Philadelphia City Council passes 2026 fiscal budget

PHILADELPHIA (WPHL) — Philadelphia City Council approved on Thursday a $6.8 billion budget for fiscal year 2026, finalizing a spending plan that emphasizes public safety, city services, education, and infrastructure without raising property taxes.

The budget, backed by Mayor Cherelle Parker and passed with majority support, marks a significant step toward fulfilling several of the mayor’s campaign promises, including cleaner neighborhoods, safer streets, and stronger community investment.

“At a time of real uncertainty in our country, this budget makes substantial, bold investments in the programs we need most to make Philadelphia the safest, cleanest and greenest big city in America, with access to opportunity for all,” Mayor Parker said in a statement posted on social media.

Among the most prominent pieces of the budget is a boost in funding for the Philadelphia Police Department, with money allocated for new officer recruitment, body-worn cameras for to outfit police officers and correctional officers, enhanced 911 dispatch systems, and expanded community policing initiatives.

In addition, the budget includes $30 million in grants to expand anti-violence programs and additional support for trauma response services in neighborhoods most affected by gun violence.

More than $300 million has been earmarked for infrastructure improvements, including road repaving, sidewalk repairs, and modernization of city-owned facilities.

The budget also sets aside funds to bolster the city’s street cleaning operations and blight removal programs,  part of the mayor’s broader “clean and green” initiative aimed at improving livability across all neighborhoods.

The FY2026 plan commits new resources to education and youth engagement, including expanded after-school programs, support for early childhood education, and upgrades to recreation centers and libraries.

City Council also worked to ensure that youth summer job programs will continue at full capacity, with additional outreach to underserved communities.

As part of the plan, lawmakers also approved the mayor’s request for $800 million in borrowing authority to fund long-term capital improvements across the city. The borrowed funds will go toward projects including recreation center renovations, new sanitation equipment, and citywide technology upgrades.

This money also supports the mayor’s H.O.M.E. initiative, Housing Opportunities Made Easy. It aims to create or preserve 30,000 housing units.

The budget goes into effect on July 1, 2025, and city leaders say they’ll monitor key performance indicators throughout the year to ensure accountability in the investments and the impact of those results.

With the FY2026 budget now in place, the focus shifts to implementation. Mayor Parker and City Council members have pledged to maintain oversight of departmental spending and ensure community voices remain at the table.