{"id":1007148,"date":"2023-04-17T09:43:02","date_gmt":"2023-04-17T13:43:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sbnphiladelphia.org\/?p=1007148"},"modified":"2023-04-25T16:15:37","modified_gmt":"2023-04-25T20:15:37","slug":"an-open-letter-to-city-of-philadelphia-elected-officials","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sbnphiladelphia.org\/featured\/an-open-letter-to-city-of-philadelphia-elected-officials\/","title":{"rendered":"An Open Letter to City of Philadelphia Elected Officials"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h5><b>T<\/b><strong>o: Current and incoming Philadelphia government leaders and members of City Council, our members and local business owners, and other stakeholders.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h5>\n<h5><strong>RE: Addressing small business needs and recommendations for local government intervention in the city of Philadelphia for 2023 and beyond.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<h5><strong>Contact: Devi Ramkissoon, Executive Director<\/strong><\/h5>\n<h5><strong>Email:<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong> &#100;&#x65;&#x76;i&#64;&#x73;b&#110;&#x70;h&#105;&#x6c;a&#100;&#x65;&#x6c;&#112;&#x68;&#x69;a&#46;&#x6f;r&#103;<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<h5><strong>Phone: 215.922.7400\u00a0<\/strong><\/h5>\n<h5>\u00a0<\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dated: April 2023<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><b>Small businesses are pillars of our communities. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now more than ever, small businesses are feeling the compounded impacts of the covid-19 pandemic, a looming recession, and the growing threats of climate change. That\u2019s why it is critical for government leaders in Philadelphia to fortify our local economy by making significant investments in sustainable economic development, the well-being of our communities, and climate resilience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN), our partners, and small business owners across Philadelphia understand the importance of working together with leaders in city government to build profitable enterprises that serve community needs, share wealth, and protect the environment. Highlighting the priorities of small business owners, this letter calls on policymakers and leaders in city government to strengthen investment in program and policy solutions that support equitable, sustainable economic growth for small businesses, our workers, and our communities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<h5><b>Addressing Public Safety\u00a0<\/b><\/h5>\n<p><b>It is crucial that the City continues to strengthen and invest in proactive approaches to addressing gun violence and other issues of public safety. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crime is among the top issues for many business owners and residents. In a 2023 poll conducted by the market research firm SSRS,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.penncapital-star.com\/campaigns-elections\/in-new-poll-philly-voters-put-crime-at-the-top-of-priorities-list-for-citys-next-mayor\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">89% of respondents reported crime as the number one issue<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that needs to be addressed by the next Mayor. Violent crime not only harms communities, but also places an economic burden on local businesses &#8211; who in turn must continue to adapt to the increased threats plaguing the neighborhoods they serve. Businesses are anchors in our communities. City leaders can build on the deep knowledge and trust local businesses have developed in our neighborhoods to disseminate educational tools and resources to our most-impacted communities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Kenney Administration has proposed a Fiscal Year 2024 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.phila.gov\/2023-03-02-our-continued-investments-for-enhancing-public-safety\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">budget of $233 million<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to make our communities safer and reduce violence. If these funds are approved, it is important that the City prioritize projects such as strengthening SEPTA security personnel and investing in training and technology to improve safety for passengers. Local leaders should also address open air drug use and distribution by targeting sale and use of drugs in parks, recreation centers, libraries, and other public spaces. The City can continue to work with local organizations, businesses, and community leaders to identify community-driven solutions to public safety.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<h5><b>Small Business Participation in City Contracts<\/b><\/h5>\n<p><b>Small diverse businesses deserve equitable opportunities to compete for and win City contracts. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The City of Philadelphia&#8217;s<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.phila.gov\/departments\/office-of-economic-opportunity\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Office of Economic Opportunity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> ensures that the City is working with diverse businesses to fulfill its needs for goods and services. While this program offers significant benefits, there is additional opportunity for improvement regarding access to contracts for small minority, woman, and disabled-owned (M\/W\/DSBE) businesses. The City should consider creating a &#8220;Small Business Set-Aside&#8221; program, similar to the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sba.gov\/federal-contracting\/contracting-assistance-programs\/8a-business-development-program\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Small Business Administration\u2019s 8(a) program<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, through which City departments are required to &#8220;set-aside&#8221; a portion of their contracts to certified small diverse businesses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, the City\u2019s Procurement Department has a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.phila.gov\/services\/business-self-employment\/bidding-on-a-city-contract\/get-certified-as-a-local-business-entity\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Local Business Entity Certification<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">program<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that aims to promote economic development by increasing the City&#8217;s use of local businesses for goods and services. With the institution of a \u201cset-aside\u201d program, small businesses that meet this certification could be made eligible to receive set-aside contracts. The City could consider expansion of the certification process to include requirements for mentorship and training for small businesses that enable small businesses to build capacity and effectively compete for contracts. To ensure access to such programs by diverse businesses, the City should also explore avenues to streamline the M\/W\/DSBE registration process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<h5><b>Workforce Development and Equity<\/b><\/h5>\n<p><b>Increasing access to capital, opportunity, and education for workers and small business owners in Philadelphia is essential for sustained, equitable economic growth.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The City has made<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.phila.gov\/2023-03-08-seven-workforce-development-programs-to-support-businesses-and-residents\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">record investments<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in workforce training, innovation, and small business development in recent years. The City must continue to strengthen partnerships with local business owners and other community leaders to develop an integrated and community-informed approach to workforce development, prioritizing investment in historically under-resourced communities and in climate-resilient industries. City departments can leverage the network and expertise of local leaders to disseminate important information on opportunities for training, funding, and other resources available to Philadelphia businesses and workers.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Philadelphia has demonstrated a commitment to providing a living wage for<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ogletree.com\/insights\/philadelphia-increases-minimum-wage-rate-for-city-workers-and-contractors\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">municipal employees<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.phila.gov\/2023-03-09-businesses-can-now-apply-for-the-quality-jobs-program\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">broader Philadelphia workforce<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, while also advocating for<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/phila.legistar.com\/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6006993&amp;GUID=82CBA6DA-4802-49E6-8B81-8634C9C42442&amp;Options=ID%7CText%7C&amp;Search=\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">state-level change<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The City\u2019s recent investments in equitable wages and family-sustaining jobs are encouraging, and must continue to grow and expand to effectively meet the needs of our communities. The City should continue to work in partnership with local organizations, business owners, and community leaders to prioritize workforce development and wage equity initiatives in communities most-impacted by high poverty, systemic inequity, and continued disinvestment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<h5><b>Investment in Sustainable Economic Growth\u00a0<\/b><\/h5>\n<p><b>It is vital that small businesses have opportunities for growth and invest in sustainable practices that ensure longevity and better serve community needs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the past, the City has incentivized growth of small businesses committed to improving their environmental and social impacts as well as their profitability. However, many of these initiatives, such as\u00a0 the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.phila.gov\/services\/payments-assistance-taxes\/taxes\/tax-credits\/business-tax-credits\/sustainable-business-tax-credit\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sustainable Business Tax Credit<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.phila.gov\/services\/payments-assistance-taxes\/taxes\/tax-credits\/business-tax-credits\/sustainable-jump-start-tax-credit\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sustainable Jump Start Tax Credit<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, have been left fallow in recent years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The City can champion investment in sustainable economic growth by revitalizing, streamlining, and expanding upon existing incentives as well as developing new initiatives that prioritize climate-resiliency and small business development in underserved neighborhoods. With lessons learned from the breadth of environmentally-focused efforts adopted in recent years, such as the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.phila.gov\/programs\/plastic-bag-ban\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plastic Bag Ban<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/water.phila.gov\/green-city\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Green City, Clean Waters<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.phila.gov\/2020-09-10-philadelphia-joins-nrdc-food-matters-regional-initiative-to-tackle-food-waste-citywide\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Food Matters Regional Initiative<\/span><\/a><b>, <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the City can continue to identify community-informed, evidence-based, and equitable approaches to invest in sustainable development for small businesses in Philadelphia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In partnership,<\/span><\/p>\n<p><br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1007149\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sbnphiladelphia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/dr-signature.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"57\" height=\"53\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Devi Ramkissoon,\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Executive Director<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1007150 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.sbnphiladelphia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Lou-Signature_2023.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"268\" height=\"80\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sbnphiladelphia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Lou-Signature_2023.png 388w, https:\/\/www.sbnphiladelphia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Lou-Signature_2023-300x90.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 268px) 100vw, 268px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"c6\">Lou Rodriguez,<\/p>\n<p class=\"c6\"><span class=\"c7\">CEO and Founder<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c6\"><span class=\"c7\">Rodriguez Consulting, LLC<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rodriguezconsulting.biz\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-724171 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sbnphiladelphia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/friend-rodriguez-e1681738870450.png\" alt=\"rodriguez\" width=\"173\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"c6\"><span class=\"c7\">With support from our business membership and regional partners:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Steve Masters, Esquire<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>President, <a href=\"https:\/\/justlaws.org\/\">JustLaws<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Micah Gold-Markel<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Founder, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.solar-states.com\/\">Solar States<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dennis Shelly, P.E.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Founder, Managing Member,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/peerenviro.net\/\">Peer Environmental<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Amy Cornelius<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Partner, Sustainability Consultant, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenbeams.us\/\">GreenBeams, LLC<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Jenn Richey Nicholas<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>CEO and Partner, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pixelparlor.com\/\">Pixel Parlor<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Marsha Levell, MBA, CSM<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Principal, Polymath Consulting LLC<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Daniel Marzec<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Communications and Policy Manager, <a href=\"https:\/\/greenbuildingunited.org\/\">Green Building United<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Nic Esposito<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Director of Policy &amp; Engagement, <a href=\"https:\/\/circularphiladelphia.org\/\">Circular Philadelphia<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>You can easily sign on to our open letter by entering your name, title, and business <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSeBBm6yDWJmhKBTbietY2exln4qR9VoZXtK0RBCRRi6iBNDRg\/viewform\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To: Current and incoming Philadelphia government leaders and members of&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":1007151,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[419,276],"tags":[490,492,493,47,491,144],"class_list":["post-1007148","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-news","tag-city-of-philadelphia","tag-local-values-driven-businesses","tag-open-letter","tag-philadelphia","tag-small-businesses","tag-triple-bottom-line"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - 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