By James Williams, Editor

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker delivered her FY26 Proposed Budget Address to City Council, unveiling a $6.77 billion budget aimed at transforming the city into the safest, cleanest, and greenest big city in the nation with access to economic opportunity for all.

Before outlining her budget priorities, Mayor Parker opened her address by acknowledging a recent tragedy that struck the city—the plane crash near Roosevelt Mall on January 31st that claimed seven lives and left two others hospitalized, including a young boy who lost his father.

Honoring Victims and First Responders

Mayor Parker reflected on the tragedy, calling it an “unimaginable Black Swan event” that shook the city. She led a moment of silence for the victims and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to supporting those affected. She praised the swift response of Philadelphia’s first responders, city agencies, and community leaders, recognizing their ongoing efforts to help the impacted businesses and families recover.

She highlighted the work of emergency responders, including the Philadelphia Police, Fire Department, and Emergency Management teams. The Mayor’s Business Action Team met with affected businesses, while the Neighborhood and Community Engagement Team provided direct assistance to residents. Behavioral health services were also made available, with 988 designated as the helpline for those in need.

Mayor Parker commended the strength of Northeast Philadelphia, stating, “Northeast Philadelphia is RESILIENT and STRONG—like our City—and we will NOT REST until we have provided every support available for our residents and businesses.” She then asked city officials, first responders, and employees who assisted at the crash site to stand and be recognized for their dedication.

One Philly 2.0 Budget: Investing in Philadelphia’s Future

With the city still recovering from this tragedy, Mayor Parker shifted her focus to the bold investments in her FY26 Proposed Budget, Five-Year Plan, and Capital Program, designed to improve public safety, housing, economic growth, and city services.

The proposed budget includes $2.30 billion in new operating investments through FY30, including $800 million in borrowing for the H.O.M.E. Initiative, which aims to build or restore 30,000 housing units. The budget also provides $500,000 in behavioral health funding for increased community outreach in FY26 and FY27.

Over six years, $1.47 billion in capital investments will support infrastructure improvements, public safety enhancements, and cleaning and greening initiatives. The plan also includes targeted tax reforms aimed at making Philadelphia more competitive and continued investment in workforce development and small business support.

Public Safety: A Top Priority

Mayor Parker reaffirmed her administration’s unapologetic commitment to public safety, emphasizing that results are already visible across Philadelphia.

Homicides are down 37 percent. Shootings have decreased by 36 percent. Community Policing is in full effect, with 200 police officers patrolling neighborhoods, engaging with residents, and proactively preventing crime.

“I said last year, I felt a sense of urgency and that we’d be laser-focused and unapologetic about improving Public Safety. How did we do? Homicides are down 37 percent. Shootings are down 36 percent. We have 200 Police Officers doing Community Policing in our neighborhoods. I promised it, and it’s WORKING.”

Mayor Parker also addressed criticism regarding her support for law enforcement, making it clear that her stance is rooted in ensuring safety and accountability for all Philadelphians.

“I’ve always made it clear – I fully support EVERY Police Officer who’s on the front lines, protecting and serving Philadelphians – so long as they do so without any misuse or abuse of their constitutional authority. And yet, I’ve often been criticized for being too ‘pro-Police.’ I don’t agree. Philadelphians want to BE and FEEL SAFE, and they deserve that basic human right.”

Clean and Green: Fighting the “Filthadelphia” Moniker

Mayor Parker also highlighted major strides in cleaning up Philadelphia and improving the city’s overall quality of life.

A new Office and Approach was launched to combat long-standing issues and permanently rid the city of the “Filthadelphia” reputation.

Over 67,000 city streets and neighborhood corridors have been cleaned—67,187 to be precise. More than 11,600 abandoned cars and vehicles have been towed thanks to the Philadelphia Police, Parking Authority, and Clean and Green teams. Over 17,300 vacant lots have been cleaned, with support from CLIP (Community Life Improvement Program) and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

“I promised a new Office and Approach to tackle quality-of-life issues and banish that ‘Filthadelphia’ moniker once and for all! So, how’d we do? We CLEANED over 67,000 City Streets and Neighborhood Corridors! We TOWED 11,617 Abandoned Cars and Vehicles—THANK YOU Philadelphia Police AND the Parking Authority AND Clean and Green! We CLEANED 17,319 Vacant Lots—Thank you CLIP and thank you PA Horticultural Society!”

Investing in Youth Sports

Recognizing the importance of positive youth engagement, Mayor Parker reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to funding youth sports programs, ensuring children have safe and productive outlets.

“We’re funding youth sports because THAT is how we help give our children a positive path! Our kids shouldn’t have to stand on street corners with helmets and drums to raise funds. THEIR CITY SHOULD SUPPORT THEM AND WE ARE – $3.2 million in the current budget!”

Tax Reform: Fixing the Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT)

In addition to investments in public safety, housing, and community programs, Mayor Parker addressed one of the most pressing economic concerns—Philadelphia’s tax structure and its impact on local businesses.

“Just think about your own paycheck, Philadelphia. Right now, you pay taxes on the GROSS amount you earn – the total you make. Fair enough. But here, if you were a business in this city, we’re taxing the WHOLE amount you earn AND your NET – what you have left after paying your bills and daily expenses! That’s like a double tax. And our Administration is finally going to address it.”

The administration plans to significantly reform the Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT). The net income portion of BIRT will be reduced by more than half to 2.8 percent within seven years of the pension fund reaching 100% funded status in FY2033. Over the same period, the gross receipts portion of the tax will be eliminated entirely.

In the short term, while facing uncertainty with federal funding, the city will reduce the net income portion of BIRT from 5.81 percent in FY25 to 5.5 percent in FY30. These tax changes are aimed at making Philadelphia more competitive for businesses, encouraging job creation, and promoting long-term economic growth.

Engaging the Community: Neighborhood Budget Town Halls

To ensure transparency and direct community input, the Parker administration will host a series of Neighborhood Budget Town Halls across Philadelphia. These meetings will allow residents to voice concerns, ask questions, and see how city funding will directly impact their neighborhoods.

What’s Next?

Mayor Parker’s “One Philly 2.0” Budget is now under review by Philadelphia City Council. Over the coming months, councilmembers, community leaders, and residents will weigh in on its priorities and funding allocations before final approval.

As Philadelphia strives toward a safer, cleaner, and more prosperous future, this budget represents a pivotal moment for the city’s progress.

The Town Crier is a Rapid Response news blog that is written by James Williams and created in collaboration with ChatGPT. For research assistance and content editing.