Your City, Your Budget - FY27 Budget Town Hall Meetings - May 5, 2026

The Philadelphia City Council held a "Your City, Your Budget" town hall meeting on May 5, 2026, focused on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Council members and community members discussed key budget priorities including a nearly $7 billion operating budget with $227 million in new spending, emphasizing public safety, affordable housing, economic opportunity, and quality of life improvements such as a dedicated pothole crew and illegal dumping enforcement. A significant highlight was the $800 million "Home Initiative," the largest investment in affordable housing in the city's history, alongside new proactive rental inspection programs. The council also addressed concerns about school funding, with community advocates urging full funding to prevent staff cuts amid a $300 million deficit, and calls for greater transparency and audits of the school district's spending. Proposed revenue measures include borrowing $281 million for capital projects and new taxes such as a retail delivery tax and increased city service fees. The meeting featured extensive public input on housing affordability, education funding, public safety, and tax fairness, with council members committing to continued advocacy and engagement with community groups to refine the budget and address residents' needs.