Issues
Issues

Committee of Seventy focuses on a variety of issues affecting voters in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. Browse the issues we're currently working on, or review our archive for ongoing and past issues.
Get Informed
Get Informed

Find out more information about being an active and engaged citizen in your community. From voting information to staying informed throughout the year, Committee of Seventy has resources for you.
Take Action
Take Action

Learn more about how to get involved with Committee of Seventy's work.
About
About

The Committee of Seventy was established in 1904 to combat corruption in Philadelphia, playing a major role in the adoption of civil service reforms and the passage of the 1919 and 1951 Home Rule Charters. A nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, Seventy does not endorse candidates or represent any special interests.
Latest Updates
Latest Updates

For over one hundred years, the Committee of Seventy has been the voice of good government and reform. For press inquiries, please contact us at 215-557-3600.
Build Your Ballot

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

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.

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The Open Budget Tool provides a quick overview of the city’s budget for users to explore.

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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.

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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.

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