Philadelphia City Council in 2004
Council Dominates with Zoning and Planning in '04
The year in summary
Philadelphia City Council was dominated by planning, zoning, infrastructure, business, finance, housing, civil-service, transportation, and government issues in 2004. Compared to the prior year, business and government issues rose significantly, while housing, land-use, public-health, and zoning issues saw declines.
Contested votes reveal a divide among council members, with several high-profile bills passing by thin margins or receiving widespread dissenting votes. For example, Bill 040767 slashing business privilege tax rates passed 9-8, and Bill 041071 transferring the TV franchise from Urban Cable Works to Time Warner Cable was opposed by Council President Verna and four other council members. Despite controversy, a remarkable 99% of bills that reached a final vote became law.
AI-generated analysis grounded in 355 bills from official Philadelphia City Council records.
What council worked on in 2004
Rising vs 2003: business (+21), civil service (+15), transportation (+15), government (+13). Declining: housing (-10), land use (-7), public health (-6), zoning (-5).
Highest-impact bills of 2004
City Council approves $3.345 billion operating budget for Fiscal Year 2005, allocating funds to various city offices and departments from the General Fund.
Philadelphia Homeowners Face 10% Annual Tax Hike Under New City Council Proposal A proposed tax increase would raise property taxes on Philly homeowners by up to $1,000 annually, with seniors, low-income residents, and veterans exempt from the hike.
Philadelphia Residents Urged to Hand Over "Bump Stocks" as City Council Votes to Ban Devices That Allow Semi-Autos to Fire Like Machine Guns. Local gun owners have until December 31st to comply with new regulations, or face stiff penalties.
A record-breaking $3 billion operating budget is now set to govern Philadelphia's spending in Fiscal Year 2005, with City Council voting to allocate massive sums to police, schools, and social services despite lingering concerns over deficits and inefficiencies.
City Hall's Budget Boondoggle: A $1 Million Per Day Price Tag; Proposed Spending Plan Would Commit Over $24 Million in Annual Interest Payments Alone on City Debts.
Most contested votes of 2004top 5 of 34
Most council roll calls are unanimous — these are the bills that split the chamber.
Most active sponsors in 2004
- Councilmember DiCicco68 bills
- Councilmember Clarke55 bills
- Councilmember Blackwell50 bills
- Councilmember Nutter48 bills
- Councilmember Krajewski32 bills