PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Federal spending cuts this week eliminated the jobs of two park rangers at the already understaffed Independence National Historic Park, a centerpiece of the city’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. City Council is pledging to do whatever it takes to make sure they can pull off the party.
A City Council committee on Thursday approved $17 million for the 250-year celebration of American democracy coming up in 2026. The investment comes amid signs that the federal government is unlikely to contribute to the city’s effort.
A large chunk of the money is going to preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches hosted at the South Philly Sport Complex, including $5 million for Fan Fest and another $1 million mandated by FIFA for Philadelphia soccer 2026.
But the semiquincentennial funding is covering a range of organizations, from Mural Arts and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to HACE and Historic Germantown.
Councilmember Isaiah Thomas says more will be included in next year’s budget.
“Whatever it takes is what we’re prepared to do. We’re all prepared to try our best to supplement anything that we don’t get from the federal government to put us in a position to show our city off.”
Councilmember Mark Squilla says there are limits to what the city can do, though, and he criticized cuts to the Park Service.
“We need more of them, not less,” he said.
The city’s 2026 director, Michael Newmuis, is also concerned about the cuts but says Council funding—and local donors—are helping to fill in the gaps.
“The trends that are happening across the nation for the national park system deserve everyone’s attention, but I’m really encouraged that our local philanthropic community is taking a hard lens to how we can come together to help solve the challenges that we’re facing here locally,” he said.
Donors are helping refurbish Independence Hall and even looking into recruiting volunteers to staff the park.
“Philadelphia is the nation’s birthplace, and as such we deserve to have the greatest and grandest celebration—but it’s critical that that celebration reach every resident across their neighborhoods, and that’s precisely what today’s funding will do.”