Please see detailed information on Act 47 in the City of Harrisburg. Act 47 is a state oversight program for “financially distressed” cities in Pennsylvania.
Public comments are welcomed and encouraged on the current Act 47 Plan. Please leave a comment at the bottom of the page.
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What is Act 47?
Act 47 is a state oversight program for “financially distressed” cities in Pennsylvania. The state tries to help cities turn around their finances and operations. The name comes from the Municipalities Financial Recovery Act (Act 47 of 1987).
What’s the history of Act 47?
Harrisburg has been “financially distressed” for 7 years. The plan that the mayor and city council are currently considering will guide the city from 2018 to 2021.
Who prepares the plan on the state’s behalf?
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania — Department of Community and Economic Development — Governor’s Center for Local Government
What authority does the plan have?
The Act 47 plan acts as a set of recommendations. But, if the city ignores the recommendations, the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority can withhold all or part of the the city’s revenue.
What you should know about the current plan?
- Mayor Eric Papenfuse has asked the State Legislature to allow the City of Harrisburg to leave Act 47 oversight, but maintain its current taxing authority to ensure the City’s financial stability.
- The State Legislature did not include a provision to allow the City of Harrisburg to leave Act 47 with current taxing authority when it adopted its most recent budget in June 2018.
- The Legislature can still vote to allow the City of Harrisburg to leave Act 47 when it reconvenes in September 2018.
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