Philadelphia, March 24, 2017 – Philadelphia City Council will begin hearings on Mayor Kenney’s proposed Fiscal Year 2018 Operating Budget, FY2018 Capital Budget and Program, and FY2018-2022 Five-Year Plan on Tuesday, March 28, 2017.
City departments with operating budgets of more than $5 million are required to testify before Council. Smaller departments may also be called to testify at Council’s request. Every City department and office is required to transmit budget testimony to Council.
The Department of Planning and Development will be called to testify on its budget proposal for the first time since voters authorized departmental consolidation in 2015. Also for the first time, 20 departments and offices have transitioned to program-based budgeting, whereby budgetary information is organized around City programs and services.
Council also has asked departments and offices to provide information regarding potential impacts of significant changes in federal and state funding support.
“A turbulent political environment in Washington and uncertainty regarding the state budget compel us to take a longer view on our City’s fiscal health,” Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District) said. “Just today, an effort to replace the Affordable Care Act that would have had a disastrous economic impact on Philadelphia fell short, and will likely be attempted again. Meanwhile, the Trump budget proposal poses an enormous threat to our City and our most vulnerable communities. I look forward to productive engagement with the Kenney Administration as we work to secure a strong future for our City together.”
The public is invited to testify before Council on the following dates:
- Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. (all departments and programs)
- Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. (on revenue tax bills only)
- Wednesday, May 17, 2017, between 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. (School District of Philadelphia budget only)
Members of the public may present written testimony at any time via e-mail to [email protected]. Persons not having access to e-mail or needing further information may call 215-686-3407.
All budget hearing materials including departmental testimony, transcripts, videos, and schedule will be available online at the City Council Budget Center: https://phlcouncil.com/budget2018.
Hearing dates and times are subject to change. The public is encouraged to check the City Council Budget Center regularly for updates.
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