Philadelphia City Council launches Your City Your Budget town hall series for community input

Under the soft glow of city hall lights, Philadelphia's City Council gathered for the "Your City, Your Budget" town hall meeting, a platform designed to bridge the gap between local government and the community. On April 1, 2025, council members welcomed residents to voice their concerns and recommendations as the city prepares for the fiscal 2026 budget negotiations.

Council President Kenyatta Johnson opened the evening with gratitude, emphasizing the importance of listening to the community's needs. "This is our second year doing this," he noted, highlighting the council's commitment to engaging with residents outside the traditional confines of city hall. The goal was clear: to gather insights that would inform budget discussions and ensure that the voices of the community were heard in the decision-making process.

Joining him was Councilwoman Jamie Gaudier, who represents parts of West and Southwest Philadelphia. She echoed Johnson's sentiments, expressing pride in the collaborative effort to bring city council closer to the people. "This is all about bringing city council out of city hall and into our community," she stated, reinforcing the town hall's purpose as a space for open dialogue.

The meeting also featured several council members, including Nicholas O'Rourke, Nina Ahmad, Kessie Lazada, Jimmy Herrity, and Cindy Bass, who traveled from various districts to participate. Their presence underscored a unified commitment to addressing the diverse needs of Philadelphia's neighborhoods.

As the evening unfolded, residents were encouraged to share their thoughts, ensuring that their issues would be taken back to the council for consideration in the upcoming budget negotiations. This initiative not only aims to foster transparency but also to empower citizens by making them active participants in shaping their city's financial future.

With the final budget negotiations set for June, the town hall served as a crucial stepping stone in the city's budgeting process, reminding all in attendance that their voices matter in the governance of Philadelphia. As the council members listened intently, the atmosphere buzzed with hope and determination, setting the stage for a more inclusive approach to city budgeting.