Philadelphia mayor and business leader outline six steps to attract more residents and employers

Allan Domb, a Philadelphia business owner and former public official, asserts that the city must focus on creating demand to attract new residents and businesses. He outlines six specific areas where local policy changes could drive economic growth.

Domb identifies high business taxes as a primary barrier to employment growth. He notes that 47 percent of Philadelphia residents commute outside the city for work daily, compared to a 15 to 18 percent rate in most other cities. He credits high tax rates in the suburbs for luring employers away from the city center.

To address this, Domb cites studies suggesting that eliminating the net income portion of the Business, Occupation, and Revenue Tax (BIRT) over 10 years and cutting the wage tax to 2.9 percent over 15 years could generate more than 70,000 new jobs. He points to Bala Cynwyd and Conshohocken as examples of suburbs that have captured employers seeking lower tax burdens.

Public safety remains a core component of Domb's framework. He credits Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel and Mayor Cherelle Parker for reducing the murder rate to a 60-year low. However, he calls for a coordinated state emergency response to address mental illness and street homelessness to further improve the quality of public spaces.

Domb emphasizes the need for efficient city services to simplify business operations. He proposes that the city adopt the executive order approach used by Governor Josh Shapiro to cut red tape and speed up processes. Domb argues that clear timelines and responsive communication are necessary to turn interested investors into active employers.

The author advocates for a shift from reliance on government and nonprofit jobs to private-sector employment. He supports the Greater Philadelphia Growth Partnership, a regional initiative backed by the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Chamber of Commerce. Domb states that the city must align its public schools and workforce training with the specific needs of these private employers.

Finally, Domb focuses on revitalizing Center City. He urges the conversion of suitable office buildings to housing units while simultaneously attracting new employers. He argues that a mix of residents and workers is necessary to sustain local businesses and restore the vibrancy of the central corridor.

Domb concludes that every policy decision should be evaluated based on whether it makes Philadelphia a more attractive location for living, working, or investing. He positions these six pillars as the foundation for turning the city's existing assets into a stronger economic engine.