Mayor Cherelle Parker appoints Anton Moore as new director of public engagement and neighborhood affairs for the city.

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker has announced the appointment of Anton K. Moore, a prominent nonprofit leader, as the new director of public engagement and neighborhood affairs in Philadelphia. This move comes after the dismissal of Hassan Freeman, who was let go approximately two months ago following a confrontation with City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas outside City Hall. The altercation, characterized by Thomas as “negative and disturbing,” has prompted a restructuring of the office, which will now report directly to Parker’s Chief of Staff, Tiffany W. Thurman.

Moore, who has a well-established reputation in South Philadelphia through his work with the nonprofit Unity in the Community, will oversee the Office of Public Engagement and Neighborhood Affairs. This office manages the city’s ten Neighborhood Community Action Centers—facilities designed to serve as local hubs where residents can access essential services. These centers are part of Parker’s commitment to creating a more accessible and responsive city government.

As the Democratic leader in the 48th Ward, Moore has been recognized for fostering strong political ties and delivering impactful services to his community, including housing assistance and educational scholarships. His nonprofit efforts have garnered praise from various elected officials, enhancing his credibility as he steps into this new role.

Moore’s salary has been set at 5,000, reflecting the responsibilities associated with his position. The mayor emphasized the importance of his appointment during a City Hall press conference, suggesting that his experience in South Philadelphia will be essential for expanding outreach efforts across the entire city.

Highlighting Moore’s community ties, Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel expressed confidence in Moore’s capabilities, labeling him as exceptionally well-connected and prepared for the challenges ahead. Moore’s previous work with youth engagement initiatives has also established him as a trusted figure in community relations.

Unity in the Community, founded in 2008, has been instrumental in providing various social services, including connections for housing aid and youth scholarships. The organization has achieved visibility through partnerships with high-profile individuals such as Philadelphia 76ers player Joel Embiid and former teammate Ben Simmons, who collaborated with Moore to benefit local residents during the holiday seasons.

Moreover, Unity in the Community received 7,900 from a city antiviolence grant program initiated to combat a surge in violence linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this funding has also raised questions regarding the oversight of the program; an investigation revealed that the organization received significantly more funding than requested.

Amid the recent changes in leadership, Moore’s appointment signals a strategic effort to better align the administration with community needs, as emphasized by Parker and her staff. This transition aims to reinforce the connection between the administration and Philadelphia’s neighborhoods, marking a pivotal step in the mayor’s broader vision for local governance.

Freeman’s departure from the Parker administration, related to the aforementioned incident with Thomas, has not gone without scrutiny. While Parker has refrained from delving into the details surrounding Freeman’s exit, she acknowledged the need for adjustments within her staff to ensure the effective functioning of her administration moving forward.

Moore’s leadership is anticipated to guide the city in its ongoing community engagement initiatives, embodying the Mayor’s aspirations for a government that remains accessible and responsive to its constituents’ needs.