A new website is helping Philadelphians follow the money.
The Mayor’s Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA) recently launched the city’s fiscal notes website, a hub that allows residents access to data on Philadelphia’s financial management — specifically how legislation impacts city spending.
A fiscal note is a financial estimate — a detailed analysis — that summarizes a piece of legislation, breakdown of potential costs or savings, and historical context. Each fiscal note is crafted to provide clear, objective insight into how a bill or resolution might impact Philly’s budget.
“When I was in the Pennsylvania State House as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, fiscal notes were fantastic tools that assisted me and my former colleagues in the House in assessing the impact of what we would be voting on,” said Mayor Cherelle Parker. “This new website will help the government and the public with unbiased, objective analyses.”
The purpose behind this initiative, according to the Mayor’s Office, is rooted in the Parker Administration’s commitment to a government that residents can “see, touch, and feel.” OLA officials add that by offering straightforward information about the financial implications of proposed laws, the city empowers policymakers, stakeholders, and the public to make informed decisions.
The process of developing a fiscal note is collaborative. OLA, through its Policy and Fiscal Analysts (PFA), works with city departments to review legislation, gather fiscal data, and assess how implementation might unfold.
Not every piece of legislation requires a fiscal note, however. Typically, notes are prepared for bills or resolutions that could have a measurable financial effect—such as creating new programs, modifying existing ones, or altering budget allocations. However, some proposals are exempt, particularly those no expected impact on city finances.
All finalized fiscal notes will be stored in a publicly accessible database at phila.gov/fiscal-notes. This centralized hub will house fiscal notes issued since Fall 2024, offering residents a window into how legislation could shape Philadelphia’s financial future.
