FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 21, 2026

PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia City Controller Christy Brady today released the January 2026 Municipal Money Matters, the office’s monthly economic report, that found a 600% increase in unsafe building violations over 2020. 

Last year, the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issued 893 unsafe building violations across the city. This is compared to 126 violations issued five years prior. July 2025 recorded 111 unsafe building violations alone, nearly matching the total number issued in all of 2020. 

“The rise in unsafe building violations underscores the urgent need for sustained investment and oversight by L&I,” said Controller Brady. “Continued monitoring, accountability, and targeted interventions are essential to keeping these trends on track and ensuring stability across our communities.” 

The report also analyzed fire incident data recorded during the same period. Since 2020, Philadelphia has recorded more than 310,000 fires, averaging roughly 141 per day. More than 90% of these incidents are classified as non‑structural, such as rubbish fires, chimney fires, or outdoor fires. While total fire incidents have increased by 17% over the past six years, structural fires have declined by 26% during the same period. 

In addition, the Controller’s analysis of Philadelphia Police Department data shows a 6.5% decrease in non‑violent property crime between 2024 and 2025. Other findings included: 

• Retail theft, the largest category of non‑violent crime, declined by more than 10%. 

• General theft also declined, dropping from 14,687 to 14,019 incidents, while thefts from auto saw an even sharper decrease, falling by more than 11%. 

• In total, the city recorded 4,393 fewer property crime incidents in 2025 than in the previous year.  

• Auto theft was the only major category to rise slightly, increasing from 15,833 to 15,989 incidents. 
  

Controller Brady added, “Our city is seeing meaningful progress in reducing non‑violent property crime. While we still have work ahead, particularly on auto theft, the overall decline reflects a safer city for residents and businesses.” 

The Controller also notes continued improvements in violent crime. Total violent crime fell by 7.4% percent from 2024 to 2025, and firearm‑related violent crime declined by 15%. Shooting incidents reached a ten‑year low in 2025, continuing a multi‑year downward trend. Residents can find an interactive map on the Controller’s website, which tracks gun violence statistics.

Visit https://controller.phila.gov/ to view the City Controller’s January 2026 Municipal Money Matters. 

###