Philly city councilman targets ‘mega nonprofits’

A Philadelphia City Councilman is trying to convince nonprofits to give payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTS).  

Councilman Wilson Goode says he wants to revive an idea started in the Rendell administration, voluntary contributions or PILOTs from what he calls “mega nonprofits” to help with the city’s financially-troubled schools.

“The thought is 10 percent of our real estate is tax exempt, but some of that is owned by mega nonprofits that can contribute more,” Goode said.

He says nonprofits need to be factored into the equation since the city is considering another property tax hike.

“So it’s an appropriate policy issue to bring up as we discuss a property tax increase, I don’t think all the burden should be on homeowners.”

The councilman expects PILOTS to be a hot topic of conversation at the next session of council.

They would have to be voluntary, but Goode hinted that some nonprofits that conduct money-making ventures on their land could be required to prove they still deserve a property tax break.