Councilman Kenyatta Johnson

03/05/2024

I want to express my deepest condolences to the family of the 17-year-old teenager that was killed, and I pray for the recovery of the four people injured while waiting at a SEPTA Route 6 bus stop at the intersection of Godfrey and Ogontz Avenues.

Almost two dozen people were at the stop boarding the bus when two people approached the 17-year-old from behind and started shooting. It is an absolute miracle that more people were not injured or killed during this shooting.

When it comes to gun violence here in Philadelphia, we still remain in a state of emergency in my opinion. It is important that all citizens in our city come together and address this issue of gun violence. As City Council President, I will continue working with Mayor Cherelle Parker, Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, all Councilmembers, and residents throughout Philadelphia to address the senseless gun violence impacting our city.

The shooting happened in Councilmember Cindy Bass’ Eighth District and I know she is developing proactive steps to ensure these incidents no longer occur anywhere in Philadelphia. I also pledge to work with SEPTA CEO Leslie Richards and SEPTA Board Chairman Kenneth Lawrence to ensure passenger safety. We must all work together to have a city of peace not guns.

I also urge anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the shooters in this case or any other homicide case to call the Philadelphia Police Tip-Line at 215-686-TIPS.

https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-shooting-septa-bus-20240304.html?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=edit_social_share_facebook_traffic&utm_medium=social&utm_content=&utm_term=&int_promo=&fbclid=IwAR2_CuW1VEz1ZCix6PGtv7nzQq6n6rTb0_4JqDEwl29pbhqHF_FbyeP5QYs

The shooting occurred around 3:45 p.m. at the intersection of Godfrey and Ogontz Avenues, police said.

02/28/2024

REMINDER: Calling all local construction businesses to join us tonight (February 28)!

and my office will host a networking event for local MBE and WBE contractors to learn about How to do Business at . 🛠️

This event will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the Navy Yard’s Courtyard Marriott, 1001 Intrepid Avenue. People can still register on-site this evening.

During this in-person event, local firms will learn about opportunities at The Bellwether District and hear from current general contractors on upcoming projects.

02/17/2024

I am happy that Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court issued an opinion today (February 16) upholding that the city's printing and ghost guns ordinance as legal and not preempted by state law.

I sponsored, and City Council approved, Bill Number 200593, which regulates the use of ghost guns in Philadelphia, in December 2020. Former Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney signed the bill into law in January 2021. The Philadelphia Police Department supported the passage of Bill Number 200593.

The ordinance makes it unlawful in Philadelphia to build a firearm using a 3D printer or certain pre-manufactured parts without a federal fi****ms license. A majority of the Commonwealth Court found that Pennsylvania law (specifically 18 Pa.C.S. 6120(a)) does bar local governments from regulating fi****ms, but that the ordinance expressly does not regulate fi****ms themselves, but only certain parts that are not “fi****ms” as defined by Pennsylvania law.

Ghost guns in the hands of criminals are a growing problem for law enforcement nationwide, including Philadelphia. It’s easy to find both individual parts for guns and complete kits for sale on the internet that provide everything needed for assembly. Ghost guns are not traceable because the parts lack serial numbers. My ghost gun law not only regulates ghost guns in Philadelphia, it also regulates the kits and equipment used to make them. It does not prohibit the manufacturing of guns, it just requires that it be done by licensed manufacturers in accordance with state and federal law.

The plaintiff in the case has a right to an appeal. I want to thank the City of Philadelphia's Law Department for all of the work they have done on this case so far. I am confident that the Law Department will continue to fight for this law and it will upheld as constitutional in all courts.

02/16/2024

Due to the cold weather in Philadelphia this weekend, a is in effect until 9 a.m. on Tuesday, February 20. Call the Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services Outreach Hotline at (215) 232-1984 if you are, or see someone living outside in freezing temps. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3NxyisU

02/16/2024

Hilco Redevelopment Partners in partnership with my office is hosting a How To Do Business At The Bellwether District event on Wednesday, February 28 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Navy Yard Courtyard Marriott Hotel, 1001 Intrepid Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19112.

Please pre-register in advance by emailing [email protected]. Please add you name, address, telephone number and email address when you pre-register. Registration will also be available on site on February 28.

01/30/2024

Looking for a job? The is hosting a major job fair TODAY (Tuesday, January 30) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 's Howard Gittis Student Center, 1755 North 13th Street (corner of 13th and Montgomery Ave), Room 200, in North Philadelphia.

Job seekers can just go on site to attend.

Come and join us for a day of networking, job opportunities, and career growth as we connect jobseekers with top employers in the area.

01/25/2024

Doing a test run as I prepare for my first session of Council as Council President. I am extremely, humbled, honored, and looking forward to working with my Colleagues as we stand on business and move the City of Philadelphia forward. Shout out and congrats to new members and @ for being elected to such a distinguished Institution.


Let’s go! 💨🚀

01/25/2024

Congratulations to Patty jackson - WDAS FM as she is celebrating her 42nd anniversary in radio today.

01/23/2024

Even though I have new additional responsibilities as Philadelphia City Council President, I still represent the Second Council District as your Councilperson, representing parts of South Philadelphia, Southwest Philadelphia and Center City.

Please contact my District Council office as normal for any constituent service needs. My District Office remains in Room 580 (Fifth Floor) City Hall and our telephone numbers remain the same---215-686-3412 or 215-686-3413.

Send e-mail messages to through my District website https://phlcouncil.com/kenyattajohnson/. My staff will return all emails and telephone messages as soon as possible.

01/23/2024

As president, my office held two days of 2024 Councilmember Orientation/Refresher sessions this week.
During the orientation for all 17 members and their staff, we went over Council's legislative process, legislation development and the City's operating budget.

I want to thank Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and former Philadelphia Mayor and Council President John F. Street for speaking to the group.

These Councilmember Orientation sessions are a part of my goal to make the 2024-27 term of Council the best, most inclusive, hard working City Council in the history of Philadelphia. My fellow Councilmembers' and Mayor Parker are committed to getting stuff done to improve the lives of all Philadelphians.

The first 2024 Philadelphia City Council session inside Philadelphia City Council chambers will be this Thursday, January 25, starting at 10 a.m.

01/19/2024

In anticipation of the inclement weather arriving and continuing throughout the day tomorrow, all Philadelphia City Council offices will be closed on Friday, January 19, 2024. City Council offices are scheduled to reopen on Monday, January 22.

If you would like to reach my District Office this weekend, please call 215-686-3412 or send messages through my website https://phlcouncil.com/kenyattajohnson/

My District Office staff will return all emails and telephone messages as soon as possible.