The Most Popular Mayor in Every U.S. State Over Time

Ed Rendell gave Philadelphia its swagger back. As mayor from 1992 to 2000, he inherited a city on the brink of bankruptcy and left it with balanced books, a revived downtown, and a more hopeful identity. His blend of bulldog charm and tireless advocacy earned him the nickname “America’s Mayor.”

He wooed developers, kept city workers on the job, and wasn’t afraid to get in the trenches himself. Whether cheering in sports bars or crunching numbers at City Hall, Rendell connected with people. He later became governor, but to many Philadelphians, he’ll always be their mayor.