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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 Quarterly Overtime
Quarterly OT Report FY18 Q1
December 1, 2017
The FY18 Quarterly Overtime Report for Q1 highlights that overtime spending reached $47 million in the first quarter, with seven key departments accounting for 93% of total costs.
Debt and Pensions
Issue Paper
Update on the City of Philadelphia’s DROP Program
December 1, 2017
The Update on the City of Philadelphia’s DROP Program evaluates the financial impact of the Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) since its inception, highlighting a total estimated cost of $277.2 million and its effect on employee retirement ages. The report finds that DROP has increased the average retirement age by 1.7 years but continues to impose significant costs on the pension system.
Board Materials
Minutes
November 21, 2017 Board Meeting Minutes
November 21, 2017
The PICA Board met on November 21, 2017, to review financial reports, discuss capital project funding, and hear a presentation from the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. The Board approved Resolution 2018-05, reallocating $420,000 in funds for Free Library roof repairs.
Board Materials
Resolution
Resolution 2018-05 Approval of Capital Substitution
November 21, 2017
PICA approved a capital project funding substitution to redirect $420,000 in surplus bond proceeds from a library facility assessment to roof repairs for several library locations. This action ensures that remaining funds are used effectively for critical infrastructure improvements.
PICA Reports on Philadelphia's Financial Reports
PICA Staff Report on QCMR
QCMR Report FY18 Q1
November 18, 2017
The first quarter FY18 QCMR projects General Fund revenues at $4.47 billion, $74.6 million above the Five-Year Plan, while obligations are projected to rise by $64.7 million. The year-end fund balance is now estimated at $208.3 million, reflecting stronger-than-expected tax collections.
News Articles and Press Releases
Press Release
City Spends $47 Million in Overtime in First Quarter
November 6, 2017
Press release announcing report on FY18Q1 overtime spending. City Spends $47 Million in Overtime in First Quarter, Seven Key Departments Responsible for 90 Percent of Spending
Board Materials
Minutes
October 17, 2017 Board Meeting Minutes
October 17, 2017
The PICA Board met on October 17, 2017, to review tax revenue collections, overtime spending, and financial audit results. The Board also received a presentation from the Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT) on IT infrastructure and cyber security concerns.
PICA Annual Report
Annual Report
PICA Annual Report FY2017
October 17, 2017
The Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (PICA) FY17 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.
News Articles and Press Releases
Press Release
City Exceeds Overtime Budget for Seventh Consecutive Year
October 4, 2017
Press Release about PICA's annual report on Overtime Spending for FY17. City Exceeds Overtime Budget for Seventh Consecutive Year, More than Half of City Departments Exceed Overtime Allocations in FY2017
PICA Reports on Philadelphia's Financial Reports
Annual OT Report
FY17 Annual Overtime Report
October 1, 2017
PICA’s FY17 Annual Overtime Report analyzes $160.3 million in overtime spending, exceeding the City’s budgeted allocation by $31 million. The report evaluates departmental overspending, staffing trends, and the impact of national events and public demonstrations on overtime costs.
Board Materials
Minutes
September 19, 2017 Board Meeting Minutes
September 19, 2017
The PICA Board met on September 19, 2017, to approve a bond refunding resolution and review the Police Court Overtime Study findings. The Board approved Resolution 2020-05, authorizing bond refunding while highlighting the need for better cost control.
News Articles and Press Releases
Press Release
PICA Board Approves City’s Revised FY2018-FY2022 Five Year Plan
September 19, 2017
Press Release announcing that the PICA Board Approves City’s Revised FY2018-FY2022 Five Year Plan and that Board Voices Concerns Over Arbitration Award Costs.
Board Materials
Resolution
Resolution 2018-04 Approval of 2018-2022 Revised Five-Year Plan
September 19, 2017
PICA approved a revised Five-Year Financial Plan for FY2018-FY2022 to incorporate the costs of an arbitration award for police officers represented by the Fraternal Order of Police. The revised plan ensures compliance with statutory requirements and reflects updated financial 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 FY18-22 Five-Year Plan as Revised in September 2017
September 19, 2017
PICA's Staff Report on The Five-Year Financial Plan for FY18-22 (Revised Sept) updates Philadelphia’s fiscal projections, revising revenue expectations, expenditure allocations, and fund balance estimates to align with evolving economic conditions and policy priorities.
News Articles and Press Releases
Press Release
City of Philadelphia’s Estimated Fund Balance for FY2017 $48.3 Million Higher Than Projected
August 31, 2017
Press Release announcing PICA report on the FY17Q4 QCMR. City of Philadelphia’s Estimated Fund Balance for FY2017 $48.3 Million Higher Than Projected
PICA Reports on Philadelphia's Financial Reports
PICA Staff Report on QCMR
QCMR Report FY17 Q4
August 18, 2017
The fourth quarter FY17 QCMR projects General Fund revenues at $4.19 billion, $44.8 million above the Five-Year Plan, while obligations are projected at $4.25 billion, an increase of $51.3 million. The final year-end fund balance is estimated at $127.2 million, reflecting stronger-than-expected revenue growth.
