Economic Opportunity

Philadelphia has long held the ignoble title of the nation's poorest big city. While that title has since been assumed by Houston, Philly's poverty rate is still stubbornly high--just under 20%. Mayor Cherelle Parker campaigned on increasing economic opportunity in the city, and her actions so far have focused on primarily on housing and jobs. This includes her $2 billion Housing Opportunities Made Easy, or H.O.M.E., initiative, as well as efforts to make running a business in the city easier.

Initiatives

Buildings, including a food store and a new apartment property, on the 3300 Block of Fairmont Ave in Philadelphia

Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.)

An aerial view from a rooftop on Magee Avenue in the Cheltenham neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States February 22, 2025

Progress Updates

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Mayor touts progress on initiatives at State of the City address

(Impacto) In her 2025 State of the City address, Mayor Cherelle Parker highlighted her administration's progress on public safety, education, the environment and economic opportunity. 

Her highlights included: A decline in homicides and shootings, bringing Philadelphia close to a 50-year low; funding for before- and after-school programs that covers 40 public and charter schools through the Extended Day, Extended Year initiative; and city-wide cleaning efforts such as block cleanups, vacant lot maintenance, and expanded twice-a-week trash collection.

Parker also signed Executive Order No. 7-25, formally committing the City to ending street homelessness. The order directs the Office of Homeless Services to facilitate and financially support the operation of 1,000 new shelter beds by January 31, 2026. 

Mayoral priorities include expanding access to housing and jobs 

In her 2024 inaugural address, Mayor Cherelle Parker pledged to: 

  • Create and preserve affordable housing
  • Streamline the city's Land Bank process
  • Remove red tape with "PHL Open for Business" initiative
  • Remove college degree requirements for many city jobs

Key offices and efforts

  • H.O.M.E Housing Plan, which the administration said would produce and preserve 30,000 housing units for Philadelphians across levels of affordability.
  • PHL Open for Business, an effort to reduce cost and complexity for business owners navigating city government

Key quotes

  • “Beyond public safety, there is no more pressing issue for Philadelphia than access to housing,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “We are ready now [to move forward] as One Philly, A United City!” (City Council address, Mar 2025)

  • "I made it clear before I took the oath of office that all Philadelphians must have access to the path of self sufficiency that includes access to 21st century, world-class education; affordable, luxury housing; and the opportunity to do business in Philadelphia." (State of the City, Dec 2024)

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Education

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Public Safety

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Solutions Progress Report

The Solutions Progress Report tracks updates on the key issues and initiatives of Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker's administration.