Philadelphia City Council Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson (At-Large) released the following statement in response to Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2027.
“Today we heard Mayor Cherelle L. Parker present her third budget proposal during City Council’s Stated Meeting. Since she took office in 2024, I am proud of the ways we have been able to work together to deliver meaningful results for Philadelphians: from improving public safety, to addressing our city’s housing challenges, and improving the quality of life of our residents. I am eager to continue that progress, strengthen our collaboration, and build on our previous work through investments I have long championed.
As Mayor Parker mentioned, I have worked to strengthen the City’s finances through legislation that increases contributions to the Budget Stabilization Reserve, providing the foundation that allows the City to make bold investments that directly help residents. The fund will have $344 million by the end of the proposed Five-Year Plan. I want to thank the Mayor for highlighting this work, the role it plays in keeping the City on strong financial footing, and her focus on continuing to strengthen our reserve.
I was also glad to see Mayor Parker emphasize my work to plant and maintain more trees and shrubs to address our many urban heat islands through the Urban Forestry Unit. Additionally, her budget includes $10 million in workforce development, bolstering my work to connect residents to family-sustaining careers through initiatives like the CTE Civil Service Preference and the Apprenticeship Guidebook. Finally, I am excited to support the plan to invest more than $900 million in SEPTA across the Five-Year Plan, matching the Governor’s commitment and doing our part to fund a sustainable, reliable public transportation system our residents can depend on.
I also appreciate Mayor Parker’s efforts to support our city’s unhoused community and end street homelessness. It is a complex, multilayered challenge – one that has been a priority of mine for quite some time – that requires thoughtful, lasting solutions that truly support our unhoused residents. Adding additional beds is an important first step, but providing high-quality care is just as critical, and I am committed to working closely with the Administration to make that a reality. With this major investment, I am especially pleased that voters approved my legislation establishing the Office of Homeless Services Ombudsperson to provide greater accountability and transparency to the system and help deliver real results for those who need them the most. My work on this issue continues, and I look forward to working with the administration to ensure the additional beds are of the highest quality.
Our city is at a critical moment. We have made much progress in recent years, and while that deserves recognition, our focus must remain on improving the quality of life for every Philadelphians and meeting their most pressing needs. I look forward to working with my Council colleagues, Mayor Parker and her team, and the people of Philadelphia throughout this process to craft a budget that helps our city grow and thrive – while ensuring every resident has the opportunity to do the same.”
