Your City Council is voting on bills right now.
Do you know what's in them?
Every bill. Plain English. 17 perspectives — from labor to business, progressives to conservatives — so you can follow along and make up your own mind.
“Liberty cannot be preserved without general knowledge among the people.”
— John Adams
One bill. 17 perspectives. You decide.
We don't tell you what to think. We show you how different communities — progressive activists, small business owners, urban planners, even conspiracy theorists — actually see the same legislation. Then you make up your own mind.
How it works
Every bill, every day
17 takes, zero spin
+ 12 more perspectives
You decide, then act
Vote your position, save bills you care about, and contact your council member directly — all in one place.
What makes it different
Plain English
Legal titles like "An Ordinance amending Chapter 9-1100…" become "Zoning change near the Navy Yard." No law degree required.
17 Perspectives
Every bill gets viewpoints from 17 distinct lenses — progressive, conservative, working class, business owner, urban planner, and more. You decide what to think.
Your Council Members
Full profiles for all 17 council members — voting record, sponsored bills, district map, and direct contact info so you can make your voice heard.
Built for Philadelphians, by Philadelphians
City Council passes hundreds of bills every year — zoning changes that reshape your block in East Kensington, tax breaks that shift the burden onto renters in West Philly, public safety measures that affect every neighborhood from Roxborough to Point Breeze. Most residents never find out until it's already law.
Open Common Ground is a free, independent civic tool with no ads, no corporate backing, and no political agenda. We just want Philly residents to know what their council is doing.