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Featured Publications
Debt and Pensions
Fact Sheet
Debt and Taxes: Tax-Exempt vs. Taxable Bonds
April 13, 2026
Cities can lower borrowing costs by issuing tax-exempt bonds, but these come with restrictions that limit how funds can be used, particularly for projects that aren’t publicly owned. Taxable bonds offer greater flexibility for investments like affordable housing and neighborhood development, though they typically carry higher interest costs. Choosing between these financing tools requires balancing…
Debt and Pensions
Fact Sheet
Digging Into (and Out of) Debt
April 6, 2026
Philadelphia’s General Fund-supported debt declined by about nine percent over the past decade, even as the City continued to borrow for major investments in infrastructure, housing, and public facilities. This progress reflects consistent repayment of older obligations, including pension-related borrowing and legacy debts from prior fiscal challenges. Looking ahead, with annual debt service expected to…
PICA Reports on Philadelphia's Five-Year Plan
Fact Sheet
Proposed FY27-31 Five-Year Plan Fiscal Highlights
March 17, 2026
Philadelphia’s proposed FY27–31 Five-Year Plan maintains positive fund balances in each year, but projects operating deficits in four of five years and a steady decline in reserves over time. Revenues are expected to grow by 10.3 percent over the Plan period, driven primarily by local taxes, while spending growth is more modest but still exceeds…
PICA Reports on Philadelphia's Financial Reports
PICA Staff Report on QCMR
QCMR Report FY15 Q3
May 18, 2015
The third quarter FY15 QCMR projects General Fund revenues at $3.79 billion, $636.0 million below the Five-Year Plan, while obligations have remained steady at $3.87 billion, $659.0 million lower than expected. The year-end fund balance is projected at $142.4 million, $74.0 million above prior estimates, despite persistent cost pressures from labor agreements and rising indemnities costs.
Board Materials
Minutes
April 21, 2015 Board Meeting Minutes
April 21, 2015
The PICA Board met on April 21, 2015, to review financial updates, discuss the Five-Year Plan review process, and receive reports on pension funding and litigation. The Board also discussed City tax revenue performance and ongoing budget hearings.
PICA Reports on Philadelphia's Financial Reports
PICA Staff Report on QCMR
QCMR Report FY15 Q2
February 18, 2015
The second quarter FY15 QCMR projects General Fund revenues at $3.79 billion, $639.3 million below the Five-Year Plan, while obligations have decreased to $3.87 billion, $659.2 million lower than projected. The year-end fund balance is now projected at $146.1 million, $77.8 million above the Five-Year Plan projection, but impacted by the failure to sell Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW).
Board Materials
Minutes
January 20, 2015 Board Meeting Minutes
January 20, 2015
The PICA Board met on January 20, 2015, to reappoint Executive Director Harvey Rice, discuss tax revenue performance, and review the City’s pension system audit. The Board also received updates on PICA’s revenue recovery efforts and pending legislative changes.
Debt and Pensions
Issue Paper
Philadelphia’s Pension System: Reducing Risk and Achieving Fiscal Stability
January 1, 2015
Philadelphia’s Pension System: Reducing Risk and Achieving Fiscal Stability' assesses the City’s pension challenges, finding that costs as a percentage of payroll have risen from 17.3% in FY91 to 39.2% in FY15, placing significant pressure on the budget. The report recommends mandatory enrollment in a hybrid pension plan for new hires, increased employee contributions, and additional dedicated funding sources.
PICA Annual Report
Annual Report
PICA Annual Report FY2014
December 10, 2014
The Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (PICA) FY14 Annual Report provides an overview of the Authority's activities, financial oversight, and analysis of the City of Philadelphia’s fiscal condition over the past year. It includes key findings from PICA’s financial reviews, budget analyses, and policy recommendations aimed at ensuring the City's long-term financial stability as well as the Authority's financial statements and report from its auditors.
Board Materials
Minutes
November 18, 2014 Board Meeting Minutes
November 18, 2014
The PICA Board met on November 18, 2014, to review financial reports, discuss the City’s pension study, and approve PICA’s annual audit. The Board also examined investment strategies and litigation updates related to the LIBOR benchmark rate.
PICA Reports on Philadelphia's Financial Reports
PICA Staff Report on QCMR
QCMR Report FY15 Q1
November 18, 2014
The first quarter FY15 QCMR projects General Fund revenues at $4.47 billion, $45.7 million above the Five-Year Plan, while obligations are projected at $4.56 billion, $36.4 million higher than expected. The year-end fund balance is projected at $135.5 million, $67.1 million higher than the Five-Year Plan estimate, representing 3.0% of obligations.
Board Materials
Minutes
October 14, 2014 Board Meeting Minutes
October 14, 2014
The PICA Board met on October 14, 2014, to approve a revised Five-Year Financial Plan, elect officers, and discuss revenue projections. The Board approved the plan with concerns over the City’s long-term financial stability and tax enforcement challenges.
PICA Reports on Philadelphia's Financial Reports
PICA Staff Report on QCMR
QCMR Report FY14 Q4
August 18, 2014
The fourth quarter FY14 QCMR projects General Fund revenues at $3.82 billion, $88.1 million above the Five-Year Plan, while obligations increased by $21.9 million. The year-end fund balance is estimated at $184.7 million, reflecting stronger-than-expected revenue performance.
Board Materials
Minutes
July 21, 2014 Board Meeting Minutes
July 21, 2014
The PICA Board met on July 21, 2014, to approve the FY2015-2019 Five-Year Financial Plan and discuss tax enforcement strategies. The Board debated cost-cutting measures and concerns over the accuracy of City revenue projections.
PICA Reports on Philadelphia's Five-Year Plan
Staff Report on the City of Philadelphia's Five-Year Plan
PICA Staff Report on the City of Philadelphia’s FY15-19 Five-Year Plan
July 21, 2014
PICA's Staff Report on The Five-Year Financial Plan for FY15-19 evaluates Philadelphia’s budgetary framework, focusing on revenue diversification, expenditure controls, and financial risk mitigation.
PICA Reports on Philadelphia's Financial Reports
PICA Staff Report on QCMR
QCMR Report FY14 Q3
May 18, 2014
The third quarter FY14 QCMR projects General Fund revenues at $3.84 billion, $107.0 million above the Five-Year Plan, with obligations projected at $3.99 billion, $98.7 million higher than planned. The year-end fund balance is expected to be $119.8 million, reflecting an improved fiscal position.
PICA Reports on Philadelphia's Financial Reports
PICA Staff Report on QCMR
QCMR Report FY14 Q2
February 18, 2014
The second quarter FY14 QCMR projects General Fund revenues at $3.82 billion, $92.9 million above the Five-Year Plan, while obligations are projected to increase by $102.9 million. The year-end fund balance is projected at $101.5 million, reflecting a modest increase in fiscal reserves.
PICA Annual Report
Annual Report
PICA Annual Report FY2013
December 30, 2013
The Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (PICA) FY13 Annual Report provides an overview of the Authority's activities, financial oversight, and analysis of the City of Philadelphia’s fiscal condition over the past year. It includes key findings from PICA’s financial reviews, budget analyses, and policy recommendations aimed at ensuring the City's long-term financial stability as well as the Authority's financial statements and report from its auditors.
PICA Reports on Philadelphia's Five-Year Plan
Staff Report on the City of Philadelphia's Five-Year Plan
PICA Staff Report on the City of Philadelphia’s FY14-18 Five-Year Plan
September 17, 2013
PICA's Staff Report on The Five-Year Financial Plan for FY14-18 outlines Philadelphia’s fiscal priorities and financial projections, focusing on expenditure control, revenue enhancements, and strategies to ensure long-term fiscal health.
