In November 2025, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker announced the Market East Advisory Group, a public-private partnership of city leaders committed to revitalizing this essential city corridor. The group held its first two meetings on November 3 and December 3, 2025.
A collaborative kick off in November
The Advisory Group’s November 3rd meeting focused on setting expectations and building a foundation for the work ahead. The group learned more about its role in shaping a long-term vision for Market East while also identifying short-term strategies to bring new activity to the corridor.
City and business leaders opened the meeting. Gerard H. Sweeney, President, CEO, and Trustee of Brandywine Realty Trust is private sector Chair of the Advisory Group. Mr. Sweeney gave welcoming remarks, stating that “every member of the Advisory Group is inspired to be here by our memories of what Market East was and our fervent belief in what it can be again.”
Tiffany Thurman, Chief of Staff to Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, added that the “Market East Revival process is a great example of how the Parker Administration does big things. We convene experts, we research, we engage the community, we adjust in response to what we learn.”
First District Councilmember Mark Squilla; Jessie Lawrence, Director of the City Department of Planning and Development; and Octavia Howell, Executive Director of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission, also addressed the group.
Defining guiding principles
The City introduced the concept of “North Star” guiding principles to help shape decision-making. North Stars help groups align around a shared mission, prioritize tasks, and evaluate possible coruses of action. Advisory Group members worked in small groups to begin identifying key themes that will inform these values.
Several key ideas emerged from the discussion:
- Broad participation matters. Members emphasized the need for ongoing input from residents, businesses, labor, and community leaders.
- Short-term action can drive long-term change. Major events in 2026—like America 250, the FIFA World Cup, and the MLB All-Star Game—create an opportunity to test new ideas and make improvements now.
- The vision should be bold. Participants agreed that the vision for Market East should be aspirational but also attainable.
Building momentum in December
Review of City investments in the corridor
At the December 3rd Advisory Group meeting, the City reported on its investments in improving Market East ahead of major events in 2026. These efforts include:
- Cleaning and greening Market East and nearby streets and highways
- Investments in technology to help protect public safety
- Preparing for emergency response operations during major events
Organizing the work
Presenters introduced a subcommittee structure to allow Advisory Group members to focus on their areas of interest and expertise. Subcommittees include
- Activation and vacancy
- Arts, entertainment and culture
- Economic development and incentives
- Future land uses
- Public safety
- Streetscape and urban realm
Additionally, a transportation subcommittee will meet as needed.
Breakout discussions gave Advisory Group members an opportunity to take a closer look at these key areas.
Engaging the public
The City shared that nearly 500 responses had already been submitted to its online Market East “suggestion box.” This feedback and additional outreach efforts will be incorporated into the Market East planning process.
Next steps
Its first two lively and well attended meetings established that Advisory Group members are committed to investing their time and energy in reviving Market East. The group will meet again early in 2026. In the meantime, the Advisory Group is continuing to refine its guiding principles, advance short-term improvements, compile input from the public, and explore long-term possibilites for building on Market East’s rich history to create a corridor that meets the needs of all who live, work, and play here.
