In the hallways of Philadelphia City Hall, the name Karen Fegely has become synonymous with a transition as ambitious as it is necessary. As Acting Commerce Director, Fegely occupies a high-level office overseeing the city’s complex economic development framework, from business support services to strategic policies aimed at redefining the future of the “City of Brotherly Love.”
“I’ve been fortunate to work at the Department of Commerce for nearly 19 years. It’s been a job I’ve loved in every role I’ve held. I’ve grown a lot within the organization,” Fegely shared in an exclusive interview with El Sol Latino Newspaper.
Her appointment to this position is marked by a career forged at the intersection of the public and private sectors. Fegely, who previously led the Office of Neighborhood Economic Development and Business Services, demonstrated strategic skill in implementing wealth-building programs within the fabric of small businesses and local neighborhoods. Her management focuses on direct assistance and strengthening tangible opportunities.
“I’d even dare to say it’s fun. It’s a fantastic place. What I always tell people who come to the Department of Commerce is that it’s an incredible opportunity to set policies and budgets, right? To influence how the city functions overall, but also to be close enough to feel the impact you’re making. We go out and walk corridors like North Fifth Street, get to know the businesses, and help people make their dreams come true,” she added.
An Economy That Includes Everyone
What sets Fegely’s work apart is her focus on inclusive growth. As a key member of the leadership team within the Office of Policy and Strategic Initiatives, she has been responsible for critical partnerships between the business community, economic development partners, and elected officials.
“We’re a very responsive department. We always say that if a problem is identified, it gets solved. We create our programs and services in response to what we see and hear from Philadelphia residents and entrepreneurs,” Fegely stated. She also emphasized the importance of neighborhoods in implementing these programs: “I feel that everything begins in the neighborhoods, because this city is centered on them”.
Puedes leer: Karen Fegely, nombrada directora interina del Departamento de Comercio
Philadelphia in the Global Spotlight
Philadelphia has a very busy year ahead. The city will host FIFA World Cup matches at Lincoln Financial Field and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States with special events throughout the year. Major sporting events such as the MLB All-Star Game and the PGA Championship, along with cultural activities, are also expected.
“As part of the ‘Ring It On’ initiative, we make sure all neighborhoods take part in the 2026 celebrations, and that serves a dual purpose. It’s to ensure that everyone in Philadelphia, no matter where they live, feels included and feels there’s something for them. But it’s also to make sure that all the money our visitors spend is distributed throughout the city,” Fegely highlighted.
Direct Support for the City’s Business Backbone
For many people, starting a business or asking for help can be complicated or intimidating, but the City of Philadelphia is attentive to the development of small businesses, including many Latino-owned businesses.
“What we really want our small businesses to know is that they can always start by calling us. We recommend calling us first,” said the Acting Commerce Director.
Businesses can contact the department at (215) 683-2100 or business@phila.gov. “They’ll reach someone who will listen, hear their problem or idea, and connect them with resources.” In addition to programs, funding, and activities, the city offers the Philadelphia Business Lending Network.
“It’s a form. It’s not a big deal. It’s like telling us you’re looking for financing—you fill out a form, press a button, and what we do is automatically send it to all the lenders in our network. More than 30 lenders. These include local community banks as well as commercial banks. To make access easier, you don’t have to go from bank to bank filling out applications and having your credit checked every time. You get everything done at once. But what’s exciting is that for small businesses we’ve added a grant—a matching grant,” she continued.
Latino Representation: A Key Challenge for the City
The Latino community represents around 258,000 residents in Philadelphia alone, approximately 15% to 16% of the city’s population. Representation in city decision-making remains a concern, but the Department of Commerce is working to change that.
“We need to raise our voices. We need to work together. Representation matters. It’s really important. I would say that in Mayor Parker’s administration, and within the Department of Commerce itself, we have a very diverse workforce. Not necessarily because it’s the right thing to do, but because it strengthens us as a department. It gives us better perspectives, ideas, and solutions, and it also allows us to build trust with the community we serve—which is everyone here in Philadelphia,” Fegely said.
The city relies on many organizations that can help the Latino community and works with dozens of them. “We always tell people: join an organization you have some connection with. Whether it’s a business group, a trade association, a neighborhood association, or a cultural or ethnic association, being part of a group whose voice can be louder than yours alone really helps. Everyone’s voice matters, as we see everywhere. But being part of a group truly matters.”
Support for the Latino Community
Regarding the recent actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Latino community can take steps to protect itself.
“This is a difficult and delicate moment for all of us, as Americans and as residents of Philadelphia. We want businesses to be informed—both business owners and employees. Know your rights, know what documentation you should have. And know that Philadelphia supports you. We want our businesses to be able to operate. We want people to be able to work, live here, and raise their families. That’s why information is our main strategy right now.”
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