This 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 offers a rare and precious opportunity for the people of Philadelphia to come together to honor our great city—where America first declared its independence almost 250 years ago—and work toward ambitious goals for positive change to deliver on unfulfilled promises of equality and life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all. PHILADELPHIA250 draws inspiration and guidance from the Declaration of Independence to ignite the passions of the people of Philadelphia with its revolutionary spirit to create a commemoration that is truly by the people, for all people and work together to build a more equitable, just, sustainable and resilient City.

As the birthplace of the Declaration and its revolutionary vision, PHILADELPHIA250 further believes our City has a unique responsibility to serve as a revolutionary model for active civic participation - and as a place where people come together to imagine and carry out new possibilities that truly, and finally, include all of us. If Philadelphia is to live up to that challenge, the work must start now by  planning and activating with residents, businesses, and community groups throughout the City as we journey - together - to 2026.