Update: Philadelphia Historical Commission “.00008% is Not Enough”
NO ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION

In May 2007, Philadelphia City Council adopted a budget for the 2007-2008 fiscal year that did not include any additional funding for the Philadelphia Historical Commission. This was a setback for the Preservation Alliance and a coalition of community organizations that had been advocating for additional funding since last fall.

With the assistance of members of the Alliance’s Historic Districts Council, testimony was presented at the April City Council hearings on both the need for additional funding and the extent to which historic preservation contributed to the economic development of the city. David Richards of the West Washington Square Historic District testified, focusing on the need for an increase in Commission staff to support neighborhoods that wish to become historic districts. John Gallery presented documentation prepared by the Alliance showing that there had been approximately $2 billion in investment in Philadelphia through historic preservation over the past eight years. (John’s testimony is available on the Alliance’s website.) In addition, the Alliance produced an advocacy postcard with the slogan: “.00008% in Not Enough” - .00008% being the Commission’s percentage of the total city budget. At least 800 cards were mailed to City Council President Verna.

Nonetheless, when the final budget came before City Council for adoption no increase in the Historical Commission’s budget was included. This points to the need for a greater advocacy effort with City Council members and the next mayor to build a stronger case for adequate funding for the Historical Commission.

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