Re-Elect Kendra Brooks for Philadelphia City Council

Kendra Brooks is running to represent Working Families in the Philadelphia City Council for her second term. Join Team Brooks today!

Re-Elect Kendra Brooks to Philadelphia's City Council

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<h2>Delivering for ALL OF US</h2><img src="https://media.designedtorun.com/fe757ac1-813c-4f10-9dc4-ed8fa51b99cf/DSC00828--1----runcbt::32.23089599609375,cbl::196.78822326660156,cbw::323.75,cbh::216.67535400390625,d::1674583827391,o::https:--slash----slash--media.designedtorun.com--slash--fe757ac1-813c-4f10-9dc4-ed8fa51b99cf--slash--1674583816743-DSC00828--1--.JPGrun--.JPG" alt="" title="left-50" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="47.5" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">In my first term on the City Council, I have worked alongside community members and my fellow Council-members to return power back where it belongs -- in the hands of the people.There’s much more to do to build the city that we all deserve, one where housing is a human right, where our public schools and City services are fully-funded, where our communities are healthy and safe from the threat of gun violence, and where everyone has access to a good-paying, union job. I am committed&nbsp; to making this vision a reality because I believe in the power of working people coming together around a shared vision for change. Are you with me?<h2>Roots</h2>I entered public service because after years of advocating for neighborhood public schools and organizing against gun violence, I knew that working people like me deserved a seat at the table. As a Black mom from North Philly, I experienced the breakdowns in our governing systems firsthand, and knew that if I didn’t stand up to fight for communities like mine, no one else would.Growing up in Nicetown, I saw how years of racist housing policies, low wages, under-funded schools, mass incarceration, and a crumbling social safety net broke apart families and robbed my generation of a chance to enter the middle class. As a young mom working my way through college, I understood the power of the labor movement as a proud member of 1199C. Later, I worked my way up to a good position at Easterseals, providing services to young people with disabilities and their families. But when a Republican governor slashed our state budget, I was laid off and left with few options and lost my home.Across Philadelphia, thousands of people are one missed paycheck away from losing stable housing just like I was — and that’s not right. I bring my lived experiences into City Hall, because I believe that we can fix our broken systems and make government truly work for the people. And I know firsthand that by addressing the housing crisis, fighting for livable wages, and ensuring our young people have the resources they need to live full, healthy lives, we can build power from the ground up and win the city of our dreams.<h2>Organizing</h2><img src="https://media.designedtorun.com/fe757ac1-813c-4f10-9dc4-ed8fa51b99cf/DSC02926---runcbt::0,cbl::126.5,cbw::450,cbh::300,d::1674065401872,o::https:--slash----slash--media.designedtorun.com--slash--fe757ac1-813c-4f10-9dc4-ed8fa51b99cf--slash--1674065394930-DSC02926-.jpgrun--.jpg" alt="" title="left-50" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">I believe in the power of everyday people coming together around a shared vision for change because it’s the only way we can change our system to work for the many, not the few. Whenever I’ve been told no, I’ve built strong relationships with directly-impacted people and formed broad coalitions to forge a path to victory. And I bring that same approach to my work as a City Council-member.

As a member of the Philadelphia City Council representing working families, I am proud of the progress we’ve made for everyday Philadelphians and hope you will trust me to serve another term to build on the work we’ve started.

Kendra on the Issues

Philadelphians deserve good wages and an economy that works for all, not just the wealthy and well-connected. That’s why I won COVID-19 paid sick leave for all frontline workers and it’s why I will continue fighting alongside my brothers and sisters in the labor movement to guarantee that all Philadelphians have access to a good paying union job, strong benefits, and safe working conditions.Fighting for workers also means addressing corporate greed head on. In the City Council, I’ve fought hard to make the ultra-rich pay their fair share so that working families aren’t shouldering our city’s tax burden. And I’ve won millions of dollars in funding for the public services our communities need to thrive: public schools, libraries, parks and rec centers, public transit, job programs, mental health services, and more.<img src="https://media.designedtorun.com/fe757ac1-813c-4f10-9dc4-ed8fa51b99cf/DSC00452---runcbt::41.888031005859375,cbl::169.61199951171875,cbw::383.4461669921875,cbh::231.03732299804688,d::1674584048361,o::https:--slash----slash--media.designedtorun.com--slash--fe757ac1-813c-4f10-9dc4-ed8fa51b99cf--slash--1674584036440-DSC00452-.JPGrun--.JPG" alt="" title="right-50" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="50" variant="base">

Philadelphians deserve an economy that works for all, not just the wealthy and well-connected. In the City Council, I have fought for policies that would allow us to make deep investments in the public services that our communities need to thrive: our schools, libraries, parks and recreation centers, and mental health services.

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Fighting for Workers and a Fair Economy

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/fe757ac1-813c-4f10-9dc4-ed8fa51b99cf/c1709295-4c23-4beb-9150-dd1c5b09b4a7/d6e0bbf0-6c5a-48e1-8c0a-d23556ace42a.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=901%2C0%2C2633%2C2730&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Fighting for our public schools and ensuring that our communities' voices are centered in education decisions are what drove me to public service. As a City Councilmember, I am committed to winning the resources that young people need to thrive — both inside and outside of the classroom.In my first-term, I fought for unprecedented investments in the community services that children and families need to thrive: fully-funded parks and recreation centers, libraries that open on evenings and weekends, public pools for all, and language-accessible, affordable youth summer programs and jobs. Programs like these are not only key to supporting young people in healthy development and year-round learning but are critical to preventing violence and giving children and teens safe, engaging places to spend their time. And these programs must be funded through fair and equitable tax policy that demands those with the most pay their fair share for our public schools, which is why I have spearheaded efforts to make mega-nonprofits make PILOTs, reduce the ten-year tax abatement, and remedy the unconstitutional, racist state school funding formula. In my second term I will build on this work by continuing to advocate for increased funding for our schools while also pursuing funding increases for programs like a youth jobs guarantee in the neighborhoods most impacted by violence.Inside of the classroom, I will continue fighting to keep public schools open, fully-staffed, and free of harmful toxins. In my first term, I worked closely with the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, Unite Here Philly, SEIU 32BJ, CASA, and others to support our school staff and ensure their rights are protected. I’ve also advocated alongside the Our City Our Schools coalition for a transparent, accountable School District and School Board. And I’ve partnered with my Council colleagues and our state partners to demand a comprehensive plan to fully fund our schools and ensure our students are learning in safe, healthy classrooms. It’s clear that creating the safe, well-resourced school environments our families deserve will take concerted effort and collaboration from all of us. Our city is only strong if we are equipping younger generations with the tools they need to thrive. Demanding more for our students and our public schools will always be a top priority for me.

Fighting for our public schools and ensuring that our communities' voices are centered in education decisions are what drove me to public service. As a City Councilmember, I am committed to winning the resources that young people need to thrive — both inside and outside of the classroom.

Investing in Young People and Public Schools

<img src="https://media.designedtorun.com/fe757ac1-813c-4f10-9dc4-ed8fa51b99cf/IMG_1419---runcbt::29.787322998046875,cbl::84.83333333333337,cbw::514.6397908528645,cbh::270.2126770019531,d::1674065922959,o::https:--slash----slash--media.designedtorun.com--slash--fe757ac1-813c-4f10-9dc4-ed8fa51b99cf--slash--1674065921852-IMG_1419-.JPGrun--.JPG" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="50" variant="framed">Long before I was a Councilmember, I founded a grassroots organizing project called Stand Up Nicetown to stop the shootings in my neighborhood, and community safety remains a top priority for me now that I hold elected office. It’s why I joined with my fellow City Councilmembers to urge Mayor Kenney to make a citywide emergency declaration on gun violence and it’s why I fought for a Youth Powered Agenda in the budget to direct $50 million in funding to the young people who live in the neighborhoods most impacted by gun violence.As a trained restorative justice facilitator, I know that disrupting cycles of harm is only possible if we address the underlying issues that drive most violent incidents: mental health crises, substance abuse disorder, trauma, and deep poverty concentrated in a small handful of Black and Brown neighborhoods. In addition to grassroots anti-violence programming, community investments, youth programming, and trauma-informed mental health services, I remain a strong advocate for a harm reduction, public-health focused approach to the opioid crisis, because we know from experience that the Drug War does nothing to help those who are struggling with addiction. Overdose deaths among Black Philadelphians have risen by 70% since 2018. Addiction is a disease and should be treated as such, not used to fuel the mass incarceration machine.&nbsp; I remain a strong advocate for harm reduction approaches to address the opioid crisis, including overdose prevention centers, decreasing barriers to treatment, and increasing services that are proven to heal our communities, clean up our neighborhoods, and save lives. It’s not easy, but together we can heal the social divisions that spark violence, equip our young people with conflict mediation strategies and job opportunities, and create safety that we can feel in every zip code.

As a lifelong North Philadelphian, my daughters and I are no stranger to the devastating impacts of the gun violence crisis. As a city, we must treat gun violence like the public health crisis that it is, and align our communities around a courageous, bold vision to address it.

Keeping Us Safe and Upholding Justice

As a Black woman in America, I know what it’s like to have your safety, autonomy, and dignity threatened. And as a mother, grandmother, and a person who <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/abortion-laws-supreme-court-pennsylvania-voices-20220514.html">has had an abortion</a>, I know the importance of having control over your body, your life, and your future. It’s why I was in the streets protesting with my daughter Zion when Roe v. Wade was overturned. And it’s why in my first term in City Council I passed some of the strongest reproductive rights protections in the country.&nbsp;Written into law in 2022, my <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://phlcouncil.com/councilmembers-gym-brooks-gauthier-announce-legislative-package-to-defend-abortion-access-in-philadelphia/">Reproductive Freedom Platform</a> ensures anyone seeking or providing an abortion in Philadelphia is safe from retaliation. The legislation also ensures that both patients and providers have the right to privacy so that no matter what happens at the state or national level, choosing to provide or receive reproductive care is not criminalized in our city.&nbsp; I also know that cost, misinformation, intimidation, and lack of transportation can all present structural barriers to people seeking quality reproductive care in Philadelphia. In my first term, I established a task force that brought together city leaders, abortion providers, and healthcare experts to increase funding for and access to reproductive services. In my second term, I plan to expand on this work and improve public outreach and education efforts so that my constituents know their rights and that resources are available.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/fe757ac1-813c-4f10-9dc4-ed8fa51b99cf/d108786f-1e9a-47e5-bc1c-ff399a7887c4/e2fcf635-e5c1-4c22-8dd4-183ef299af23.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C763%2C2732%2C2574&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">The right to an abortion is one of our most essential freedoms – one that allows us to govern our bodies and the course of our lives. In my second term, I will continue fighting for abortion access, especially for those who face financial and structural barriers to care — but I won’t stop there. To me, reproductive freedom is about more than just abortion, it’s about creating the conditions that allow everyone to live, work, and raise children in healthy, safe environments. That’s why I have been a staunch advocate for survivors of domestic violence and worked to expand protections for victims of coercive control in my first term. In my second term, I will continue partnering with community-based partners like New Voices for Reproductive Justice, the Abortion Liberation Fund of PA, Purple Path Project PA, Planned Parenthood, and other advocates to build a Philadelphia where reproductive freedom is not just a promise, but a reality for all residents.

As a Black woman in America, I know what it’s like to have your safety, autonomy, and dignity threatened. And as a mother, grandmother, and a person who <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/abortion-laws-supreme-court-pennsylvania-voices-20220514.html">has had an abortion</a>, I know the importance of having control over your body, your life, and your future.

Protecting Our Reproductive Rights

It is our collective responsibility to fight for a healthy, livable city now so that current and future generations can thrive. That means not only addressing the climate crisis through bold transitions to green energy, but also protecting communities most harmed by extreme weather events and toxins in our built environment.In my first term in City Council, I led the charge to protect nearly 100 community gardens in working class communities of color from being auctioned off, creating clear pathways for community ownership. These community gardens were built on lots that the city had sold off and left vacant. Then, community members began reclaiming the land and caring for these lots across the city, transforming them into urban oases, safe play spaces, and small farms. And now, these communities will have access to the land for generations to come.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/fe757ac1-813c-4f10-9dc4-ed8fa51b99cf/885fa8ce-745f-4a72-873e-bee24f878aff/885fa8ce-745f-4a72-873e-bee24f878aff.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=19%2C161%2C1172%2C802&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="50" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Protecting community gardens in working class communities of color is not only about land sovereignty and beautifying our city, but is a critical strategy in reducing violence and addressing the life-threatening effects of the climate crisis. When we protect community-run green spaces, we reduce dangerously high temperatures in the summer and improve air quality in communities with high rates of pollution and asthma. And research is clear: safe, well-lit, well-maintained green spaces reduce gun violence. That’s why during every budget cycle in my first-term, I advocated for increased investments in cleaning and greening neighborhoods most impacted by violence, and it’s why I will continue fighting for the vibrant, healthy communities we all deserve in my second term.It’s clear that any comprehensive response to the climate crisis must include transforming our built environment and working with state and federal partners to leverage investments in the communities that need it most. We must aggressively pursue a transition to green energy at all levels of government, and that means building high-quality, green, affordable housing, expanding bike lanes and affordable public transit to reduce our reliance on cars, and ensuring our public buildings are well-suited for the twenty-first century. And there is no greater need for green investments than in our school facilities. With school after school closing in Philadelphia due to toxic building conditions, our students and school staff can not wait any longer. That’s why I have worked closely with my Council and statewide partners to fight for funding for school facilities improvements and ensure the School District delivers a real plan for families impacted by school closures. We must rid our public schools of the lead and asbestos that poisons our children and transform our public schools into world-class, sustainable, safe learning facilities.&nbsp;In my second term I will work tirelessly with my Council colleagues and legislators in Harrisburg to demand an aggressive transition to green energy that creates good, union jobs. We can’t wait for action from the federal government – Philadelphia must take measures into our own hands.

It is our collective responsibility to fight for a healthy, livable city now so that current and future generations can thrive. That means not only addressing the climate crisis through bold transitions to green energy, but also protecting communities most harmed by extreme weather events and toxins in our built environment.

Demanding A Green, Resilient Future

Every Philadelphian deserves a safe, affordable place to live and not live in fear of it being taken away. But right now in Philadelphia, rental unit and first-time home prices are skyrocketing and residents are being pushed out of their communities. With many of our seniors and low-income residents on the brink of homelessness, it’s time to fight back.
Through the Emergency Housing Protection Act, my Council colleagues and I prevented thousands of Philadelphians from being displaced and cut evictions by 75%. And with the Renters Access Act, I won groundbreaking reforms to the rental application and screening process, leveling the playing-field for low-income Philadelphia renters. There’s more to do on the horizon, including rent control and measures to make home ownership more affordable. As someone who has faced housing insecurity firsthand, I will not stop fighting until we realize housing as a human right.

Every Philadelphian deserves a safe, affordable place to live and not live in fear of it being taken away. But right now in Philadelphia, rental unit and first-time home prices are skyrocketing and residents are being pushed out of their communities. With many of our seniors and low-income residents on the brink of homelessness, it’s time to fight back.

Housing as a Human Right

The past four years have made it clearer than ever that Pennsylvania is a key battleground for our country’s democracy. When the results of the 2020 Presidential Race were announced and Republicans attempted to steal the election by discrediting the integrity of Philadelphia’s voting system, I was on the frontlines of a mass movement to demand that every single vote be counted and the results be protected. And we prevailed. <img src="https://run.imgix.net/fe757ac1-813c-4f10-9dc4-ed8fa51b99cf/4bcea4dc-4718-4cba-aad0-5f063cc89ff7/4bcea4dc-4718-4cba-aad0-5f063cc89ff7.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1102%2C660&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="50" variant="framed">But that doesn’t mean that our work stops there. The January 6th insurrection and repeated attempts by the GOP to spread misinformation and lies about voting across the country are proof that they will not stop in their quest to disenfranchise Black voters, immigrant voters, voters with disabilities, and young voters. What I know is this: when they inevitably seek to silence us again, we will be ready.Protecting our voting rights in Philadelphia means being proactive, organized, and connected to those who have historically been excluded from the ballot box. That’s why in my first term I worked closely with Philadelphia’s City Commissioners who administer our elections to incorporate voter registration and education into all of my office’s community events. And as someone with four daughters who comes out of movements for public education, I know just how important it is to reach young voters and get them excited about civic participation. In my first term, I hosted “Youth Voter Registration Parties” to engage Philadelphia’s young people who had recently turned eighteen and become eligible to vote. I also worked closely with groups like Make the Road, One Pennsylvania, Free the Ballot, Unite Here Philly, and many others to ensure that we are conducting targeted, grassroots outreach to contact hard-to-reach voters in their communities, educate them about upcoming elections, and encourage them to cast their vote. In my second term, I will continue to work with City and state leaders to pursue policies and legislation that make voting accessible, convenient, and safe for all citizens. Policies like automatic voter registration, same-day voter registration, expanding voting rights to people who have been incarcerated, streamlining vote by mail, and making election day a national holiday are all policies that I support as a Councilmember. At a time when our democracy is under threat and our country is experiencing unprecedented political, economic, and social upheaval, the fight for the voting rights has never been more vital.

Protecting our voting rights in Philadelphia means being proactive, organized, and connected to those who have historically been excluded from the ballot box. That’s why in my first term I worked closely with Philadelphia’s City Commissioners who administer our elections to incorporate voter registration and education into all of my office’s community events.

Preserving and Expanding Our Voting Rights

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I made history when I joined this body, and am proud of the work I’ve done to deliver for working class people. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the financial devastation that followed, and the country's racial reckoning, I’ve fought tirelessly for a more just Philadelphia that leaves no one behind. And I’m only getting started.”

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Council-member Brooks’ first term

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro is endorsing Philadelphia City Councilmember <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/kendra-brooks-city-council-working-families-party-20230905.html">Kendra Brooks</a> for a second term, bucking some members of his own party by backing a third-party candidate and aligning himself with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/kendra-brooks-city-council-working-families-party-20230905.html">one of the city’s most progressive elected officials.</a>

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Gov. Josh Shapiro is backing third-party progressive Kendra Brooks for Philly City Council

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/kendra-brooks-city-council-working-families-party-20230905.html">City Councilmember Kendra Brooks, of the progressive Working Families Party,</a> is trying to repeat her stunning 2019 win by running on what she says is a "proven track record."

Meet Kendra Brooks, a Working Families Party member running for reelection to City Council

Kendra Brooks shocked Philly’s political world in 2019. Now the Working Families Party is trying to replicate that historic victory next year.

Working Families Party is gearing up to oust the few Republicans left in Philadelphia Government

Abortion access protections and affordable housing are among the top priorities of City Council as it regroups today after a summer recess.
The latest:&nbsp;A trio of council-members are expected to put forward a legislative package today they say will bolster abortion rights and protect both patients and providers in the city. Helen Gym, Jamie Gauthier and Kendra Brooks are introducing the bills.

Abortion access protections and affordable housing are among the top priorities of City Council as it regroups today after a summer recess.
The latest: A trio of council-members are expected to put forward a legislative package today they say will bolster abortion rights and protect both patients and providers in the city.

Philadelphia City Council members move to protect abortion rights

But one group that we haven’t heard enough from are those at the center of it all — those who have the lived experience of exercising their right to choose. Those whose voices the justices have all but shut out by erecting an 8-foot fence in front of the Supreme Court building in an effort to protect themselves from those trying to protect their constitutional rights.

The onetime teen mother who knows what it’s like to struggle in a country without equal access to child care or family leave.

We haven’t heard enough from those at the center of the abortion debate, those who have the lived experience of exercising their right to choose.

Four Pennsylvanians who had an abortion reflect on life after Roe

Philadelphia City Council-members Kendra Brooks and Jamie Gauthier joined Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, and local union leaders today in calling for a wealth tax on Philadelphia residents who hold stocks and bonds.

The bill would revive an old statewide Personal Property Tax at a rate of 0.4%. Under the tax, someone holding $1,000 worth of stock would pay $4, for example…

Philadelphia City Council-members Kendra Brooks and Jamie Gauthier joined Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, and local union leaders today in calling for a wealth tax on Philadelphia residents who hold stocks and bonds.

City Council-members call for wealth tax in Philadelphia

“The announcement that Dr. William Hite will not renew his contract with the School District of Philadelphia comes as a relief to many of our school community members who have been repeatedly failed by the District’s leadership over the past decade. During Hite’s tenure, Philadelphia saw an unprecedented number of neighborhood schools shuttered, a sharp rise in the tide of school privatization, and repeatedly botched attempts to remediate toxic building conditions across the city. While Dr. Hite still has ten months remaining in his contract, my sincere hope is that this change in leadership can be more than just symbolic and spark real change in the District’s approach to decision-making and to school-community relationships…”

“There is no shortage of challenges facing our schools. The incoming Superintendent must have the experiences and skills needed to deliver on the promise of quality public education for every student in every zip code,” said Councilmember Kendra Brooks.