Philly Unpacked: How Would You Fund the City’s Budget?

Philadelphia’s city budget shapes nearly every aspect of life in our city — from public schools and libraries to housing, sanitation, parks, and public safety. In this episode of Philly Unpacked, host Jordana Rubenstein breaks down how Philadelphia’s budget process works, what priorities are reflected in the city’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget, and why budget decisions matter for people and neighborhoods across the city.

Jordana is joined by former City Comptroller’s Office budget analyst and Philadelphia Citizen contributor Nick Hand, who explains how the budget is developed, debated, and ultimately approved. She also speaks with Kimmy Cook, a Campaign Organizer with the Alliance for a Just Philadelphia, about how community organizations and residents are advocating for a budget that invests in housing, public services, worker protections, and historically de-prioritized communities. Plus, hear from Phoebe Bachman, the People’s Budget Office Facilitating Artist/Program Manager, and Philly residents about how public dollars should be spent and what changes they want to see in their neighborhoods.

From City Hall hearings to grassroots organizing and community-led budget education efforts, this episode explores how public budgets reflect – or don’t reflect – our collective priorities and how Philadelphians can play a role in shaping them.

If you want to see other episodes of “Philly Unpacked” go to their YouTube Playlist.