Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration has reported spending $59 million on winter storm response efforts after more than 9 inches of snow and ice blanketed Philadelphia on January 25, 2026. The storm, which coincided with historically cold temperatures, required extensive resources to address its impact on the city.
The $59 million expenditure far exceeds the city’s $4.1 million snow removal budget, which was based on average costs from previous years. To cover the additional expenses, the city plans to allocate $50 million from its general fund, reducing the fiscal year’s surplus to an estimated $509 million—still above projections in the city’s five-year financial plan.
The funds were used to enhance manpower, hire snow removal contractors, purchase 15,000 tons of salt, and improve coordination across municipal departments. City-operated warming centers remained open for 26 consecutive days, serving nearly 39,000 people, with 4,400 individuals staying overnight at designated recreation centers. Outreach workers also conducted over 5,600 contacts with unsheltered individuals to provide assistance during the dangerous cold…