Philadelphia City Council in 2026year in progress
Council Concludes Record-Low Year with Mostly Unanimous Votes
The year in summary
Philadelphia City Council saw a notable decrease in legislative activity in 2026, introducing 167 bills, a 135-bill drop from the previous year. The most pressing issues of the year were zoning, infrastructure, transportation, planning, and government, reflecting a shift in focus from the previous year. Development, public safety, and land use saw increases, while zoning, planning, housing, and business issues declined. The median days from introduction to becoming law was 42, with 99% of bills that reached a final vote becoming law. Notably, all roll-call votes were unanimous, with no bills drawing a Nay vote.
Despite the relatively quiet year, key legislation was passed, including bills addressing police accountability, immigration rights, and budget planning. The proposed $4 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2027 and the six-year capital program for 2027-2032 were also approved. These developments showcase the council's focus on transparency, public safety, and infrastructure development.
AI-generated analysis grounded in 167 bills from official Philadelphia City Council records.
What council worked on in 2026
Rising vs 2025: development (+11), public safety (+10), land use (+6), land use planning (+5). Declining: zoning (-62), planning (-58), housing (-46), business (-44).
Highest-impact bills of 2026
Philadelphia City Council unveiled its proposed $4 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2027, outlining how tax dollars will be spent across city departments. The operating budget would allocate funds to various initiatives, pending council approval.
A proposed law would prevent police from enforcing federal immigration laws within city limits, sparking debate over public safety and the rights of undocumented immigrants living in Philly's neighborhoods.
Philadelphia police are now required to visibly display their badges and official IDs at all times while on duty, a move aimed at transparency and accountability.
City workers would no longer partner with companies like ICE, under a new proposal aimed at severing ties with contractors who aid in immigration enforcement. Thousands of Philadelphians could be shielded from potential deportation risks.
Philadelphia City Council has approved a six-year capital program for 2027-2032, with estimated costs totaling $22.1 billion to fund various city infrastructure and development projects.
Most active sponsors in 2026
- Council President Johnson37 bills
- Councilmember Squilla16 bills
- Councilmember Young15 bills
- Council President Johnson, Councilmember Gilmore Richardson15 bills
- Councilmember Jones11 bills