Publications
December 18, 2024
Baltimore nonprofit Waves received a $2 million grant from Baltimore’s Office of Information and Technology to deploy fiber-optic networks in low-income residential buildings, aiming to bridge the city’s digital divide through public-private partnerships.
December 16, 2024
The Adams administration has officially announced the formation of a 14-member commission to rewrite the City Charter in 2025, continuing its focus on expanding housing opportunities.
December 09, 2024
On December 5, 2024, the New York City Council approved with modifications the NYC Department of City Planning’s (DCP) City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, the third and final of Mayor Adams’ City of Yes initiatives.
December 04, 2024
After eight months of increasingly tense contract negotiations, the Chicago Teachers Union has now narrowed its number of demands to land a deal in the next month, the union and Chicago Public Schools officials said.
December 02, 2024
On Friday, November 15, the Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies New York team held an election debrief. Key insights from our team are below.
November 25, 2024
Last Wednesday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the appointment of Jessica Tisch as the new Commissioner of the New York City Police Department.
November 20, 2024
Detroit residents will have the option beginning in mid-2025 to make payments with the digital currency through a secure platform managed by PayPal.
November 18, 2024
Last Wednesday, the NYC Council convened a Stated meeting, where they passed and introduced multiple pieces of legislation.
November 18, 2024
Rose Christ and Katie Schwab, co-chairs of Cozen O’ Connor Public Strategies’ New York practice, have been named in City & State New York’s 2024 Power of Diversity: Women 100 list.
November 12, 2024
Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies’ New York Practice, co-chaired by Rose Christ and Katie Schwab, has been named a 2024 Top 50 State Lobbying Firm by City & State New York.
November 11, 2024
Mayor Adams has announced new appointments within the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Communications.
November 06, 2024
The Philadelphia City Council advanced legislation that would empower the City to sue landlords for alleged “price-fixing” of rental rates, particularly targeting the use of AI algorithms that may artificially inflate housing costs and negatively impact low-income tenants.
November 06, 2024
Yesterday, New Yorkers voted on one seat in the U.S. Senate, all 26 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, and all 213 seats of the state legislature, in addition to the presidential ticket, which is being widely reported in the press.
November 04, 2024
Mayor Eric Adams’ trial has been scheduled for April 21. Mayor Adams has been accused of corruption and bribery, and has pleaded not guilty.
October 28, 2024
Two new candidates have entered the field for NYC Mayor: Zohran Mamdani, New York State Assemblymember, and Jim Walden, New York attorney.
October 22, 2024
On October 21-22, 2024, the NYC Council Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises held two hearings to discuss the third of three City of Yes zoning initiatives, the "City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” proposal, aimed at addressing New York City’s housing crisis by updating zoning regulations.
October 21, 2024
Following the resignation of Phil Banks amid federal investigations into the Adams administration, Mayor Adams has announced the appointment of Chauncey Parker as the new Deputy Mayor for Public Safety.
October 14, 2024
Last Tuesday, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright resigned her position, making her the seventh senior official to leave the Adams administration in recent weeks. Wright’s resignation followed that of her husband David Banks, the Chancellor of NYC Schools, and her brother-in-law, Phil Banks, the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety.
October 09, 2024
L.A. Metro is considering implementing a weapons detections system being tested in Chicago that uses existing security cameras to scan the transit passengers plus artificial intelligence (AI) to identify a brandished weapon.
October 07, 2024
In a hearing last week, federal prosecutor Hagan Scotten said before a judge that additional charges are “possible” for Mayor Eric Adams and that it is “likely” that more defendants will be charged. In further comments, prosecutors accused the Mayor of witness tampering and provided background on the investigation. As he has several times before, the mayor asserted his innocence, and his lawyer, Alex Spiro, pressed the judge for a speedy trial date. The next hearing is tentatively scheduled for November 1st.
September 30, 2024
On Friday afternoon, Eric Adams pleaded not guilty to five felony counts, including bribery and fraud. Adams has been accused of receiving over $100K in illegal gifts and using his political status to help Turkey, along with orchestrating a “straw donor” scheme that allowed him to receive $10M in illegal matching funds for his campaign donations. Adams also updated a mayoral order, now detailing information if First Deputy Mayor (currently Sheena Wright) is unable to carry out their duties – passing them over to Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services (currently Anne Williams-Isom). Several members of the Adams have recently announced their departure, including Schools Chancellor David Banks and Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan. Please note that this story is still developing; if you have any questions, please reach out to the Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies team.
September 25, 2024
After months of contentious debate among city leaders, the City of Chicago ceased use of the gun detection technology ShotSpotter.
September 23, 2024
Last Monday, two former Chiefs of the New York Fire Department were arrested and accused of accepting tens of thousands of dollars in bribes for expediting the fire-safety approval process for building projects in the City. Brian Cordasco and Anthony Saccavino were in charge of FDNY’s Bureau of Fire Prevention until earlier this year, responsible for overseeing fire safety approvals of large building projects. The indictment accuses both Cordasco and Saccavino of soliciting and receiving bribes between 2021 and 2023, involving 30 different projects.
September 16, 2024
Over the weekend, NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and Mayor Adams’ Chief Counsel, Lisa Zornberg, resigned their positions. Caban resigned at the request of City Hall, shortly after federal agents seized his phone as part of a criminal investigation. Zornberg’s resignation letter did not speak to her reasons for exiting, but there is speculation that her departure is linked to the Adams’ administration’s multiple pending federal investigations. Both Caban and Zornberg held their positions for a little over a year. Tom Donlon will serve as interim NYPD Commissioner.
September 11, 2024
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) recently rolled out an artificial intelligence (AI) surveillance tool to detect guns at stations, a move that comes as the City’s controversial contract with another firearm detection system, formerly known as ShotSpotter, is set to expire.
September 09, 2024
Federal agents raided the homes of several top aides to Mayor Adams on Wednesday and Thursday. Law enforcement searched the homes of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Schools Chancellor David Banks, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, and NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban.
September 04, 2024
Rose Christ and Katie Schwab, co-chairs of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies’ New York practice, co-authored a City & State New York (CSNY) Special Report on Mental Health.
September 03, 2024
Last Tuesday, New York City Council held a hearing for the nomination of Randy Mastro to Corporation Counsel. Mayor Adams nominated Mastro to the position, and he must be confirmed by the Council in order to serve as the City’s top lawyer.
August 28, 2024
Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson (District 2) penned a letter to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro urging him to address the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) $240 million deficit, as current state funding falls short.
August 26, 2024
Mayor Adams has issued an Executive Order, directing city agencies to review city-owned and controlled land for potential housing development. The executive order formally establishes the City Housing Activation Task Force, with representatives from mayoral agencies and other public entities.
August 19, 2024
Mayor Adams has appointed Robert Tucker as the new Commissioner of the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY). Tucker succeeds Laura Kavanagh, who served in the role for less than two years. Tucker was most recently Chairman and CEO of T&M USA, a global security firm, and he previously served as Special Assistant to the Queens District Attorney.
August 14, 2024
New York City emergency management officials have deployed five teams with multiple drones to warn residents in basement or ground-floor apartments of impending flash flood threats.
August 12, 2024
Comptroller Brad Lander announced last week that he will be challenging Eric Adams in the 2025 Democratic mayoral primary, meaning that he will not be running for re-election as Comptroller. Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine has signaled interest in running for Comptroller, and late last week he filed paperwork to transfer his Manhattan BP reelection fundraising account to a Comptroller fundraising account. The transfer allows Levine to accept larger contributions from individual donors. Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar also announced that she will be running for the position.
August 05, 2024
Mayor Eric Adams has nominated Randy Mastro as Corporation Counsel, the Administration’s top lawyer who presides over the Law Department. Adams’ previous Corporation Counsel, Sylvia Hinds-Radix, departed in May. Mastro is a former aide to Mayor Rudy Giuliani and current partner at the law firm King and Spalding.
July 31, 2024
Illinois is investing in quantum computing on the Far South Side of Chicago at the former U.S. Steel South Works plant on Lake Michigan. The goal is to transform this symbol of Rust Belt decline into a hub of high-tech prosperity, revitalizing an area that has struggled for years to attract investment and jobs.
July 29, 2024
Last Friday, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that she plans to allocate more than $70 million to the ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program. Part of a $228 million federal investment, the initiative aims to optimize connectivity between Central New York, Southern Tier, Finger Lakes, and North County Regions.
July 22, 2024
News in New York – City Legislation, Offshore Wind Project, Councilmember Arrested, Mayoral Appointments
July 17, 2024
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said he is moving forward with an education platform driven by artificial intelligence (AI) designed to help students and families navigate the complexities of the district, despite the collapse of the company that designed it.
July 08, 2024
News in New York – Hochul to Run in 2026, Ethics in Lobbying Nominee, Brooklyn Power 100
July 02, 2024
BALTIMORE — Gig Work on the Rise in Baltimore Area
Gig work is on the rise in the Baltimore area, becoming a predominant lifestyle choice for many individuals. The trend underscores a significant shift in employment dynamics, highlighting both the flexibility and challenges associated with this type of work, and reflects broader economic changes and their impact on local communities.
June 26, 2024
NYN Special Edition: NYS 2024 Key Primary Results
June 24, 2024
News in New York – Nonprofits, City Legislation, Rent Guidelines Board
June 19, 2024
CHICAGO — City Council Plans to Turn City Data Pain Into Tax-Revenue Gain
Alderperson Gilbert Villegas (Ward 36), who chairs the City Council’s Committee on Economic, Capital & Technology Development, proposes 8% of the City’s new data spending go to vendors who are required to store the information in Chicago facilities.
June 17, 2024
News in New York – State Session, OCM Acting Executive Director, Face Mask Ban
June 12, 2024
Katie Schwab, Rose Christ, Stuart Shorenstein, James Ansorge, and Katrell Lewis discuss the accomplishments of the state session, including legislation and budget items.
June 10, 2024
News in New York – End of 2024 Session, Congestion Pricing, Green Fast Track, City Legislation
June 05, 2024
BALTIMORE — Visiting Tech Companies Want to Expand Baltimore Presence
June 03, 2024
News in New York – Charter Revision Commission, AI Disclaimers, End of Session
May 28, 2024
News in New York – City Legislation, City of Yes, End of State Session
May 22, 2024
The Chicago City Council Committee on Economic, Capital & Technology Development held an ordinance requiring city data to “be processed, stored, transmitted and disposed of” within United States jurisdiction.
May 20, 2024
News in New York – City Legislation, SBS Commissioner, Retail Theft Pilot Program
May 13, 2024
News in New York – OCM Overhaul, 2025 Mayoral Race, Council Budget
May 08, 2024
Chair of Chicago City Council’s Committee on Economic, Capital & Technology Development Gilbert Villegas (Ward 36) introduced a measure that asks the Chicago Department of Technology & Innovation “to guide and monitor the use of artificial intelligence (AI) programs and solutions in city operations and service delivery.”
May 06, 2024
News in New York – Secretary of State, City of Yes, Play Fair for Parks
April 29, 2024
News in New York – City Executive Budget, Housing Deal, Congestion Pricing
April 24, 2024
DETROIT — Newlab Startups Ignite Detroit's Tech Renaissance
One year in, the members-only shared workspace, research lab, and venture platform in the former Book Depository building next to Michigan Central Station is driving innovations and creating a pipeline for new businesses to come into the city.
April 23, 2024
News in New York – NYS FY25 Budget Passes and City Legislation
April 22, 2024
This weekend, New York state lawmakers passed the $237B FY25 state budget, reflecting an increase of $8B from FY24.
April 16, 2024
On April 15, New York Governor Hochul announced the parameters of a 2025 state budget. Rose Christ, Katie Schwab, James Ansorge, and Katrell Lewis review the highlights of the announced $237B budget.
April 15, 2024
News in New York – City Legislation, DASNY President, Willets Point
April 10, 2024
CHICAGO — Gov. JB Pritzker Announces Plan to Make Chicago Quantum Technology Capital
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced a plan to make Chicago a quantum technology capital at M-Hub, a business incubator on Chicago’s Near West Side that plays home to prototype shops and laboratories.
April 08, 2024
News in New York – Council Preliminary Budget, Council Union Deal, Nonprofit Advisory Council
April 01, 2024
News in New York – Congestion Pricing, State Budget Delayed, City Budget Hearings
March 28, 2024
Rose Christ and Katie Schwab discuss the MTA's final rules for New York City's Central Business District tolling program.
March 27, 2024
LOS ANGELES — How Tech Sector Downturn has Hurt L.A. Office Market
The Los Angeles tech office space saw fourth-quarter leasing drop to 2.2 million square feet from nearly 3 million square feet the year before.
March 25, 2024
News in New York – NYC Property Tax System, City Legislation, NY’s Trailblazing Attorneys
March 18, 2024
News in New York – One-House Budgets, NYS Human Rights, Cozen Expansion
March 13, 2024
CHICAGO — CTA Calls on Private Companies to Submit Tech Solutions to Improve System
Last week, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) launched the CTA Innovation Studio — calling on private-sector companies to submit ideas that could solve some of the transit agency’s problems.
March 12, 2024
Katie Schwab, Rose Christ, Jamie Ansorge, and Katrell Lewis discuss the New York State Assembly and Senate's recently released one-house budgets for Fiscal Year 2025.
March 11, 2024
News in New York - City of Yes, City Legislation, LinkLocal.
March 04, 2024
News in New York – Congressional Maps, Reparations Commission, NYC Power 100
February 28, 2024
CHICAGO — Uber, Lyft Drivers Join Valentine’s Day Strike with Thousands Across Country
Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash drivers gathered at O’Hare Airport’s rideshare waiting lot on Valentine’s Day to kick off a strike that was held across multiple cities across the country, including in Philadelphia, Miami, and Los Angeles.
February 26, 2024
News in New York – Cancelled Budget Cuts, Noncitizen Voting Bill, Congressional Maps, Who’s Who in Budgeting and Finance
February 20, 2024
News in New York – Congressional Maps, Comptroller M/WBE Report, NYS Budget Amendments
February 14, 2024
BOSTON — City Leading AI Industry
Boston-area companies are leading in the development of new artificial intelligence (AI) and managing data for AI use. A new report estimates that Boston’s expertise in tech and health industries and proximity to universities will allow it to make strides in lesser-known areas of AI.
February 12, 2024
News in New York – Tin Cup Day and City Legislation
February 05, 2024
News in New York – Council Override, Dining Out NYC, Admin Appointments
January 31, 2024
CHICAGO — Chicago Rideshare Drivers Looking for Safety Solutions
Chicago Gig Alliance organizer Lori Simmons is leading the charge in demanding city officials take action in response to a rash of recent rideshare driver robberies on the city’s West Side.
January 29, 2024
News in New York - State of the City, Judicial Appointments, IRC
January 22, 2024
News in New York – State and City Budgets, Council Committees, Mayoral Vetoes
January 17, 2024
Gig Economy & Technology
CHICAGO — After Latest Shooting, Rideshare Drivers Protest Outside Midway Airport for Change
January 12, 2024
News in New York – State of the State, State and City Budgets, Council Committees
January 08, 2024
News in New York – Council Charter Meeting, Start of State Session, Adams Sues Charter Bus Companies
January 03, 2024
BALTIMORE — Mayor Scott, BDE Introduce Free Public Wi-Fi Network
In December, Mayor Brandon Scott and the City’s Office of Broadband and Digital Equity (BDE) launched FreeBmoreWiFi, a citywide free public Wi-Fi network. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the initiative marks a significant milestone in the City’s commitment to digital equity and inclusive access to technology for residents.
January 02, 2024
News in New York – Vetoed Bills, Start of State Session, Council Charter Meeting
December 26, 2023
News in New York – City Legislation, Redistricting, Willets Point, State Legislation
December 18, 2023
News in New York – DOC Commissioner, Green Fast Track, Council Hearing on November Plan
December 13, 2023
BALTIMORE — New UpSurge CEO Bets on Baltimore, Tech
Tech entrepreneur Kory Bailey — who was recently named CEO of UpSurge, a nonprofit, professional ecosystem-building organization — spoke about his efforts to build a vibrant tech ecosystem in the city.
December 11, 2023
News in New York – Executive Director for Housing, City Legislation, Top Lobbyists
December 04, 2023
News in New York – Congestion Pricing, Cannabis Settlement, State Bills
November 30, 2023
DETROIT — Electric Delivery Startup BrightDrop Becomes Part of GM
BrightDrop, a General Motors (GM) commercial electric vehicle startup formed in 2021, will no longer operate as a subsidiary and is now becoming part of GM itself.
November 27, 2023
News in New York – Migrant Spending Cuts, Class Size Limits, Mayor Assault Allegation
November 20, 2023
News in New York – November Plan, City Legislation, Clean Slate Act, 2023 Women 100
November 17, 2023
Gig Economy & Technology
CHICAGO — Harris School Introduces New Technology, Society Initiative
November 13, 2023
News in New York – Mayor Adams Campaign Investigation and General Election Results 2023
November 06, 2023
News in New York – Deputy Mayor, Election Day, City Legislation, Employment Law Now
November 01, 2023
Gig Economy & Technology
BALTIMORE — Baltimore Selected as Federal Tech Hub for AI, Biotechnology
October 30, 2023
News in New York – Remote Work Pilot, Mayoral Appointments, Power Players
October 23, 2023
News in New York – AI Action Plan, Dining Out NYC, City Legislation
October 18, 2023
Gig Economy & Technology
BALTIMORE — AI to Help Baltimore Agencies Bridge Language Gaps
By year’s end, the City of Baltimore will be deploying a new AI-backed service to help 911 dispatchers communicate with callers in their native language without waiting for an interpreter.
October 16, 2023
News in New York – Containerized Trash, Dispensary Licenses, Right to Shelter
October 09, 2023
News in New York – City Legislation, Congestion Pricing, Right to Shelter
October 05, 2023
Gig Economy & Technology
CHICAGO — Chicago Government’s IT Infrastructure Inefficient to the Point of “Barely” Working, Consultant Tells City Council
October 02, 2023
News in New York – City Legislation, Mayoral Appointment, Tree Funding
September 25, 2023
News in New York – Housing Reform to City Zoning, Asylum Seekers, 2023 NY Super Lawyers
September 18, 2023
News in New York – City Legislation, Former DOB Commissioner Indicted, Queens Special Election
September 11, 2023
News in New York – Budget Cuts, Climate Innovation Pilot, Short-Term Rentals
September 05, 2023
News in New York – Pro-Housing Communities Program, Closing Rikers Island, Work Authorization for Asylum Seekers
August 28, 2023
Governor Hochul Calls on Biden Administration to Support Asylum Seekers in NYS...
August 23, 2023
Gig Economy & Technology
CHICAGO — Chicago City Council to Consider Regulating Rideshares
August 21, 2023
News in New York – Traffic Mobility Review Board; "City of Yes" Office to Housing Conversion; Outdoor Dining Program Approved by Mayor
August 14, 2023
News in New York – Denise C. Clay Named as Chief Efficiency Officer; Updated Costs to Asylum Seeker Crisis; Judge Strikes Down Municipal Retiree Plan
August 10, 2023
Gig Economy & Technology
CHICAGO — Google Plans to Open in Thompson Center by 2026; Will Tech Giant Help Revitalize the Loop?
August 07, 2023
News in New York – Blake Washington Named as NYS Budget Director; NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; City & State NY's Brooklyn Power 100
July 31, 2023
News in New York – Lisa Zornberg Named as Mayor's Chief Counsel; New Guidance on Responsible Drone Usage; Center for Workplace Accessibility and Inclusion Launches
July 26, 2023
Throughout the country, large municipalities are laboratories of democracy. New and innovative policies introduced in one market are often exported to others, and ultimately replicated at the state and federal level. This newsletter highlights emerging local policy and regulatory discussions that impact industries, businesses, and organizations across the nation.
July 24, 2023
News in New York – Traffic Mobility Review Board; Asylum Seeker Policy; Edward Caban Named as NYPD Commissioner
July 17, 2023
News in New York – New York Ordered to Redraw Congressional Maps; NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; Teachers Union Approves Five-Year Contract
July 12, 2023
The article discusses a variety of topics regarding tech, labor, policy and politics, public health, real estate, taxes, and transportation happening in major cities across the U.S.
July 10, 2023
News in New York – New NYCHA Leadership Appointed; Acting NYPD Commissioner; City & State NY's 2023 Real Estate Power 100
July 05, 2023
News in New York – NYC FY24 Budget Adopted; 2023 NYC Primary Election Results; Congestion Pricing Receives Federal Approval
June 29, 2023
DETROIT — Detroit Program Teaches Residents Tech Fundamentals, How to Find High-Paying Jobs
June 26, 2023
News in New York – Assembly Closes out 2023 Legislative Session; NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; Rent Guidelines Board Votes to Increase; City & State NY's Power Pride 100
June 20, 2023
News in New York – NYC Primary Election on Tuesday, June 27; NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell Resigns; Teachers Union Reaches Tentative Contract
June 12, 2023
News in New York – State Session Concludes; NYC to Receive Over $100M from FEMA for Asylum Seekers; NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; Appointments to New York State Court of Claims
June 05, 2023
News in New York – Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives; End of NYS Legislative Session; 2023 LGBTQ+ Power Players
May 31, 2023
BOSTON — Running List of Layoffs in Boston Tech Sector
The Boston Globe has begun tracking layoffs at tech companies in the region.
May 30, 2023
News in New York – Adams Requests Relief from City's Right-to-Shelter Law; NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; Housing Chief to Leave Adams Administration
May 22, 2023
News in New York – Gov. Hochul Event on 5/31; Judge Appointments; Congestion Pricing Update; 2023 Cannabis Industry Power Players
May 19, 2023
Chicago Mayor Lightfoot Announces Apprenticeship Program to Create, Grow Technology Talent in City Government, Improve City Services
Now former-Mayor Lori Lightfoot and various city departments announced an apprenticeship program to develop and maintain a pipeline of technology talent for the City of Chicago.
May 15, 2023
News in New York – NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; Congestion Pricing Plan; Additional Cannabis Dispensary Licenses
May 08, 2023
News in New York – Mayor Adams Plan to Shelter Asylum Seekers Outside NYC; Enacted FY24 State Budget; Rent Guidelines Board Recommends Increased Rent
May 04, 2023
Baltimore District 8 City Councilmember Kristerfer Burnet has introduced legislation that would limit the use of facial recognition technology. The goal of the two bills is to protect privacy and promote transparency and accountability.
May 01, 2023
News in New York – State Budget "Conceptual Agreement"; Mayor Executive Budget; NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; Albany 40 under 40
April 24, 2023
News in New York – Rowan Wilson Confirmed as Chief Judge; Redistricting Commission Submits New Assembly Maps; Mayor's Sustainability Plan; State Budget Update
April 19, 2023
The New York Police Department (NYPD) recently announced a series of high-tech security, including a robotic “digidog” to be used in life-threatening situations.
April 17, 2023
News in New York – NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; Hochul Nominates New Chief Judge; Adams Appoints Rat Czar
April 10, 2023
News in New York – City Council Releases Preliminary Budget Response; Adams Announces PEG Elimination; Contract Agreement with PBA
April 05, 2023
The city will be providing paid sick and safe leave for most gig workers, who will accrue a day of paid sick leave for every 30 days they do work in Seattle.
April 03, 2023
News in New York – State Budget Update; Adams Launches MyCity Portal; NYS Receives Federal Funding for Broadband Internet Access
March 27, 2023
News in New York – Governor Hochul Nominates Commissioner of Health; Chief Judge Short List Released; Stuart Shorenstein and Ken Fisher Named to 2023 Law Power 100
March 22, 2023
Chicago will begin testing parking enforcement technology and smart loading zones following an ordinance the City Council passed March 15. The technology will automatically issue tickets for parking or standing violations in areas with posted signs, such as bike lanes and commercial loading zones.
March 20, 2023
News in New York –State Senate and Assembly Release One-House Budgets; NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; Mayor Adams Announces Appointments
March 13, 2023
News in New York – Speaker Adams Delivers State of the City Address; Mayor Adams Unveils "The Road Forward"; Minimum Wage for App-Based Food Delivery Workers
March 10, 2023
Concessions workers at the United Center staged a one-day walkout Sunday that affected food and beverage service during the afternoon’s Chicago Bulls game.
March 07, 2023
City Council announced a new public/private partnership in support of asylum seekers, “Welcome NYC.” The $2.2 million initiative includes $1 million in funding from the city and $1 million from large philanthropic organizations, including the Robin Hood Foundation and the New York Community Trust. The funding will go toward legal services, workforce development, literacy programs, youth services, faith-based services, and food assistance at several organizations across the city.
March 06, 2023
Cozen Public Strategies Managing Director Katie Schwab joins Jerry Kilgore, former VA AG, and Meghan Stoppel, former NE Consumer Chief, to debate the role of state AG as policymaker, and whether the NY model holds for the rest of the country.
February 27, 2023
News in New York – Preview of Adams' Mental Health Agenda; Adams Seeks Further Oversight of the MTA; Mayor Adams Announces Administration Appointments
February 22, 2023
On the evening of February 2, Chicago rideshare drivers gathered outside the Copernicus Center on the city’s Northwest Side, braving extremely cold and windy weather, to demand better working conditions, wages and benefits.
February 21, 2023
News in New York – Senate Rejects LaSalle; DC37 and Mayor Adams Announce Tentative Contract Agreement; NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation
February 13, 2023
News in New York – GOP Senator Sues Dems over LaSalle; Adams Lifts Vaccination Requirement for City Workers; Gary Jenkins Resigns as Social Services Commissioner; Council Members Leave Progressive Caucus over NYPD Funding Pledge
February 10, 2023
Rideshare and delivery drivers in Chicago are calling for an ordinance that guarantees their right to appeal before being permanently kicked off the app they use for their jobs. The proposed ordinance would offer a means for app drivers accused of misconduct to tell their side of the story and recoup lost income if they were found to be unfairly deactivated.
February 06, 2023
News in New York – Governor Hochul Releases FY24 Executive Budget; NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; Citywide Composting Program; Council Hearing on Facial Recognition Technology
January 30, 2023
News in New York – Mayor Adams Delivers State of the City; Governor Hochul to Deliver FY24 Executive Budget; Mayor Adams Announces 21 Judicial Appointments and Reappointments
January 23, 2023
News in New York – Senate Judiciary Committee Votes No on LaSalle; NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; First NY Cannabis Dispensary Owned by Justice-Impacted Individual Opens
January 18, 2023
During her State of the State address, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the New York Housing Compact, a strategy to build 800,000 new homes over the next decade.
January 11, 2023
The University of Chicago is stepping up its efforts to create more startups, committing more than $20 million to launch three new accelerators focused on deep technology such as data science, artificial intelligence, clean technology and life sciences—areas where the university excels but for which funding often is hardest to find.
January 09, 2023
Last Wednesday, the NYC Council held their Charter meeting, where they introduced multiple pieces of legislation. The Charter meeting is the first Stated meeting of the calendar year. The Council introduced legislation related to health insurance coverage for city employees and retirees, a change that could save the city up to $600 million per year. Legislation was also introduced calling upon the MTA to inspect every subway surveillance camera on a quarterly basis. You can find all of the bills that were introduced here.
January 03, 2023
News in New York – First Legal Cannabis Dispensary Opens; Oppositions to LaSalle Chief Judge Confirmation; Mayor Adams Announces Two Administration Appointments
December 27, 2022
Last Wednesday, the NYC Council convened a Stated meeting, where they passed and introduced multiple pieces of legislation. The Council voted on the Language Access Act, which aims to strengthen language access for New York City residents and small business owners, and increase the translation of city documents into more languages. Legislation was also passed to improve the efficiency of parks capital improvements projects. Additionally, the Council approved legislation to create a workforce development program for people with disabilities, along with legislation requiring five-year accessibility plans from every city agency. You can find all of the bills that were passed and introduced here.
December 21, 2022
For more than a year, the California voter-approved gig economy law known as Proposition 22 has hung in the balance after a judge invalidated the ballot initiative allowing giant ride-hailing and delivery companies to classify their workers as independent contractors rather than employees. On Tuesday, a California appeals court heard oral arguments in San Francisco on whether it should uphold the lower court ruling that deemed Proposition 22 unconstitutional and unenforceable.
December 19, 2022
News in New York – Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul Launch "Making New York Work for Everyone"; City Council Housing Plan; In-State SUNY Tuition for Asylum Seekers; Rose Christ Named Among 2022 City & State New York's Responsible 100
December 14, 2022
Massachusetts’ Energy Facilities Sitting Board approved a special permit for a controversial electrical substation in East Boston. The permit allows the project to circumvent 14 final environmental permits. 84% of Boston voters voted against the substation in a non-binding ballot question last year.
December 12, 2022
News in New York – Mayor Adams Launches "Get Stuff Built"; NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; Attorney General's Chief of Staff Resigns
December 05, 2022
News in New York – New Draft Assembly Map Released; Adams Plan to Provide Care for Individuals with Severe Mental Illness; Bassett Stepping Down as Health Commissioner
November 28, 2022
News in New York – NYC Agencies Asked to Reduce Vacancies by Half; NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; Mayor Adams Appoints Nine New Commissioners to Commission on Gender Equity
November 21, 2022
News in New York – Soccer Stadium to be Built in Queens by New York City Football Club; NYC Lost Over 19,000 Full-Time Government Employees Since 2020; CityFHEPS Housing Voucher Program Expanded Eligibility; Katie Schwab & Rose Christ Named to City & State NY's Power of Diversity: Women 100
November 14, 2022
News in New York – New York 2022 Midterm Election Results; Randall's Island Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center Demobilized; Mayor Adams Launches "Get Stuff Clean"
November 11, 2022
Driverless car company Waymo, owned by Google parent Alphabet, said October 19 that it plans to add autonomous taxi fleet operations to Los Angeles. “L.A. is in the top three ride-hailing markets in the United States and globally,” said Saswat Panigrahi, the company’s chief product officer. “The commercial opportunity is huge.”
November 07, 2022
News in New York – Eric Ulrich Resigns as Department of Buildings Commissioner; NYC Emloyers Required to Post Salary Ranges on Job Listings; Mayor Adams Launches NYC Legal Fellows Program
October 31, 2022
News in New York – NYC Council Introduces and Passes Legislation; District Maps Accepted by City Council; Mayor Adams Appoints Laura Kavanagh as Fire Commissioner
October 26, 2022
In yet another pre-election sweetener, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that the city is expanding its parental leave policy, effective Jan. 1, to allow all 32,000 city employees up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave whether they are the “birthing or non-birthing parent.”
October 24, 2022
News in New York – Mayor Adams Announces New Trash Pickup Rules to Combat City's Rat Problem; Mayor Adams Announces Two Administration Appointments; Zakariah Malik Named Among 2022 City & State New York's 40 Under 40
October 05, 2022
Multinational aerospace and defense technology company Northrop Grumman has expanded its presence in the Baltimore area with its new, 55,000-square-foot Maryland Space Assembly and Test 2 facility.
October 03, 2022
News in New York – Judge Orders NY Assembly Maps to be Redrawn; Mayor Adams Announces Inaugural Chefs Council; Governor Hochul Commits All New Cars to be Zero Emissions by 2035
September 29, 2022
News in New York – NYC Redistricting Maps Rejected; Mayor Adams Announces Relief Centers to Support Asylum Seekers Entering NYC; Mayor Adams Appoints Mickie as Director of Newly-Created Office of Urban Agriculture.
September 21, 2022
Throughout the country, large municipalities are laboratories of democracy. New and innovative policies introduced in one market are often exported to others, and ultimately replicated at the state and federal level. This newsletter highlights emerging local policy and regulatory discussions that impact industries, businesses, and organizations across the nation.
August 16, 2022
Katie Schwab published an article in New York Daily News discussing the importance of returning, post-Covid, to the physical hearing room.
May 09, 2022
Senator Kavanagh, Assembly Member Glick have each introduced state legislation to permit residents to continue to occupy units previously reserved for artists.
August 02, 2021
Alyssa Baldassini, Kaitesi Munroe, Vivien Krieger, Katie Schwab discuss the city’s proposed City-Wide Hotel Special Permit and how community boards and borough presidents are responding.
July 20, 2021
Alyssa Baldassini, Kaitesi Munroe, Vivien Krieger, and Katie Schwab discuss Mayor de Blasio's plan to make the temporary Open Restaurants Program permanent.
June 28, 2021
Alyssa Baldassini, Kaitesi Munroe, Vivien Krieger and Katie Schwab discuss the NYC Council Approval of the Proposal to Mandate Racial Equity Reports for Certain Land Use Applications
April 22, 2021
Alyssa Baldassini, Lauren Turenchalk, Vivien Krieger, and Katie Schwab discuss the eight top Democratic candidates and their plans for affordable housing.
April 29, 2020
Katie Schwab & Jamie Ansorge discuss three new bills introduced in New York City City Council that would impact employers in the city.
March 26, 2020
Stuart Shorenstein, Katie Schwab, Jamie Ansorge, and Evan Preminger discuss EC 202.9, requiring New York state-regulated financial institutions to provide mortgage forbearance for residential properties located in New York for 90 days and to eliminate ATM fees, overdraft fees, and credit card late payment fees.
February 11, 2020
Katie Schwab discusses two new bills in New York City impacting fast food employers and employees. A hearing on the bills is scheduled for February 13.