A message from the Chamber’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Chellie Cameron, to our regional business community as we work together to achieve our Chamber 2028 vision.

Dear Chamber Community,

As we prepare for Thanksgiving, I have much to be thankful for, especially the incredible news we received from Governor Josh Shapiro yesterday.

At a press conference at the Frankford Transportation Center, he announced the redirection of $153 million of federal highway capital funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA). This temporary funding solution will keep us moving for the next six months, allowing the 700,000 commuters who rely on SEPTA daily to avoid service cuts and dramatic fare increases.

However, we are still in need of a long-term, sustainable funding solution from Harrisburg that will keep buses, trains, trolleys, and subways running beyond July.

Our region may only represent 5% of Pennsylvania’s land area, but it sustains Pennsylvania’s economy, generating 42% of the economic activity and 38% of the tax revenue the entire Commonwealth relies on each year. I can’t overstate the role SEPTA plays in fueling Greater Philadelphia’s economic engine, getting people to work each day, providing access to healthcare and education, and ensuring visitors can easily access Greater Philadelphia’s many attractions. This will be especially important as we prepare to showcase our world-class assets to national and international visitors in 2026.

Without adequate transit service, we risk widened economic disparities, hindering our region’s progress toward equitable growth as we work to achieve our vision of making Greater Philadelphia a top global destination for business and a leader in inclusive growth.

At this time of year, connection to a fully-funded transit system is even more important, as many of us rely on SEPTA to visit loved ones during the holidays. Let’s express our gratitude to Governor Shapiro for his innovative funding solution for SEPTA. However, our work is far from over. Your Chamber will persistently advocate on this issue, urging our state legislators to find a sustainable funding solution for Pennsylvania transportation, ensuring our region and the Commonwealth keep moving forward.

In Service,

Chellie