A life-long resident of Northeast Philadelphia, Councilmember Bobby Henon proudly represents his neighbors in Philadelphia’s 6th Councilmanic District, which includes the communities of Tacony, Mayfair, Holmesburg, Lexington Park, Holme Circle, Ashton, Bridesburg, Wissinoming, Port Richmond, East Torresdale, Castor Gardens, Oxford Circle, Rhawnhurst, Bells Corner, Winchester Park, Academy Gardens, Pennypack and Frankford.
Councilmember Henon was elected to City Council in 2011 and re-elected to his third term in 2019. He served as Majority Leader in his second term after a unanimous vote electing him to the position from 2016-2019.
Councilmember Henon continues to be a strong champion for quality of life issues, including jobs and opportunity, public health and public safety. These efforts include securing 30 new police officers for the 15th Police District and launching Philly Play, a childhood obesity reduction effort that encourages children to enjoy a healthy lifestyle through safe, fun play opportunities.
As co-chair of the Manufacturing Task Force, he worked with business, civic and education leaders to create and implement a plan to expand the manufacturing industry in Philadelphia. This effort also helped secure hundreds of new jobs in the 6th District with the expansion of Dietz & Watson in Tacony.
In his role as Chair of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works, he helped lead the City of Philadelphia’s negotiation and adoption of the Cable Franchise Renewal Agreement with Comcast, which will expand internet access and adoption opportunities for low-income Philadelphians and seniors, increase resources for public access channels and provide for the creation of a high-speed network that will connect hundreds of City entities, improving the way the City provides service to and for its citizens.
In his role as Chair of the Committee on Licenses and Inspections, Councilmember Henon has sponsored hearings regarding the Underground Economy to address unsafe practices and unlicensed contractors costing the City money in tax revenue and placing vulnerable workers in unsafe conditions.
Through his Bad Neighbor Initiative and the Problem Property Advisory Committee, he has worked to hold the worst of the worst property owners accountable and to address vacant lots and blight throughout the 6th District.
Additionally, Councilmember Henon passed legislation that strengthens regulations on bandit signs, streamlines the zoning notification process, tightens demolition and construction licensing, and allows residents to put trash out early. He also worked on the first comprehensive re-write of the property maintenance code in decades.
He supported city-wide efforts to make the property tax reassessment system fair and equitable and to provide property tax relief to all Philadelphians. As a result of these efforts, including the Homestead Exemption, approximately 90% of 6th District households saw a decrease in their property taxes.
Prior to serving on City Council, Bobby Henon worked as an electrician after completing the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98 college-accredited apprenticeship program. He worked his way up through the union, eventually becoming Local 98’s Political Director, a position which allowed him to help draft and lobby for legislation at every level of government on behalf of his fellow members.
Councilmember Henon resides in the East Torresdale neighborhood with his wife Jill and their two sons, Matt and Zack.