Michael Nutter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Nutter
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| 98th Mayor of Philadelphia | |
| In office January 7, 2008 – January 4, 2016 |
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| Preceded by | John F. Street |
| Succeeded by | Jim Kenney |
| 70th President of the United States Conference of Mayors | |
| In office 2012–2013 |
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| Preceded by | Antonio Villaraigosa |
| Succeeded by | Scott Smith |
| Member of the Philadelphia City Council from the 4th district |
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| In office January 7, 1992 – July 7, 2006 |
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| Preceded by | Ann Land |
| Succeeded by | Carol Campbell |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Michael Anthony Nutter
June 29, 1957 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Lisa Nutter
(m. 1991) |
| Education | University of Pennsylvania (BS) |
Michael Anthony Nutter (born June 29, 1957) is an American politician. He served as the 98th Mayor of Philadelphia from 2008 to 2016. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Before becoming mayor, he was a member of the Philadelphia City Council. He also led the United States Conference of Mayors from 2012 to 2013.
Today, he is a professor at the School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University. He teaches about cities and public affairs.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Michael Nutter was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up in West Philadelphia. He went to Catholic elementary school and then St. Joseph's Preparatory School. People sometimes called him "Big Nut" there.
In 1979, he graduated from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He earned a degree in business. While in college, he worked as a DJ at Club Impulse in Philadelphia. He was known as Mix Master Mike. After college, Nutter worked at Xerox and an investment banking company. Even when he was in office, he sometimes still worked as a DJ and singer.
Serving on the Philadelphia City Council
How Michael Nutter Was Elected
Before joining the City Council, Michael Nutter was a leader in his local ward (a small political area). He first tried to get a seat on the Philadelphia City Council in 1987 but did not win. Four years later, he ran again and won against the person who held the seat.
In 2003, Nutter was chosen to lead the board for the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
What Michael Nutter Did on the Council
As a council member, Nutter worked on many important issues for Philadelphia.
- Student Rules: In 2002, he suggested a rule for college students under 23. It would have required them to register their addresses and car details with their schools.
- Ethics Board: In 2004, Nutter helped create an independent Ethics Board. This board made sure city officials followed fair rules. It also helped prevent problems like conflicts of interest. Voters approved this idea in 2006.
- Clean Air Law: Nutter supported a law called "The Clean Indoor Air Worker Protection Law." This law made more public places, like restaurants and many bars, smoke-free.
- Helping Local Businesses: He also started a program in 2004 to help Philadelphia businesses. It gave them an advantage when bidding for city contracts worth more than $25,000.
- Libraries: In 2005, there was a plan to cut library services. Nutter and others worked to make sure libraries kept their full hours and staff. Later, as mayor, he again faced challenges with library funding, but the libraries stayed open.
- Public Safety: Nutter supported ideas to make certain areas of Philadelphia safer. This included having more police officers and setting curfews for young people. He aimed to reduce crime and improve safety in neighborhoods.
- Boy Scouts Issue: Nutter was involved in a disagreement about the Cradle of Liberty Council of the Boy Scouts of America's headquarters. He believed that city support should not go to groups with policies he disagreed with. The Boy Scouts eventually won their case to keep their headquarters.
Mayor of Philadelphia
Becoming Mayor
Michael Nutter left the City Council in 2006 to run for mayor. He also stepped down from leading the Pennsylvania Convention Center board. During his campaign, he received support from many local newspapers and groups.
In May 2007, he won the Democratic primary election. Then, in November 2007, he won the general election to become the Mayor of Philadelphia. He was re-elected for a second term in 2011.
Making Philadelphia Safer
PhillyRising Program
In 2010, Mayor Nutter started a program called "PhillyRising Collaborative." This program brought together police and other city groups to help neighborhoods with high crime rates. It focused on improving the quality of life in these areas.
PhillyRising helped communities by creating public computer labs and teaching citizens how to get involved. It also helped reopen community pools and brought the Police Athletic League to schools. These efforts helped reduce crime in the neighborhoods where the program was active.
Helping People After Prison (RISE)
Mayor Nutter also created the Mayor's Office of Reintegration Services for Ex-offenders (RISE). This office helps people who have been in prison get back on their feet. Its goal is to help them become positive members of the community. This reduces the chance of them returning to crime. RISE helps people find jobs and get other services.
Reducing Youth Violence
In 2011, Nutter worked with the Mayor of New Orleans to create "Cities United." This group works to prevent violence among young African-American males. It brings together mayors, charities, and government groups to help youth.
Nutter also started the Youth Violence Reduction Partnership (YVRP). This program helps young people who are at risk of getting involved in crime. It connects them with jobs, education, mentors, healthcare, and drug treatment.
Making Philadelphia Greener
In 2009, Mayor Nutter announced Greenworks. This was a plan to make Philadelphia the greenest city in America by 2015. The plan had 15 goals and 166 projects. These projects focused on energy, the environment, fairness, the economy, and community involvement.
By 2013, most of the projects were either finished or underway. The city reduced its energy use and increased its use of alternative energy. Nearly 90,000 trees were planted. New laws were passed to track energy use in large buildings.
Improving Education
In 2008, Nutter created the Mayor's Office of Education. Its goals were to increase the high school graduation rate to 80 percent by 2015 and to have more Philadelphia residents earn college degrees. The high school graduation rate increased by 11 percentage points during his time as mayor.
School Funding Efforts
In 2013, Nutter started the Philadelphia Education Supplies Fund. This fund helped schools buy important classroom supplies like paper, pens, and workbooks. The city contributed money to the fund, and it helped many schools, especially those with many students from low-income families.
Strengthening K-12 Schools
In 2011, an agreement called the Great Schools Compact was signed. It aimed to improve cooperation among different types of schools in Philadelphia. It also worked to improve teaching and leadership in schools. This agreement received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help teachers and principals.
Helping Students Go to College
In 2008, Nutter formed the Philadelphia Council for College and Career Success. This group helps students plan for college and careers. The Mayor's Office of Education also works with colleges to help students finish their degrees.
In 2010, the city launched PhillyGoes2College. This program helps people of all ages go to college. It has an office in City Hall and a website with information about financial aid and applying to college. The program has helped thousands of citizens.
The Graduation Coach Campaign, started in 2011, encourages adults to help young people graduate from high school and plan for their future.
Other Education Programs
In 2011, Nutter signed an agreement to improve how the city and school district share information. This helped make school spending more public and required the school district to create a five-year plan.
The Mayor's Returning to Learning Partnership helps city employees go to college. They can get discounts on tuition at local colleges and universities.
Other Important Projects
Philly311 Service
In 2008, Mayor Nutter launched Philly311. This service makes it easier for people to get information and services from the city. Residents can contact Philly311 by phone, email, or through a mobile app. Philly311 also uses social media to connect with people.
Sanctuary City Status
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In 2014, Nutter signed an order that changed how the city worked with federal immigration officials. This change meant that Philadelphia would generally not hold undocumented immigrants for federal officials unless there was a serious felony conviction and a judge's warrant. This policy aimed to build trust between the police and the immigrant community.
See also
In Spanish: Michael Nutter para niños
- List of mayors of the largest 50 US cities
- History of African Americans in Philadelphia
Images for kids
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Michael Nutter
