Committee of the Whole: Budget Hearing 05-04-2026 (Afternoon)

The Philadelphia City Council held a Committee of the Whole budget hearing on May 4, 2026, focusing extensively on the District Attorney's Office (DAO) budget and public safety initiatives. District Attorney Larry Kraner and his team presented their FY26 budget request totaling approximately $3.4 million for payroll, $1 million for nine external contracted victim services providers, and $1.25 million for witness relocation. Key procurement-related discussions included funding for the DAO's gun violence task force, digital forensics lab maintenance, information technology upgrades critical for prosecutorial functions, and the establishment of a repeat domestic violence offender unit. The gun violence task force highlighted the need for continued state funding to sustain digital evidence capabilities, including license plate readers and cell phone data extraction, which have contributed to significant crime reductions. Council members inquired about performance metrics, victim services funding, and the use of technology such as drones in investigations. The DAO emphasized collaboration with external victim service agencies and requested restoration of funding cuts to these organizations. The meeting concluded with a motion to recess until May 5, 2026. Overall, the hearing underscored the DAO's strategic investment in technology, victim support, and targeted enforcement as essential components of Philadelphia's public safety and justice efforts.