Jim Kenney is a life-long resident of South Philadelphia. He is a 1976 graduate of St. Joseph’s Preparatory School and a 1980 graduate of LaSalle University. First elected to the Philadelphia City Council in 1991, Jim is currently serving his fifth term in office as a Democratic Councilman-at-Large.

Since taking office in January 1992, Councilman Kenney has built a well-deserved reputation for offering a commonsense approach and a willingness to tackle the tough problems confronting the City of Philadelphia.

Currently, Councilman Kenney is focusing his efforts on making Philadelphia a more sustainable, accountable and vibrant city. He has sponsored numerous environmental initiatives, including successful incentives for green roofs and plug-in vehicles, and a mandate for cool roofs to be installed on new residential and commercial buildings. He has also championed construction regulations to improve tower crane safety – the first of its kind in any major US city - and enhance public safety with a facade inspection ordinance. In addition, Jim remains committed to promoting accessible and transparent government by campaigning for the creation and expansion of the City's 311 call center. Furthermore, Jim remains focused on improving the quality-of-life for residents and businesses. He has sponsored legislation to further regulate towing from private property to protect drivers from illegal tows and towing practices and the nation's first tax incentive to attract socially and environmentally responsible businesses to Philadelphia.

In addition to Jim’s policy work, his office is effective at assisting constituents, businesses, and community groups with questions, concerns and problems.

As a Councilman-at-Large, Jim presently serves as Chairman of the Legislative Oversight Committee and the Committee of the Environment. He is Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Rules, Committee on Law & Government and the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. He is also a member of the Whole, Finance, Fiscal Stability, Technology, Public Health & Human Services, Labor & Civil Service, Public Safety, and Ethics Committees.

Jim is involved with a number of civic organizations and presently serves on the following boards: Independence Blue Cross; Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians; Abraham Lincoln Foundation; Archdiocese of Philadelphia Cardinal's Cabinet; Community College of Philadelphia; Friends of FDR Park; East Passyunk BID; Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation; Historic Philadelphia; John Redmond Memorial Fund; O.V. Catto Memorial Fund; Mayor's Office of Community Service; Mural Arts Advisory Board; Office of Sustainability Advisory Board, and the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership Board. He also teaches a weekly class at the Fels Center of Government at the University of Pennsylvania, educating students on local politics.