Financial Oversight for the City of Philadelphia


PICA provides independent oversight of Philadelphia’s finances to promote long-term fiscal stability and accountability. Explore our publications to access reports, analyses, and financial reviews that inform policy and guide decision-making.

Newest PICA Publications

  • Revenue Fact Sheet: Sales Tax

    Philadelphia’s local Sales Tax provides a stable and growing source of General Fund revenue, supporting City operations, the School District of Philadelphia, and long-term pension funding. From FY16 to FY25, Sales Tax collections grew at a 7.0 percent annual rate, outpacing overall General Fund revenue growth. Looking ahead, Sales Tax revenue is projected to continue…

    February 10, 2026

  • Revenue Fact Sheet: Philadelphia Beverage Tax

    The Philadelphia Beverage Tax was enacted in 2017 to help fund Pre-K, community schools, and capital improvements, with the understanding that it would supplement rather than fully sustain these programs. Collections have declined steadily over time, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.8 percent from FY18 to FY25, reflecting reduced sugary drink consumption and…

    February 9, 2026

  • 5 Wishes for the FY27-31 5YP

    As the City of Philadelphia prepares its FY27–31 Five-Year Financial Plan, PICA outlines five recommendations to strengthen the Plan’s transparency and accuracy and to improve the City’s fiscal condition. These include maintaining reserves and pension funding commitments, scoping initiatives more accurately, ensuring an adequate labor reserve, publishing capital spending data, and making staff vacancy assumptions…

    January 21, 2026

The mission of the Authority, as stated in its enabling legislation, is as follows:

It is hereby declared to be a public policy of the Commonwealth to exercise its retained sovereign powers with regard to taxation, debt issuance and matters of Statewide concern in a manner calculat­ed to foster the fiscal integrity of cities of the first class to assure that these cities provide for the health, safety and welfare of their citizens; pay principal and interest owed on their debt obligations when due; meet financial obligations to their employees, vendors and suppliers; and provide for proper financial planning procedures and budgeting practices.

Michael A. Karp

Secretary / Treasurer

Rosalind W. Sutch

Assistant Secretary / Treasurer

Patrick Burns

Board Member