PHILADELPHIA — Mayor Cherelle L. Parker delivered her second State of the City address on December 19, 2025, at Temple University’s Performing Arts Center, outlining key accomplishments from her administration’s second year and presenting an ambitious vision for 2026. Throughout her remarks, Parker emphasized her administration’s priorities of public safety, housing, education, and economic opportunity.
Speaking before a large audience of City employees, labor leaders, elected officials, and community stakeholders, Parker declared that “the State of our City is strong and good, and we are moving in the right direction.” She reaffirmed her “One Philly” vision, stressing unity, accountability, and action. The mayor also introduced the “One Philly Plan to End Street Homelessness,” a new initiative developed in partnership with Jefferson University aimed at addressing homelessness across Philadelphia. “Don’t listen to what we say,” Parker told the audience. “Watch what we do.”
According to the mayor, the overarching goal is to make Philadelphia safer, cleaner, and more inclusive. The 2025 State of the City Report, released alongside the address, highlights reductions in violent crime, notable quality-of-life improvements, and targeted investments across the city. One of the report’s most significant findings is a decline in homicides and shootings, bringing Philadelphia close to a 50-year low. Parker credited these outcomes to a comprehensive public safety strategy focused on prevention, intervention, and enforcement, along with a $25 million investment in community-based violence prevention programs.
Education was another major focus of the address. Funding for before- and after-school programs now reaches 40 public and charter schools through the Extended Day, Extended Year initiative. The City has invested $35 million in support of the program, which currently serves approximately 12,000 students.
Housing also featured prominently. Parker highlighted her $2 billion Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) plan, the largest housing proposal in the City’s history, aimed at building, repairing, or restoring 30,000 housing units. In partnership with the Philadelphia Housing Authority, the broader goal is to develop 50,000 units, including deeply affordable housing for low-income residents.
Neighborhood revitalization efforts were also underscored. According to City officials, programs such as Taking Care of Business have reduced litter along commercial corridors by half since 2022 and resulted in more than 94,000 quality-of-life actions in 2025. These actions include block cleanups, vacant lot maintenance, pothole repairs, and expanded twice-a-week trash collection.
During the address, Mayor Parker paused to sign Executive Order No. 7-25, formally committing the City to ending street homelessness. The order directs the Office of Homeless Services to facilitate and financially support the operation of 1,000 new shelter beds by January 31, 2026. This initiative builds on the recent opening of Riverview Wellness Village, a comprehensive recovery facility that provides housing, treatment, and supportive services in a single location.
Looking ahead, Parker emphasized preparations for a transformative 2026, including the celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the United States, more than $120 million in infrastructure investments, and the hosting of major global events such as the FIFA World Cup and the MLB All-Star Game. She also announced a free New Year’s Eve celebration on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, headlined by LL Cool J and DJ Jazzy Jeff.
