Governance


When the Economy League was established in 1909, its first endeavor was the promotion of better government through independent research. Today, we continue that tradition as well as bring together business, civic and nonprofit, and public interests for their ideas and experience to inform operations of all levels of government -- from boro managers to the Capital.

  • Measuring What Matters
    February 28, 2007
    Type: Article
  • Roadmap to the Philadelphia Budget Process
    February 21, 2007

    More than a simple listing of the money collected by the City and how it will be spent, Philadelphia’s budget catalogs the City’s policy decisions and provides the legal authority and financial resources to implement those decisions. Without a budget agreed upon by the Mayor and City Council, the City cannot spend money. This Roadmap identifies the sources of revenue and expenditure, key participants, and a glossary and outlines budget process timeline. ...more

    Type: Article
  • It’s A Crime How We Budget To Address The Murder Rate In Philadelphia
    February 13, 2007
    Type: Article
  • City Budget Moves: The Rules Of The Game; The Power Of The Players
    May 10, 2006
    Type: Article
  • Is Regionalism Dead?
    December 1, 2004

    Is there any topic that’s been the subject of more civic “beer talk” than “regionalism”? Probably not. ...more

    Type: Publication
  • Montgomery Township Fiscal Analysis: Making Decisions in a Climate of Change
    November 1, 1996

    Montgomery Township engaged the Pennsylvania Economy League--Eastern Division (PEL) to perform a fiscal analysis of revenues and expenditures in the Township. Of primary importance was the need to examine the relationship between taxes paid and services received. ...more

    Type: Publication
  • Small Cities, Big Taxes: Business Taxation and the Competitiveness of Pennsylvania Cities
    November 1, 1992

    Pennsylvania state tax structure places heavy burdens on industry. The state corporate income tax as well as the state's approach to taxing financial institutions and public utilities together impose on many industrial sectors a higher tax burden than in other nearby, large states that compete with Pennsylvania for economic development. ...more

    Type: Publication
  • History and Features of Philadelphia Government
    January 1, 1992

    Philadelphia's city government has a long history, dating back to the late 17th century. Since its incorporation in 1684, the City of Philadelphia has had many charters continue in operation. This report supplies a brief history of the city government's charters, summarizes the main features of the current charter and its educational supplement, and briefly describes city-county consolidation, judicial government, and authorities serving Philadelphia. ...more

    Type: Publication
  • Contracting Out Services in Philadelphia
    November 1, 1990

    Proponents of privatization of public sector services see it as a panacea for solving the financial woes facing local governments, while critics see privatization as a false illusion, promising much and delivering little. This Pennsylvania Economy League report on contracting out in Philadelphia should be a useful tool for the City, given the current environment of severe fiscal problems which is forcing it to choose from a variety of difficult choices. ...more

    Type: Publication
  • Initiative launched to tout the region (Bucks County Courier Times)
    November 1, 2010
    Type: News