Philadelphia City Council in 2014
Council's Busy Year Sees Zoning, Planning Dominate
The year in summary
Philadelphia City Council introduced 333 bills in 2014, with a significant focus on zoning (113), planning (71), and land-use (69). These issue areas saw notable increases compared to the prior year: land-use (+36), zoning (+14), and planning (+14). In contrast, transportation (-31), parking (-20), finance (-13), and business (-12) saw declines. The median days from introduction to becoming law was 42, with 100% of bills that reached a final vote being signed into law. Contested votes highlighted concerns around specific issues: expanding digital displays (Bill 140906-A), decriminalizing marijuana possession (Bill 140377-A), and implementing paid leave options (Bill 141026). These debates suggest ongoing tensions between Council's priorities and community needs.
The year also saw significant legislation, including the adoption of a $3 billion budget (Bill 140146-A) and a new sales tax (Bill 140489). While these changes may have far-reaching impacts, they were largely uncontested. The Council President led with an impressive 71 bill introductions, followed by Councilmembers Squilla and Johnson.
AI-generated analysis grounded in 333 bills from official Philadelphia City Council records.
What council worked on in 2014
Rising vs 2013: land use (+36), zoning (+14), planning (+14), housing (+9). Declining: transportation (-31), parking (-20), finance (-13), business (-12).
Highest-impact bills of 2014
Philadelphia Residents Face Higher Property Taxes to Fund New Streetlight Upgrades and Public Safety Initiatives as City Council Votes to Increase Budget Allocation by $12 Million. The tax hike affects an estimated 300,000 homeowners citywide.
Low-Income Residents Face Increased Rent Burden as City Council Approves Bill Eliminating 50-Year-Old Rent Control Exemption for New Construction Projects. The new law will affect over 1,000 apartments built after 1967, causing rent hikes for thousands of vulnerable tenants in gentrifying neighborhoods.
A proposed overhaul of the 4900 block of Market Street could bring a 24/7 convenience store to the heart of Fishtown, but some residents are pushing back against the change. The new store would be open seven days a week and sell everything from groceries to lottery tickets.
Philadelphia shoppers will soon be slapping on an extra buck for every $100 spent as city leaders vote to impose a new 1% sales tax starting next month to bolster funding for local schools and city services.
Small business owners in Fishtown are bracing for the costs of a new city law requiring paid time off for employees caring for loved ones, while supporters hail it as a long-overdue benefit.
Most contested votes of 2014top 5 of 14
Most council roll calls are unanimous — these are the bills that split the chamber.
Most active sponsors in 2014
- Council President Clarke71 bills
- Councilmember Squilla44 bills
- Councilmember Johnson28 bills
- Councilmember Blackwell27 bills
- Councilmember Quiñones Sánchez22 bills