Cherelle Parker sworn in as the first woman Mayor of Philadelphia. Cherelle Parker, a seasoned Democrat with a political career spanning local and state offices, made history on Tuesday as she was sworn in as Philadelphia’s 100th mayor.
Notably, Parker became the first woman to assume this role, a milestone that marks a significant moment in the city’s political landscape. The inauguration ceremony took place at the historic Met in Philadelphia, where the 51-year-old Democrat publicly took the oath of office.
Parker’s journey into politics began in her teenage years, and her ascent to the mayoral office underscores a remarkable trajectory in the nation’s sixth-largest city. In her inaugural address, she acknowledged the improbability of her current position, stating, “By every statistic imaginable, I am not supposed to be standing here today.”
Reflecting on her childhood and early challenges, Parker conveyed a sense of determination and resilience that has characterized her political career.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by a diverse gathering of supporters, including family, friends, former mayors, and current U.S. and state legislators.
In her roughly hour-long address, Parker reiterated her campaign promise: to make Philadelphia the “safest, cleanest, greenest big city in the nation that will provide access to economic opportunity for all.”
Having emerged early as the leading Black candidate in the crowded mayoral race, Parker secured victory in the November election, prevailing in the heavily Democratic city.
Her moderate message resonated with voters increasingly concerned about public safety and a range of quality-of-life issues, from faulty streetlights to potholes to trash collection.
Parker’s political experience includes a decade as a state representative for northwest Philadelphia before her election to the City Council in 2015. This background positioned her as a leader with the government experience needed to address pressing problems facing the city.
The inauguration ceremony also unveiled an action plan outlining Parker’s intentions for her term. Tucked into the attendees’ seats, the plan served as a tangible commitment to her proposed initiatives. In her address, she urged supporters to deflect any skepticism, stating, “Don’t throw shade on my Philly shine.”
Parker outlined key priorities for her administration, vowing to announce, within the first 100 days, a plan to increase the number of Philadelphia police officers on the streets. She emphasized a shift in the role of the police force, intending for them to act as guardians rather than warriors.
Additionally, Parker committed to declaring a public safety emergency, focusing resources on neighborhoods and addressing issues related to crime, gun violence, and addiction.
In November, Parker had already appointed a new police commissioner, signaling her proactive approach to the city’s urgent concerns. The mayor pledged not to shy away from tough decisions, acknowledging past criticism on the campaign trail regarding her perceived lack of compassion in dealing with addiction.
“We’re going to have a data-driven and research-based approach that is put together by the best law enforcement and public health professionals that we can find,” she stated. “But I want you to know everyone is not going to be happy when we make these decisions.”
Parker’s administration outlined plans to eliminate certain barriers for city jobs, such as college degree requirements. She also expressed intentions to extend school building hours, review the city’s Land Bank to facilitate more affordable housing, reduce red tape for businesses, and adopt a new strategy to address issues like dumping, litter, abandoned cars, and potholes.
The mayor’s vision extends beyond incremental change; she emphasized the need for bold, transformative steps that residents can tangibly see and feel. “If they don’t see it, it’s on us,” she asserted.
