A note from our President and Chief Executive Officer, Chellie Cameron:
Dear Chamber Community,
I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Mayor Cherelle Parker as our city’s 100th mayor. Her historic inauguration marks the start of a bright new chapter for Philadelphia.
The Parker Administration has hit the ground running, and our business community is eager to collaborate to create jobs, grow businesses, and build a safer, more inclusive Philadelphia.
We know city government can’t do it alone or without our collective support. The Chamber is here to serve as a partner and convener to create lasting impact in our city and region.
In this spirit, don’t miss the first official opportunity to hear Mayor Parker address our regional business community since taking office at our in-person Mayoral Luncheon on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, where she will speak to critical issues impacting the Chamber community.
In Service,
Chellie
As Philadelphia enters an era of new leadership, the Chamber is eager to work with Mayor Parker’s Administration and new and returning members of City Council to promote inclusive growth. Here is a round-up of important news leading up to and since Inauguration Day, as well as the Chamber’s position on the matters:
The Impact of Mayor Kenney’s Pocket Veto
In the final days of the former Administration, Mayor Jim Kenney employed the “pocket veto” on several key bills passed by City Council. This included the proposed 15-cent fee for single-use paper bags, additional protections for subcontracted building services workers, and regulations on student-athlete legal advice and virtual slot machines. The Chamber strongly opposed the legislation creating additional protections for subcontracted building services workers, working with members of City Council and Mayor Kenney to share the impact the bill would have on many diverse small businesses.
At the end of every mayoral term, any legislation that the mayor has not signed into law is pocket vetoed, which effectively kills the bill. Kenney’s strategic use of the pocket veto nullified these legislative efforts as his Administration drew to a close.
With new mayoral and City Council leadership, these issues could be revisited and reshaped in the near future.
Mayor Parker’s Inauguration and First Executive Orders
The City of Philadelphia’s 100th mayor, Cherelle Parker, and members of the City Council were inaugurated on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at the Met Philadelphia. Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Chellie Cameron joined members of Chamber and city leadership at the historic event.
In her inaugural speech, Mayor Parker announced a 100-Day Action Plan and outlined a vision for the city that prioritizes public safety, clean and green communities, housing, economic opportunity, and education.
On her first day in office, Mayor Parker took decisive action by signing executive orders to declare a public safety emergency in Philadelphia, loosen college-degree requirements for city jobs, and call for enhanced transparency and government efficiency. These are important first steps as Mayor Parker vowed to make Philadelphia the “safest, cleanest, and greenest big city in the nation that will provide access to economic opportunity for all.”
Mayor Parker’s 100-Day Action Plan
Mayor Parker’s 100-day action plan aligns with the Chamber’s key priorities as we work to position Greater Philadelphia as a top global destination for business and a leader in inclusive growth.
Mayor Parker’s “PHL Open for Business” initiative aims to simplify operations by reducing regulatory burdens. The Chamber eagerly looks forward to collaborating with the Administration to create a more conducive environment for businesses in Philadelphia.
Additionally, the plan to reduce the cost of doing business by removing college degree requirements for some city jobs will broaden employment opportunities, benefiting the business community. Mayor Parker’s commitment to creating a safe and clean city includes addressing property and violent crime, with the Chamber planning to support these efforts through collaboration on practical solutions.
Strategies to combat quality-of-life issues like retail theft and illegal dumping are also part of the Administration’s plan. The Chamber is committed to working with the city and key stakeholders to address these issues for a healthier business environment.
The New Faces and Leadership of City Council
Priorities under this new Council leadership are geared toward tackling pressing issues such as gun violence, equitable economic development, affordable housing, education, and workforce development. There is a strong emphasis on collaboration, both within Council and between Council and the mayor’s office. This collaborative spirit is crucial for effectively advancing the city’s agenda.
Kenyatta Johnson, a Democrat from the Second District, was elected to succeed Darrell L. Clarke as City Council President. His election brings new direction, given Council President Johnson’s career focuses on anti-violence initiatives, quality of life issues, and managing development.
In his inaugural address, Council President Johnson highlighted key priorities for his term, emphasizing collaborative efforts to address critical issues like public safety, economic development, and community engagement. As Council President, Johnson’s role involves creating consensus within the 17-member City Council, which is critical for moving important legislation forward, including managing the city’s budget.
His commitment to these priorities signals a proactive approach to governance. Council President Johnson’s history of cooperation with Mayor Parker and shared priorities are expected to facilitate significant progress in the city’s agenda.
In addition, Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson was elected the youngest majority leader in Council history, and Councilmember Isaiah Thomas took on the role of majority whip. These leaders have a history of working closely with the business community to promote inclusive growth across Philadelphia neighborhoods.
Council also welcomed first-term legislators, including Councilmember Rue Landau (D) and Councilmember Nina Ahmad (D), alongside Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke (Working Families Party). This new slate of lawmakers introduces new perspectives and priorities, diversifying Council’s demographic and ideological makeup.
The Chamber is ready to work with Mayor Parker, all City Councilmembers, and our valued members and partners to position Greater Philadelphia as a top global destination for business and a leader in inclusive growth. To learn more about our Local Advocacy work or engage with our team, please contact Ashley Miscevich, Manager, Local Government Advocacy and Engagement, at amiscevich@chamberphl.com.
