Philadelphia in the ‘90s and in the Present

Democrat & former District Attorney of Philadelphia

Inherited a $250 million deficit

City was on the verge of bankruptcy

Balanced the city’s budget within 18 months

By end of tenure, city had $169 million surplus

Decreased spending Eliminated around 1,500 city jobs Privatized several city functions Refocused city’s reliance on

declining industrial sector to tourism revenue

Wanted to rejuvenate Center City (Downtown Philadelphia) as source for increased tourism

Established 1993 Overseen by Avenue of the Arts, Inc.,

an independent, non-profit organization

“Works closely with district businesses, arts and entertainment entities to promote the district as a center for tourism and commercial activities.”

Includes Verizon Hall, Perelman Theater, and the Dorrance H. Hamilton Roof Garden, which are located under a vaulted glass ceiling

Intended as a civic space & accessible to all types of people

Detractors contend the surrounding neighborhood had little input into its design

2005: The Kimmel Center sued architect Rafael Vinoly for cost overruns and construction delays

Eventually settled for an undisclosed sum

Also includes the Clef Club, the Freedom Theatre, the Academy of Music, the Merriam Theatre, Wilma Theatre and the Suzanne Roberts Theatre

2006: $150 million in total earnings, supporting 6,000 jobs - according to an economic impact study by Econsult

Formerly the Philadelphia Saving Fund Society Building

Bank and building seized by FDIC in 1992

1997 – Rendell announces renovation and conversion to a hotel

Opened in April 2000

Formerly the Philadelphia Stock Exchange Building

Completed in 2000 French flavor mixed

with American style Needed hotel space

for city to be selected for 2000 Republican National Convention

1997: Philly teams allied with Pittsburgh teams to push for new stadiums

Railing had broken at Veterans Stadium in 1998

Pirates threatened to leave Pittsburgh Rendell provided political backing to

have new stadiums built Citizens Bank Park opened in 2004 &

Lincoln Financial Field in 2003

Open field allows view of Center City skyline

Views of field from street level Each of the 4 entrance plazas are

unique in design, reflecting Philadelphia’s design plan with its four distinct squares.

Along with Citizens Bank Park, part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex

Total capacity nearly the same as the Vet, but more luxury and wheelchair-accessible seating

Newer and more modern services

Aside from eliminating deficit, seen as having reinvigorated city’s image

Credited with creating Philadelphia’s skyline

Criticism: only the mayor of “Pine to Vine” – the borders of downtown

150,000 people had left city since 1990 Neighborhood decline & education

system - remained problems

Democrat Preceded by

John F. Street Worked under

Rendell in the city council

Like Rendell, faced major budget challenges

PICA says,“Look before you leap”

20 years of experience

Reforms of Rendell

“The next Mayor faces enormous budget challenges. As part of the government that produced the Rendell reforms of 1992, I’ve done it before and I can do it again.” --Michael Nutter

Re-establish, reform, revise, and institute zoning and planning reform

Make Philadelphia America’s “Greenest City”

Stop crime in its tracks

Improve healthcare for Philadelphians

Decrease homelessness

Economic Storm Drastic Budget Cuts

to Balance Deficit Necessary Job loss Preserves health

centers

Councilman Frank DiCiccio says,

- “I am a Realist, There is no money”

Stock Market Crash 68 out of 81 pools

Closed 11 libraries shut down 820 jobs lost instantly

Makes Five Major Areas for “Safety now”1. Declaring a limited crime emergency 2. Attack targeted enforcement zones3. Direct crime fighting resources4. Increase police force5. Improve economy & livelihoods

Public safety will continue to improve.• Drop in homicides by

more than 22%• Decline in total Part I

violent crime by 10% in the past two years

• Operation Pressure Point resulted in a 51% reduction in homicides & an 11% reduction in shooting victims in 2009 compared to 2008 in targeted areas

Philadelphia will become a greener city and a more pleasant place to live.• Recycling diversion rate

increased nearly 2.5 times to 18.1%

• Center City litter baskets were replaced by 500 BigBelly solar powered compacting litter baskets and 210 public recycling containers

Philadelphia will continue to help the disadvantaged population.• Homeless Initiative has

resulted in increased capacity of permanent affordable housing by 51% for families and 26% for single men and women. The Initiative also contributed to a 26% drop in street homelessness

• Opened the first licensed halfway house for homeless individuals with chronic homeless substance abuse issues

Philadelphia’s budget will become more balanced.•$8.5 million in additional delinquent taxes have already been collected•The variable rate debt has been restructured, saving millions of dollars

RENDELL NUTTER Overcome deficit & generate revenueCut spendingPrivatize municipal functionsFocus on attracting tourism

• Hotels• Stadiums• Theater district

Improve city’s image

Follows reforms of Rendell Restricted by recession Bridge the Storm Major budget cuts Bring fiscal integrity Going Green Fighting crime Only in office for 2 years

1.) How does the era in which Rendell was mayor differ from the era that Nutter is mayor? How does this affect each mayor’s legislation?

2.) Compare and contrast Rendell’s and Nutter’s accomplishments as mayor of Philadelphia.

3.) How do you think Nutter’s policies will affect the city of Philadelphia? How can he further improve the city?