Cherelle Parker's Mayoral Victory and Its Implications for Philadelphia's Future.

Cherelle Parker, the presumptive next mayor of Philadelphia, has spoken positively about the Sixers' plan to build a $1.3 billion arena on the edge of Chinatown, a highly contested proposal. Parker was backed by organized labor, including the unions who support the project, and has emphasized the importance of community engagement and workforce diversity. However, many in Chinatown remain opposed to the arena, citing concerns about traffic, gentrification, and displacement. The mayor holds indirect influence over the project, including the power to influence City Council members and the city bureaucracy. A pre-election poll found that 51% of Democratic voters oppose the arena.