Council's hearing on rising property assessments is Nov. 9, nine months after it was approved

City Council's Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless will hold a hearing Monday, Nov. 9, at 1 p.m. on the Office of Property Assessment, its methods, the appeals process, and what rising assessments and property taxes mean for residents (meeting page).

Timing matters for homeowners. The city reassessed more than 580,000 properties for tax year 2027, and the Department of Revenue starts mailing 2027 real estate tax bills on Dec. 1, according to a city announcement. The new values take effect Jan. 1. The deadline for a formal appeal to the Board of Revision of Taxes was Oct. 5, so the hearing comes after most owners' chance to challenge their value has passed.

What our records add

The hearing waited 270 days. It was authorized by Resolution 260101, introduced by 7th District Councilmember Quetcy Lozada and adopted on Feb. 12, the day it was introduced. Its co-sponsors were Anthony Phillips, Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Kendra Brooks, Mark Squilla, Mike Driscoll and Nicolas O'Rourke. The Nov. 9 hearing is the first one scheduled under it.

It is the only item on the agenda. Our copy of the committee's agenda lists Resolution 260101 alone.

Housing oversight is stacking up. Council has also ordered Finance Committee hearings on the pace of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker's H.O.M.E. housing spending (Resolution 260934, our story). That one has no date yet.

What the city says about the new values

The city estimated the median-valued home would see its real estate tax change by about $97 in 2027, though it said actual changes will vary, according to the June announcement. City Controller Christy Brady is separately auditing the assessment and appeals system, the Philadelphia Tribune reported.

Relief deadlines that are still open

Per the city's announcement:

• Homestead Exemption: cuts $100,000 off the taxable value of an owner-occupied home and saves most owners $1,399 a year. Applications are due Dec. 1, 2026.
• Longtime Owner Occupants Program (LOOP): for owners of at least 10 years whose assessment rose at least 50% in a year or 75% over five years, with income limits. Due Sept. 30, 2027.
• Senior Citizen and Low-Income Tax Freeze: income-based. Due Sept. 30, 2027.
• Installment plans and payment agreements: the installment plan is due March 31, 2027, and owner-occupied payment agreements are open year-round.

What's next

• Nov. 9, 1 p.m.: Housing Committee hearing, Room 400, City Hall. Our meeting page will carry the video and transcript once posted.
• Dec. 1: 2027 tax bills begin mailing; Homestead applications due.
• A hearing resolution doesn't change taxes by itself. Any change to rates or relief programs would need separate legislation.