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
November 21, 2024
Committee of Seventy Celebrates 120th Anniversary with a Special Event: "America at a Crossroads"
The Committee of Seventy recently marked its 120th anniversary with a special event titled “America at a Crossroads,” reflecting on the 2024 election and its critical place within the broader context of American democracy. The evening, two weeks after the presidential election, featured a thought-provoking discussion between CNN anchor Chris Wallace and 6abc’s Tamala Edwards.
November 06, 2024
Committee of Seventy Releases Statement on the 2024 Presidential Election
The Committee of Seventy's statement regarding the 2024 General Election and its results.
October 31, 2024
The Committee of Seventy to Host Community Events at Philadelphia Polling Sites to Engage Voters and Celebrate Democracy
On Election Day, November 5, 2024, the Committee of Seventy, OnePhillyConnect, and additional partners will host events at three high-traffic Philadelphia polling locations to promote civic pride and voter engagement. Activities will include interactive art installations, music, food and giveaways, aiming to create an environment that celebrates the democratic process.
October 31, 2024
C70 Statement on Returning Mail-in Ballots
The Committee of Seventy released the following statement regarding returning mail-in ballots.
October 25, 2024
C70 Statement on Fake Video of Destroyed Ballots in Bucks County
The Committee of Seventy released a statement regarding the recent fake video of mail-in ballots being destroyed in Bucks County.
