Lunch with the City’s Leaders - Councilmember at-Large, Derek S. Green - June 15, 2022
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Our latest Lunch with the City’s Leaders event was held in the heart of Philadelphia at The Union League of Philadelphia, where members and guests enjoyed time to network and chat, followed by lunch and a presentation from City of Philadelphia Councilmember at- Large, Derek S. Green. Councilmember Green spoke about the many challenges that face Philadelphia – but also of the hope and potential that the city has. Below are four key takeaways from Councilmember Green’s presentation.
Challenges and hopes for small businesses
Councilmember Green acknowledged the challenges of opening and maintaining small businesses in Philadelphia, particularly the way regulations and taxes can negatively impact small business owners. In his proposed legislation*, taxes such as income receipt taxes would be reduced as well as wage taxes for residents and nonresidents. He also pointed to statistics which show that certain populations, such as African Americans, only own 6% of businesses in Philadelphia despite making up 43% of the population, noting that the city needs to be more business-friendly for all. Philadelphia has the potential to be a global leader in life sciences but the industry and other corporations need better coordination and must be able to work together, not against each other.
*Editor's note - since publication, City Council passed a budget with tax reductions for homeowners, businesses, and workers. See City Council Weekly Report HERE.
Investing in, and improving, education
Councilmember Green refers to himself as a “teacher’s kid”, fondly noting that his mother spent her life teaching in Philadelphia. He discussed the need for Philadelphia to invest in education, as well as ensuring that all students have a great education, not just some. Many years ago, his mother dealt with asbestos in her school building. Incredibly, his son just graduated from a local high school which is dealing with the same problem decades later. Both personally and professionally, Councilmember Green takes education very seriously, adding that no matter where students go to school, they need to have a great education.
Improving public safety while still honoring accountability
“The most important title I hold is that of father,” he said. And as a father, he worries about safety, particularly for his son, who was diagnosed with autism and is now “going out into the real world” as a high school graduate. He acknowledged the high crime rates in the city, but added that in addition to investing in education, another crucial part of the solution is creating jobs – and jobs are created by small businesses. No business owner should have to live in fear, he said. He added there also must be justice and accountability among law enforcement. We can strive towards safety as well as justice, he noted, but without safety we can’t increase economic vitality especially after the effects of the pandemic.
Having faith in the city and its people
Despite the challenges and improvements that are needed in the city, Councilmember Green said to keep the faith and to have the “Allen Iverson” spirit, referring to the iconic Philadelphia basketball player’s confidence and determination which “embodies the City of Philadelphia,” he said. “Remember we need to have Allen Iverson’s spirit and remember where we came from as a city. Just like Allen Iverson we can get through these issues together.”
Thank You Members and Sponsors!
Thank you to those who could attend our Lunch with the City’s Leaders' event, and thank you to our community, for all that you do to make Philadelphia's Center City the best place to do business. Additionally, we thank the generous sponsors for their support of Lunch with the City’s Leaders series, including Citizens Bank, Comcast Business, Community College of Philadelphia, Friedman LLP, KYW, LevLane, PECO, Post Brothers, and Visit Philadelphia.