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Featured Publications
Budget Structure and Process
Issue Brief
When is a Budget Cut Not a Budget Cut?
March 31, 2025
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…
PICA Reports on Philadelphia's Five-Year Plan
Fact Sheet
Proposed FY26-30 Five-Year Plan Fiscal Highlights
March 20, 2025
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…
Revenue Analysis & Outlook
Issue Brief
Precision in Projections: Evaluating Philadelphia’s Tax Revenue Forecasts and Volatility
February 3, 2025
Philadelphia’s largest tax streams—Wage and Earnings and Real Estate—are forecasted with high accuracy, typically within three percent of actual results. In contrast, smaller and more volatile revenue sources like the Realty Transfer and Amusement Taxes show far greater forecasting errors, reflecting their sensitivity to economic shifts and one-off events. By comparing 21 years of projections…
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
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.
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.
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
Minutes
October 17, 2023 Board Meeting Minutes
October 17, 2023
The PICA Board met on October 17, 2023, to discuss tax revenue collections, financial reporting, and upcoming personnel changes. The Board appointed Marisa Waxman as the new Executive Director (Resolution 2024-05).
PICA Annual Report
Annual Report
PICA Annual Report FY2023
October 17, 2023
The Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (PICA) FY23 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
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.
Board Materials
Resolution
Resolution 2024-05 Appointment of Executive Director
October 17, 2023
PICA appointed Marisa Waxman as its new Executive Director following the retirement of Harvey M. Rice, with her term beginning immediately and continuing at the Board’s discretion. The resolution outlines the terms of her appointment, including conditions for termination, resignation, or succession.
Policy Analysis & Issue Briefs
Issue Report
Weathering the Future: Charting a Course for Fiscal and Climate Sustainability
October 1, 2023
PICA's Charting a Course for Fiscal and Climate Sustainability report examines the financial risks climate change poses to Philadelphia and explores strategies to integrate climate resilience into the City’s fiscal planning. The report highlights key investment areas, including infrastructure improvements, climate budgeting, and new revenue sources to fund long-term sustainability efforts.
PICA Reports on Philadelphia's Financial Reports
Annual OT Report
FY23 Annual Overtime Report
October 1, 2023
PICA’s FY23 Annual Overtime Report analyzes record-high overtime spending of $249.6 million, reflecting a 17.2% increase from FY22. The report highlights departmental overspending, staffing challenges, and trends impacting workforce management and budget performance.
Board Materials
Minutes
September 28, 2023 Board Meeting Minutes
September 28, 2023
The PICA Board met on September 28, 2023, to review financial reports, approve resolutions, and discuss the upcoming fall conference. The Board appointed Harvey Rice as Special Advisor and Agency Consultant (Resolution 2024-04).
Board Materials
Resolution
Resolution 2024-04 Approval of Special Advisory and Consulting Services
September 28, 2023
PICA appointed Harvey M. Rice as a special advisor and agency consultant following his retirement as Executive Director, ensuring continuity in agency operations during the transition to a new director. Mr. Rice will provide consulting services until at least November 30, 2023, assisting with agency management and the onboarding of his successor.
Board Materials
Agenda
Agenda for September 28, 2023 PICA Board Meeting
September 28, 2023
The September 28, 2023, meeting agenda includes reports, an Executive Session, and a vote on Resolution No. 2024-04, appointing Harvey M. Rice as Special Advisor and Agency Consultant. The Board will also review overtime updates and hear public comment.