How Councilmember Jamie Gauthier addresses inequity and sustainability

Councilmember Jamie Gauthier is Green Philly’s latest Civic Catalyst. Read how Gauthier uses her role as a public servant to further sustainability initiatives in Philly.

Role: Third District City Councilmember representing much of West and Southwest Philadelphia. As part of the city’s lawmaking body, her job is to pass legislation to “make peoples’ lives better.” Uses the bully pulpit to advocate on behalf of constituents. Chair of both the Housing Committee and the Committee on the Environment.

Green superpower: Viewing sustainability through an equity lens.

How Gauthier wields her superpower: She pushes for programs that aim to address social and economic inequities while confronting the negative effects of a rapidly changing climate. Such campaigns Gauthier has supported include: funding PEA’s Built to Last whole home repair program for low-income households; the #JustServicesPHL campaign to improve municipal services in underserved Black and Brown communities; and exploring an end to the city’s incinerator contract in Chester County, which has had detrimental health effects in the Chester community.

What she finds fun about sustainability work: It encourages people to think about the world around them and connect with the earth. Gauthier says that the work she does to invest in the outdoors, make communities greener, and keep water clean leads to more enjoyment for her constituents. She thinks sustainability work “helps people to tap into another aspect of life that is also very healing.” 

Challenges to overcome in the sustainability movement: “When [sustainability] becomes this very niche, hard to access, expensive thing that regular working folks don’t really see themselves as being a part of or don’t see themselves as being able to buy into.” 

What “success” in sustainability looks like to her: Gauthier wants to help people in their everyday lives, like through energy efficiency or reusing materials in new ways. Addressing both the housing and climate crises by coming up with ways for people to better afford and maintain their housing “is a very clear present-day benefit that brings people into the fold of sustainability work.” 

She supports other sustainability initiatives that address multiple issues as well, including the Philly Tree Plan. The plan aims to increase Philly’s urban forest, helping to cool neighborhoods and keep energy costs down as temperatures rise. 

Her advice for getting involved in sustainability work: “Just jump in!” Join a local neighborhood civic association or advocacy group that aligns with your passions. And participate in the budget negotiations. For FY 2026, Gauthier is supporting the Built to Last program; Parks and Rec; the Philly Tree Plan; the Office of Sustainability; and SEPTA. See the full list of budget hearings and public testimony dates here. 

How to get in touch: City Hall, Room 316. To reach Councilmember Gauthier’s office by phone, call (215) 686-0459, or email jamie.gauthier@phila.gov 

Cover Photo: Councilmember Gauthier, Committee of the Environment 3/5/25. Credit: Ta’Liyah Thomas | PHL City Council

---