[VT I Philadelphia, December 19 2025] — Prior to the start of the 2026 State of the City Address, the audience at the Temple Performing Arts Center rose for a solemn moment of silence in honor of fallen Philadelphia Police Officer Andy Chan. City officials, elected leaders, labor representatives, and community members joined in paying tribute to his service and sacrifice.
Following the observance, Cherelle L. Parker, the 100th Mayor of Philadelphia, delivered her second State of the City address, offering a comprehensive assessment of her administration’s second year in office and outlining the city’s preparations for the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 2026.
“Our city is strong and moving in the right direction,” Mayor Parker said. “I didn’t promise perfection, but I promised progress—and we are delivering.”
Public Safety: Near 50-Year Lows in Violent Crime
Mayor Parker highlighted historic reductions in violent crime, noting that Philadelphia is on track to record its lowest homicide and shooting totals in nearly 50 years.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel reported that the city’s homicide clearance rate has reached its highest level in decades. Analysis by The Pew Charitable Trusts shows Philadelphia’s decline in violent crime has outpaced that of more than 20 other major U.S. cities.
The mayor credited the administration’s P.I.E. strategy—Prevention, Intervention, and Enforcement, supported by a $25 million investment in community-based violence prevention programs.
Kensington Transformation and Community Justice
Mayor Parker pointed to significant progress in Kensington, long associated with open-air drug markets. In 2025 alone, shootings declined by 27 percent and gunpoint robberies by 47 percent in the area. Police seized more than $4.6 million worth of illegal drugs, including fentanyl.
Director of Public Safety Adam Geer highlighted the launch of the Neighborhood Wellness Court, which diverts individuals charged with low-level offenses into treatment and recovery services rather than incarceration.
Historic Labor Agreements
Mayor Parker described the city’s 2025 labor agreements as historic, citing a $550 million labor reserve included in the city’s five-year financial plan—the largest in Philadelphia history.
Negotiations were led by Chief Deputy Mayor Sinceré Harris, culminating in three-year agreements with AFSCME District Council 33 and District Council 47 following an eight-day strike.
“This represents the largest wage increase for municipal workers in more than 30 years under a single mayoral term,” Parker said.
Housing: Largest Investment in City History
In March, the mayor introduced the $2 billion Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) Plan, the most ambitious housing initiative in Philadelphia’s history. The plan aims to build, preserve, or repair 30,000 housing units, with an expanded goal of 50,000 units through partnership with the Philadelphia Housing Authority.
PHA President and CEO Kelvin Jeremiah confirmed that 20,000 of those units will be affordable to households earning at or below 80 percent of area median income. The plan also includes the One Philly Mortgage, designed to help first-time homebuyers with lower interest rates and no private mortgage insurance.
Education and Youth Investment
Mayor Parker reaffirmed her commitment to public education, announcing continued transfers of city property tax revenue to the School District of Philadelphia.
The city now funds Extended Day, Extended Year (ED/EY) programming in 40 public and charter schools, serving 12,000 students with a $35 million investment. The initiative is overseen by Chief Education Officer Deb Carrera and Deputy Chief Education Officer Sharon Ward.
Homelessness, Health, and Recovery
Opened in January 2025, the Riverview Wellness Village now serves more than 200 individuals daily, providing behavioral health treatment, housing navigation, and workforce support.
Managing Director Adam Thiel detailed the city’s Plan to End Street Homelessness, launched by executive order during the address. In partnership with Jefferson Health System, the city will bring 1,000 new shelter and treatment beds online this winter.
Economic Opportunity and Workforce Development
The City College for Municipal Employment has enrolled more than 200 Philadelphians since opening in 2024.
Additionally, the city’s JumpStart and small business support programs have assisted more than 13,000 businesses, while workforce initiatives delivered $8.35 million in targeted employment support.
Preparing for 2026: A Global Spotlight
Looking ahead to 2026, Mayor Parker emphasized Philadelphia’s readiness to host global events tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary, including major international sporting and cultural events. The city has committed more than $1.2 billion in infrastructure investment to prepare for millions of expected visitors.
City Representative and Director of Special Events Jazelle Jones noted that tourism continues to be a major economic driver, with international and domestic visitors generating billions in regional economic impact.
Mayor Parker concluded by calling for unity and accountability.
“Don’t just listen to what we say,” she told the audience. “Watch what we do. One Philly—One United City.”
The address was preceded and followed by performances from local students and community groups, underscoring the administration’s emphasis on inclusion, culture, and civic pride as Philadelphia enters a defining chapter in its history.
