PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Curbing gun violence is Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney’s top priority for his final year in office, but his goals also include more affordable housing, job creation, and youth services.
With nearly a dozen mayoral candidates running on critiques of his administration, Kenney used a press briefing Tuesday to emphasize the achievements of the last seven years: Lowering poverty along with wage and business taxes while improving city finances. He said the city’s fund balance is the highest Philadelphia has ever had, while poverty rates have dropped 3% through two recessions and the COVID-19 pandemic.
But he also sought to dispel the perception that he’s lost interest in the job, generated by his own words last July when he said he’d be happy not to be mayor.
“As mayor, I promise to lead this effort with energy and determination for every day of my remaining term of office,” he said.
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“We want to just make sure people understand we’re still dedicated to the core things we’ve been doing, and we’ll keep doing it to the end of 2023.”
Kenney's principal aim includes turning around the crime trend, with 1,076 homicides — 514 in 2022, 562 in 2021 — and 4,583 shootings in the city over the last two years.
He expects 150 new police officers on the street this year. Those officers are now going through the Police Academy, though Commissioner Danielle Outlaw noted attrition may outpace new hires. The civilianization of lower-demand jobs such as traffic control may also free up more officers.
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Outlaw also pointed to a recent reorganization of deployments to crime hot spots.
“Increasing uniformed presence in Philadelphia’s more challenged neighborhoods is key,” she said.
She also hopes to improve case closure rates with new forensic science investments. The state is granting Philadelphia $50 million for law enforcement support, much of which will be allocated for forensic science and a new crime-solving lab.
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During his briefing, Kenney also focused on his goals surrounding the economic and social needs of the city.
“Increasing the quality of life and building thriving neighborhoods, supporting a strong foundation for Philadelphia youth through historic investments, and driving inclusive growth and economic opportunity to build a thriving economy that benefits everyone,” he said.
Philadelphia Department of Planning and Development Anne Fadullon says the city will spend nearly $200 million this year on housing and neighborhood services.
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“We will not stop until every household in Philadelphia is safely and affordably housed,” said Fadullon.
The mayor’s investment also includes continued expansion of pre-K and — looking ahead — helping the next mayor transition to the office after the 2023 elections.
“The problems that we’re facing today will not be solved just in this year, so we’re going to have to help him or her move forward,” said Kenney.