Philadelphia – Mayor Cherelle L. Parker joined the Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee (PMBC), a division of the Department of Sanitation, at its annual PMBC Block Captain Rally, on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (200 Level Exhibitor Hall) at 1101 Arch Street.

The PMBC Block Captain Rally is a cornerstone event that brings together over 1,000 community leaders from across Philadelphia to celebrate their efforts in keeping city neighborhoods clean and green. The event serves as an opportunity to thank dedicated block captains while providing them with essential resources, city updates, and educational workshops to further support their work.

Mayor Parker served as the keynote speaker at this year’s rally. Additional remarks were provided by Director of Clean and Green Initiatives Carlton Williams, Department of Sanitation leadership, and other key city officials, including members of City Council, and various city agencies. Event highlights included remarks and updates from City leadership, exhibitor tabling, workshop sessions, music, and line dancing.

“I am excited to celebrate our block captains and encourage them as they begin a new cleaning season,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “The dedication our block captains exhibit is nothing short of extraordinary. They are the community leaders tackling quality of life issues daily in our neighborhoods. We cannot create a Safer, Cleaner and Greener Philadelphia with Access to Economic Opportunity for All without them. These individuals do a remarkable job, and we are grateful for their commitment year after year.”

The Rally is the perfect venue where we thank our dedicated Block Captains and cleaning volunteers while enriching public awareness of the Block Captain program.

“The dedication of our block captains is the backbone of a cleaner, safer, and more beautiful Philadelphia,” said Crystal Jacobs Shipman, Department of Sanitation Commissioner. “The PMBC Block Captain Rally celebrates them and our extensive network of volunteers, while providing them with City updates, resources, and education to continue to energize them to perform the vital work they do daily to keep their neighborhoods clean and safe.”Alongside the rally, PMBC hosted a shredding and e-waste event from 9 a.m. – 1p.m. on N. 12th Street between Arch and Race Streets. This initiative was open to all Philadelphia residents, offering a safe and secure way to dispose of unwanted documents and electronic waste responsibly. Residents were encouraged to take advantage of this free event to declutter their homes while contributing to a healthier environment.

In addition to the disposal services, recycling bins were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to residents with a valid ID. This effort aligns with the city’s commitment to promoting sustainable waste management and keeping Philadelphia clean and green.

For more information about PMBC and the Block Captain Rally, or to register as a volunteer, visit www.phila.gov/pmbc.