OEO ANNOUNCES CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAM FOR MINORITY CONTRACTORS

Philadelphia, July 28, 2011 – The Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) will be hosting a capacity building program for minority contractors across the region. The program will be a free, six month course for contractors and businesses to learn more about expanding their business, networking and marketing. The program will accommodate up to 60 companies and a total of 120 participants. Each minority construction company, if their application is selected, may send two representatives to the program. Applications can be acquired at www.phila.gov/oeo or by calling 215-683-2057. The deadline for applications is August 12, 2011.
“I would like to encourage Philadelphia’s minority contractors to take advantage of this unique opportunity to meet with industry leaders and to learn first hand experience about public works contracts,” said Angela Dowd-Burton, Executive Director of OEO.
The City of Philadelphia will award certificates of competition to the businesses following completion of the program, and the companies will be acknowledged on OEO’s website. The classes will be held at The Enterprise Center located at 4548 Market Street. Applicants will be selected by rolling admission and based on experience.

MAYOR NUTTER CONGRATULATES PHILLY YOUTH POETRY MOVEMENT, 2011 BRAVE NEW VOICES CHAMPIONS

Philadelphia, July 25, 2011 – Yesterday Mayor Michael A. Nutter spoke by telephone to members of the Philly Youth Poetry Movement (PYPM) – a group of young Philadelphia spoken word artists – to congratulate them on winning the 2011 Brave New Voices Championship held in San Francisco this weekend. Brave New Voices is the largest spoken word event in the world and last year was featured on HBO. Members of PYPM include Charmira Nelson, Sinnea Douglas, Kai Davis, Safiya Washington, and Jamar Hall.

“These young people, expressing themselves creatively and positively, should be an inspiration to our entire city,” said Mayor Nutter. “This sends a message to all young people in Philadelphia that if you work hard, if you are positive, and if you are supported then there is nothing that you cannot achieve. We’re going to give them a real ‘Champions’ Welcome’ when they return home to Philly.”

Mayor Nutter supported PYPM’s trip to California with a $5,000 contribution from the City of Philadelphia and hosted the poets for a City Hall Youth Poetry Night on July 14, 2011, the second City Hall Youth Poetry Night hosted by the Mayor and organized by the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy. The City’s contribution was matched by $5,000 from the Lomax Family Foundation. Finally Southwest Airlines donated the flights to and from California. Mayor Nutter called PYPM founder and Executive Director Greg Corbin on Sunday who put the Mayor on speakerphone so he could speak to the champion poets in California.

Following the victory PYPM sent the following message of thanks to their supporters for making this opportunity a reality for the young poets: “Thank you to @Michael_Nutter, #Philly, @SouthwestAir & Lomax Family Foundation for making this opportunity possible for our poets. #BNV”

“Whether it’s the Philly Youth Poetry Movement, the North Philly Blackhawks and Frankford Chargers, or our Work to Ride Polo Champions, when young people step up to do the right thing, adults must step up to support them,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter.

Brave New Voices (BNV) was created by Youth Speaks, Inc in 1998 after the inaugural Youth Speaks Teen Poetry Slam in San Francisco—the first poetry slam dedicated to youth in the nation’s history. Since that time, Brave New Voices has grown to represent youth from all across the United States and Europe, making it the largest ongoing spoken word event in the world.

The Philly Youth Poetry Movement is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to helping the youth of Philadelphia discover the power of their voices through spoken word and literary expression. Founded in 2006, PYPM provides a safe environment for at-risk youth ages 13-19 to use poetry as a vehicle to express and advocate for themselves, explore their identity(ies), enhance literacy and critical thinking skills, and become agents of social change. Through free weekly workshops, monthly slams, national/local performance opportunities, mentoring and community service, we provide a space where youth use their voices to bring about both personal and social transformation.

Photographs from the City Hall Youth Poetry Night can be viewed here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/phillycityrep/sets/72157627128496099/

MAYOR NUTTER ANNOUNCES FACILITIES MANAGEMENT TASK FORCE

Philadelphia, July 20, 2011 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter signed an executive order creating the Mayor’s Task Force on City-owned Facilities. The Taskforce will be chaired by Tom Knox, businessman and former Deputy Mayor for Management and Productivity in the Rendell Administration. The Task Force will review the City’s owned and leased facilities and will make recommendations to the Administration to ensure the City obtains the best financial terms for housing City operations. The Task Force will report to Deputy Mayor for Administration and Coordinator Richard Negrin.

“In City government, we are constantly re-evaluating how we do business to become more efficient, more transparent and more responsive,” said Mayor Nutter. “The Task Force will evaluate where the business of the City takes place, and how we can improve it. I would like to thank Tom Knox for agreeing to chair the Task Force, and helping the City in our ongoing effort to improve performance.”

Tom Knox added, “I would like to thank Mayor Nutter for appointing me as chair of this Task Force, and I look forward to taking an unprecedented look into city-owned facilities and their maintenance.”

Within two years of signing the executive order, the Task Force will issue a final report containing its recommendations and proposed policies on city leases, potential real estate opportunities, maintenance strategies and on facilities that may be sold, closed or merged. Additionally, public meetings will be held over the next two years to engage the public in its work and on making its final recommendations.

The Task Force will consist of a total of 13 members who will be appointed by and will serve at the pleasure of the Mayor. There will be two representatives from each of the following groups: academia, the bar association, the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, City Council and commercial real estate brokers. Membership to the Task Force is uncompensated.

EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING ISSUED FOR REGION

Heatline Opens at Noon

Philadelphia, July 20, 2011 – In conjunction with the National Weather Service’s Excessive Heat Warning for the region, Philadelphia Health Commissioner Donald F. Schwarz, has issued a Warning for Philadelphia beginning Wednesday, July 20, at noon. The warning signals the activation of the City’s special summer heat programs, including home visits by special field teams, operation of the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s ‘Heatline’, enhanced daytime outreach for the homeless, and the City’s effort to encourage the public to look in on older friends, relatives, and neighbors.

The ‘Heatline’ (215-765-9040) will be in operation from noon through midnight.

The Health Department urges the public to visit older friends, relatives and neighbors to ensure that air conditioners or fans are working and homes are adequately ventilated. In a heat wave, the majority of the victims are older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Other groups at risk in the extreme heat include people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, small children, those who work in a high heat environment and persons engaged in strenuous physical activity.

People who do not have air conditioning are advised to seek relief from the heat, for at least some part of the day, in shopping malls, movie theaters, senior centers and other air-conditioned public spaces.

The Health Department recommends that to avoid heat-related illness, Philadelphians of all ages should adhere to the following simple rules:
Avoid, as much as possible working or playing in the hot sun or other hot areas. If you must be out in the sun, wear a head covering. A wide brimmed hat or visor will not only protect your head from intense rays of the sun, it will also provide a shield for your eyes.
Use air-conditioners and fans. Open windows to release trapped hot air.
Those taking regular medication should consult with their physician. Some medications cause an adverse reaction in hot weather.
Wear lightweight clothing.
Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids, warm or cool. Because the body loses fluids in the heat, drinking lots of liquids helps to avoid dehydration.
Maintain a normal diet.
Shower or bathe in water that is near skin temperature.
Do not leave older people, children, or pets alone in cars.

The early warning signs of heat stress are decreased energy, slight loss of appetite, faintness, light-headedness and nausea. People experiencing these symptoms should go to a cool environment, drink fluids, remove excess clothing, and rest.

Serious signs of heat stress include unconsciousness, rapid heartbeat, throbbing headache, dry skin, chest pain, mental confusion, irritability, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, staggering, and difficulty breathing. People experiencing these symptoms should get immediate medical attention. While waiting for help move the person to a cool area, remove excess clothing, spray with water, and fan the person. In an emergency dial 911.

MAYOR NUTTER TO ANNOUNCE TASK FORCE TO EVALUATE CITY FACILITIES

WHO: Mayor Michael A Nutter
Tom Knox

WHAT: Mayor Nutter will sign an executive order to create the Mayor’s Task Force of City-owned Facilities, which will create a final report and advise the Administration on obtaining the best financial terms for housing City operations in facilities.

WHERE: City Hall, Mayor’s Reception Room, Room 202

WHEN: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 12:00 pm

STATEMENT FROM DEPUTY MAYOR CUTLER, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY REGARDING GIVE RESPECT-GET RESPECT CAMPAIGN

Philadelphia, July 19, 2011 – Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey and Deputy Mayor for Transportation and Public Utilities Rina Cutler have released the following statements regarding the “Give Respect-Get Respect” campaign. Deputy Mayor Cutler stated:

“On average, nearly 2,000 pedestrians and more than 400 cyclists are hit by cars each year in Philadelphia. That is equivalent to one pedestrian every four hours and one cyclist every day.

“The City’s ‘Give Respect-Get Respect’ campaign is an educational initiative for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to be more aware and mindful of each other on Philadelphia’s roads. This grant funded traffic safety enforcement and educational program targets all users of our roads. Texting while walking is not illegal, but it is dangerous. We want everyone on Philadelphia’s streets to be aware of both their safety and the safety of others.

“During the campaign, the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) is issuing warnings and citations to drivers and cyclists who have moving violations, bike on the sidewalk or use cell phone while driving. In fact, the City has warned nearly 600 bicyclists about dangerous behavior and more than 100 motorists about distracted driving. Pedestrians may be reminded to be more aware of their surroundings; however, there are no citations issued by the PPD for texting while walking. If a Philadelphia police officer observes a driver, cyclist or pedestrian participating in any kind of potentially dangerous behavior, the officer will remind them to be careful.

“It is important for all Philadelphians to be aware and respectful while using our city’s roads. Everyone should travel safely through our city.”

Police Commissioner Ramsey added, “This is a common sense public education campaign. It doesn’t matter if you’re walking, biking or driving. There are simply too many distractions that take our attention away from what is most important, staying safe and not causing harm to yourself or to others.”

Inspector General

Philadelphia, July 18, 2011 – The principal owner of a Haddonfield, NJ-based information-technology firm allegedly defrauded the City of more than $1 million by billing the City for work that had not been performed, announced Inspector General Amy L. Kurland, U.S. Postal Service Inspector-in-Charge Karen Higgins and U.S. Attorney Zane David Memeger.

A federal information alleges that Barry Jones, owner of Mara Management Services Inc. (Mara) and Management and Technology Services Inc. (MTS), violated federal law by inflating the number of hours worked by himself and several of his subcontractors on invoices that he submitted to the City for payment.

From July 2004 to June 2008, Jones knowingly and intentionally submitted false time sheets to City agencies, according to the federal authorities. The Information alleges that Jones repeatedly submitted documents to the Revenue Department claiming that a subcontractor had worked 160 hours per month when Jones knew the subcontractor had only worked 20 hours per month. Jones claimed that another subcontractor had worked 160 hours per month when he knew that the subcontractor had worked between 75 and 115 hours per month. From about 2006 to April 2008, Jones also billed the City monthly for 160 hours of subcontractor work that had not been performed.

In all, Jones is alleged to have fraudulently billed the City for 17,000 subcontractor hours and for hundreds of hours of work he claimed to have performed himself.

The City paid Jones $5.9 million in connection with contracts that Mara and MTS had with the Revenue Department, the Water Department and Community Behavioral Health (a not-for-profit corporation that provides mental health and substance abuse services to Philadelphia County Medicaid recipients on the City’s behalf). Jones himself allegedly pocketed $2.7 million from his contracts with the City.

The federal government is seeking $1.2 million in restitution from Jones on the City’s behalf.

Kurland urged City departments to review all of their contracts for evidence of overbilling and to report any discrepancies to the Inspector General’s Office.

MAYOR NUTTER RELAUNCHES PROGRAM TO HELP WORKING PHILADELPHIANS BUY HOMES

$735,000 in City matching funds will help an estimated 240 Philadelphians buy new homes, improve communities, and recruit and retain top employees.

Philadelphia, July 18, 2011 –Mayor Michael A. Nutter relaunched Philadelphia Home•Buy•Now, a program that helps Philadelphia’s workforce to become homeowners. The City provides incentives for participating employers who offer their employees grants or forgivable loans toward the purchase price of a new home within the city limits. The City will match this funding up to $4,000 per home buyer.

“Philadelphia has a world-class workforce. We want these talented individuals to buy homes, raise families and pursue careers within the city,” said Mayor Nutter. “Home•Buy•Now is an excellent tool for employers to recruit top talent and for the city to create more stable, flourishing neighborhoods.”

Philadelphia Home•Buy•Now is administered by a partnership with the Urban Affairs Coalition, which assists with the program’s design and ongoing management. “Bringing back Philadelphia Home•Buy•Now is a major boost to Philadelphia: for employees, for employers and for neighborhoods. We are proud to partner with the city to administer the program,” said Sharmain Matlock-Turner, President and CEO, Urban Affairs Coalition.

During the period 2005-2009, Philadelphia Home•Buy•Now made 211 matching grants totaling $696,330 to employees purchasing homes in Philadelphia. The newly relaunched program will focus in targeted areas on employers whose participation will directly help to strengthen communities. The program will feature $4,000 matching grants for homebuyers in specific Philadelphia neighborhoods, and $2,000 matching grants for homebuyers outside of the targeted areas. Up to four targeted neighborhoods will be defined by anchor institutions that participate in the program.

In the future, additional options will be added to the menu of housing-related benefits from which participating Home•Buy•Now employers may choose. These may include home buying workshops, individual home purchase counseling and home inspections.

The first employer to sign-on for the new Home•Buy•Now program is Drexel University, which will be one of the anchor institutions. The University of Pennsylvania has also joined the program as an anchor institution. “We are very excited about our collaboration with the Philadelphia Home•Buy•Now program,” said Deborah Eskridge Glenn, Vice President of Human Resources at Drexel University that administers a program at Drexel with a forgivable loan of $15,000 for eligible employees. “This initiative will provide eligible Drexel employees with an added incentive to purchase a home in West Philadelphia.”

Dr. Kalatu Davies, a Drexel employee, will be the first individual to purchase a home under the new program, using a combined grant of $19,000 to buy her home. “Owning my own home has always been a dream of mine. The city’s grant along with the Drexel loan allows me to get a great house that I would not have been able to purchase so soon. This leaves my savings for future home improvement and maintenance. It is definitely a blessing,” said Dr. Davies. “I’ve always wanted to be involved and give back to the local community that I live in. I think that homeownership helps to motivate those goals.”

Also speaking at the relaunch was Michael Clancy, who works for the law firm Martin Banks, one of 10 employers who have signed on to the new program for employers outside of the targeted areas. “Growing up, I dreamed about owning my own home. It means everything in the world to me. Without the Philadelphia Home•Buy•Home program owning my own home would just not be possible,” said Mr. Clancy. “I selected a home in a nice neighborhood in Pennsport-Whitman. I cannot wait until my settlement on August 10. My home will give me and my family of four stability and happiness.”

Philadelphia Home-Buy-Now provides wide-ranging benefits:
For Philadelphia’s housing market, the program provides a significant incentive for individuals to make home purchases during difficult economic times. The program will help an estimated 240 homebuyers finance their purchases over the next two years (the final number of homebuyers will depend on how many take the up-to-$4,000 match and how many take the up-to-$2,000 match). It will also leverage more than an estimated $29 million in home sales into the housing market with a public commitment of only $735,000.
For participating employers, the program offers a powerful tool for building strong, successful companies. Studies of similar programs have found that staff who receive housing benefits like Philadelphia Home•Buy•Now stay at their jobs 50 percent longer, saving their companies money in separation, recruitment and training costs. Staff who receive a housing benefit also score higher on performance reviews than their peers.
For Philadelphia’s neighborhoods, the program contributes to stability and a sense of community by bringing in new homeowners.

Philadelphia Home•Buy•Now is part of a larger strategy to stabilize neighborhoods in the current economic crisis. It builds on the City’s nationally recognized Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program, which has saved more than 3,500 homes, as well as the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), a federal stimulus program that strengthens neighborhoods by providing housing opportunities in targeted communities that were highly affected by high rates of foreclosure. Philadelphia Home•Buy•Now is funded out of bond proceeds, and does not impact the general fund.

Companies seeking more information on Philadelphia Home•Buy•Now should visit the website www.uac.org or contact Christopher Waters, program manager, Employer-Assisted Housing, Urban Affairs Coalition at cwaters@uac.org or 215-851-1955.

MAYOR NUTTER, RADIO PARTNERS LAUNCH iPLEDGE

Philadelphia, July 18, 2011 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter, Clear Channel Radio, Radio One and WURD launched “iPledge: What are you prepared to do?”—a new, collaborative initiative that promotes personal responsibility and collective action for Philadelphia. The iPledge campaign encourages Philadelphians to make personal or community pledges that will have a positive impact on the city and will encourage societal ownership of problems or concerns. Throughout the summer, Clear Channel, Radio One and WURD, during their first, collective outreach campaign, will highlight the campaign and will encourage their listeners to pledge.
“If we want sweeping changes to our city, we need to collectively take responsibility for making Philadelphia the city we want it to be,” said Mayor Nutter. “I want to encourage all Philadelphians to make a pledge. It could be a personal pledge to reject violence. It could be a commitment to community service. Every one can make a pledge.” Mayor Nutter also thanked the iPledge campaign partners at Clear Channel, Radio One and WURD for investing in Philadelphia and for bringing the message to their listeners.
Loraine Ballard Morrill, Director of News and Community Affairs at Clear Channel Radio, added, “Clear Channel is very proud to be part of the collective iPledge campaign. It is our responsibility to use the media as an agent for change and positivity, and the iPledge campaign is a great example of the power of radio.”
E. Steven Collins, Director of Urban Marketing and External Relations at Radio One, said, “Philadelphians must take responsibility for the future of our city. The iPledge campaign is an opportunity for citizens who may not know how to get involved to start with a personal pledge and to encourage their family and friends to pledge. This is a message of unity and will show that together we can change the world.”
WURD 900AM host Bill Anderson said, “Community action starts with the individual. The value of the iPledge campaign is that we are asking individuals to make pledges to something they can deliver. It is these small commitments that will make a huge difference when we work together.”
For more information, individuals interested in the campaign can become a fan on the Facebook community page, I Pledge Philly, or can follow the Twitter handle: iPledgePhilly.

MAYOR NUTTER, MEDIA MOBILIZING PROJECT CONTINUE “FREEDOM RINGS” PARTNERSHIP

The Media Mobilizing Project opens five new public computing centers.

Philadelphia, July 15, 2011 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter and the Media Mobilizing Project presented the “Freedom Rings” Partnership at today’s opening of five new public computing centers. These locations are five of the 77 public computer centers opening across the City and providing digital literacy and workforce training opportunities. In partnership with the Philadelphia Student Union, SEIU Healthcare PA, Casa Monarca, the Unified Taxi Workers Alliance of Pennsylvania and Logan CDC, the Media Mobilizing Project is managing these new locations tailored to the specific needs of the community organizations. The Neighborhood Technology Centers will provide training in digital literacy, advanced computer skills, and community journalism to 1,500 participants over the next two years.
The “Freedom Rings Partnership” will create 177 full-time and part-time jobs. The 77 locations will be at new computer centers and expanded, existing computer centers, including 19 recreation centers, 29 community-based organization sites working with high-risk populations, 10 homeless shelters, 15 other affordable housing sites and four mobile labs that will reach communities lacking space or the capacity to house a computer center.
The following organizations will also participate in the “Freedom Rings Partnership”:
▪Youth Outreach Adolescent Community Awareness Project ▪One Day At A Time
▪Philadelphia OIC, Inc. ▪Free Library of Philadelphia
▪Drexel University ▪National Comprehensive Center for Fathers
▪Department of Parks and Recreation ▪New America Foundation
▪People’s Emergency Center ▪Philadelphia FIGHT
▪Rutgers University ▪Tenant Support Services, Inc.
“The Media Mobilizing Project’s computing centers are a crucial component integrating vulnerable Philadelphians into the 21st century economy,” said Mayor Nutter. “Today, 41 percent of Philadelphians are not connected to the internet. This limits the capabilities of these people and puts them at a severe handicap in today’s economy. It is our goal to see to it that all Philadelphians have computer and internet access in their communities in order to open the door to jobs and educational opportunities.”
Bryan Mercer, Program Organizer at the Media Mobilizing Project said, “the ‘Freedom Rings’ Partnership is an exciting opportunity for us to build on our five years of pioneering work using 21st century technology to help low income communities come together to find solutions to the problems they face. In a time of budget cuts and unemployment, these computing centers offer a way to connect people—not just to the Internet, but to each other.”
A breakdown of the $25 million initiative, which is funded through the Federal American Recovery Reinvestment Act’s Broadband Technology Opportunity Program, is as follows:
• A $6.4 million Public Computing Centers Award provided to the City.
• An $11.8 million Sustainable Broadband Adoption Award to the Urban Affairs Coalition, the lead partnering organization.
• $3.3 million in matching funds provided by the City and other grant sub-recipients.
• $3.6 million in matching funds provided by the Urban Affairs Coalition and grant sub-recipients.

“I am honored to be part of the opening of these five new public computing centers, which directly help area residents acquire important skills. The new computer centers and computer courses will provide the many Philadelphians who have no computer or internet access with new and important opportunities in digital literacy and occupational training,” said Councilwoman Blackwell.
In addition to the services that will be provided at citywide computer centers, the “Freedom Rings Partnership” will encourage Philadelphians to “get connected” to technology in their homes. The participating partners expect to serve approximately 15,000 people per year and through a citywide awareness campaign, more than 100,000 households are expected to receive information about the importance of broadband technology. According to Knight Center for Digital Excellence and Census data, approximately 41 percent of Philadelphians are not connected to the internet.

Citywide computing centers are scheduled to open from Spring through Summer of 2011. To learn about upcoming openings, the public is invited to call the Freedom Rings Partnership Hotline at 215.851.1990, call 3-1-1 or visit http://www.freedomringspartnership.com/ .