What Will Tax Reform Look Like In Philadelphia?

Philadelphia recently reconvened the Tax Reform Commission to review the city’s current tax policies. The last time the city attempted to formally analyze and recommend changes for how individuals and businesses are taxed was in 2003, when the city budget was $3.3 billion; today, the budget is over $6 billion.

Philadelphia is not the only city engaged in reform efforts. Other cities are currently assessing their tax structures as they adjust to a changing economic landscape. What challenges do these cities share, and how do they differ? How might Philadelphia learn from their experiences?

The participants:

• Matt Stitt, Co-Chair, the Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission
• Moderator: Lee Huang, Principal, Econsult Solutions
• Christopher Berry, Professor, University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy
• Ashley Groffenberger, Chief Financial Officer, Collector-Treasurer, City of Boston
• Ben Rosenfield, former Controller, City and County of San Francisco