Letters to the Editor | March 16, 2025

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s new budget is a tremendous opportunity for Philadelphia to rewrite the playbook on job and business growth. This is a chance to be bold and to show we believe in ourselves.

The Tax Reform Commission recommends eliminating the Business Income and Receipts Tax over an eight to 12-year period and reducing the wage tax to at or below 3%. These changes would provide a lifeline to many locally owned businesses.

We believe tax reform is affordable, will cause no reductions in city services, and can be paid for through growth and strong revenues.

Yet, this opportunity could be missed because of the fine print in the commission’s report. The report’s growth assumptions underestimate Philadelphia’s ability to create lasting impact and increase economic opportunities. Specifically, its tax reduction scenarios rely on a five-year plan that projects zero job growth.

Zero job growth is a fallacy. Philadelphia has demonstrated job growth and exceeded revenue budget projections in recent years. We can afford to make courageous investments to reduce poverty and increase economic mobility.

At this moment in time, our residents are likely to be poorer than their parents. If we do not act now, the next generation of Philadelphians is not likely to realize the upward economic mobility that prior generations have enjoyed.

The bottom line: This is about creating economic opportunity for all. We call it “inclusive growth” because it means creating an environment that develops more, better-paying jobs to sustain Philadelphia families. This helps businesses by supplying them with skilled talent. And it promotes inclusive pathways to high-growth industries. That will bring widespread prosperity for people of all backgrounds.

Now is the time to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity. The business community stands ready to work alongside Mayor Parker, Council President Kenyatta Johnson, and all City Council members. By taking decisive action, we can transform the landscape of our great city and reverse the declines driven by poverty.

Gregory E. Deavens, chair, and Chellie Cameron, president and CEO, Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia

Now that the plans for a Center City arena have fallen through, I have a great idea for the old bus station property at 10th and Filbert Streets — why not turn it into a bus station?

Steve Zettler, Philadelphia

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