(Philadelphia, June 11, 2009) – City Councilman At-Large W. Wilson Goode, Jr. continues to push forward with new legislation this year. The third-term councilman has now introduced more than 50 bills that have - or will - become law, over almost a decade of legislative service.

The Diversity Track Record Ordinance, introduced by Councilman Goode this year, created new requirements related to the submission of an Economic Opportunity Plan. The Economic Opportunity Plans, required under Title 17 of the Philadelphia Code, will now contain a statement from the contractor, developer and/or recipient of financial assistance summarizing past practices to develop diversity at any/all levels of its organization including, but not limited to, Board and management positions. This statement would also summarize strategic business plans specific to current or past practices of DBE (disadvantaged business enterprise) utilization on government and non-government projects.

The New Philadelphia Job Creation Tax Credit Bill, unanimously approved by Council today, amends the program under which a credit against the City's business privilege taxes will be given to businesses that create new jobs within the City of Philadelphia. The businesses will receive a $3000 credit for each new job created for tax years 2010 or 2011.

The New Economic Partnership Bill, unanimously approved by Council today, amends the program providing a credit for contributions to community development corporations (CDCs) to allow two businesses to apply jointly for the credit. Last fall, the CDC Tax Credit Expansion Ordinance expanded the program from 25 to 30 partnerships. The expanded program will bring at least thirty million dollars in new private investment for community-based economic development over a ten-year period.

The DCED Main Street Funding Bill, unanimously approved by Council today, authorizes the Commerce Director to file an application with the Commonwealth's Department of Community and
Economic Development (DCED) under the Main Street Program to support the City's neighborhood commercial corridors. This legislation complements Goode’s CDBG(Community Development Block Grant) Ordinance and CDC Tax Credit Expansion Ordinance which support CDC economic development with over $7 million on an annual basis.

Councilman Goode, a national award-winning legislator, said, “My legislative agenda has been consistent and my economic development track record speaks for itself. I am thankful for the support of my colleagues in City Council and the Nutter Administration. I am proud to push initiatives that create real economic opportunity.”