Mayor Parker’s new nearly $7 billion budget puts economic mobility at the center

The new budget proposes more investments in workforce development, housing, and even a new student loan program.

As she stood inside City Hall, the Mayor proposed a nearly $7 billion Fiscal Year 2027 budget with an eye towards holding up one of her main campaign promises to expand economic opportunity for all Philadelphians.

Immigrants are the backbone of Philadelphia’s economy across sectors.

Industry leaders provide tangible evidence on the talent and innovation immigrants bring to the city’s workforce.

At a moment of growing concern and challenges due to federal immigration policy nationwide, it’s important to remember just how much Philadelphia’s economy depends on immigrants.

This was the key point during a Jan. 29 panel discussion at Industrious, hosted by the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia in collaboration with FWD.us

By Dr. Esther Hio-Tong Castillo, CEO & Founder of Accesso Care. May 23, 2025.
Accesso Care is a workforce solution that builds a stronger, more stable care industry by supporting immigrant caregivers and partnering with nursing facilities that value quality and dignity. Access Care strives toward building communities of care where both workers and residents are respected and valued.

By Alyssa Reynoso Morris, originally on HipLatina. May 22, 2025. 
As a Queer Black Latine award-winning children’s book author, public speaker, community organizer, and mother, Alyssa Reynoso Morris has spent her career advocating for equity, especially for Black, Brown, and immigrant families. As a mother to three, she’s also seen how financially overwhelming parenting in America can be. Child care in the U.S. is outrageously expensive: for Reynoso Morris, it’s $4,200 a month or $50,400 a year. Reynoso Morris discusses why is child care so unaffordable.

By Jensen Toussaint. May 4, 2025.

The city implemented an ordinance on food trucks (limiting the hours of operation of a select number) in 2024. While Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada of the 7th District has seen promising improvements in safety, her reasoning for pushing for the ordinance, food truck owners express concerns over how the limitations are affecting their bottom line.

By Jensen Toussaint. March 14, 2025.

For Latino families in Philly, homeownership feels out of reach. Rising prices, stagnant wages, and systemic barriers like redlining widen the gap. Yet, orgs like Congreso de Latinos Unidos are stepping up—offering housing counseling, financial literacy, and homebuyer workshops. In 2024, they helped 103 families buy their first home.

By Jensen Toussaint. March 12, 2025.

At the GPLEX 2024 Summit in San Diego, one truth stood out: immigrants are vital to Philly’s economy. 💼 They make up 20% of the workforce, pay 15% of property taxes, and run 36% of small businesses. Their contributions are driving growth and revitalizing the city. Leaders highlighted a harsh truth: immigrants are under attack, yet they remain essential to Philly’s economy. The discussion served as a reminder that 'when we act collectively, when we take collective action armed with the facts, there is real power in that,' added Anuj Gupta, President and CEO of The Welcoming Center.

Por Jennifer Hernandez. 3 de março, 2025.

Afro-Latines in the U.S. face unique challenges at the intersection of race, culture, and identity. A UCLA study reveals labor market disparities and anti-Black bias impacting this growing community. The study is intended to highlight the challenging labor market conditions for Afro-Latinx and understand their socioeconomic experiences by considering how gender, immigration status, national origin, ethnicity, and race intersect and shape those experiences. 

Por Jennifer Hernandez. 3 de marzo de 2025.

Los afrolatinos en Estados Unidos enfrentan desafíos únicos en la intersección de raza, cultura e identidad. Un estudio de la UCLA revela disparidades en el mercado laboral y el sesgo antinegro que impactan a esta comunidad en crecimiento. El estudio tiene como objetivo resaltar las condiciones desafiantes del mercado laboral para los afrolatinos y comprender sus experiencias socioeconómicas al considerar cómo el género, el estatus migratorio, el origen nacional, la etnia y la raza se intersectan y moldean esas experiencias.

By Jensen Toussaint. 21 February, 2025.

Philadelphia’s Black business community is voicing concerns as the city prepares for the economic opportunities expected in 2026. With major events like the FIFA World Cup, MLB All-Star Game, and NCAA basketball tournaments set to take place in the city, Councilman Isaiah Thomas hosted a "Black Business Think Tank" to listen to these concerns and ensure Black entrepreneurs are prepared to seize these historic opportunities. The goal is to help Black businesses secure a significant share of the over $1 billion in economic opportunities anticipated for the city.

By Tiffany Rivera. December 3, 2024.

Cantina La Martina hosted a meeting with local leaders to address safety, homelessness, and vandalism in Kensington, focusing on collaboration and resources to restore community pride.

By Tiffany Rivera. October 28 2024.

Latino business owners in Philadelphia are crucial to the economy, facing long hours and multiple roles. Organizations like WORC and Madre Tierra offer workshops and resources to support these entrepreneurs.