The case for making "Municipal Monday" a Philly holiday
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Dear Philly lawmakers and Mayor Cherelle Parker:
- I come before you with a policy proposal that could unite all Philadelphians — and maybe even offer a playbook the rest of America could get behind.
Make the Monday after the Super Bowl a citywide holiday.
Why it matters: That's the point. It doesn't. Millions of Americans already plan to call out on Monday.
- Getting people to work on this day is a lost cause — but you can make it your cause, and it'll make you a public darling.
📣 Without further ado, my three-point plan for adopting this sensible measure ahead of next year's big game:
Best sports city in the world, eh? Fortune favors the bold.
In Philly, we're trying to do big things in 2026 to honor our country's 250th birthday. It's the right time to make big decisions.
- Remember when Doug Pederson called the "Philly Special" against the Pats in Philly's first Super Bowl?
- Remember when Washington crossed the Delaware River on Christmas?
- Did Susan B. Anthony give up when she was barred from giving a speech at Independence Hall for the centennial celebration?
How it works: We could call it "Municipal Monday," a nod to the more than 25,000 city workers who keep Philly "safer, cleaner, greener" — and now, more well-rested.
- It gives someone with higher political ambitions a signature win — one that'll go viral, attracting national eyeballs.
The deets: Especially if you do it right: Enlist current and former Philly athletes for a City Hall pep rally unveiling your plan.
- My pick: Allen Iverson. The Philly legend understands half-assing it, and he's already on record about how he's really not big on practice.
- Have Jason Kelce chuck Garage Beers into the huddled masses.
- And have Joel Embiid — the father of taking time off — give a stump speech about the importance of rest.
The proposal is pragmatic, humanistic and popular.
Reality check: Philly author Natalie Nixon will tell you that hustle culture kills creativity.
- Productivity is already in the tank. There's no getting that back.
By the numbers: U.S. employers lose billions — with a B — a year because of burnout-related issues.
- Workers are nursing hangovers, and fans of the team that lost are nursing their wounds.
Plus: Labor will love you. And Parker could use a little love after last year's tough garbage strike.
💰 Cha-ching: Way to parlay a football season perk into donations at campaign season.
Lastly: It's doable.
- One small town in Maryland did it. Philly gets to decide its own holidays, too.
The bottom line: Call it "Municipal Monday," call it a win, call it common sense.
- Whatever you call it, Philly will thank you — on Tuesday.