Mayor Jim Kenney said he accepted the resignation because of new allegations of sexual harassment and gender and racial discrimination within the police department.
"While those allegations do not accuse Commissioner Ross of harassment, I do ultimately believe his resignation is in the best interest of the Department," the mayor wrote in a statement.
Kenney said last summer the city implemented reforms aimed to preventing workplace discrimination and harassment.
"While rolling out a new policy understandably takes time, I do not believe the police department has taken the necessary actions to address the underlying cultural issues that too often negatively impact women -- especially women of color. I will be enlisting the help of an independent firm to investigate the recent allegations and to make recommendations to overcome some of the discrimination and harassment within the department."
The statement did not provide further detail.
Kenney said of Ross' resignation: "I am disappointed, because he's been a terrific asset to the police department and the city as a whole."
CNN was reaching out to Ross for comment.
John McNesby, president of the local Fraternal Order of Police, told the Philadelphia Inquirer says the city is forcing Ross out.
"We were classmates in the academy. It's just a kick in the gut," said McNesby. "He did a great job for the city, for more than three decades. He's well-respected. I think the city is going to miss him."
Kennedy named Christine M. Coulter, deputy police commissioner, as acting commissioner while the city searches for a replacement for Ross.
Last Thursday, after a man shot six Philadelphia police officers and caused a hourslong standoff, Kenney introduced Ross as "the best police commissioner in America."
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