Philadelphia’s Fiscal Future
A special series on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the city’s economy and budget, and what may lie ahead for recovery and growth
![City skyline City skyline](/-/media/post-launch-images/2022/06/gettyimages1254885925jpgmaster/16x9_m.jpg?la=de&h=1024&w=1820&hash=9C0B912F02CF8029747A532E6FA93BCF)
Philadelphia’s economy was performing well in the decade before the pandemic—matching and, in some years, outperforming the nation in job generation. But COVID-19 halted that progress, and the city’s recovery has lagged that of the national economy. That’s especially troubling given that Philadelphia’s pre-pandemic job growth did not extend to workers of color in the city.
What caused the lag? And what does it mean for Philadelphians—especially those who have historically been left behind?
To look at Philadelphia’s changing economy and explore the range of opportunities, risks, and responses that city leaders face, The Pew Charitable Trusts, in partnership with the William Penn Foundation, has created “Philadelphia’s Fiscal Future.” This series of reports and analyses provides data and insight to inform the tough decisions and opportunities that lie ahead for city leaders—and for those who live and work in Philadelphia—especially when it comes to building a more equitable city. The series’ four primary reports are highlighted below, with other related research organized under specific categories.
![A view of Philadelphia, Pa., west of the Schuylkill River on January 29, 2021 A view of Philadelphia, Pa., west of the Schuylkill River on January 29, 2021](/-/media/post-launch-images/2022/02/dsc7708jpgmaster/16x9_m.jpg?la=de&h=346&w=615&hash=86B908BBE91CDFBE6CA6F9459E6353C3)
![A view of Philadelphia, Pa., west of the Schuylkill River on January 29, 2021 A view of Philadelphia, Pa., west of the Schuylkill River on January 29, 2021](/-/media/post-launch-images/2022/02/dsc7708jpgmaster/1x1_s.jpg?la=de&h=615&w=615&hash=55D8CF458D02F1B2761A6C3074B5990C)
The Pandemic's Effects on Philadelphia's Economy and Jobs
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Philadelphia's Tax Burden Differs by Size and Sector
![Philadelphia crosswalk Philadelphia crosswalk](/-/media/post-launch-images/2022/05/dsc0446jpgmaster/16x9_m.jpg?la=de&h=346&w=615&hash=E67D37DE502E41811761EC0C0169382E)
![Philadelphia crosswalk Philadelphia crosswalk](/-/media/post-launch-images/2022/05/dsc0446jpgmaster/1x1_s.jpg?la=de&h=615&w=615&hash=BB912FC4A556C09303E4EA6A968E9433)
Employment Patterns and Philadelphia's Operating Budget
![Looking up at Philadelphia buildings Looking up at Philadelphia buildings](/-/media/post-launch-images/2022/06/gettyimages488783274jpgmaster/16x9_m.jpg?la=de&h=346&w=615&hash=11B02B457B1BE91B7F6D7A0FF40A0D9D)
![Looking up at Philadelphia buildings Looking up at Philadelphia buildings](/-/media/post-launch-images/2022/06/gettyimages488783274jpgmaster/1x1_s.jpg?la=de&h=615&w=615&hash=064897B37966F515C1E043F3917E035E)
5 Key Economic Trends for Philadelphia
City Budget and Tax Policy
The Health of Local Businesses
Have questions about Pew’s research on Philadelphia’s fiscal future? Contact us at [email protected].
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![Philadelphia Skyline](/-/media/post-launch-images/2021/10/philadelphia-skyline.png?la=de&h=346&w=615&hash=20B323B2C3ECFE2E08B66017FECE6A59)
![Philadelphia Skyline](/-/media/post-launch-images/2021/10/philadelphia-skyline_1x1.png?la=de&h=615&w=615&hash=00B2E5F120BC8E1C62E44B944DE61622)