PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Mayor Cherelle Parker will propose a $6.3 billion budget, according to materials obtained by KYW Newsradio.
Since most of the budget is committed to existing personnel costs, mayors generally shift up spending on the margins to put their stamp on the budget.
City Finance Director Rob Dubow says lower-than-expected revenue growth in the wage tax and the end of federal COVID-19 recovery funds are among the factors limiting the ability to make new investments. However, the mayor manages to propose $2 billion in new investments over the next five years.
"There's about $850 million in new operating investments over the five-year plan and nearly $1.2 billion in capital investments," said Dubow.
That will include $33 million in new public safety spending, including 15 new 911 dispatchers, nine new victim advocates, 210 new vehicles, more new recruit classes, and non-police related expenses.
The budget also proposes $36 million for clean and green initiatives. "We plan to address key quality of life issues including litter, illegal dumping, abandoned cars, vacant lots and vacant buildings," said Deputy Chief Financial Officer Ami Patel.
Parker's budget proposal also earmarks $16 million for affordable housing and nearly $20 million for economic opportunity programs, including more commercial corridor cleaning, same-day pay programs and access to capital for diverse businesses.
The mayor also wants to boost the city's contribution to the School District of Philadelphia by $24 million and up its contribution to SEPTA. In addition, her budget includes funding for triage centers to help address addiction and homelessness.
The mayor's budget is just a blueprint. City Council will weigh in after weeks of budget hearings.
Council President Kenyatta Johnson, speaking after a morning briefing, said he looks forward to a robust process: "I am very optimistic about her vision as it relates to her budget address and that's what we're looking forward to, but obviously the devil will be in the details."
CORRECTION: A previous version of this article misstated the dollar figure proposed for affordable housing. The article has been edited to reflect the correction.
