The following city departments testified before Philadelphia City Council regarding their Fiscal Year2026 budget requests this week:
The Office of Planning and Development
What they do:
The Department of Planning and Development works in collaboration with communities to promote, plan, preserve, and develop successful neighborhoods for all.
Reaching these goals requires city agencies to work together with residents, businesses, developers, advocates, funders, and each other. Planning and Development has a team of agencies that do just that. Our agencies include:
- Philadelphia Art Commission
- Philadelphia City Planning Commission
- Division of Development Services
- Division of Housing and Community Development
- Philadelphia Historical Commission
- Zoning Board of Adjustment
We also partner with the PHDC.
FY 2025 Budget Request: $242,250,743
FY 2026 Budget Request: $344,180,368
Net Change: $101,929,625
The Commerce Department
What they do:
The Department of Commerce helps businesses—large and small—thrive in Philadelphia. Philadelphia is the ideal home for your business, offering:
- A central location along the Northeast corridor.
- A ready and talented workforce.
- Competitive office rents and commercial real estate costs.
- Vibrant commercial districts and growing innovation industries.
- World-class dining, history, and cultural attractions.
We work to:
- Attract and grow a diverse set of businesses.
- Revitalize neighborhood commercial districts throughout the city.
- Support small businesses and improve their access to funding.
- Build a strong talent pipeline.
- Increase economic opportunities for historically underserved business owners.
FY 2025 Budget Request: $180,132,322
FY 2026 Budget Request: $240,083,444
Net Change: $53,951,122
Office of Public Property
What they do:
The Department of Public Property (DPP) serves the City’s workforce and community responsibly by providing quality facilities and
workspaces, enabling the City’s workforce to take meaningful steps to meet the Mayor’s policy goals to make Philadelphia the safest, cleanest, and
greenest big city in the nation with access to economic opportunity for all.
FY 2025 Budget: $292,544,215
FY 2026 Budget: $328,537,501
Net Change: $35,993,286
Office of Fleet Services
What they do:
The Department of Fleet Services (DFS) ensures that City vehicles and other automotive equipment are available, dependable, and safe to
operate so that City departments and agencies can deliver services. DFS is responsible for the acquisition, repair, maintenance, and disposal of all
City-owned vehicles and equipment. DFS also fuels City vehicles, as well as vehicles for quasi-City agencies (including the School District of
Philadelphia), through its Department-operated fuel stations. DFS maintains an active fleet of approximately 6,800 vehicles, including over 700
pieces of specialized equipment. From fire trucks to riding mowers, DFS makes sure that City employees have the vehicles they need to do their
jobs and work towards a city that fulfills the Mayor’s goal of making Philadelphia the safest, cleanest, greenest big city in the nation with access to
economic opportunity for all.
FY 2025 Budget: $85,346,020
FY 2026 Budget: $77,859,204
Net Change: -$7,486,816
Notes: The reduced budget is due to a one-time purchase of the Sanitation Department trash compactors in FY 2025.
The Free Library of Philadelphia
What they do:
The mission of the Free Library of Philadelphia (FLP) is to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity as part of the Mayor’s
vision to provide world-class educational opportunities for Philadelphians of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds.
FY 2025 Budget: $74,620,360
FY 2026 Budget: $74,664,588
Net Change: $44,228
Parks and Recreation Department
What they do:
The people of Philadelphia own a treasure of facilities and resources that they have entrusted to Philadelphia Parks and Recreation (PPR)
to manage fairly, equitably, and sustainably. PPR stewards these treasures with programs and services that contribute to the health, wellness, and
prosperity of all in pursuit of the Mayor’s goal of making all Philadelphia neighborhoods safe, clean, and green.
FY 2025 Budget: $90,920,501
FY 2026 Budget: $83,535,660
Net Change: -$7,384,841
Notes: The budget reduction is due to one-time payments for contracted bonuses, special events, and non-recurring funding.
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA)
What they do:
SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) is one of the largest transit systems in the country. We support five counties in the Greater Philadelphia area. We also connect to transit systems in Delaware and New Jersey. Our services include regional rail, buses, trolleys, subways and a high-speed line.
SEPTA moves the Southeastern Pennsylvania region forward by providing safe, reliable and accessible mobility choices for everyone. We support equity and enhance quality of life by connecting people with opportunity, catalyzing the economy and sustaining our environment.
FY 2025 Budget: $133,000,000 (Funds provided by the city-does not include other sources of revenue)
FY 2026 Budget: $135,000,000 (Funds provided by the city-does not include other sources of revenue)
Net Change: $2,000,000 (Does not include capital contributions)
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