PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Mayor Cherelle Parker discussed improving economic mobility in Philadelphia with government and business leaders on Wednesday, including plans to turn Lower South Philadelphia into a key economic hub.
Parker convened a roundtable to discuss progress in the Lower South District along the Delaware River, which she said would deliver a total of 58,000 jobs at PhilaPort, the Bellwether District and the Navy Yard once finished.
“These are the types of jobs that Lower South promises to generate in the tens of thousands if we do this right,” she said.
Parker asserted that Philadelphia has proven to be a leader in shipbuilding, with 30,000 new jobs planned for the Navy Yard.
“Philadelphia can begin to re-assume our position as a global leader in shipbuilding, and we want you to know we’re excited about it,” she added.
The mayor also announced the initial cohort for the PHL PRIME program, launched through an executive order in February. The program was created to streamline the process of starting and expanding businesses in Philly.
The cohort includes canned beverage manufacturer DrinkPAK, nuclear medicine firm TerraPower Isotopes, Hanwha Philly Shipyard and maritime manufacturer Rhoads Industries.
Philadelphia is also investing $10 million into infrastructure upgrades to support transportation flow and event operations across the Lower South District.
“The Lower South District brings together one of the most powerful combinations of economic assets anywhere in the country, from a world-class port and Navy Yard to Bellwether, the Stadium Complex, major transportation access, and a skilled workforce ready to compete,” Parker said.
“That combination gives Philadelphia a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create jobs, attract investment, and drive lasting prosperity for neighborhoods across our city. My administration is committed to speed, coordination, and execution to make sure we seize it.”
