(The Center Square) – For Philadelphia leaders, security concerns are top of mind as the city approaches a banner year of sports and cultural events.
But even as the world bets big on the city’s ability to host major events like America250 and FIFA World Cup games, frustrated Philadelphians are struggling with the state’s funding choices.
“We’re the best city in the world, and now we get to show it off,” said Rep. Sean Dougherty, D-Philadelphia, while hosting a meeting of the House Democratic Policy committee in his Northeast Philly district last week.
The committee heard testimony just days before SEPTA’s major service cuts went into effect, and transit was highlighted as one of the biggest security concerns for planners. As the reality of SEPTA cuts sink in, officials are bracing themselves for what they say will be an even further diminished system by next summer.
“There are billions at stake for Pennsylvania and SEPTA is committed to doing our part to make the year a success,” said the agency’s general manager Scott Sauer.
Sauer emphasized that SEPTA’s preparation for next year’s festivities would best be supported by a stable source of transit funding from the legislature. He noted that while cuts are reversible, the longer they operate under current conditions, the more they will have to reduce the workforce, something it could be much harder to rebound from in time for next summer.
Infrastructure investments to support increased traffic through the city are already underway despite the transit crisis. Philadelphia has invested $120 million toward improvements for 2026, ones they say will benefit and showcase diverse neighborhoods throughout the city rather than driving tourism to one particular area.
Some city improvements include renovations to the Philadelphia International Airport, Independence Hall and venues like the Mann Center, said Michael Newmuis, the city’s 2026 director. Philadelphia, he says, will also be investing in marketing efforts beginning next month.
Public safety is another major focus for planners. The city anticipates spending over $50 million on police and first responder overtime during the course of the year. Michael Giardina, deputy director of operations for the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management said that their team is working to ensure the public safety system will be available both for the city’s residents and the major influx of tourists.
In addition to security concerns arising out of social factors, emergency management is working to prepare for the potential of severe weather that often hammers the region during the summer months. Both high temperatures and strong storms are likely occurrences at some point during the five to six weeks of major events occurring sequentially.
Giardina stressed the importance of planning for international visitors, noting the language barriers and cultural differences authorities expect. Law enforcement is also working with Homeland Security and other states to strengthen their expertise for mass crowds.
Yet unspoken are the x-factors, the unpredictability of a federal government that critics say is alienating the U.S. from would-be international visitors. According to the World Travel and Tourism Center, America is projected to lose $12.5 billion in tourism this year as huge tariffs and divisive domestic and foreign policies create a chilling effect.
At the same time, the militarization of Washington D.C. ‘s police force coupled with threats from the president that Baltimore, Chicago and New York could be next. Many in predominantly Democratic Philadelphia worry how long it will be before the City of Brotherly Love finds itself in the crosshairs.
