The City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection has been waiting a long time to welcome the Democratic National Convention, which has not been to Philadelphia since 1948. We Philadelphians are thrilled to welcome delegates, party officials and members, the media and others for this momentous week.
Philadelphia has been so central in the story of America — site of the First and Second Continental Congresses, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Liberty Bell and so much more. And we are about to make history again, when Hillary Clinton becomes the first woman in America nominated for president by a national party. As a Democrat, I hope that our historic convention will launch our candidate to become the first woman president of the United States.
Philadelphia was successful in its bid for the DNC because of the work of our host committee, led by former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell and my administration. We were also fortunate to have an incredible team of city and elected officials, union leaders, clergy members, business people and community advocates all working to bring the convention here. I’ve always believed that Philadelphia has so much to offer our country and the world — not just history but culture, restaurants, shopping, architecture and real estate, ethnic neighborhoods, sports, parks and open space.
Philadelphia has also been a focal point of innovation for centuries. World-class medical and educational institutions, and science and technology leaders, have made their home in this city, which is also increasingly becoming known for its start-up and entrepreneur scene. We were once called “the Workshop of the World,” and manufacturing is still strong and growing here. Some of the smokestacks have gone, but we’re also making new products with new technology.
Philadelphia is one of the most walkable cities in America, and indeed William Penn designed it with walking in mind. Walking, driving or biking (check out our bike share program), Philly is easy to get around.
Penn also made sure this city was founded on the fundamental principles of tolerance and freedom. He wanted everyone to feel free to be here, to practice their religion, to speak their mind, to be able to live in peace, without discrimination.
Our city continues to grow, with population growth every year for the last eight years, reversing 60 years of decline. And our population has become more diverse, with immigrants and a significant surge in the millennial population, the largest percentage growth of any major city in America.
As with any big city, we certainly have our share of challenges — poverty, crime, race relations, education and others. We continue to address those issues in a straightforward manner, and we’re making progress but still have more work to do. As Democrats, we’ll talk about these issues and propose solutions to these problems at our convention.
We believe though, that America is a great country, with opportunity for many, but there are still too many struggling to make progress. And that’s what makes Philadelphia great: It is a city of opportunity and progress. We’ve demonstrated our faith in our city and its people time and time again. We’ll reaffirm that faith at one of the most historic conventions in a century.
Twenty-five years ago, I just wanted Philadelphia to be able to host the DNC, but even I never anticipated that it would become so much more. Welcome to Philadelphia, delegates and concerned citizens. We’ve been waiting for you.