It’s Official: Allan Domb Is Running for Council

Photo of Allan Domb in the lobby of Parc Rittenhouse by Laura Kicey

Citified told you last week that it seemed awfully likely that Center City “condo king”/developer Allan Domb would run for City Council At-Large in the May 19th primary.

Domb made it official today.

“I am running for City Council because over the last 35 years, I’ve seen how far Philadelphia has come and I know how far we can go,” said Domb in a statement. “I know that to solve some of Philadelphia’s most pressing problems, it’s going to take more than just having big ideas. It’s going to require knowing how to accomplish big things — which is what I do for a living. Throughout my career, I’ve never been afraid to dream big — that’s how you achieve big things.”

Domb’s campaign says it collected nearly 3,000 signatures from registered voters. Candidates for citywide office must gather at least 1,000 signatures to get on the primary ballot.

A couple big, unanswered questions: How much will Domb contribute to his own campaign? And if it’s enough to double the campaign contribution limits under the city’s so-called “millionaire’s provision,” how will that affect the Democratic City Council At-Large race?

Here’s the full press release from Domb’s campaign:

Today, one of Philadelphia’s leading businessmen, Allan Domb, filed petitions to run as a Democrat for a City Council At-Large seat. Represented by attorney Gregory Harvey, Domb, a first-time candidate, filed his petitions with almost 3,000 signatures from neighborhoods across Philadelphia.

“I am running for City Council because over the last 35 years, I’ve seen how far Philadelphia has come and I know how far we can go,” said Domb today. “I know that to solve some of Philadelphia’s most pressing problems, it’s going to take more than just having big ideas. It’s going to require knowing how to accomplish big things — which is what I do for a living. Throughout my career, I’ve never been afraid to dream big — that’s how you achieve big things.”

35 years ago, Allan Domb started a small real estate firm, which is now one of the most successful real estate firms in the city and has been responsible for creating thousands of good-paying jobs. Domb is also a partner in Starr Restaurant Organization, which has helped lead Philadelphia’s renaissance.

“I want to work to make Philadelphia great for every family, not just the well-off. That’s why it is so important we provide more opportunities to get good jobs. Jobs and schools will be my focus on City Council.”

“During the campaign, I will lay out innovative ideas, big ideas, on how all of Philadelphia can rise up. We will talk about collecting taxes from out-of-state landlords and using that money to fund our schools. New job training programs. And partnering with our universities to mentor our children.

“Where others might see roadblocks, I see opportunities. I think that’s a perspective we’re missing in the City and it’s why I’m running for City Council At-Large — I want to bring entrepreneurial drive and creative problem-solving to Council.

“This is an amazing time on our City’s history and we are once again being recognized as one of the premier destinations to visit and a great place to live and work. Now we have to take the next step and make it an equally good place to raise a family and send kids to school,” closed Domb. “If elected, making Philadelphia a greater place will be my focus every day.”