Adam RollinsOf Philadelphia’s approved $6.8 billion in approved expenditures for fiscal year (FY) 2026, the city will allocate $337.3 million to fund capital improvement projects. The city council also approved the updated FY26-31 Capital Program, allocating $1.5 billion over the next six years.
The Capital Program was guided by the city’s vision to invest in sustainable programming while balancing priorities. Philadelphia is navigating challenging budget decisions, in no small part due to decreased federal support and tax revenue supported by federal investment.
The final program was created to reflect the city’s efforts to prioritize current needs and to correct historical underinvestment. Core investment categories featured in the Capital Plan include:
- Public Safety.
- Clean and Green.
- Core Support.
- Economic Opportunity.
- Education.
Clean and Green initiatives top the city’s list of priorities, investing $122.1 for FY26 projects and a total of $753 million over the next six years. A significant portion of the city’s ongoing investment will include $350 million to support accessibility improvements by paving city streets and installing ADA ramps.
Immediate investments over the next year include $27 million to match grant funds for improving bridges and streets, $15 million to support sanitation services, $11 million in recreation and $11 million to renovate parks in preparation for the FIFA World Cup. Signature Clean and Green initiatives centered around cleaning city infrastructure and residential areas will receive continued support through the Capital Plan.
The city lists public safety as its next highest focus, with $199.2 million approved for the coming year and $288.7 over the next six years. Some of the key investments include:
- $175 million to support the ongoing Riverview Wellness Village project.
- $67 million to build a Forensics Science Center.
- $30 million in antiviolence grants for community-based and grassroots organizations.
- $30 million to advance the city’s Vision Zero plans, improving safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists for FY26-31.
- $26 million to improve fire facilities and fire vehicles.
- $17.7 million in prison infrastructure improvements.
- $5.5 million on expansion pilots at the Kensington Wellness Support Center and the Wellness Court.
Philadelphia will invest $47.1 million in Core Support initiatives in FY26 and $180.7 million through FY26-31. These efforts will help enhance government efficiency, focusing on improving existing systems to optimize operations. The plan includes $26.9 million to develop and implement an enterprise resource planning system to optimize and streamline the city’s financial and procurement systems. Another $13.4 million will help improve government building safety while $17.9 over six years will enhance city-owned fueling sites.
Economic Opportunity projects will receive $29 million over the next year and $145.5 million in the city’s long-term Capital Plan. The city’s investments in expanding economic opportunities for residents will include $20 million to improve commercial corridors and waterfronts and the $9 million for public transportation infrastructure.
While receiving the lowest investment out of the city’s prioritized areas, education will receive a $98.7 million injection of funding over the next six years, with $19.7 million slotted for FY26. Projects featured in the Capital Plan include:
- $50 million to relocate the African American Museum.
- $24 million to make improvements to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and facilities at the Philadelphia Zoo.
- $24 million for critical renovations and upgrades to keep libraries up-to-date and well-equipped.
Image by Bruce Emmerling from Pixabay
