June 30 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced today that Alan Greenberger will serve as Acting Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and Commerce Director. Mr. Greenberger will retain his responsibilities as Executive Director of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. Mayor Nutter also announced that Kevin Dow, Deputy Director of Commerce for Neighborhood and Business Services, will serve as Acting Chief Operating Officer of the Commerce Department.

“Alan Greenberger is the perfect person to provide stability and continuity for Philadelphia’s planning and economic development during this transitional period,” said Mayor Nutter. “Kevin Dow has provided critical leadership in the reorganization of Commerce and the creation of the new Office of Business Services.”

Greenberger will head up a team that includes Dow as Chief Operating Officer, and Duane Bumb as Senior Deputy Director of Commerce.

“Duane is a highly regarded member of this administration and retains his important leadership position working on economic development projects,” said Mayor Nutter. “Alan, Kevin, and Duane will continue the great progress that has been made on planning and economic development over the last 18 months.”

In May Mayor Nutter announced that Andrew Altman, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and Commerce Director, had accepted a position as founding CEO of the Olympic Park Legacy Company, overseeing the revitalization and redevelopment of Olympic Park in East London -- the largest urban development effort in the United Kingdom and Europe.

Mr. Altman served as Chair of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation and Chair of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. Donn Scott, current Vice Chair of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, will serve as Acting Chair of the Corporation, and Joseph Syrnick, current Vice Chair of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission will serve as Acting Chair of the Planning Commission.

Publication of delinquents generates $4m in additional business tax revenue

June 29, 2009 – The City of Philadelphia today added 57 businesses and 37 associated officers, against whom it has obtained judgments exceeding $5.2 million, to its published lists of business tax judgments against delinquent taxpayers. This is the third list of business tax delinquents published by the City. Overall, the delinquent taxpayer publication initiative has generated $2.4 million in revenue and the City has entered into agreements to receive an additional $1.6 million from those targeted for publication.

“Our tax delinquency efforts have generated an additional $4m in business tax revenue since we began publishing names last November,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “Collecting every last dollar that is owed to the City is especially important in these tough economic times as we ask everybody to make some sacrifice to get us through this crisis.”

Combined, the lists now consist of 190 businesses and 149 associated officers, against whom the City has a total of $53.3 million in judgments.

Courts have entered judgments against all businesses and officers appearing on the lists and they have neither made full payment nor honored any payment arrangements they previously made with the City. Before posting the lists, the City contacted the businesses and officers numerous times to collect delinquent taxes.

When Mayor Nutter launched this initiative last November, he stated that “we are publishing this list of top tax delinquents to send a strong message to those who would consider not paying their taxes: we know who you are, we know what you owe, and we are going to collect it.” The City continues to aggressively utilize every tool legally available, ranging from voluntary compliance and the tax fraud hotline up through lawsuits, collection agencies, and Sheriff’s sales, to go after those who refuse to pay taxes they owe. It is becoming more difficult for tax dodgers to hide.

Citizens who are aware of tax fraud on the part of individuals or business can call the City of Philadelphia’s Tax Fraud Hotline – 215-686-3852. The complete delinquent judgment lists are available on the Law Department’s website, www.phila.gov/law/TaxDelinquent.html, and may also be accessed from the Revenue Department’s website (www.phila.gov/revenue).

Delinquent taxpayers who appear on the lists should contact the City of Philadelphia Law Department, Tax Unit, Judgment Executions, One Parkway, 15th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102-1595, telephone 215-683-5207. The City intends to add new delinquent business tax judgment taxpayers to the lists on at least a quarterly basis, and each month will remove delinquent taxpayers who have resolved their tax liabilities. more »

June 23 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter was joined today by Olympic and Paralympic rowers to celebrate Olympic Day and declare Philadelphia’s support for the City of Chicago in its bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games.

“Philadelphia proudly supports Chicago’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games”, Mayor Nutter said. “Chicago is a world-class city that has what it takes to host a monumental event like the Olympics and all of us in Philadelphia and across the nation wish Mayor Daley, Chicago 2016 and the U.S. Olympic Committee the best of luck.”

Mayor Nutter issued a proclamation to honor Olympic and Paralympic rowing athletes from past Olympic competitions and spoke about the importance and popularity of rowing in Philadelphia. Olympic Day is an opportunity for mayors from across America to voice their collective support for Chicago’s efforts to win the bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games.

The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) celebrates Olympic Day annually with events at the Olympic Training Centers and official training sites, as well as coordinating activities with affiliated sport National Governing Bodies and multi-sport organizations. This year, through a partnership with Chicago 2016, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Olympic Day celebrations have expanded to cities across the country. In each community, the program will encourage physical activity and promote the Olympic values of fair play, cooperation and respect for others. Chicago 2016 is the organization seeking the privilege to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Mayor Nutter was joined at the celebration by Caryn Davies, Anna Goodale, and Lindsay Shoop from the 2008 women’s eight; Dan Beery, Pete Cipollone and Jason Read from the 2004 men’s eight; Scott Brown who competed in the 2008 Paralympic mixed double; and John Hartigan from the 1968 and 1976 Games. The event took place at Vesper Boat Club on Boathouse Row.

Investments will save or create an estimated 350 jobs

June 17 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced details today of $13.5 million in Recovery Act funds for public safety in Philadelphia including $2.5 million for a high-tech Real Time Crime Center at Police Headquarters, $3 million for crime prevention and re-entry services including green jobs training and a Mural Arts program for at-risk youth.

“These investments will not only save lives but save jobs,” said Mayor Nutter. “With this Recovery Act funding we are able to provide better equipment and training for our police officers, invest in our priority areas of opportunities for ex-offenders and green job training, and provide job opportunities for hundreds of Philadelphians. This will have a real impact on this city and our citizens.”

The programs selected by the City of Philadelphia not only include investment in equipment and training for Philadelphia Police Officers, but programs that will create an estimated 300 jobs and save 52 court employee positions.

The City of Philadelphia has been allocated $13.5 million in funding by formula from the Byrne Grant Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Justice. This program has been in existence for a number of years and has been expanded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by increasing the total amount of funding available and by expanding the tracking and reporting requirements to ensure effective use of the provided funding.

The City has filed an application with the U.S. Department of Justice for spending on the following programs:

Real Time Crime Center at Police Headquarters to provide real time updates to detectives in the field and to develop and analyze crime patterns to ensure effective deployment - $2.5 million.

Less-Than-Lethal Weapons Training to train more officers in the use of collapsible batons and Control Electrical Devices - $1.25 million.

Education and Training for Police Supervisors and Mid-Managers - $620,000.

Clean and Seal (Department of License and Inspections) to clean out and seal vacant or abandoned buildings that poses dangers to the community - $420,000.

Mural Arts Program partnership with Youth Violence Reduction Partnership (YVRP) to create a jobs and skills training program to create and restore murals, providing opportunities for young people most at risk, creating 120 positions over the next three years - $1.37 million.

Green Jobs program for ex-offenders which will create 160 jobs in the first year of a two year partnership with the non-profit Resources for Human Development, Inc. - $1 million.

Community Court positions - $619,526 to fund five positions originally eliminated through budget cuts.

Adult Probation and Parole, Common Pleas Court - $2.58 million for 22 court officers originally eliminated through budget cuts.

Pre-Trial Services, Common Pleas Court - $1.18 million for 11 positions originally eliminated through budget cuts.

Juvenile Branch, Common Pleas Court – $1.64 million for 14 probation officers originally eliminated through budget cuts.

Mayor Nutter made the announcement at a press conference at Police Headquarters with Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller, Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Everett Gillison, Judge Pamela Pryor Dembe, and representatives from the Mural Arts Program and Resources for Human Development, Inc.

June 17 - Today, Mayor Nutter released the following statement in response to the ruling by Judge Albert W. Sheppard of the Court of Common Pleas which orders the City to pay the Philadelphia Eagles $5 million due to a cancelled pre-season game in 2001.

“I am pleased that this matter has finally been concluded. Just over a week ago Judge Sheppard ordered the Eagles to pay the City $8 million and today he has ordered the City to pay the Eagles $5 million, resolving both pieces of this case. I look forward to continuing to work with the Eagles as partners in the community to improve the lives of Philadelphians in neighborhoods across this city. Finally I wish them the best in the upcoming season.”

City officials receive training on Recovery Act reporting requirements

June 15 – U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Napolitano today announced approximately $26 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding for the construction of two new inline baggage handling systems at Philadelphia International Airport—a project designed to infuse the local economy with Recovery Act dollars while increasing security and easing check-in procedures.

“These state-of-the-art baggage screening systems will enhance airport security, streamline check-in procedures for passengers and increase safety for TSA employees,” said Secretary Napolitano. “This project injects Recovery Act money into the Philadelphia economy while advancing our Department-wide focus on utilizing the latest science and technology.”

Mayor Michael A. Nutter joined Secretary Napolitano as she made the announcement at Philadelphia International Airport with Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, U.S. Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey, and U.S. Congressman Patrick Murphy.

“This investment from the Recovery Act is a major boost for Philadelphia International Airport and the 90,000 passengers who use the airport every day,” said Mayor Nutter. “Today’s announcement is another welcome injection of funds into our regional economy and a demonstration of the Obama Administration’s commitment to getting the economy moving and putting Americans to work.”

The new inline baggage handling systems will create a more efficient experience for travelers by eliminating the need for passengers to walk their checked baggage to a screening location and wait before proceeding to the security checkpoint. The system incorporates enhanced explosive detection technology to provide on-screen viewing capabilities for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers conducting baggage screenings and reduces the number of re-scans and physical bag searches.

When construction is completed, Philadelphia International Airport will boast a total of four operational inline systems instead of eight separate screening locations—markedly improving airport efficiency. The new technology will also make work safer for TSA employees by automating the baggage screening process.

Also today City officials responsible for preparing Recovery Act applications and managing the expenditure of funds underwent training on the Act’s strict tracking and reporting requirements. The training session, organized by Chief Integrity Officer Joan Markman and Inspector General Amy Kurland, was conducted by a law enforcement agent in the federal Department of Justice Inspector General's office. The session covered an overview of the reporting requirements, common fraud schemes in the grants and procurement processes and how to spot them, how to put measures in place to minimize the likelihood of fraud/waste happening in the first place, and how to report suspected instances of fraud or abuse.

“With this unprecedented investment comes unprecedented oversight,” said Mayor Nutter. “The City of Philadelphia is committed to this process and we will ensure that every dollar spent is spent legally, honestly, and with the goal of putting Philadelphians to work.”

For information on how the Recovery Act is getting projects started and putting people to work in Philadelphia, visit the Philadelphia Recovery website at www.phila.gov/recovery.

New Communication Network among Chicago, Philadelphia and New York City Will Help Prevent Crane Accidents

June 12 – New York City Buildings Commissioner Robert LiMandri today announced a new partnership with the cities of Chicago and Philadelphia to share critical data on tower cranes erected within their borders. Under the unprecedented information-sharing agreement, building officials will share information about the design and operation of active tower cranes, as well as other important details, such as crane equipment failures, manufacturer recalls, operational trends and accidents. This information, which will be stored in a common database and updated quarterly, will be used by each jurisdiction to help determine the operational history of a tower crane and whether it is safe to be operated. This new communication network is set to launch by the end of June, and other municipal and state agencies across the country are expected to join in the coming months.

The new database will track 10 specific items in each jurisdiction, including: the number of active tower cranes, the locations of their operation, the name of the crane owner, the make, model, model year, maximum height and serial number of each tower crane and the dates when each one is erected and dismantled. Today, there are more than 50 active tower cranes in New York City, Chicago and Philadelphia.

"Sharing this information can save lives," said Commissioner LiMandri. "This new pact is a major step toward establishing a standardized system of tracking tower cranes across the country and will ultimately better protect New Yorkers and millions of other Americans from unsafe construction practices. I would like to thank officials from Chicago and Philadelphia for their cooperation and commitment to public safety, and I encourage more jurisdictions to join us."

“This is a great program that will undoubtedly have a positive impact on our ability to regulate cranes and protect public safety,” said Richard Monocchio, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Buildings. “This registration and history will provide more information than any one city could obtain or track on its own."

“This new partnership will reduce the potential for future tragedies,” said Frances Burns, Commissioner of the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections. “Philadelphia has made safe crane operation a priority by drafting strict, yet sensible laws that increase oversight and training, and by sharing data with others, it will help us all provide a safer environment for our construction workers and citizens.”

There is no national database to track tower cranes or their parts, which easily move through municipal and state jurisdictions with varying degrees of oversight, requirements and inspectorial resources. The current federal crane regulations are more than 40 years old, and a modern set of standards proposed by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration does not include any requirements for crane tracking. Last year, there were two fatal crane accidents in New York City, as well as dozens of others throughout the country, including Houston, Las Vegas and Miami.

Crane regulations in New York City, Chicago and Philadelphia – three of the country’s most densely populated urban areas – are considered among the toughest in the world, and unlike many jurisdictions, the three cities require tower crane users to obtain permit approval and pass a series of inspections before a crane is allowed to be operated. Earlier this year, a crane owner attempted to register a mobile tower crane for use in New York City, but the Department received an anonymous tip that the crane was involved in a recent accident in Toronto, Canada. The registration of the crane has been denied pending an ongoing investigation by the Department’s Cranes and Derricks Unit.

This joint agreement builds upon relationships established at the Department’s crane safety conference in October where more than 50 government officials from local, state and federal agencies around the world discussed ways to improve crane safety. In December, the Department held a second conference with 10 of the world’s leading crane manufacturers who represent 70% of the cranes registered to operate in New York City.

Crane tracking is one of the recommendations stemming from the High Risk Construction Oversight study, which the Department launched in July to improve crane, hoists, excavations and concrete operations citywide. With a $4 million investment from Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, the study brought together more than 30 engineering experts from CTL Engineers and Construction Technology Consultants, P.C. (CTL) to work with the Department and construction industry members to review regulations, materials, processes and systems employed during high-risk construction.

So far 1,200 homes saved, with a further 1,500 in negotiation

June 11 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter joined New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today as Mayor Bloomberg announced his plan to help New Yorkers avoid mortgage foreclosure, a plan modeled on the Philadelphia Mortgage Foreclosure Protection Plan.

"Through an extensive public information campaign and requiring lenders to negotiate settlements in good faith, we have helped over 1,200 individuals and families in Philadelphia stay in their homes," said Mayor Nutter. "Mayor's Bloomberg's approach of bringing both homeowners and lenders to the table is absolutely the right combination to address this problem,"

“As cities across the country seek innovative ways to address the foreclosure crisis, many are looking to Philadelphia, where Mayor Nutter has implemented some of the most effective,” said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. “In New York City, we’ve made great strides helping at-risk homeowners avoid foreclosure by providing free legal and financial counseling. As we continue to expand our programs, we will work with Mayor Nutter and other leaders on the issue to implement best practices and help more New Yorkers keep their homes.”

The Philadelphia plan, launched in June 2008, involves door-to-door outreach, visiting homeowners whose homes are slated for foreclosure, to inform them of housing and legal counseling available to them. Through this program:

• 5,200 households slated for foreclosure
• Over 4,000 visited by outreach teams
• 3,380 homeowners took part in the program
• 1,200 homes have been saved and a further 1,500 are in negotiation

Mayor Bloomberg announced a new public campaign to help more New Yorkers get the free legal assistance, mortgage counseling and education services available through the Center for NYC Neighborhoods. He also urged lawmakers to reform New York State’s current anti-foreclosure measures to include stronger provisions requiring mandatory settlement conferences between lenders and homeowners like those that have proven effective in Philadelphia.

Mayor Nutter also took part in a conference call hosted by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and ACORN to talk about steps that are being taken by cities across the country to tackle the issue of mortgage foreclosure.

“Splash and Summer Fund” raised $430,000

June 8 - Mayor Nutter today announced that his approved budget, along with $429,141 donated to the “Splash and Summer Fund,” will enable the City to open 46 outdoor pools throughout Philadelphia this summer. “The ongoing success of this campaign exemplifies what can happen when the citizens of Philadelphia, the business community and government work together toward a common goal,” Nutter said. “In this case it‘s keeping our children safe and cool for the summer.”

The corporate community has been a strong supporter of the “Splash and Summer Fund”. Collectively they have donated a total of $547,500.00, however private citizens have readily contributed to the “Splash and Summer Fund”. They have contributed $23,641.00 to the campaign thus far. “I am extremely appreciative that we continue to receive support from the citizens of Philadelphia and members of the corporate community for the ‘Splash and Summer Fund’ I hope that others will donate to the Mayor’s ‘Splash and Summer Fund’ either this year or beyond” said Recreation Commissioner, Slawson. more »

June 08 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced today that the City of Philadelphia has advertised its first Streets Department project funded by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 (ARRA). The City is looking forward to competitive bids on the milling and resurfacing of approximately 23 miles of the Federal Aid street routes throughout the City, and replacement or upgrade to current ADA standards of approximately 1500 curb cut ramps. Based on estimates developed by the President’s Council of Economic Advisors this project could be expected to create 160 jobs.

“Philadelphia is open for Reinvestment and Recovery Act business,” said Mayor Nutter. “The investment in our City streets that we advertise today will create jobs and literally build a better Philadelphia,” said Mayor Nutter.

Construction funding is a combination of $12.7 million of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funds (100% fed.,) and $2 million of previously programmed Federal and City funds (80% fed 20% city). Another ARRA funded project will be put out for bids later this summer is for similar work in Center City. These projects were selected because they meet criteria for investment on federal aid roads and the stringent ready-to-go standards set out by the Act.

Congressman Fattah said, “The streets project is a win-win for Philadelphians. The millions that will be poured into the local economy from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will not only provide much needed jobs when so many in our city are out of work but it will also improve travel by literally ‘smoothing the way’ for area commuters.”

“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is strengthening our communities and building the economy. This investment in Philadelphia's street infrastructure both saves money and creates good paying jobs,” said Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz.

“This is another example of how President Obama is working hand in hand with Congress and local governments to ensure that the stimulus funding is utilized to provide funding for improvements to our infrastructure. This stimulus money translates to the creation of 160 jobs as well as two dozen miles of street repaving and vitally needed curbs cuts to ensure the safety of the disabled. This funding is vital and it will improve the quality of life for everybody in the city,” said Congressman Bob Brady.

“I am happy that recovery funds are being allocated so quickly to benefit Philadelphia and other cities and towns across the state,” said Senator Casey. “This funding will improve Philadelphia’s roads and create economic growth in the region.”

Deputy Mayor for Transportation and Utilties Rina Cutler noted that this project could not be initiated this year without the passage of the ARRA and will be in addition to the Streets Department previously scheduled paving program. Shovels will be in ground to work on ADA ramps late this summer and paving will occur next spring. In total the City of Philadelphia will be repaving approximately 110 miles of streets between April and December 2009.

All Recovery Act opportunities will be posted on the Philadelphia Recovery website: www.phila.gov/recovery.

more »

June 8 - Today, Mayor Nutter released the following statement in response to the ruling by Judge Albert W. Sheppard of the Court of Common Pleas which orders the Eagles to pay the City of Philadelphia $8 million, resolving one phase of this long-standing litigation. The court also indicated it would determine the second phase of the case, the amount due from the City to the Eagles because of a cancelled pre-season game, in the next few weeks.

“I’m so pleased that today’s favorable Court ruling has resolved a key part of this long-standing lawsuit between the City and the Eagles and I appreciate the hard work on all sides. I am also hopeful that the judge will rule shortly in the last final phase of the case so that this entire matter can reach a final conclusion.”

Event at PV America and 34th Photovoltaic Specialists Conference Showcases Philadelphia’s U.S. Department of Energy Solar America Cities Award

June 08 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced today at the joint opening session for the PV America Conference and the 34th Photovoltaic Specialists Conference that the City of Philadelphia has been awarded a Solar America City grant, presented by JoAnn Milliken, the Acting Solar Program Manager for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Through the Solar America Cities program, Philadelphia has received $200,000 in grant monies and $250,000 in technical assistance to fund innovative solar energy initiatives designed to facilitate mainstream adoption of solar energy.

“The Philadelphia Solar City Partnership represents the DOE's intention to deploy solar on a very real and very local level,” said Mayor Nutter. “This partnership will play a significant role in achieving the alternative energy generation goals as well as the competitive economic advantage established in our Greenworks Philadelphia plan. Through the Philadelphia Solar City Partnership, the City of Philadelphia is working towards deploying solar on a large scale while working to create clarity on the permitting process and financing mechanisms for smaller scale installations.”

Philadelphia is one of only 25 cities in the nation to receive the Solar America City designation by the DOE. Philadelphia, under its Solar America City Partnership, is working to identify and remove barriers to widespread solar development in the city and to help cost effectively meet its solar installation goal by focusing on large scale municipal solar installations; completing a comprehensive guidebook to help identify the tools to overcome commercial and residential solar market barriers in and around the city; and developing and adopting a replicable and fully integrated solar implementation plan.

In addition to the Solar America City award, the DOE recently announced $10 million in new funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which is available for Special Projects in the 25 Solar America Cities. With its status as a Solar America City, the City of Philadelphia is eligible to apply for these funds.

Throughout the PV America conference, the City of Philadelphia will be highlighted as an exemplary model of green initiatives and innovations that bolster the economic and physical health of its infrastructure and citizens. Numerous Philadelphia-area companies were represented in PV America’s educational sessions and were among the more than 135 exhibitors during the exposition. Residents of greater Philadelphia will be able to view the exhibits free of charge on Tuesday, June 9 from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m. in Halls A & B on the second level of the Pennsylvania Convention Center. PV America is hosted by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), in partnership with IEEE’s 34th Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, and the Mid-Atlantic Solar Energy Industries Association (MSEIA).

“As the load centers of energy use across the nation, cities present unique challenges and opportunities for solar market transformation. DOE recognizes the important role of cities like Philadelphia as champions of progressive energy efficiency and renewable energy efforts, and wishes to support their bold and innovative steps to accelerate solar technology adoption at the local level.” Tom Kimbis, Director of Market Transformation for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Program.

“The commitment to solar energy by Mayor Nutter and other leaders in Philadelphia have made the Mid-Atlantic region one of the fastest growing markets for solar in the country,” said SEIA President and CEO Rhone Resch. “That is why the city deserves recognition as a Solar America City and it is why we chose to host the first PV America in Philadelphia.”

For more information, please visit www.solaramericacities.energy.gov or www.greenworksphila.org www.seia.org and www.mseia.net.

Editor’s Note:
For information about Solar America Cities or to conduct interviews with Solar America Cities spokespeople at PV America, please contact: Jennifer Jansky, 303-956-0001 or by email at jjansky@groundfloormedia.com.

Pennsylvania Delegation Showed that the City’s Program Vital and Worth Continuing

June 5 - Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter today issued the following brief statement regarding approval by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to extend Philadelphia’s universal feeding pilot program through the reauthorization of the upcoming Child Nutrition bill. Members of Pennsylvania’s Congressional delegation, Mayor Nutter and Governor Rendell had been working together to ensure a reprieve for the innovative, paperless meal program.

“This is terrific news for thousands of our neediest school children who count on this program to provide them with good, healthy meals each day of the school year,” said Nutter. “It was clear from my conversation with Secretary Vilsack today that our Pennsylvania delegation spoke in one clear voice about the extraordinary success and importance of this program – and we were heard. I look forward to working together to make it a model for the rest of the nation.”

June 04 – Philadelphia was recognized as a bicycle friendly city today as the League of American Bicyclists presented Mayor Michael A. Nutter with the League’s prestigious Bicycle Friendly Community Award at the Bronze Level. Mayor Nutter also signed today Philadelphia’s first Complete Streets Executive Order which makes full consideration of cyclists, pedestrians and public transit users an integral part of streets planning by City Departments and agencies.

“While I am proud to have Philadelphia recognized at the bronze level, I’m aiming for platinum,” said Mayor Nutter. “The signing of this Executive Order is just one in a number of steps that we are taking to make Philadelphia an even better place to walk, bike and take SEPTA. Making it easy for residents, commuters and visitors to choose to not use their cars is among the most meaningful contributions the City can make toward our goal of becoming America’s number one green city.”

The Complete Streets policy will apply when planning, designing, constructing, maintaining or operating transportation facilities including park roads, drives and paths. The order directs all City departments and agencies to:

Give full consideration to the safety and convenience of all users of the transportation system, be they pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit users or motor vehicle drivers; Place a high priority on the safety of those traveling in the public right of way, and in particular the safety of children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

Deputy Mayor for Transportation and Utilities, Rina Cutler, who spearheaded the effort to have Philadelphia adopt a Complete Streets policy remarked, “Our adoption of a Complete Streets policy builds on Philadelphia’s history of being a great city for walking and biking. We expect every City agency to incorporate this policy, constructing a future where it is easier than ever before to walk, bike or take transit. This will enable Philadelphia to really focus on becoming a more livable community.”

At the signing and press conference in Love Park Mayor Nutter was also presented with the League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly Community Award. Philadelphia is the first City in Pennsylvania to receive the honor and one of the largest cities in the nation to receive the honor. Fewer than half of all applicants for the award receive a designation.

Andy Clarke, the League’s Executive Director, noted the progress that Philadelphia has made in becoming a bicycle friendly community, “Philadelphia, has marked over two hundred miles of streets with bicycle lanes, provided over 4,000 on-street bicycle parking spaces and since 2005 has decreased the number bike accidents resulting in injuries by 14 percent.” more »

June 01 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter has issued the following statement on the choice of State Senator Rob Wonderling as the new President & CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce:

“Congratulations to the Chamber of Commerce on selecting a new President and CEO. Senator Rob Wonderling is a perfect fit for the job.

He has a unique blend of experience in the public and private sector and has a demonstrated public record of working on job creation, economic development and infrastructure policy in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Mark Schweiker has done a tremendous job during his six years as President and CEO. I have every confidence that Senator Rob Wonderling will continue this success and I look forward to continuing to work with him to promote the city and the region.”

June 1 - Today Mayor Michael A. Nutter, GoodCompany Ventures, and the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) launched a new green business incubator at the Navy Yard. The incubator program will run for several weeks this summer, culminating in “funding day” where companies have the opportunity to make their freshly honed pitch to investors. The program hopes to give fledgling green business the skills and funding opportunities to grow.

“Small businesses are where the economic recovery starts and encouraging those small businesses - particularly small, green, businesses - is vital to the sustained growth of our regional economy,” said Mayor Nutter. “This incubator

The incubator will provide invaluable guidance and support to a group of participating entrepreneurs through group sessions, one-on-one mentoring and pro bono services. All mentors and speakers are experienced members of the early-stage community and include successful entrepreneurs, early-stage attorneys, technologists, venture capitalists, angel investors and early-stage service providers. The incubator hopes to provide the participating businesses with access to infrastructure, advisors, and capital – the three keys to successfully growing a small business.

“Considering the current economic climate, including the fall of iconic companies like GM, there is no question that it is time to start doing business differently,” said Jacob Gray, co-founder of GoodCompany Ventures. “Truly sustainable economic development creates both growth and addresses the environment, education, healthcare and other big unsolved issues of our time. Our immodest goal at GoodCompany Ventures is to launch Philadelphia into the lead as a center for sustainable business. Because of the mayor's commitment to making Philadelphia the greenest city in the nation, and the support of PIDC, we consider the mayor's office a perfect partner.”

The ten participating companies were selected from an applicant pool of 50. While most of the businesses are from the Philadelphia region, some have come from as far as India.

About GoodCompany Ventures
GoodCompany Ventures catalyzes start-ups with innovative solutions to big, unmet social needs. GoodCompany entrepreneurs are offered a great place to work in Philadelphia, a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and access to a network of capital sources and expert advisors. We champion models that offer investors financial return and social impact. More information is available on the Web or via email at info@goodcompanyventures.org.