Taxes and Budget
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Taxes and Budget

Seventy works to provide access to information on Philadelphia taxing and budgeting activities.

What We're Doing

Seventy diligently monitors the City's taxing and budgeting activity year-round, and provides you with the resources to view that activity.

Why We Care

Nobody likes to pay taxes. Worse, nobody wants those tax dollars spent wastefully or fraudulently. Shining a spotlight on how the government spends your tax dollars is at the heart of Seventy’s watchdog mission.

How it Works

We diligently monitor City Hall year-round, particularly during budget season in the spring. Around this time, the Mayor proposes a spending plan for the next fiscal year. Subsequently, City Council holds a hearing on the proposed plan, amends it, and then adopts it.
Important Resources
Office of the Director of Finance
The Office of the Director of Finance is the chief agency responsible for Philadelphia’s finances, accounting, and budgeting within the executive branch of the city’s government.
Open Budget Tool
The Open Budget Tool provides a quick overview of the city’s budget for users to explore.
City Council's Budget Center
Philadelphia City Council’s Budget Center includes proposed operating and capital budgets for the city. Moreover, it provides hearing schedules, specific budget information, and testimony by department.
Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (PICA)
The Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (PICA) was established in 1991 to help Philadelphia recover from a severe financial crisis. The Board and staff at PICA continue to provide yearly oversight by reviewing and approving the city’s five-year financial plan.
Recent News
News

November 17, 2023

Public Comment, School District of Philadelphia Board Meeting

Director of Civic Education Justin Villere comments on behalf of Committee of Seventy to endorse voter education curriculum in public schools.

November 15, 2023

Public Comment on Regulation No. 5 - Conflict of Interest

Seventy responds to proposed Resolution No. 5

October 26, 2023

400 Philadelphia Students March to City Hall for Vote Early Day

Students from eight schools participated in the “Give Us a Ballot” march and completed their mail-in ballots as part of a national celebration.

October 05, 2023

Statement on Proposed Election Reforms

Seventy addresses Senate Bill 224

September 18, 2023

Urgent Election Reform Release

Seventy reviews the job Act 77 started by improving efficiency in local elections.