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
April 14, 2025
The Committee of Seventy Releases Statement on SAVE Act
The Committee of Seventy's statement in response to the U.S. House of Representatives passing the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act on April 10, 2025, which would “require proof of United States citizenship to register an individual to vote in elections for Federal office, and for other purposes.”
April 11, 2025
The Committee of Seventy Releases Statement on SEPTA Budget Crisis
The Committee of Seventy's statement in response to news of a SEPTA budget crisis that would result in severe service reductions and fare hikes.
March 11, 2025
C70 Statement on Second Court Directive Regarding the Sheriff's Office
The Committee of Seventy released a statement in response to news of a second court order regarding the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office. This action follows up on their December directive for the Sheriff’s Office to address staffing issues that have caused unsafe conditions in our criminal justice system.
February 06, 2025
The Committee of Seventy Launches Information Sessions on Running for Elected Poll Worker Positions
The Committee of Seventy is launching a series of information sessions for Pennsylvanians to learn how to run for the elected poll worker positions that will be on the ballot during the primary election on May 20th. These sessions, held from February 10–14, will guide participants through the qualifications to run, how to complete and submit nomination petitions, and how to use a street list to understand and engage their community in the process.
December 09, 2024
C70 Statement on Court Directive Regarding the Sheriff's Office
The Committee of Seventy's statement regarding a recent directive by the Court regarding the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office.
