Philadelphia City Council in 2025
Council's Busy Year: 302 Bills, 248 Signed into Law
The year in summary
Philadelphia City Council introduced a record-breaking 302 bills in 2025, with 248 making it to the mayor's desk and becoming law. The median days from introduction to becoming law was 42, with some major initiatives passing quickly like the Setting City Budget for Next Year bill that will see residents face a 4% tax increase. While zoning remained a top issue area at 125 bills, housing saw significant growth with a +21 increase from last year, alongside planning and infrastructure. Contested votes on issues like plastic bag fees and the Philly Development Tax reveal divisions among council members, with some consistently voting Nay on certain measures.
AI-generated analysis grounded in 302 bills from official Philadelphia City Council records.
What council worked on in 2025
Rising vs 2024: housing (+21), zoning (+20), planning (+18), infrastructure (+16). Declining: parking (-37), public safety (-16), transportation (-10), traffic (-10).
Highest-impact bills of 2025
Philadelphia residents will face a 4% tax increase under a new city budget plan passed by City Council, with homeowners and renters alike feeling the pinch from rising property taxes. The budget also allocates millions for affordable housing initiatives.
Philadelphia City Council passes bill to shield thousands of local workers from wage theft and retaliation practices, updating laws to require written contracts and add protections for domestic workers.
Philadelphia is buying up 12 acres of prime waterfront real estate, clearing the way for a new hub of businesses and jobs that could bring in millions of dollars in investment and revitalize the city's industrial landscape.
Automated speed cameras will be deployed in school zones across Philadelphia to improve road safety and reduce speeding, a move aimed at protecting students and teachers.
Philly residents can expect a major face-lift as city council votes to pour $1 billion into renovating crumbling buildings, upgrading parks, and launching new community programs. Local business owners hope the investment will attract more customers downtown.
Most contested votes of 2025top 5 of 18
Most council roll calls are unanimous — these are the bills that split the chamber.
Most active sponsors in 2025
- Council President Johnson66 bills
- Councilmember Squilla42 bills
- Councilmember Young34 bills
- Councilmember Gauthier28 bills
- Councilmember Jones24 bills