The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia (the Chamber) welcomed nearly 2,000 business, civic, and elected leaders to the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, for its annual Mayoral Luncheon—one of the region’s largest gatherings focused on economic growth and civic partnership. Mayor Cherelle Parker addressed the business community and shared priorities aligned with her “One Philly” agenda for making Philadelphia the safest, cleanest, and greenest big city in the nation with economic opportunity for all.
Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Chellie Cameron opened the program by reaffirming the business community’s commitment to driving shared prosperity across the 11‑county region. She highlighted the Chamber’s ongoing advocacy on public transit funding, fair‑chance hiring, and efforts to strengthen the city’s competitiveness. Cameron underscored sobering data from the Brookings Institution showing sluggish regional growth and Philadelphia’s ranking as the lowest among major metros in economic mobility. She emphasized that increasing access to opportunity jobs—those offering family‑sustaining wages and pathways to advancement—must be the region’s top priority.
“Our region is at an inflection point. Leaders across Southeastern Pennsylvania have come together around a regional growth strategy focused on improved pathways to economic growth and mobility,” said Cameron. “We can and must do better.”
Cameron also spotlighted the newly formed Southeastern Pennsylvania Economic Collaborative, a five‑county effort facilitated by the Pew Charitable Trusts and Brookings, which is preparing to release a regional growth strategy this spring. She reaffirmed the Chamber’s readiness to work with the Parker Administration and City Council to accelerate economic mobility and inclusive development.
Christopher Franklin, Chairman and CEO, Essential Utilities, and Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, set the stage for the mayor’s keynote by acknowledging the momentum building across the region as Philadelphia prepares for nationally and globally significant events in 2026—including six FIFA World Cup matches, the MLB All‑Star Game, and the Semiquincentennial celebrations. He reminded attendees that despite this positive attention, Philadelphia continues to face profound economic mobility challenges and must unite around strengthening public transit, airport infrastructure, and job creation.
“We have the talent and determination. Now we must ensure everyone in our community can share in this region’s promise,” said Franklin.
Bret Perkins, Senior Vice President, Community Growth and Economic Development, Comcast, reflected on Philadelphia’s legacy of taking bold action in uncertain times and praised the progress made under Mayor Parker, including historic reductions in gun violence. He emphasized that public safety, housing, education, and jobs remain essential to improving economic mobility and that lasting progress requires unified leadership across government, business, and community partners. Highlighting Comcast’s deep local investments—from major 2026 events to a new arena and East Market redevelopment—he affirmed the company’s confidence in Philadelphia’s future and its commitment to helping shape the city’s next chapter.
“Regions that align leadership, investment and action are the ones that compete and thrive. No city has made sustained progress on economic mobility without the public and private sectors moving together,” said Perkins.
In her remarks, Mayor Parker reiterated her administration’s commitment to partnership with the business community. She stressed the importance of inclusive growth strategies, neighborhood investment, and ensuring that Philadelphians can access the economic opportunities tied to upcoming major events and long‑term regional development.
“Economic mobility should not be the exception. It should be the expectation,” Parker said.
The luncheon concluded with a call to collective action: government, business, civic institutions, and regional leaders must work together to expand opportunity and build a more resilient, equitable economy. As the mayor and Chamber affirmed, 2026 offers a pivotal moment to showcase Philadelphia’s strengths—and to ensure its prosperity is shared by all.
