MAYOR NUTTER, OFFICIALS TO BREAK GROUND ON VENICE ISLAND UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK

WHO: Mayor Michael A. Nutter
Congresssman Chaka Fattah
Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr.
Michael DiBerardinis, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Community
Resources and Commissioner, Department of Parks and Recreation
Rina Cutler, Deputy Mayor for Transportation and Utilities
Howard M. Neukrug, P.E., Water Department Commissioner
WHAT: Mayor Nutter and other officials will break ground on the Venice Island Underground Storage Tank. This project is one component of the Philadelphia Water Department’s efforts to protect and improve the health of the Schuylkill River
WHERE: Venice Island Parking Lot, Lock Street and the Manayunk Canal
WHEN: Tuesday, November 1, 2011 10:30 am

MAYOR NUTTER ADVOCATES FOR TEMPLE UNIVERSITY TO JOIN BIG EAST CONFERENCE

Philadelphia, October 31, 2011 –Mayor Michael A. Nutter issued a statement regarding a letter sent to John Marinatto, Commissioner of The Big East Conference, to include Temple University in the conference for all sports. There are currently 16 Big East member schools including Villanova University from the Greater Philadelphia region.

“Philadelphia is an enthusiastic sports town at all levels and the city’s college sports rivalries are legendary. I would like to encourage The Big East Conference to consider Temple University as potential future member of the Conference. Temple has a tremendous commitment to athletics, academics and the city’s North Broad corridor. Our city is extremely proud of this uniquely Philadelphia institution, and the university would be a worthy addition and would bring new opportunities and excitement to the league.”

CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, PHILADELPHIA POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE PHILADELPHIA POLICE FOUNDATION TO ANNOUNCE NEW MOUNTED POLICE UNIT STABLES

WHO: Mayor Michael A. Nutter
Commissioner Charles Ramsey
State Senator Larry Farnese
WHAT: The City of Philadelphia, the Police Department and the Philadelphia Police Foundation will announce the build site for the new Mounted Police Unit stables.

WHERE: 98 Chamounix Drive, next to McCarthy Stables, Fairmount Park

WHEN: Monday, October 31, 2011 2:00 p.m. TODAY

MAYOR NUTTER ANNOUNCES FY2012 ANNUAL PARTICIPATION GOAL

Philadelphia, October 28, 2011 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced that the Office of Economic Opportunity’s (OEO) Fiscal Year 2012 participation goal will be 25 percent. This maintains the City’s current goal, which was exceeded this past fiscal year. This benchmark is set through the City’s Disparity Study, which calculates the goal percentage based on the availability of minority, women and disabled-owned business enterprises (M/W/DSBEs) with the capacity to utilize the contract opportunities. OEO also released an Annual Report that commits the City to reaching this participation goal and offers strategies for the City to achieve it for FY 2012. FY 2012 started on July 1, 2011 and will end on July 30, 2012.

“Even though our participation goal remains the same, we are still faced with the challenge of reaching it again this year during a difficult economic climate,” said Mayor Nutter. “Minority, women and disabled-owned business participation is vital to a vibrant, competitive marketplace and OEO has done a commendable job of offering these businesses the tools they need to be successful. The City has many contracting opportunities, and I would like to encourage companies to register with the City to learn more.”

The Disparity Study was submitted by Econsult Corporation and Milligan & Company. Based on their findings, the Study highlights include:

1. M/W/DSBE utilization increased from 17.6 percent in FY 2009 to 20.8 percent in FY 2010 or $ 123 million of the $592 million in City contracts.
2. M/W/DSBEs were the prime contractors for 12.9 percent of City contracts in FY 2010, which was up from 9.9 percent in FY 2009.
3. Additionally, M/W/DSBEs represent 22.5 percent of firms with employees within the Philadelphia region, down from 24.6 percent in FY 2009.

The FY 2011 Annual Report provides the cumulative M/W/DSBEs participation results for the City of Philadelphia operating departments and quasi-government agencies. The City achieved a 25.6 percent participation rate on $892.6 million awarded to the private sector, up from 23.7 percent in FY 2010. This Report also highlights the lessons learned by OEO in FY 2011 and the new initiatives that will be implemented in FY 2012 to increase the application of best in class practices to support the 2010 Inclusion Works Strategic Plan.

Angela Dowd-Burton, Executive Director of OEO, commended Econsult Corporation and Milligan & Company for their new approach to the analyzing the availability of M/W/DSBEs based on the City’s spending patterns, “This method allows us to appreciate the number of businesses in the market that sell the products and services that the City actually needs and supports the City’s pursuit of a 25 percent participation goal in a more meaningful way.”

To view the FY 2010 Annual Disparity Study or the FY 2011 Annual Report, please visit www.phila.gov/oeo.

The OEO promotes the economic development of M/W/DBEs through its OEO Registry, bid/RFP participation targets and contract compliance activities. In addition, OEO has ongoing interaction with other City departments, quasi-public agencies and the private and non-profit sectors. Monthly meetings are held to educate vendors and contractors about opportunities to do business with the City, PGW, PA Department of General Services, PIDC, SEPTA, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. For details visit the OEO website at www.phila.gov/oeo or call 215-683-2057.

CITY OF PHILADELPHIA RATED AS TOP CITY FOR CULTURE

Philadelphia, October 27, 2011 –The City of Philadelphia was rated by Travel + Leisure Magazine readers in the “American’s Favorite Cities” survey as the top city in the nation for culture. This ranking is improved from being rated as No. 10 in 2010. In addition, Philadelphia was also rated as No. 3 city for “Food, Drink and Restaurants” and a top-five city for shopping.

According to a recent report released by the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Philadelphia currently has the fifth fastest growing creative sector in the nation, and the city’s creative sector ranking is 70 percent stronger than national benchmarks.

“You know you live in a great city when you’re rated number one for cultural amenities as well as for being ‘sport-crazed’,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “Philadelphia is a diverse city with many cultural assets that visitors and tourists appreciate when traveling to our city. It is these institutions that help make our city a place of choice for so many residents and businesses. I’d also like to encourage Philadelphians to go out and appreciate the world-class cultural assets such as the Philadelphia Art Museum, the Orchestra, history, theaters, music venues and other creative institutions offering events everyday.”

Gary Steuer, Philadelphia’s Chief Cultural Officer, added, “It is exciting – and gratifying – that in the newest Travel + Leisure “America’s Favorite Cities” survey, Philadelphia is ranked number one in the country for culture. This is a testament to the extraordinary breadth and quality of our heritage and arts attractions, and to all of those involved in promoting those assets to our visitors. And, of course, the residents of our region get to enjoy these world class cultural assets every day of the year, which makes Philadelphia one of the greatest cities in which to live and do business.”

In 2009, Mayor Nutter re-established the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy. Since its opening, the Office has established an open-to-the-public art gallery in City Hall, an expansion of the Art in City Hall initiative, which presents art exhibitions by professional, student and emerging Philadelphia artists. Additionally, the Office collaborates with the Greater Philadelphia arts community to host innovative events such as the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts and DesignPhiladelphia, which generate a significant economic benefit to the city.

Mayor Nutter, Commissioner Burns Launch New Initiative To Hold Vacant Property Owners Responsible For Blight

Philadelphia, October 26, 2011 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter and Licenses and Inspections (L&I) Commissioner Fran Burns announced new efforts to reduce the number of vacant and blighted properties in Philadelphia. The new initiative will better hold private owners accountable for the maintenance of their vacant property. L&I has identified approximately 25,000 unoccupied structures believed to be vacant because the owner has either not obtained a vacant property license or was cited for violations that are likely indicators of vacancy. The goal of this program is to provide incentives for owners to repair or sell their properties to someone else who will repair it, thereby improving the neighborhood. The Department will then be able to concentrate its resources on neighborhoods where the need is greatest.

“Philadelphia residents can no longer afford to have vacant properties harming their neighborhoods,” said Mayor Nutter. “Abandoned buildings tarnish blocks, bring crime and encourage illegal dumping. The City is committed to holding these landowners responsible. Eliminating vacant and blighted properties will benefit our neighborhoods and encourage development.”

“Blight is a major issue facing our neighborhoods and change will not happen overnight. But this program, in addition to the good work the Department does every day, will start shifting neighborhoods,” said Commissioner Burns. “We will not tolerate absentee property owners bringing down our neighborhoods any more.
L&I’s new initiative is different from previous efforts to address the issue of vacant property in three main ways:

Focus on Finding the Owners: A team of dedicated researchers is culling several databases to find good names and addresses for the owners of vacant properties.
New Enforcement Measures: The City will enforce the “doors and windows” ordinance, which allows L&I to ask the court to fine owners $300 per day per opening that is not covered with a functional door or window. Properties in violation of this ordinance are posted with a bright pink poster. State Act 90, sponsored by Rep. John Taylor, allows the Department to ask the court to attach these potentially high dollar fines to the owner’s personal property. The Department can also leverage these fines to bring the property to sheriff sale.
Dedicated Court Time: L&I and the Law Department are working with Judge Bradley Moss to have dedicated days to hear vacant cases. This will make sure that these cases flow through the legal process quickly.

A study commissioned by the RDA and the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations has determined that vacant property costs property owners an average of $8,000 per household, with an estimated $3.8 billion in lost household wealth.

PHILADELPHIA RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF NATION’S TOP CITIZEN-ENGAGED COMMUNITIES

Philadelphia, October 26, 2011 – The City of Philadelphia was named by the Public Technology Institute (PTI) as one of the top “citizen-engaged communities” in the nation. PTI recognizes cities each year that demonstrate excellence in engaging citizens and are evaluated in four key areas: citizen participation processes, integrated communication channels, integrated technology and performance reporting. Philadelphia was selected for programs including the establishment of the 311 Call Center, multiple language support through the Global Philadelphia Language Access Program, utilization of social media, and multiple self service options such as SERVE Philadelphia.

“Philadelphians have always been eager to be involved in their government,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “Over the past four years, we have created multiple new avenues for Philadelphians to report complaints, suggest solutions and to volunteer their time to make Philadelphia safer, cleaner and healthier. Notably, our 311 Call Center has processes more than 200,000 service requests since its opening, and we are always improving operations to make it easier and faster for residents. Philadelphians are definitely engaged, and I’d like to thank PTI for recognizing our citizens.”

During the past four years, the Administration has implemented multiple programs and initiatives to increase customer satisfaction and to improve the City’s responsiveness:
• SERVEPhiladelphia.com is the City’s new, user-friendly website designed to provide access to one-time and ongoing volunteer opportunities that match skills and interests throughout the city;
• In its first two years of operation, the 311 Call Center, which can be accessed through walk-ins, phone and Twitter, has achieved an average customer satisfaction rate of 92 percent and was designated as a Citizen-Engaged Community winner by PTI in 2010; and
• The City has re-established PhillyStat—the City’s performance management program to review the progress of overall goals and evaluate departmental progress.

The other large cities selected for this designation are Boston, MA; Denver, CO; Indianapolis, IN; Kansas City, MO; and Minneapolis, MN.

MAYOR NUTTER, COMMISSIONER bURNS TO HIGHLIGHT EFFORTS TO REDUCE VACANT AND BLIGHTED PROPERTIES

WHO: Mayor Michael A. Nutter
Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez
State Representative John Taylor
Commissioner Fran Burns, Department of Licenses and Inspections
WHAT: Mayor Nutter and other officials will highlight the City of Philadelphia’s efforts to reduce vacant and blighted properties through new initiatives.
WHERE: Northeast corner of Richmond Street and East Indiana Avenue (3000 block of Richmond Street)
WHEN: Wednesday, October 26, 2011 12:00 pm

MAYOR NUTTER, CITY OFFICIALS PARTICIPATE IN “WHAT’S COOKING?” SENIOR HUNGER WORKSHOP

Philadelphia, October 25, 2011 – Today, Mayor Michael Nutter joined the Mayor’s Commission on Aging, the Mayor’s Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Service, and the Klein Jewish Community Center to host a strategic listening session on the impact of hunger on senior citizens.

The workshop, held at the Philadelphia Senior Center, included a presentation of research conducted throughout the summer and fall by SERVE Philadelphia AmeriCorps VISTA Margaret Ernst, followed by breakout sessions on volunteer engagement around senior hunger, nutrition, and social services for homebound seniors.

“Food insecurity and hunger are serious concerns in our City affecting people of every race and age,” said Mayor Nutter. “The purpose of today’s workshop is to analyze the seriousness of hunger issues of our seniors, discuss meal delivery programs and make recommendations about reducing hunger in our senior community – all of which are critical to the livability of Philadelphia.”

This research project on senior hunger emerged from the Mayor Nutter’s participation in the March 2010 “Mayors for Meals” Campaign. It was designed to draw attention to local efforts by Meals on Wheels programs to deliver meals to homebound seniors through the support of volunteers.

“Volunteers play an invaluable role in supporting Philadelphia’s elderly population,” said Chief Service Officer Catie Wolfgang. “With this report, we are able to get a much better handle on just how critical they are to ensuring the city’s homebound seniors receive the nutrition and attention they need and deserve.”

A recent AARP study found that across the country, hunger among Americans 60 and older increased 25% from 2007 to 2009. According to the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, at least 7% of seniors in Philadelphia cut meals due to lack of money in 2009 and at least 7% are unable to cook for themselves or need help preparing meals.

“As Philadelphia’s senior population continues to grow, so does the need for increased resources and support. Partnerships between public and private organizations, which incorporate volunteers, will be even more necessary to address the critical needs of this vulnerable population,” said Raechel Hammer. “It is our hope that this report is the beginning of a conversation that explores real solutions to this very real issue.”

Today’s strategic listening session focused on the food resources available to Philadelphia’s seniors. Participants discussed recommendations for meeting the demands for home-delivered meals and other ways to connect needy seniors to food. Feedback from the session will inform a final report to be released in mid-November by the Mayor’s Commission on Aging, the Mayor’s Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Services and the Klein-JCC.

PHILADELPHIA INTERVENES IN DEFENSE OF EPA AIR POLLUTION RULE TO REDUCE HARMFUL EMISSIONS FROM POWER PLANTS

City files to protect Philadelphia residents’ health and to
oppose efforts to delay Cross State Air Pollution Rule

Philadelphia, October 25, 2011 – The City filed a motion in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit yesterday to intervene in defense of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Cross State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). CSAPR, when implemented, will reduce the transport of harmful air pollutants from coal-fired power plants in upwind states to downwind regions such as Philadelphia.

Mayor Michael A. Nutter said, “Studies have shown that the benefits of CSAPR far exceed the cost of compliance, and the longer polluters delay implementation of this vital rule, the longer Philadelphia residents—particularly sensitive groups such as children, seniors, and those with health issues—will be denied the tremendous health and economic benefits of cleaner air.”

Operators of coal-fired power plants that are major contributors to downwind air pollution and the upwind states that they call home have challenged CSAPR on the grounds that they will be unable to comply with the regulation in the required timeframe. However, CSAPR’s challengers have long been aware of the required reductions and have had time to prepare. Several power plants in upwind states have already installed necessary pollution control devices to reduce airborne emissions and aid in CSAPR compliance.

Promulgated under the Clean Air Act, CSAPR establishes a market-based, emissions trading system that will limit the release of air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, that travel long distances through the air and contribute to harmful levels of smog (ozone) and soot (fine particulates). The emission of these pollutants from coal-fired power plants and other sources located in upwind states currently make it difficult, if not impossible, for the Philadelphia region to meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone and fine particulates.

Area residents will enjoy improved air quality and substantial health care savings as a result of CSAPR’s implementation. Exposure to high airborne concentrations of ozone and fine particulates are scientifically linked to widespread illnesses and premature deaths. In particular, more than one in five children in Philadelphia suffer from asthma, a respiratory disease that is aggravated by Ozone and Fine Particulate pollution.

Nitrogen oxides, fine particulate, and sulfur dioxide emissions in Pennsylvania will fall by 11, 54, and 75 percent respectively in 2014 with the timely implementation of CSAPR. The airborne concentration of fine particulates in Philadelphia alone is projected to drop by 9 percent over the same period. EPA has calculated that the improvement in air quality attributable to CSAPR will prevent up to 34,000 premature deaths, 15,000 non-fatal heart attacks and 400,000 cases of aggravated asthma nationwide every year. It is estimated that Pennsylvania’s share of these national health benefits will be worth billions of dollars annually.

City Solicitor Shelley R. Smith said, “By reducing the amount of air pollutants transported from other states into ours, EPA’s rule will deliver substantial health and economic benefits to the people of Philadelphia and the region.”

“CSAPR will ensure the air we breathe is cleaner, which means less illness and lower health care costs,” said Health Commissioner Donald F. Schwarz.