April has come to an end, along with a series of community meetings that concluded at Julia de Burgos School, where members of Philadelphia’s legislative body gathered.

The City Council’s program “Your City, Your Budget”, known in Spanish as “Tu ciudad, Tu Presupuesto”, is an initiative of Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker designed to promote civic participation in the creation of the municipal budget. Through a series of town halls or community meetings, residents have the opportunity to express their concerns, ask questions, and offer suggestions directly to city officials.

The auditorium at Julia de Burgos School was filled with organizations and citizens eager to hear the proposals—especially to learn where the money would be invested. City Council President Kenyatta Johnson stated that, like his fellow officials, he is always ready to help and expressed gratitude for the community’s participation and feedback on the budget process.

The City Council takes public input into account when reviewing the mayor’s proposed budget.

Councilmember for District 7, Quetcy Lozada, shared: “This is an opportunity for the community to speak about their priorities and to tell us where the budget should go. This is your city, your budget, and that’s why I encourage the community to take part in these events—because decisions made in these meetings have a direct impact on the community. If people want improved safety and better services, they should take advantage of this opportunity to prioritize the real needs of our people.”

The main topics discussed included various aspects of the proposed $6.7 billion fiscal year 2026 budget. Affordable housing was a key issue, including the goal to build or renovate 30,000 housing units; fiscal reform, with proposed gradual tax reductions; and investments in public safety and quality of life, allocating funds to safety and cleanliness programs, among others.

Although the mayor does not attend all the assemblies between city officials and the community, her ideas are shared at these meetings. Community gatherings will continue through June 2025, with events scheduled in various districts across the city. The general public is encouraged to participate, and for updated information on dates and locations, it is recommended to visit the official website of the City of Philadelphia.