 graduate from the University of Virginia School of Law (Order of the Coif) and has a B.A. degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Oberlin College. He clerked for the Honorable Jan E. BuBois, United State District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Before coming to the City, he was a litigation and regulatory attorney at the law firms of Covington & Burling in Washington, D.C., and the Philadelphia office of Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott (formerly Connolly, Epstein, Chicco, Foxman Oxholm & Ewing).

Lewis grew up in Center City and attended Philadelphia public schools. He is on the Board of Managers of the Associated Alumni of Central High School. He is married to attorney Karen R. Guss and they live with their two children, Josie and Spencer, in Center City.

Mr. Rosman succeeds Ms. Julia Chapman who has served as Legislative Affairs Director since January 2008. His appointment is effective November 30, 2009.

RECOVERY ACT CREATIVE INDUSTRY WORKFORCE GRANTS ANNOUNCED

PHILADELPHIA, November 17, 2009 — The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, in partnership with the Department of Commerce announces a new grant program to support job creation in Philadelphia’s creative sector.  Grants will be available to nonprofit and for profit creative businesses for facility projects linked to job creation such as renovated office space, mixed-use facilities, artist workspace and creative industry incubators.  The total funding allocated for the program is $500,000, funded from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

“We are thrilled about this program – the first of its kind in Philadelphia – a true collaboration between city departments that exemplifies just how important the creative sector is to the economy and the future of Philadelphia,” said Gary Steuer, Chief Cultural Officer.

This grant program is a part of the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy’s larger strategy to nurture and develop this sector by providing specific programs and resources to the creative economy.  Serving a fast developing business sector and significant economic engine, this grant program also intersects with the Commerce Department’s business services, neighborhood development, business attraction and job creation efforts.

The City expects to make approximately ten grants in the range of $20,000 -$100,000. The grants will support the development of facility projects linked to job creation; including permanent jobs, as well as temporary construction, installation, architectural and engineering jobs.

Applicants must demonstrate that their project can start within three months from the award date. The project must also meet federal CDBG eligibility; i.e. located in a low/mod income neighborhood, serving a low/mod income customer or creating low/mod income jobs. Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, community development corporations, for-profit creative businesses, microenterprises, and other businesses with projects that meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the RFP.

Interested parties should attend the public meeting scheduled for November 23, 2009 from 3pm to 5pm in the Mayor’s Reception Room, City Hall Room 202.

To apply and view the RFP please visit https://ework.phila.gov/econtractphilly/.  Applications are due December 18, 2009.

MAYOR NUTTER ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION OF LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR

PHILADELPHIA, November 13, 2009 — Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced today that he has accepted the resignation of Ms. Julia Chapman, Director of Legislative Affairs for the Office of the Mayor, effective immediately.  Ms. Chapman has served in this position since Mayor Nutter took office in January 2008.

“I have worked side-by-side with Julia for the vast majority of my political career and her advice and support over these years has been invaluable to me personally, and to the City of Philadelphia,” said Mayor Nutter.  “Julia’s hard work, intellect and support have been critical to any legislative success I’ve experienced for more than a decade.  Though I am sad that I will no longer be working with Julia on a day-to-day basis I certainly wish her every success in her future endeavors and thank her for the many years of public service that she has given.  I and all Philadelphians owe Julia Chapman a debt of gratitude.”

Julia Chapman has over twenty years in public service.  Prior to her appointment as Director of Legislative Affairs, Ms. Chapman worked for Mayor Nutter when he was a member of Philadelphia City Council, serving as his Chief of Staff for eleven years.  She also worked for State Representative Dwight Evans in the capacity as Legal Counsel to the House Appropriations Democratic Committee.  In addition, Ms. Chapman worked for former Mayor Wilson Goode, Sr. in the Office of Policy & Legislative Affairs.  Ms. Chapman is an attorney and her first job was as an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.  She is a graduate of Rutgers University School of Law in Camden, NJ and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Economics at the University of Illinois.

An announcement regarding a successor for Ms. Chapman will be made in the very near future.

“I am confident that under the stewardship of Tumar Alexander and Stephanie Marsh the duties of the Legislative Affairs Office will continue to be performed effectively until a full-time director is put in place,” said Julia Chapman.

PHILADELPHIA MOBILE COMMAND POST ACTIVATED: PENN COACH YARD BOILER HOUSE CHIMNEY IMPLOSION HEALTH COMMISSIONER ISSUES IMPLOSION ADVISORY

Deputy Managing Director for Emergency Management MaryAnn Tierney reports that the Philadelphia Mobile Command Post will activate at 6:30 a.m. today to coordinate City services related to Amtrak’s implosion of the Penn Coach Yard Boiler House Chimney Implosion. Representatives from the following agencies will be represented in or coordinate services through the Mobile Command Post: Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments, Risk Management, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Office of Emergency Management, Amtrak, SEPTA, Pennsylvania State Police, Philadelphia Gas Works, and the Cira Center.

Health Commissioner Donald F. Schwarz advises residents to protect themselves from possible harm during this morning’s implosion of the Penn Coach Yard Boiler House Chimney, located adjacent to the Northwest part of 30th Street Station.  The implosion is scheduled to take place at 7:45 AM.

Commissioner Schwarz said, “Watching an implosion can be hazardous. The implosion will create a significant amount of dust that may be carried by air currents over long distances. While the dust is nontoxic, it can cause respiratory irritation in anyone and other more serious health effects in people with lung conditions like asthma.”

Most of the dust from the implosion is expected to remain on SEPTA and AMTRAK property so residents in the area will not be required to evacuate or “shelter-in-place” during the implosion and post-implosion cleaning.  Traffic will be kept off of the 3000 block of J.F.K. Boulevard, 2900 block of Arch Street, and from leaving the parking area of 30th Street Station during the time of the implosion.

The health department advises all citizens to stay away from the area as a precaution. Those who are outdoors should move away from the dust cloud should it come in their direction. Officials involved in the implosion will be equipped with dust masks for their protection. Anyone who must be in the area should wear a general-purpose mask of the kind available at most home improvement stores.

To learn more about the health department’s implosion guidelines, visit the Division of Air Management Services’ webpage at http://www.phila.gov/health/units/AMS/index.html.

The general public is encouraged to avoid the area during the implosion the morning of Sunday, November 15. In addition to the safety zone around the implosion site, during the actual event, there will be some street closures around 30th Street Station as well as a brief (approximately 15 minute) closing of I-76. In addition, the parking garage at the Cira Centre will be closed before, during and immediately after the implosion. There will be no effect on train service.

City Of Philadelphia Launches New Online Business Services Center

New website another step towards changing the way Philadelphia does business

PHILADELPHIA, November 13, 2009 — The City of Philadelphia’s new, revamped website for businesses went live today, the first phase in the creation of an interactive, online Business Services Center that will change the way businesses interact with city government. The new home for business on the City’s website can be found at www.phila.gov/business.

“This is yet another example of our determination to make Philadelphia a more business-friendly city,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “Whether you’re looking to start a new business or grow an existing operation, you’ll find everything you need at our online Business Services Center.”

The first phase of the new online Business Services Center is information only, gathering together in one location information that until now has been housed on several departmental websites. Here users will be able to find information according to the type of business that they are, and the type of activity that they are engaged in. The website gives assistance to people trying to start a business, providing guidance on developing a business plan, understanding the City of Philadelphia’s business regulations, and obtaining the necessary licenses and permits to operate within Philadelphia. It also contains information on selling goods and services to city government as well as details of financing and incentive resources for which businesses may qualify.

“We are thrilled to be able to share this resource with the business community and provide them better customer service,” said Department of Commerce Acting Chief Operating Officer Kevin Dow.

The next phases of the website, to be launched throughout 2010, will provide a more interactive, user-specific experience for businesses. The City is developing a ‘decision wizard’ which will guide users through the business process according to their specific circumstances and needs. Ultimately the Business Services Center will not only provide information on what steps a business needs to take in order to operate in Philadelphia, it will have the capability to complete the necessary transactions online, decreasing the need for users to physically visit the Municipal Services Building to obtain licenses and permits.

The Business Services Center was developed by the Department of Commerce and the Division of Technology working with representatives of the business community.

NUTTER LAUNCHES “PHILLYCOUNTS!” CAMPAIGN TO BOOST PARTICIPATION IN 2010 CENSUS

PHILADELPHIA, November 10 – Today, Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced the kick-off of “Philly Counts!,” the City of Philadelphia’s campaign to raise awareness of and boost participation in the 2010 Census, particularly among the city’s hardest to count residents. Nutter was joined by United States Census officials, Members of Congress, several of the campaign’s Honorary Co-Chairs, City Council members, City officials and community leaders from across Philadelphia for the event which was held in the Mayor’s Reception Room.

“The 2010 Census is our opportunity to show the rest of the country what we already know to be true – Philadelphia is growing,” said Mayor Nutter. “I urge all Philadelphians, regardless of your background, to stand up and be counted. This Census count will have an impact on our city for years to come so fill out that form…do it for Philly!”

Every ten years, as required by the United States Constitution, the country undertakes a complete count of all the people residing in the United States and its Territories. Population totals taken from the Census are used to determine Congressional representation and inform redistricting decisions. Census data determines how hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds are distributed to state and local governments each year. The results are also used by businesses and city planners to determine where to open new grocery stores, schools, shops, hospitals and other facilities.

Fernando E. Armstrong, United States Census Bureau Philadelphia Regional Director, said: “We are proud to partner with the City of Philadelphia. The ‘Philly Counts!’ campaign brings together a cross-section of the community, who will assist the Census Bureau in conducting the most efficient, complete, and representative decennial census.”

Nutter, who will serve as Chair of the Philly Counts campaign, was joined by several Philadelphia leaders who will serve as Honorary Co-Chairs, lending their expertise and trusted voices to ensure every resident understands why it is so important to be counted.

Honorary Co-Chairs include: U.S. Representative Robert Brady, U.S. Representative Chaka Fattah, U.S. Representative Allyson Schwartz, State Senator Shirley M. Kitchen, State Representative Jewell Williams, City Council President Anna Verna, School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Dr. Arlene Ackerman, Mayor’s Commission on Asian American Affairs Chair Dr. Nina Ahmad, Black Clergy of Philadelphia and the Vicinity President Bishop Audrey F. Bronson, Esperanza USA President & CEO Rev. Luis Cortes, Jr., Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO President Patrick Eiding, Philadelphia Housing Authority Executive Director Carl Greene, Lydia Hernandez-Velez, Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition President & CEO Sharmain Matlock-Turner, Project H.O.M.E. Executive Director Sister Mary Scullion, and Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Robert Wonderling.

“As a student of American history, I know full well what it means to be counted and what it means to be less-than-counted,” said United States Congressman Chaka Fattah. “This is about one person, one vote. The census also means assuring that the underserved and overlooked and most vulnerable of Philadelphians will be counted in for our fair share of federal programs and appropriations.”

United States Congressman Bob Brady added: “A lot of my neighbors ask me why they should take the time to fill out the Census form. Well, if you drive on public roads, you should care about the census. If you have kids or grandkids in public or charter schools, you should care about the census. If you are on Medicaid, or know someone who is, you should care about the census. The areas with the greatest numbers and the greatest need will get the most federal funds,” he said. “So, we need to help the federal government to get this count right.”

Recently, Nutter tapped Tricia Enright to serve as Executive Director of the “Philly Counts!” campaign. She will work with the US Census Bureau Regional Office to plan, promote, and implement its action plan to obtain a complete and accurate count of the City of Philadelphia’s resident population. She will also spearhead the effort by municipal agencies and departments to use the full range of resources available to promote the census across the city.

The campaign will be supported by volunteer-led Complete Count Committees (CCC) consisting of a network of top leaders and neighborhood stakeholders whose goal is to develop and execute census awareness and outreach strategies that best target their communities. Members will work with other local and grassroots organizations to increase the response rate for residents and will recruit neighborhood residents for full and part time jobs as census takes and other positions. Enright will also oversee and coordinate their work, ensuring resources are deployed as efficiently as possible.

The following committees have been formed so far: African American, African and Caribbean, Asian American, Civic Engagement, Corporations and Philanthropy, Education, Elected Officials, Homeless/Public Housing, Immigrant, Interfaith, Labor, Latino, LGBT, Municipal Agencies, Neighborhood Businesses, and Young Professionals.

“As a representative of the Hispanic faith community in our city, I am glad to join Mayor Michael Nutter in promoting a complete and accurate count in the 2010 Census, and to urge all Latinos in the city of Philadelphia to take part in the upcoming census count,” said Reverend Luis Cortés, Jr., President of Esperanza. “We understand that the Census will shape our city’s landscape in terms of political representation and funding for public services for the coming decade. As Latinos, we cannot afford to allow our communities to be underrepresented politically, or lacking in funding and resources to meet their most basic needs. As such, all Philadelphians should proactively support the Census mission by encouraging their families and communities to participate, and by dispelling misunderstandings and misinformation about the purpose of the Census count. Esperanza and the Hispanic church in Philadelphia join with Mayor Nutter, the Census Bureau, and many other supporters around the country in calling on Latinos to participate in the 2010 Census for the benefit of their families and communities.”

During the event, Nutter emphasized that every resident should feel safe and secure when interacting with city government and returning their census forms. To underscore that sentiment, Nutter signed an Executive Order stating that no municipal employee—including the police—may ask anyone their immigration status. Nutter also announced his intention to form a regional advisory body focused on immigrant integration issues that will advise the Mayor and other leaders from time to time on issues of import to the region’s immigrant and ethnic communities.

“Regardless of how you came to this city, we want you to be counted in the Census,” Nutter said. “When that form comes to your home, fill it out. If you see a Census worker on your street, open your door. You have nothing to fear. You should feel proud to be a Philadelphian and comfortable standing up and being counted next spring.”

Additional Statements from Philly Counts Honorary Co-Chairs

Dr. Arlene Ackerman, Superintendent, School District of Philadelphia: “The School District of Philadelphia is proud to participate in the Census 2010 program, ‘It’s about us’ …. With lesson plans, maps, teaching guides, and all kinds of informational materials provided by the Census Bureau, students will have so many opportunities to learn about the importance of the Census and how the system works if everyone is counted.”

Dr. Nina Ahmad, Chair, Mayor’s Commission on Asian American Affairs: “I am honored to participate as one of the Honorary Co-Chairs of the “Philly Counts” Campaign. Being passionate about the well-being of Philadelphia and all who live in our city, I want to be effective in communicating the utmost importance of a complete 2010 census count. I want to especially appeal to the diverse community of Asian Americans in Philadelphia to complete the census forms to ensure that their neighborhood receive benefits, funding and services as well as feel empowered as a community to ensure that their needs are being met.”

Bishop Audrey Bronson, President, Black Clergy of Philadelphia and the Vicinity: “The most significant civic duty and moral responsibility facing the citizens of Philadelphia is to participate in the 2010 Census…it is imperative that we as a city understand that …if we aren’t counted…we won’t count when critical decisions are made regarding federal revenues needed for maintaining viable schools and essential public services required for the quality of life that we work so hard for. If we as a city fail to fulfill this civic duty…there will be no justification for complaints later on.”

Pat Eiding, President, Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO: “We in the labor movement are accustomed to mobilizing our members to get out the vote and we will mimic these efforts for the 2010 Census. We need to relay the message that our representation in Congress, some federal funding, and other vital services to Philadelphia rely on an accurate Census count.”

Carl Greene, Executive Director, Philadelphia Housing Authority: “I am honored to be part of this impressive group of public and private-sector leaders and eager to get started on the critically important work ahead. I plan to focus my efforts on better communication with hard to reach audiences, who are often undercounted and thus underserved.”

Lydia Hernandez Velez: “I am honored to be asked to be a part of this effort. I am proud to be a resident of the city that grew recognizing and valuing the differences that made it a vibrant commercial and cultural center. The census is an important tool for clarifying our vision for the future.”

The Honorable Shirley M. Kitchen, Senator, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Senate: “Filling out the census is an easy and safe way to make sure all of our communities are counted. Whether it’s opening a new school, shoe store or senior center, being counted in the census helps ensure all of our neighborhoods get their fair share of critical resources.”

Sharmain Matlock-Turner, President & CEO, Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition: “As President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition, I am pleased to serve as an Honorary Co-Chair for the City of Philadelphia’s Philly Counts Campaign and to stand with Mayor Nutter and other concerned Philadelphians to make sure that every resident is counted in the 2010 Census. At GPUAC we fight every day for resources to bring about change in our communities. Yet too often we forget that government resources, which are critical to low income communities, are often determined by the census. We as a city need to insure that we have an accurate count so that we can continue to build wealth in our poorest communities and insure that young people have the opportunity for a successful life.”

The Honorable Allyson Schwartz, Congresswoman, United States House of Representatives: “An accurate and full accounting of southeastern Pennsylvania’s population via Census 2010 is vital to both ensuring representative government and to ensuring that the City and the region’s needs are understood by the federal government.”

Sister Mary Scullion, Executive Director & President, Project H.O.M.E.: “With Philly Counts, we have a meaningful intergovernmental and cross-sector effort to ensure that all Philadelphians — even those most vulnerable or at-risk — are counted. And this is critical because unless we count every single Philadelphia resident, we will not receive all of the resources we deserve to meet residents’ needs.”

The Honorable Anna C. Verna, President, Philadelphia City Council: “I am pleased to serve as the honorary co-chair for the Philly Counts campaign. An accurate census count is critical to Philadelphia’s future as it impacts everything from council redistricting to formulas for state and federal funding.”

The Honorable Jewell Williams, Representative, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania House of Representatives: “The census helps elected officials like me fight for our fair share of government resources that can be put to work on the things that matter in our neighborhoods. That’s why we must do all we can to make sure everyone is counted.”

Rob Wonderling, President & CEO, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce: “I am honored that Mayor Nutter asked me to serve the city and join this extremely important effort to raise awareness of the 2010 Census. As the premier advocate for free enterprise in Greater Philadelphia, we at the Chamber understand just how important accurate census figures are. The census is a major source of federal funding for vital regional services and I look forward to helping mobilize business community leaders to the cause.”

“Philly Counts!” Committees

African American Committee

This committee will promote census participation within the Philadelphia African American communities – and especially among younger African Americans.

African & Caribbean Committee

This committee will promote census participation within the City’s diverse African and Caribbean communities by creating partnerships with neighborhood businesses and community organizations, and building trust and understanding that the census is safe and confidential.

Asian American Committee

This committee will promote census participation within the City’s Asian American communities. The committee will ensure all materials are provided in appropriate languages and that all residents understand why Census participation is important to them and their neighborhoods.

Civic Engagement Committee

This committee will help organize volunteers as needed by other committees to help distribute information about the census in targeted neighborhoods.

Corporations & Philanthropy Committee

This committee will be responsible for providing advice and outreach on fundraising efforts to ensure Philly Counts has the resources it needs. Members of the committee will work to ensure large corporations are talking to their employees on the importance of completing their census forms.

Elected Officials Committee

This committee will be made up of liaisons to all of the City’s elected officials at the Federal, State and local level. It will coordinate awareness activities aimed at the hardest to reach populations in each district and leverage opportunities to build census awareness into all speeches, events and communications by our elected representatives.

Education Committee

This committee will facilitate census awareness in local schools encouraging school administrators, teachers, and students–particularly those in targeted neighborhoods–to use Census In Schools materials. The committee will also work with local colleges and universities, reminding students that they must be counted here in Philadelphia and not in their home communities.

Homeless and Public Housing Committee

This committee will help inform the city’s homeless population, letting them know that they too will be counted. It will also work with the regional Census Bureau to coordinate an accurate street and shelter population count, as well as residents living in public housing.

Immigrant & Limited English Proficient Committee

This committee will create and coordinate activities and materials that can be used by any local immigrant-serving institutions in the promotion of the 2010 Census awareness and participation. It will specifically work to educate residents about the purpose of the Census, its importance to them and the confidentiality of their information.

Interfaith Committee

This committee has been meeting since the summer, and will continue to create and coordinate activities and materials that can be used by any local faith-based institution in the promotion of the 2010 Census awareness and participation.

Labor Committee

This committee will create and coordinate activities by the members of the City’s myriad labor unions to promote 2010 Census awareness and participation, especially in hard to reach neighborhoods.

Latino Committee

This committee will promote census participation within the Latino community by ensuring census information is distributed in both English and Spanish, creating partnerships with neighborhood businesses and community organizations, and building trust and understanding that the census is safe and confidential.

LGBT Committee

This committee is already promoting census participation within the LGBT community by hosting educational seminars, creating and distributing promotional materials and coordinating activities throughout the City.

Municipal Departments Committee

This committee will facilitate Census outreach and publicity activities to be performed by the City of Philadelphia’s departments and agencies.

Neighborhood Business Committee

This committee will work with small business owners located in neighborhood business corridors and ask them to help communicate the importance of participating in the 2010 Census to their customers.

Young Professionals Committee

This committee will be responsible for ensuring that young professionals are educated about the importance of the census especially those segments of the population living in roommate situations, recent housing conversions and those who are transient.

Mayor Nutter Signed the Following Executive Order

POLICY CONCERNING ACCESS OF IMMIGRANTS TO CITY SERVICES

WHEREAS, immigrants make significant contributions to every facet of The City of Philadelphia’s economic, educational and cultural life;

WHEREAS, immigrants are critical to the economic, cultural and social fabric of not only The City of Philadelphia, but also the greater Philadelphia region;

WHEREAS, the City’s policy is to promote the utilization of its services by all City residents and visitors who are entitled to and in need of them, including immigrants;

WHEREAS, all individuals should know that they may seek and obtain the assistance of City departments and agencies regardless of their personal status, without negative consequences to their personal lives;
WHEREAS, meeting the needs of the City’s immigrant population is important to maintaining public trust and confidence in City government; and

WHEREAS, the City’s ability to obtain pertinent information, which may be essential to the performance of governmental functions, is sometimes made difficult or even impossible if some expectation of confidentiality is not preserved;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Michael A. Nutter, Mayor of The City of Philadelphia, by the powers vested in me by the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, do hereby order as follows:

Section 1. Access to City Services.

All City services, including but not limited to the following listed services, shall be made available to all City of Philadelphia residents, consistent with applicable law, regardless of the person’s citizenship or legal immigration status:

Police and Fire services;
Medical services, such as emergency medical services, general medical care at Community Health Centers and immunization, testing and treatment with respect to communicable diseases;
Mental health services;
Children’s protective services; and
Access to City facilities, such as libraries and recreation centers.

Section 2. Inquiries Regarding Immigration Status

A. No City officer or employee, other than law enforcement officers, shall inquire about a person’s immigration status unless:

(1) documentation of such person’s immigration status is legally required for the determination of program, service or benefit eligibility or the provision of services; or
(2) such officer or employee is required by law to inquire about such person’s immigration status.

B. Law enforcement officers shall not:

(1) stop, question, arrest or detain an individual solely because of the individual’s ethnicity, national origin, or perceived immigration status;
(2) inquire about a person’s immigration status, unless the status itself is a necessary predicate of a crime the officer is investigating or unless the status is relevant to identification of a person who is suspected of committing a crime, other than mere status as an undocumented alien;
(3) inquire about the immigration status of crime victims, witnesses, or others who call or approach the police seeking help; or
(4) inquire regarding immigration status for the purpose of enforcing immigration laws.

C. Law enforcement officers shall continue to cooperate with state and federal authorities in investigating and apprehending individuals who are suspected of criminal activity.

Section 3. Confidentiality of Information

A. As used herein, “confidential information” means any information obtained and maintained by a City agency relating to an individual’s immigration status.

B. No City officer or employee shall disclose confidential information unless:

(1) such disclosure has been authorized in writing by the individual to whom such information pertains, in a language that he or she understands or, if such individual is a minor or is otherwise not legally competent, by such individual’s parent or legal guardian;
such disclosure is required by law; or
the individual to whom such information pertains is suspected by such officer or employee or such officer’s or employee’s agency of engaging in criminal activity (other than mere status as an undocumented alien).

Section 4. EFFECTIVE DATE

This Order shall take effect immediately.