Kensington is a priority this legislative term in Philadelphia
“We’ve made a commitment that together we will have conversations and discussions and make decisions together to improve better and restore the quality of life for the Kensington community because they deserve it,” said Councilmember Lozada.
PHILADELPHIA, PA — On Thursday, February 1, 2024 Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (7th District), Councilmember Mike Driscoll (6th District), Councilmember Jim Harrity (At-Large), and Councilmember Mark Squilla (1st District) gathered in front of Councilmember Lozada’s City Hall office to announce the creation of the Kensington Caucus. They stood in unison along with Council President Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District) in front of a map of the Kensington neighborhood that highlighted the borders shared by the 7th, 6th, and 1st Councilmanic Districts.
“The residents of Kensington deserve collaborative, strategic teamwork,” said Councilmember Lozada. She spoke about the need to come together and address this issue as a unified legislative front. “Councilmember Harrity, Councilmember Squilla, Councilmember Driscoll, and myself have heard from community residents and have decided together that we will make decisions that impact each one of our districts,” she said. “Often times we can make decisions individually not realizing that we’re all kind of working on the same thing.”
“The Kensington Caucus” is a coalition of Councilmembers who represent and reside in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. Their goal is to work as a unit improve the quality of life and address challenges facing the Kensington community. The Caucus will prioritize community engagement and ensure that the voices of families, schools, businesses, and nonprofits in Kensington are reflected in the legislation they produce. Through unity and a coordinated legislative response, they will work to execute the Kensington Marshall Plan, which will provide clear goals and a pathway forward for working with leaders at the local, state, and federal levels.
Councilmember Lozada spoke on the needs of the community in Kensington and the importance of their input. She highlighted the success and positive feedback from the community regarding the 24 Hour Cleaning Pilot, an initiative that was launched after convening with the community during the Kensington Stabilization and Recovery Marshall Plan hearings last summer.
Council President Johnson said that he was excited to see this enthusiasm about Councilmembers coming together to focus on a neighborhood shared between their districts and is looking forward to supporting the caucus.
Each councilmember talked about specific community needs and strategies that they plan to bring to the table when they meet and craft legislation as a caucus. Councilmember Harrity spoke on the importance of increasing pathways to long term treatment. Councilmember Squilla gave remarks about the importance of engaging the business community. Councilmember Driscoll spoke on the importance of collaboration with transportation and legislation he plans to introduce in the near future.
Following the press conference, Councilmember Lozada introduced a resolution formally recognizing the Kensington Caucus. The resolution was co-signed by each member, and will be voted on at next week’s Stated Meeting, February 8, 2023.
