Brian J. O'Neill (born December 23, 1949) is a Republican Councilman representing the Tenth District on the City Council of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has served since 1980.

Biography

Early life

Brian J. O’Neill was born in Philadelphia, the son of a city police officer. He attended Saint Joseph's University graduating in 1971, and the Widener University School of Law, graduating there in 1975. Prior to his election to the city council, O’Neill worked as a Juvenile Probation Officer, as a Law Clerk in the Court of Common Pleas, and also operated a private attorney practice.

Political career

O'Neill was first elected to Council in 1979, when he defeated incumbent Councilman Mel Greenberg on a campaign built on Greenberg's perceived apathy for the position. Additionally, he has served as the President of the National League of Cities. He introduced the Philadelphia blunt ban in May 2006, which was adopted and signed by the mayor. He is a former city Council's Minority Leader. As of 2024, he is the only current Republican council member in Philadelphia.