Cherelle Parker sworn in as Philadelphia Mayor

For the first time in 341 years, a woman is Philadelphia’s chief executive. 

After privately taking the oath of office to start the year Monday, Cherelle Parker formally became the city’s 100th mayor Tuesday at the Met Philadelphia in North Philadelphia. 

Speaking to a packed house early Tuesday afternoon, Parker focused her inaugural address on obstacles she faced growing up in the city and how her journey to City Hall is a testament to the opportunity Philadelphia can provide people. 

“When I started on this campaign, there were people and experts who tried to mold me into something that I was not. But I wouldn’t let that happen. I stayed true to who I am, my story, my life,” Parker said Tuesday, acknowledging the support she received from friends and family throughout her life. “I only get the opportunity to meet this moment because of each and every one of you, and for that, I am extremely grateful. Philadelphia, thank you for allowing me to be me.”

Parker takes office after coming out on top during a crowded Democratic primary and defeating Republican David Oh in November’s general election, thanks to her successful efforts to build a coalition that transcended the boundaries of geography, class and ideology. 

Parker, who often touted her intergovernmental experience and connections to the building trades and Harrisburg lawmakers, is now expected to utilize her background and consensus-building experience to make an immediate impact on issues like public safety and poverty. 

Parker said she wants police to be more “proactive” in engaging with the communities they serve as a necessary step toward rebuilding trust between law enforcement and Philadelphians. 

At the same time, Parker reiterated her campaign promise of cracking down on continuing crime and quality-of-life issues.

“I want the world to know that I am fully committed to ending this sense of lawlessness and bringing order back to our city and a sense of lawfulness,” Parker said, hinting at plans to increase the number of police officers in the streets within her first 100 days. 

Parker’s inauguration coincided with the election of City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson as council president and the swearing-in of the chief clerk, city commissioners and other appointees. Her first day in office also came with three executive orders and a glimpse into the administration’s priorities for Parker’s first 100 days in City Hall. 

Later Tuesday afternoon, Parker intends to sign her first executive orders: one declaring a public safety emergency and directing the managing director’s office to develop a public safety plan; one seeking to increase the transparency of the city government; and one removing the college degree requirement for city employment.  

She also released a nine-page action plan that details her focus for the first 100 days of her term, seeking to improve on six key focus areas and 23 specific pledges designed to meet larger goals aimed at her campaign motto of making Philadelphia the “safest, cleanest and greenest big city” in the nation.