Legislation
Reynolds Brown's core issues were women,children,education,arts and culture,and small business development. She emerged as a leader on energy conservation,sustainability and environmental issues. [9] Legislative accomplishments are as follows:
Commission for Women:Commission for Women,which has 27 volunteer members,provides the foundation for change to create equitable opportunities for women in Philadelphia and enhance the quality of life of women,their families,and their communities. [10]
Women on Boards:Advancing female entrepreneurship opportunities and leveling the playing field on business and governmental contracts. [11]
Fund for Children:As a freshman Councilmember,along with Mayor John F. Street,Brown brokered a deal that established the Fund for Children during the new sports stadium negotiations in 2000. Consequently,the Philadelphia Phillies and Philadelphia Eagles will donate $1 million per team per year for 30 years,yielding more than $60 million to help children in Philadelphia. [12]
Menu Labeling:Authorized legislation requiring chain restaurants with 15 or more locations nationwide to label menus with nutritional information,the most comprehensive menu labeling bill in the country. The bill requires the listing of fat,sodium and sugar in addition to calories [13]
$30 Million in Additional School Funding:Authorized further borrowing of funds by the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development. [14]
Department of Parks and Recreation Merger:Worked with Council President Darrell Clarke to overhaul Philadelphia's Parks and Recreation system,merging Fairmount Park with the Department of Recreation creating increased efficiency and savings. [15]
Mayor's Office of Sustainability:Established and defined the responsibilities of the Office of Sustainability. [16]
Littering Bill:Increased the availability of trash and recycling bins by placing them within 10 feet of any business selling food. Also provided tenants of buildings with 10 or more units with a place to store trash and recyclables. [17]
Green Roof Tax Credit:Grants a 50 percent tax credit to homeowners whose roofs support living vegetation and include synthetic,waterproof membranes,draining layers,soil layers,and lightweight medium plants. [18]
Energy Benchmarking:Establishes a system of benchmarking and reporting of energy and water usage data for residential and non-residential buildings with 50,000 square feet or more. [19]
ATVs:Restricts ATV use on public sidewalks or private properties unless authorized by law,and gives the Philadelphia Police Department authority to confiscate vehicles or impose a fine on riders. [20]
Hospitality Promotion:Increased funding for the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation and the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau,organizations which promote the tourism industry. [21]
Hate Crime Bill:Added a new chapter to the Philadelphia Code that provides additional penalties for criminal conduct motivated by hatred regarding sexual orientation,gender identity,and disabilities. [22]
Daycare Fee Waiver:Removed permit fees for group daycare providers and filling fees from the Zoning Board of Adjustment. [23]
Citywide Bike Sharing Program:Authorized Bicycle Transit Systems to plan and operate a bicycle sharing program in the City and B-cycle to provide bicycles,stations and technology platforms for the system. [24]
"Philly First" Bill:Changed how the City awards contracts of $1million or less by increasing the bidding preference for City owned businesses from 5 percent to 10 percent. [25]
