In March, Mayor Parker released her second proposed City Operating and Capital Budgets, generating notable interest among local advocacy groups focused on improving transportation safety and mobility in Philadelphia.
We meticulously reviewed the budget with a particular focus on Vision Zero funding and attended the April 2nd Streets and Services budget hearing to gain further insights.
Last year’s budget surprised many with a cut to the City’s Vision Zero budget, while introducing a new budget line for speed cushions and maintaining consistent paving funds reminiscent of the strategies implemented during Mayor Kenney’s last term.
Big Picture Takeaway: We are encouraged by Mayor Parker’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026!
The main budget line for Vision Zero has increased dramatically from $1 million to $3.5 million, and an additional $1.5 million in Vision Zero funding appears under separate budget lines.
Moreover, the Vision Zero budget also includes $5 million secured from another funding source to support the construction of concrete protected bike lanes on Spruce and Pine Streets.
These funding increments align with the amounts we collectively advocated for alongside Philly Bike Action, 5th Square, and countless community members.
Now is the time to rally support and ensure City Council retains these vital funds throughout budget negotiations.
We are actively seeking community participation to testify during public testimony sessions scheduled for May 13th and 14th.
City Council has announced four separate opportunities for the public to weigh in on the proposed FY26 budget:
May 13th:
10:00 am-12:30 pm
1:30 pm-4:00 pm
May 14th:
10:00 am-12:30 pm
1:30 pm-4:00 pm
To stay informed and join the conversation, sign up to get more information.
For those eager to explore the intricate details, we will dissect the Vision Zero, paving, transit, and other pertinent budget lines.
What’s new this year?
Vision Zero budget lines 71.1 and 71.2 indicate a total investment of $5 million is allocated each year from City funds, reaffirming the City’s commitment to traffic safety.
This year’s proposed budget has restored funding for Vision Zero, with the Traffic Control line (71.1 CN Source) now receiving $3.5 million compared to only $1 million in FY25 and $2.5 million in FY24.
The Speed Cushion budget line has been rebranded as Vision Zero (71.2 CN Source), reflecting an increase to $1.5 million from $1.25 million in FY25.
Within line 71.1, $5 million of operating revenue is appropriated to the Capital budget from the Operating budget (CR), indicating a strategic allocation for infrastructure improvements.
In a surprising move, the Resurfacing and Reconstruction line 65.1 experienced a notable jump from $30 million to $50 million, suggesting an increased emphasis on maintaining and upgrading city roadways.
A new budget line for multimodal trail maintenance (70.1) has been established; while it lacks funding for this fiscal year, it promises future financial support for state and federally funded trail projects beginning in FY27.
This addition aims to mitigate potential delays caused by unforeseen costs, especially relevant given the current federal funding climate.
However, the proposed budget does not include the Zero Fare program.
Initially implemented as a two-year pilot initiative by Mayor Kenney, this program provided vital transit services for thousands of Philadelphians reliant on SEPTA.
After considerable advocacy from Council Member O’Rourke, the program has successfully been reintegrated into the proposed budget.
As we prepare for budget negotiations, the Livable Communities Coalition has outlined specific requests reflecting community needs:
From the Managing Director’s Operating (MDO) Budget, we request:
$250,000 for Vision Zero Planning and Design within the MDO budget for the Office of Multimodal Planning.
Additionally, $500,000 is needed to hire a Sidewalks Coordinator, facilitating a sidewalk master plan and establishing a sidewalk repair funding strategy, as recommended by a 2018 Sidewalk Policy Transportation Community Development Initiative (TCDI) to the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems.
Moreover, we urge the restoration of $30 million for the Zero Fare low-income fare program previously piloted in FY24 and FY25.
Within the Streets Department Capital Budget, the coalition supports Mayor Parker’s proposed increase of the general Vision Zero budget to $3.5 million in line item 71.1 (Traffic Control), which is designated for Vision Zero capital projects.
Support extends to increasing the Vision Zero speed cushion budget to $1.5 million in line item 71.2 for traffic control programs.
The coalition is also in favor of Mayor Parker’s proposal for $5 million in operational funds allocated specifically for the construction of concrete protected bike lanes on Spruce and Pine streets.
Additionally, $1 million in CN Funds from Line 64.1 for the Reconstruction/Resurfacing of Streets should be designated for Vision Zero Maintenance to cover necessary supplies, including flex posts, quick-curbs, line stripping, and other traffic-calming devices that will be installed by the Vision Zero Maintenance Crew.
Furthermore, the coalition advocates for an increase of $1 million for Transit Improvements in line item 71.4 for Signal Synchronization to enhance transit accessibility on the City’s five high-priority corridors.
Lastly, we recommend designating $500,000 for Multimodal Trails and Sidepaths in line item 70.1 to rehabilitate existing trails and sidepaths, aiding in the construction of a safer transportation network aimed at reducing injuries and fatalities on roadways.
In the realm of transit, the coalition supports Mayor Parker’s proposed increase in the operating subsidy from $133 million to $135 million, which serves as a baseline for closing the SEPTA operating deficit.
Additionally, the coalition backs the proposed rise in the capital budget from $7.4 million to $8.9 million to alleviate the state-of-good-repair deficit and enhance systemic accessibility.
What we gleaned during the Transportation Budget hearing on April 2nd is promising:
Plans are underway to establish a line striping crew composed of over 830 staff to ensure timely road maintenance.
Thus far, the Streets Department has successfully paved 50 miles and is on track to complete 100 miles by the end of the year, marking the first time the city achieves this milestone since 2004.
In addition, 108 speed cushions have already been installed around schools, with another 185 set for design in the near future.
Overall, we are optimistic about Mayor Parker’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026, as it incorporates many key requests from the Better Mobility Platform.
As we approach negotiations, we hope that City Council will prioritize funding crucial initiatives, including reinstating the Zero Fare pilot and the Multimodal Trail line for FY26, while also ensuring that investments in Vision Zero and paving remain intact.
Sign up to make your voice heard during this year’s public comment sessions scheduled for May 13th and 14th.
image source from：https://bicyclecoalition.org/mayor-parkers-proposed-budget-for-fy2026-looks-good-for-vision-zero/
