[VT | July 2, 2026 | Philadelphia PA]
More than 70 bipartisan mayors from communities across the United States gathered in Philadelphia on Wednesday for “We the People 250 – Mayors Celebrate America,” a national event organized by the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Continental Congress’ vote for independence on July 2, 1776.
Hosted by Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, the gathering brought together local leaders representing rural, suburban, and urban America. The event highlighted the role of mayors as the elected officials closest to the people they serve while reaffirming a shared commitment to democracy, public service, and community leadership during America’s 250th anniversary.
Philadelphia was selected as the host city because it is where the Continental Congress voted for independence and where American democracy first took shape. Beginning near the President’s House site, the mayors walked together to Independence Hall, the historic location where the vote for independence took place 250 years ago.
Standing before Independence Hall, Mayor Parker welcomed the visiting mayors and described the gathering as a historic moment that united leaders from rural, suburban, and urban communities, regardless of political affiliation. She said that while mayors represent different cities and parties, they share the same responsibility—to serve residents, solve problems, strengthen communities, and uphold the democratic principles upon which the nation was founded.
Parker encouraged participants to continue working together under the message:
“One Philly, A United City. One America, A United Nation.”
Following the ceremony and official group photograph at Independence Hall, participants continued to the Museum of the American Revolution for the bipartisan “We the People” Symposium, where civic leaders, historians, educators, and community partners explored the continuing role of cities in American democracy.
Opening the symposium, Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, reflected on the significance of July 2, 1776, explaining “Why July 2, Why Mayors, Why Philadelphia.” He emphasized that mayors are the public officials closest to the people and that cities remain at the forefront of addressing the everyday challenges facing American communities.
Mayor Parker welcomed participants to Philadelphia once again, stressing that democracy is not only reflected in history but also demonstrated every day through responsive local government, safer neighborhoods, stronger communities, and public service.
Todd Gloria, Mayor of San Diego and President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, said that regardless of political affiliation, mayors confront many of the same challenges—including public safety, housing, infrastructure, and economic opportunity—and that residents expect practical solutions rather than partisan division.
Representing one of the event’s community partners, Bret Perkins, Senior Vice President of Comcast Corporation, spoke about the importance of collaboration among local governments, businesses, and communities in helping shape America’s future.
Delivering the keynote address, Akhil Reed Amar, Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University, reflected on the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the continuing evolution of American democracy. He also discussed the enduring meaning of the Declaration’s principle that “all men are created equal.”
At the Museum of the American Revolution, R. Scott Stephenson, President and CEO, spoke about the museum’s mission to preserve and share the history of the American Revolution. Adrienne Whaley, Director of Education and Community Engagement, highlighted the importance of inclusive history, emphasizing that the American story also includes the experiences and contributions of women, African Americans, Native Americans, and many other communities.
Closing the symposium, Mayor Parker once again encouraged America’s mayors to continue leading through cooperation, public service, and civic responsibility, concluding with the message:
“One Philly, A United City. One America, A United Nation.”
Following the event, Mayor Parker spoke with CUS / ChineseinUS. She described the gathering as a historic convening of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, bringing together leaders from rural, suburban, and urban America representing every political perspective.
Parker said America’s mayors are the nation’s “doers” and “fixers,” working every day to strengthen communities and help build “a more perfect union.” She added that seeing so many local leaders united in Philadelphia inspired her to continue moving forward and never give up, saying the gathering reinforced her belief that “One Philly” and “One America” can only be achieved by working together.
CUS / ChineseinUS also interviewed Steve Benjamin, former President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, former Mayor of Columbia, South Carolina, former Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, and former Senior Advisor to President Biden.
Benjamin said holding the gathering on July 2—the actual anniversary of the vote for independence—made the occasion especially meaningful. Calling the United States “the greatest experiment in democracy in the history of the world,” he said each generation shares the responsibility of helping the nation continue to perfect itself. He noted that Republicans, Democrats, and independent mayors from across the country came together in Philadelphia to celebrate America’s founding principles while looking ahead to the next 250 years.
Asked about immigrant communities, Benjamin emphasized that “we are a nation of immigrants,” adding that language access should remain central to local government. Drawing on his experience as mayor of Columbia, South Carolina, he said ensuring access to public services for residents speaking dozens of different languages strengthens civic participation and helps build healthier, stronger communities.
Bringing together local government leaders, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the City of Philadelphia, the Museum of the American Revolution, Yale University, Comcast, historians, educators, and community partners, “We the People 250 – Mayors Celebrate America” reflected how local governments, civic institutions, academic leaders, businesses, and community organizations are working together to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary while helping shape the nation’s next chapter.
