COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN is dedicated to enriching the lives of Philadelphia residents by “Putting People First.” As an educator, community activist, political leader and concerned parent, her focus and commitment to help others defined her work prior to her election to Philadelphia City Council. She has sponsored and gained passage of legislation that promotes the availability of and increases access to meaningful opportunities in small business development for women and minorities; advocates for the health and welfare of youth; and increases the viability of the City’s arts and culture community. In addition, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown is now a leader in advancing energy conservation and environmental matters. She is infusing her policy and program initiatives to reflect this important legislative priority.
A sought-after speaker, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown often devotes her programmatic and legislative efforts toward improving the quality of life for our City’s most vulnerable citizens, children. The Celebration of Moxie Women, her signature program held in March, focuses on the potential of girls, the promise of the next generation of women leaders (ages 21-39 yrs. old), and the power of accomplished and professional businesswomen, especially working mothers. Councilwoman Reynolds Brown has been recognized for her accomplishments as a Philadelphia Business Journal Woman of Distinction; as a recipient of the PA Commission for Women Women’s History Month Award; and as one of 50 of Pennsylvania’s most influential women in the book, VOICES.
Legislative Accomplishments:
Since assuming office in January 2000, Blondell Reynolds Brown has worked tirelessly to ensure the successful passage of legislation focused on her platform issues:
- Persuaded the Phillies and Eagles, along with Mayor John F. Street , during the sports stadium negotiations, to establish a “Fund for Children” requiring each team to contribute $1 million annually for 30 years.
- Passed the “Green Building” Bill which requires City buildings and renovations to reach a high sustainability standard.
- Secured increased funding for the arts in the City’s budget and fought for the integrity of the "Percent for Art" programs.
- Structured the new Department of Parks and Recreation to reflect national best practices.
- Sponsored resolutions that supported organized labor unions (SEIU – Janitors and 1199C – Childcare Teachers) in their efforts to gain fair contracts and fought for amendments to protect union jobs from privatization (DC33).
The safety, health and education of children, quality child care, and expanded business opportunities for minorities and women have been a legislative priority during her service on City Council:
- Authored legislation requiring chain restaurants to provide menu labeling with nutritional and calorie information, effective January, 2010.
- Equipped police officers with a new and stronger curfew law to complement the opening of 11 citywide curfew centers.
- Instituted the Special Committee on Gender Parity and Working Women to advance female entrepreneurship opportunities and level the playing field on business and governmental contracts.
- Earned passage of bills that simplified the approval process for childcare providers, eased the tax burden on start up businesses, and enabled the City of Philadelphia to save money by taking advantage of lower cost procurement contracts.
- Sponsored the Slavery Disclosure Ordinance requiring businesses interested in contracts to reveal connections to slavery.
- Created and implemented the “Groceries for Guns” initiative, a gun buyback program that resulted in an unprecedented number of gun buybacks, to help curtain gun violence in the city.
- Introduced legislation that amended the City Charter to create a Youth Commission for young people in Philadelphia.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Master of Science in Education, Pennsylvania State University
- The Councilwoman is a proud graduate of the Philadelphia High School for Girls
- Alumnus, Urban League Leadership Institute
Organizational Affiliations (current):
- Board Member, The Philadelphia Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, The Marian Anderson Award, The African American Museum of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Young Playwrights, City Year Philadelphia, Please Touch Museum and The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance.
- Member, Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Coalition of 100 Black Women, PA Chapter; and Pinn Memorial Baptist Church in West Philadelphia.
Updated 02/11
Councilwoman Reynolds Brown resides with her family in Philadelphia’s Wynnefield section.
