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Featured Publications
Government Operations, Efficiency, & Performance
Issue Brief
Tracking Progress & Building Trust: How Big Cities Share Capital Project Updates
June 26, 2025
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….
Debt and Pensions
Issue Paper
Speed of Spend: Philadelphia’s Recent Record for Spending Borrowed Funds for Special Initiatives
June 25, 2025
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…
PICA Reports on Philadelphia's Financial Reports
PICA Staff Report on QCMR
QCMR Report FY25 Q3
May 21, 2025
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…
Board Materials
Resolution
Resolution 2024-08 Approval of General Counsel Services
February 20, 2024
PICA approved the engagement of a new General Counsel following a competitive RFP process, selecting a firm based on qualifications and experience. The contract is for one year, with three one-year renewal options at PICA’s discretion.
Board Materials
Agenda
Agenda for February 20, 2024 PICA Board Meeting
February 20, 2024
The February 20, 2024, meeting agenda includes standard reports, an executive session (if needed), and votes on resolutions for the FY25 PICA Operating Budget and General Counsel selection. The Board will also review City financial updates and public comment.
Board Materials
Minutes
February 20, 2024 Board Meeting Minutes
February 20, 2024
The PICA Board met on February 20, 2024, to approve the Authority’s FY25 Operating Budget and select new legal counsel. The Board also discussed City financial trends, including budget surpluses and the ongoing lease renegotiation for PICA’s office.
PICA Reports on Philadelphia's Financial Reports
PICA Staff Report on QCMR
QCMR Report FY24 Q2
February 18, 2024
The second quarter FY24 QCMR projects General Fund revenues at $5.94 billion, $68.0 million below the Five-Year Plan, while obligations have increased to $6.46 billion, $262.0 million higher than projected. The year-end fund balance is now projected at $504.0 million, $24.0 million lower than the Five-Year Plan, representing 8.5% of revenues.
Board Materials
Resolution
Resolution 2024-06 Approval of Professional Conference Attendance
January 16, 2024
PICA approved funding for two staff members to attend the American Planning Association Annual Conference in April 2024 and two staff members to attend the Government Finance Officers Association Annual Conference in June 2024. The estimated costs, totaling approximately $11,454, were deemed reasonable and beneficial for the Authority.
Board Materials
Minutes
January 16, 2024 Board Meeting Minutes
January 16, 2024
The PICA Board met on January 16, 2024, to review the City’s FY23 financial performance, approve conference expenses, and discuss leasing options for PICA’s office space. The Board also examined City staffing trends and budget allocations.
Board Materials
Agenda
Agenda for January 16, 2024 PICA Board Meeting
January 16, 2024
The January 16, 2024, meeting agenda includes reports from the Executive Director and Treasurer, a vote on conference expenses, and public comment. The Board will also review the approval of minutes from the previous meeting.
Reserves and Fiscal Stability
Issue Brief
Federal Funds, Fiscal Cliffs, and the Philly Fund Balance
January 1, 2024
PICA’s Federal Funds and Fiscal Cliffs issue brief examines how Philadelphia has relied on pandemic-related federal relief funds and the challenges it faces in maintaining fiscal stability as these funds expire.
Budget Structure and Process
Issue Brief
Making MidYear Moves: What to Include & Avoid in a MidYear Budget Amendment
December 1, 2023
PICA’s FY24 MidYear Budget Amendment Issue Brief evaluates trends in Philadelphia’s MidYear Transfer Ordinances, outlining best practices for responsible amendments and highlighting risks of excessive mid-year budget changes.
PICA Reports on Philadelphia's Financial Reports
PICA Staff Report on Quarterly Overtime
Quarterly OT Report FY24 Q1
December 1, 2023
The FY24 Quarterly Overtime Report for Q1 shows that overtime spending reached $59.6 million, coming in $8 million under budget despite increases in some departments.
Board Materials
Minutes
November 21, 2023 Board Meeting Minutes
November 21, 2023
The PICA Board met on November 21, 2023, to review financial trends, budget adjustments, and legal services procurement. The Board also discussed City staffing vacancies, labor contract negotiations, and tax collection issues.
Board Materials
Agenda
Agenda for November 21, 2023 PICA Board Meeting
November 21, 2023
The November 21, 2023, meeting agenda includes reports from the Executive Director and Treasurer, an overtime update, and new business discussions. The Board will also review and approve the minutes from the previous meeting.
PICA Reports on Philadelphia's Financial Reports
PICA Staff Report on QCMR
QCMR Report FY24 Q1
November 18, 2023
The first quarter FY24 QCMR projects General Fund revenues at $5.94 billion, $67.7 million below the Five-Year Plan, while obligations have increased to $6.27 billion, $78.2 million higher than projected. The year-end fund balance is now projected at $685.0 million, $153.0 million higher than the Five-Year Plan estimate, representing 11.5% of revenues.
PICA Reports on Philadelphia's Financial Reports
Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet: The City of Philadelphia’s FY23 Annual Financial Report
November 1, 2023
PICA’s Fact Sheet on the City of Philadelphia's FY23 Annual Financial Report (AFR) analysis reveals a higher-than-expected $982 million fund balance due to increased revenue from other governments and lower spending on personal services.
News Articles and Press Releases
Press Release
Marisa Waxman Appointed as Executive Director of Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (PICA): Harvey Rice Announces Retirement
October 30, 2023
Press Release announcing Marisa Waxman has been appointed Executive Director of PICA, effective October 2023.
Board Materials
Agenda
Agenda for October 17, 2023 PICA Board Meeting
October 17, 2023
The October 17, 2023, meeting agenda includes standard reports, an Executive Session, and a vote on Resolution No. 2024-05 to appoint a new Executive Director. The Board will also review overtime updates and hear public comment.