The Philadelphia Budget Project

The Fels Institute is currently conducting research on the Philadelphia city budget and budget process in relation to other cities around the country and the world. Through this research, Fels aims to draw useful comparisons between Philadelphia and similar cities. In addition, the research will highlight fresh ideas to inform Philadelphia’s budget process.

As part of the Philadelphia Budget Project, Fels is participating in a WHYY and The Philadelphia Daily News project called ‘It’s Our Money.’ ‘It’s Our Money’ is a new effort to cover the city budget in a way that citizens can understand. The website provides a place for analysis, explanation, and public dialogue about the city's spending. The purpose of the project is to teach Philadelphians about the process and why it matters to them.  Fels' role is to contribute content for the site through research and to convene discussions among Philadelphia budget officials, academics and project partners.

Visit the site at http://www.whyy.org/news/itsourmoney.html

Informational Memos:
City Budget Hearing Practices
Financial Impact of City Council Hearings on the Budget

For more information, contact Catherine Lamb, Project Manager, at catlamb@sas.upenn.edu.