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Full Name
Blondell Reynolds Brown
Member Since
February 2009
About Me: 
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 education, arts and culture, and small business development. In addition, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown is now an emerging leader in energy conservation and environmental matters and is infusing her policy and program initiatives to reflect this new and important priority.    A sought-after speaker, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown devotes her programmatic and legislative efforts toward improving the quality of life for our city’s most vulnerable citizens, children.  “Women Making a Difference,” her adopted signature program held annually in March, showcases women’s accomplishments and has grown to provide a platform for supporting issues and organizations those impact women, children and families. 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’s 2008 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 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 new sports stadium negotiations, to establish a “Fund for Children” requiring  each team to contribute $1 million annually for 30 years.?        Advocated and secured funding for arts and culture programming in the City’s budget. ?        Fought to ensure the integrity of the City's "Percent for Art" programs. ?        Earned passage of “smart” bills that simplify the approval process for childcare providers, eased the tax burden on new businesses, enabling the City of Philadelphia to save money by taking advantage of lower cost procurement contracts.?        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 and well-being of children, quality child care, and expanded business opportunities for minorities and women has been a legislative priority during her of service on the City Council:?        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.?        Revised “childcare” definition through legislation authorizing childcare facilities to operate and function within commercial districts and neighborhood shopping centers.?        Equipped police officers with a new and stronger curfew law to complement the opening of 11 citywide curfew centers?        Supported legislation declaring our municipality as one of the first cities in the country to be recognized as a wireless entity, enabling Philadelphia to bridge the generational and digital divide.  ?        Authored legislation requiring chain restaurants to provide menu labeling with nutritional and calorie information.?        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 and   Master of Science in Education,  Pennsylvania State University 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; The Women’s Regional Business Council;  and Pinn Memorial Baptist Church in West Philadelphia. Councilwoman Reynolds Brown resides in Philadelphia’s Wynnefield section with her husband, Howard, and their children, Andrew and Brielle.
Location: 
Philadelphia
About Me Tags: 
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