Last month, when it became apparent to those in Philadelphia government that fighting the coronavirus pandemic was going to be costly, the Mayor’s Office released a newly proposed budget, outlining cuts to be made to help make up the nearly $650 million hole in the five-year proposed plan.

That proposed budget included cuts across some departments, as well as a hiring freeze for City employees, laying off seasonal workers as of June 1 and pay cuts for those making above $35,000. That budget does not plan to make personnel cuts to public safety or health departments, but notably for Philly’s biz economy, the plan includes cuts to the Office of Workforce Development, which is housed in the Department of Commerce.

During budget hearings Tuesday, Acting Director Sylvie Gallier Howard said the department is potentially looking at a 30% decrease in staff — about 18 positions — with the current proposed budget.

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