The actions we take now direct the pathways for tomorrow. PHILADELPHIA250 is committed to making Philadelphia a more equitable, just, and resilient city by 2026. As we move toward 2026, we will advocate for resources to invigorate places that showcase Philadelphia’s rich heritage—one that’s built from the stories and experiences of our diverse peoples, important cultural and civic places, and watershed social, scientific, and political movements.
In order to mark the occasion of the 250th, PHILADELPHIA250 is taking a new approach to legacy building by offering the public the opportunity to “Leave a Legacy for 2026” by answering a call for bold ideas, initiatives or innovations that promise to leave a lasting legacy and have a positive impact in Philadelphia neighborhoods. The project submissions must address as many of the four key values that represent Philadelphia’s identity and are rooted in our country’s founding principles.
Leave a Legacy for 2026 (“Call”) is supported by the PHILADELPHIA250 Legacy Leaders Task Force composed of more than 40 businesses, higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations dedicated to leaving a lasting legacy for 2026. The Task Force and PHL250 affiliates support the Call process in the following ways: advising on the development of the Call, utilizing their outreach channels and networks, review of project submissions, technical support for Semifinalist Project Teams, and promotion.
There are so many unique places across the city and the region that tell the Philadelphia story—and therefore, the American story too. Some of these places are unknown and their stories untold. It’s important to uncover and amplify them so that our collective history can be made more complete, more truthful and more inclusive.
Culturally rich neighborhoods and venues can act as hubs for learning, programs, exploring and enjoyment. Investments in diverse “heritage hubs” through capital projects and coordinated programs can leave a stronger and more complete historical, civic and cultural infrastructure after 2026. A true legacy for America.
Together, our diverse neighborhoods hold the stories and experiences about our collective past. The intimate, familiar charm of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods is because of our walkable streets, vibrant open spaces, and the basic building blocks of neighborhoods—the rowhouses and twins—the places that many of us call home.
We also know that home is not a given for all, and the condition of many houses and neighborhoods across the city vary greatly and have tremendous inequities. PHILADELPHIA250 will work with on-the-ground partners to promote greater neighborhood equality and justice, so that livable homes and thriving neighborhoods are fundamental to ensuring one’s inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That is a legacy worth preserving.