Capital projects are major, long-term investments, and large cities are increasingly turning to dashboards and interactive tools to keep residents informed about their progress. This publication compares Philadelphia’s new efforts to share capital spending data with more advanced transparency platforms in New York City, Charlotte, and Boston, highlighting best practices for project tracking and communication….

Philadelphia’s H.O.M.E. Initiative plans to invest $800 million over four years in housing, with $161 million expected to be spent in the first year. This pace is significantly faster than previous initiatives such as Rebuild and the Neighborhood Preservation Initiative. The report outlines how factors like program design, administrative capacity, and stakeholder engagement can shape…

The PICA Board unanimously adopted a resolution honoring Deidre Morgenstern for 30 years of exemplary service to the Authority. She has played a vital role in financial operations, including overseeing PICA Tax transfers and supporting audits, while serving under six executive directors and across five mayoral administrations. The resolution highlights her lasting contributions to Philadelphia’s…

The Board received updates on the City’s budget process, economic risks related to federal policy, and ongoing Five-Year Plan analysis, including assumptions around vacancies and fund balances. Guidehouse presented recommendations for centralizing grants administration, projecting potential annual returns of $26 million, though Board members expressed concern about feasibility given federal uncertainty. The meeting also covered…

At this meeting, the Board will receive updates from the City, reports from the Executive Director and Treasurer, and open the floor for public comment. Members will vote on three resolutions concerning the renewal of audit and accounting services, and a recognition of Deidre Morgenstern for 30 years of service to PICA. The Board will…

Overtime spending reached $229.6 million through Q3—22% higher than the same period last year—driven by persistent public safety vacancies, emergency events, and celebrations tied to the Eagles’ Super Bowl win. Citywide overtime is now projected to exceed the FY25 adopted budget by $22.9 million, with Fire, Police, and Prisons accounting for the largest increases. Departments…

The Q3 report projects higher revenues and slightly higher spending than earlier estimates, resulting in a General Fund balance of $882 million—13.6% of revenues and well above the City’s internal target. Notable adjustments include increased revenue from Wage and Business Taxes, reduced personnel and debt service costs, and increased spending on 2026 events and wellness…

With legislation related to proposed H.O.M.E. Initiative borrowing set for introduction this week, it’s a good time for a refresher on how bond authorization works in the City of Philadelphia. When the City plans major long-term investments, it must obtain City Council authorization to borrow funds—though authorization does not automatically mean borrowing occurs immediately. Borrowing…

The Board reviewed the City’s proposed FY26–30 Five-Year Plan and FY26–31 Capital Program, highlighting public safety investments, labor reserve increases, and planned tax reforms. Members also discussed and approved Resolution 2025-11, which recommends eliminating the independently elected offices of the Sheriff and Register of Wills, citing fiscal and operational concerns. Several members of the public…

PICA’s Board reaffirmed its long-standing recommendation to eliminate Philadelphia’s independently elected row offices of the Sheriff and Register of Wills, citing persistent operational, financial, and accountability failures. The resolution references prior audit findings and media reports documenting systemic issues, including poor fiscal controls, service delays, and alleged politically motivated employment practices. The Board urges City…

The Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement (ICA) outlines how PICA and the City will meet the fiscal oversight requirements of the PICA Act, detailing responsibilities for financial planning, reporting, and enforcement. Updated in 2023, the agreement ensures transparency and accountability by regulating fund management and permitting financial penalties if the City falls out of compliance. As a…

The Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (PICA) was established in 1991 in response to Philadelphia’s financial crisis, providing oversight and access to capital markets to restore fiscal stability. The Authority continues to review the City’s annual Five-Year Financial Plans and enforce compliance through quarterly reporting and the power to withhold state funds if necessary. Amendments in…