Philadelphia City Council in 2011
Council Cracks Down on Parking, Infrastructure in 2011
The year in summary
Philadelphia City Council was busy in 2011, introducing a record 347 bills and passing 271 into law. Zoning dominated the agenda with 92 bills, followed closely by infrastructure (72), parking (69), and planning (69). In comparison to the previous year, parking and transportation issues gained momentum (+56 and +34 respectively), while housing, civil-service, finance, and elections declined (-13, -10, -7, and -5). Contested votes reveal divisions on taxes and development. Councilmember DiCicco led with 69 bills introduced, followed by Clarke (51) and Verna (42). The median days from introduction to becoming law was 35.
A few high-impact bills stand out: a massive $3.01 billion capital budget plan, a six-year infrastructure plan, and protections against discrimination in the workplace and public spaces were all signed into law.
AI-generated analysis grounded in 347 bills from official Philadelphia City Council records.
What council worked on in 2011
Rising vs 2010: parking (+56), transportation (+34), traffic (+29), government (+25). Declining: housing (-13), civil service (-10), finance (-7), elections (-5).
Highest-impact bills of 2011
City residents could see upgraded streets, safer parks, and expanded public transportation under a massive new budget unveiled by Council, which sets aside billions for upgrades to crumbling infrastructure. Low-income Philadelphians face higher water bills as proposed rate hikes are set to kick in next month under a plan pushed by city officials.
Philadelphia Residents Face Steep Rents Hike as City Council Votes on Major Zoning Overhaul; Developers and Homeowners React with Frustration and Hope.
Philly Workers Could Face Steep Fines if Employers Fail to Accommodate Employees with Disabilities Under Revised Anti-Discrimination Bill; City Council Hopes to Boost Protection for Vulnerable Communities.
Philadelphia Residents Face New Fees on Parking Meters and Recycables Collection as City Council Approves Budget Amendments to Plug Deficit. Homeowners in Philadelphia's Most Affluent Neighborhoods May See Property Taxes Increase After City Council Votes to Adjust Local Tax Rates.
Families who rely on Northeast Philly's Holmesburg Park for soccer leagues will have more say in its future under a proposed law requiring citywide votes on major changes to community parks. The plan aims to shield these green spaces from development by outsiders.
Most contested votes of 2011top 5 of 13
Most council roll calls are unanimous — these are the bills that split the chamber.
Most active sponsors in 2011
- Councilmember DiCicco69 bills
- Councilmember Clarke51 bills
- Council President Verna42 bills
- Councilmember Tasco40 bills
- Councilmember Krajewski24 bills