The Parker administration’s budget proposal is out. Here is what City Council members had to say about it.

“I am in awe. I have no critique.” That was the reaction from City Council Live’s host Ernest Owens during his exclusive interview with Philadelphia’s 100th Mayor Cherelle Parker after she delivered her 2025 fiscal year budget address to the legislative body during their March 14 stated meeting.

Parker gave the speech to several standing ovations as she outlined her funding proposal for a $6.3 billion city budget emphasizing six priorities: public safety, clean and green, economic opportunity, housing, education and core support functions.

The proposal — detailed in a 761-page report — outlined $129.5 million new expenditures to support these areas:

• A $33.5 million additional investment in public safety
• $36 million in new operating investments to support a clean and green city — including the establishment of an Illegal Dumping Task Force
• $20 million in new investments for increased economic opportunity
• $16 million in new funding for emergency housing
• $24 million in additional spending on education and schools. 

“It’s my first budget proposal as your Mayor and it’s big and bold,” Parker proclaimed in the message she delivered to City Council. “I’m calling it the One Philly Budget and it funds my promise to the people of Philadelphia of a safer, cleaner, greener city, with access to economic opportunity for all. …I am proud to report the state of the City’s fiscal health is good.”

WURD Radio presented a range of reactions to Parker’s proposed budget from City Council members as well as a check-in with Parker immediately following the presentation. Listen to the playlist below to hear the freshest reactions to Parker’s 2025 budget proposal from the mayor herself as well as councilmembers Jamie Gauthier, Anthony Phillips and Curtis Jones.