Philly’s 100th Mayor

Mayor Cherelle Parker called for a cleaner, greener, safer city and included a plan to keep and grow business as part of her spending blueprint.

After taking office, Parker promised to make Philly the “safest, cleanest, and greenest big city in the nation.” Advocates for parks and youth sports have high hopes.

President Biden will deliver his third State of the Union address beginning at 9 p.m. Thursday. Follow WHYY on air and online for live special coverage.

Parker outlined her vision for Philly's schools to the city's business leaders at the annual Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

Parker is requiring top city officials to work in the office five days a week, but wants all city government and private sector employees to work in person full-time.

Parker said a recent task force report found that “mission creep” at the department has sapped its ability to do its job properly.

Parker also made two key appointments to her education team: Sharon Ward as deputy chief education officer and Debora Carrera as chief education officer.

Councilmembers Isaiah Thomas and Rue Landau plan to evaluate whether the city is on track to meet its 2050 goal, and how to get there faster.

Advocates are encouraged by the new mayor’s early plans to clean up the city. But some are skeptical about her pick to lead the efforts.

“None of my lifetime opportunities come without having access to education and it's the great equalizer,” Parker said.

The new mayor brings with her a mostly new slate of staffers to help run city government.

For some business executives who lean Democrat, the Parker administration is the best case scenario. Others fear a mayoral “echo chamber.”

Here are Mayor Cherelle Parker's prepared remarks, in full, for her inaugural address on Jan. 2, 2024.

Cherelle Parker’s inauguration day prompted kudos and reflections from everyone, from the Pennsylvania House to small Philly business owners.

Cherelle Parker formally took the oath of office and delivered a passionate inaugural address, vowing to address the city's challenges.