Philadelphia City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier

Jamie R. Gauthier, a born-and-raised West Philadelphian, was elected to represent the Third Councilmanic District in November 2019. With two decades of experience fighting for fairness, equality, and justice in neighborhoods throughout the city, Councilmember Gauthier brings a depth of knowledge related to community and economic development, grassroots engagement, and nonprofit administration.

With an eye towards tackling gentrification and poverty in the Third District, Councilmember Gauthier’s agenda prioritizes creating and preserving affordable housing, improving educational outcomes, connecting residents to family-sustaining jobs, and advancing small businesses.

Councilmember Gauthier is passionate about the importance of public space and providing our children with safe places to grow and play. Prior to her City Council candidacy, she served as Executive Director of the Fairmount Park Conservancy, where she led the Conservancy in carrying out vital improvements in West Fairmount Park and organized stewardship and care for parks across the city.

In her prior role at Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Councilmember Gauthier helped develop affordable housing across Philadelphia, and participated in a variety of economic development projects. She is particularly proud of her work supporting the West Philly-based Center for Culinary Enterprises, a commercial kitchen that provides local food vendors with safe, clean kitchen space. Councilmember Gauthier is also a former Executive Director of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia, where she helped local businesses become more environmentally sustainable and to secure city contracts.

With deep roots in West Philadelphia, Councilmember Gauthier has held a variety of volunteer leadership roles in the community. She served as President of the Garden Court Community Association, and was also a board member of the University City District. During her time as a graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania, Councilmember Gauthier launched Mommy Grads, a program that helped single mothers handle the struggles of raising children while attending college. She has also served on the board of several advocacy organizations including PennFuture and the Philadelphia Crosstown Coalition.

After graduating from Central High School, Councilmember Gauthier received her undergraduate degree from Temple University and her Master’s in Urban Planning from the University of Pennsylvania. She is the only elected official in the City of Philadelphia with a planning degree, offering her a unique perspective on issues ranging from zoning and housing to transportation policy.

Councilmember Gauthier lives in West Philadelphia with her two sons, who proudly attend city public schools.

Councilmember Gauthier serves as Chair of the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development, and the Homeless, and Vice-Chair of the Committee on Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs. She also serves as a member on several other committees including Public Property and Public Works; Commerce and Economic Development; Public Safety; Education; Environment; People with Disabilities and Special Needs; and Children and Youth.