Publications

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 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…

In addition to regular reports and City updates, the Board will hear a presentation on grants administration benchmarking and recommendations. Members will review the minutes from the March meeting and open the floor for public comment. The agenda will also include time for new business before adjourning.

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…

A proposed budget reduction isn’t always a true cut—sometimes it reflects the end of one-time costs, a shift in responsibility to another department, or reduced demand for services. For instance, FY26 budgets for Parks & Recreation and Homeless Services are lower than FY25, but not all changes imply service reductions. To discern real impacts, stakeholders…

Philadelphia’s FY24 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) received an unmodified audit opinion, confirming its accuracy and reliability. While the report shows a modest decline in the General Fund balance and locally generated revenues, PICA Tax revenues grew, and debt service remained a stable portion of total spending. The ACFR is a valuable tool for understanding…

Persistent staffing shortages have caused Philadelphia to underspend by over $200 million on employee wages across FY23 and FY24, as actual vacancies far exceeded budget assumptions. The report weighs whether vacancy rates in future budgets should be revised upward to improve transparency and flexibility. Regardless of the approach taken, clearer and more consistent disclosure of…

The City projects declining fund balances and annual operating deficits through FY29, before returning to surplus in FY30, with reserves falling below recommended thresholds in most years. Revenue is expected to grow by 9.6% over the Plan period, while spending will rise just 1.9%, driven largely by wage and benefit costs. The Plan includes $337…

The Board heard a detailed presentation on the proposed FY26 Commonwealth budget, including investments in education, healthcare, and cannabis regulation, followed by a discussion on the future of Philadelphia’s row offices. Updates from the City covered Q2 fiscal projections and new federal funding reserves. The Board approved three resolutions: revenue analysis services, PICA’s FY26 operating…

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 Board will review minutes from the prior meeting, receive updates and staff reports, and invite public comment. Members will consider and vote on Resolution No. 2025-11, a recommendation regarding Row Offices. The meeting will conclude with time allotted for new business.

The second-quarter FY25 QCMR projects General Fund revenues at $6.27 billion, $11.7 million higher than the Q1 projection but still below the Five-Year Plan, while obligations have increased to $6.66 billion, $294.8 million higher than expected. The year-end fund balance is now projected at $584.3 million, $15.9 million higher than the Five-Year Plan but $58.2 million lower than the Q1 projection, representing 9.3% of revenues​.