Philadelphia City Council in 2015
City Council Brings Home Record Number of Bills in 2015
The year in summary
Philadelphia City Council ended 2015 with a bang, introducing 335 bills and passing an unprecedented number into law. With a median of just 42 days from introduction to becoming law, the council's efficiency has improved significantly. Zoning and planning dominated the agenda, with infrastructure and transportation also gaining traction. In fact, issues like infrastructure and environment saw significant increases in attention compared to the previous year. On the other hand, public health, land-use, and economic development seemed to fall out of favor. Despite some contentious votes, most bills that made it to a final vote were signed into law, with no vetoes recorded. The council's ability to work together on pressing issues was evident in several high-impact bills, including the adoption of a record-breaking $2.7 billion capital budget plan and a six-year roadmap for major infrastructure projects.
The year also saw some tense votes as Councilmembers debated taxes, school property values, and parking rates. While some dissenting voices emerged, most measures ultimately passed with significant margins.
AI-generated analysis grounded in 335 bills from official Philadelphia City Council records.
What council worked on in 2015
Rising vs 2014: infrastructure (+24), environment (+23), parking (+22), transportation (+22). Declining: public health (-13), land use (-13), economic development (-10), business (-8).
Highest-impact bills of 2015
Philadelphia's homeless population will be impacted by a proposed plan to close two shelters on North Broad Street, citing rising costs and declining occupancy. The move would leave around 100 residents without immediate housing options.
Taxpayers will foot the bill for a new police headquarters in West Philly, part of a $2.7 billion budget plan approved by City Council today that includes upgrades to city buildings and transportation systems.
Philadelphia's Small Business Owners Face Stiff New Regulations on Parking Lot Seating Amid Ongoing Health Code Debate The proposed ordinance would require all eateries with outdoor seating to provide at least 10 square feet per customer in crowded neighborhoods like Fishtown and Northern Liberties.
Philadelphia City Council votes to ban tobacco sales at healthcare facilities, including pharmacies. Health clinics will no longer be able to sell cigarettes or e-cigarettes.
Philadelphia retailers could soon face a new fee: a 5-cent charge on single-use plastic bags provided at checkout for food and other purchases. Consumers will pay the extra cost in an effort to reduce waste and promote reusable bags.
Most contested votes of 2015top 5 of 9
Most council roll calls are unanimous — these are the bills that split the chamber.
Most active sponsors in 2015
- Councilmember Squilla63 bills
- Council President Clarke55 bills
- Councilmember Jones33 bills
- Councilmember Johnson33 bills
- Councilmember Quiñones Sánchez20 bills