FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) Thursday February 20, 2014 –Today, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown’s “Philly First” Local Bidding Preference Bill passed unanimously in Philadelphia City Council. The bill changes how the City awards contracts of $1 million or less by increasing the bidding preference for Philadelphia owned businesses from 5% to 10%. In cases where companies located outside the City of Philadelphia closely outbid local companies, this measure will help tilt the scale to the local Philadelphia
based firm.
“Multiple studies show that locally-owned businesses return more than three times the amount of revenue than chains and nationally owned businesses do to our local economy,” said Jamie Gauthier, Executive Director of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia. “They are more likely to hire local workers and pay them a decent wage, strengthening the city’s tax and employment base; and they are more likely to support and participate in community efforts and concerns, strengthening our civic fabric.”
“There is substantial evidence for why this measure will help re-establish Philadelphia as an attractive place for businesses to flourish, grow and ultimately remain,” said Councilwoman Reynolds Brown. “This adjustment will help level the playing field for Philadelphia businesses. There is no reason to send millions of dollars in contracts to companies outside of Philadelphia when we have a 25% poverty rate and over ten percent unemployment; we have the quality products and workforce right here in Philadelphia and we are duty bound to look out for Philadelphia based businesses first.”
The bill was co-sponsored by Councilman W. Wilson Goode, Jr., Chair of Council’s Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, and longtime advocate for fairness in local contracting.
For additional information, quotes or to request an interview with the Councilwoman, please contact
Communications Manager Jason Lewis at 215-686-3438 or 267-250-2925.
Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown has passed meaningful legislation and supported valuable community programming that positively impacts her core issues: children and youth, women, education, small business development, arts and culture and the environment and sustainability. Councilwoman Reynolds Brown is the only woman to win an At-Large Council seat since 1999.
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