With the end of 2025 approaching, Cherelle Parker is reflecting on her second year as mayor of Philadelphia while looking ahead to a busy 2026.
Mayor Parker’s second annual State of the City address took place on Friday, Dec. 19, at 11 a.m. at the Temple Performing Arts Center in Philadelphia.
FULL SPEECH: Watch Mayor Parker’s entire State of the City address
It was a memorable 2025 for Philadelphia, which included a deadly medical jet crash, the Eagles winning their second Super Bowl, a strike from the city’s largest workers union and ongoing financial and service issues from SEPTA.
In addition to reflecting on the year, Parker is sharing updates on the city’s preparations for several major events in 2026, including celebrations of America’s 250th birthday, the FIFA World Cup, NCAA March Madness, the MLB All-Star Game and the PGA Championship.
She reflected on successful moments this past year including cleaning up Kensington and building more affordable housing.
As for crime, city leaders say Philadelphia is seeing historic results. They say right now it’s on pace to have its lowest number of homicides in more than 50 years, and the best homicide clearance rate in decades.
“That means our families are getting answers and more victims are seeing justice,” Police Commissioner Keven Bethel said.
The Parker Administration also plans to release its second-year report that will outline key projects and initiatives for the city.
One of those initiatives is the pledging of 1000 new beds for unhoused residents. She’s calling it the “One Philly Plan to End Street Homelessness.”
As the mayor signed the executive order, this report on homelessness by NBC10’s Aaron Baskerville played.
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