New York Note: Final Mayoral Debate, City Legislation, FARE Act

June 16, 2025

Mayoral Candidates Debate as Early Voting Opens

In the final Democratic mayoral debate, Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani debated over experience and ethics. Cuomo, Mamdani, Brad Lander, Adrienne Adams, Zellnor Myrie, Scott Stringer, and Whitney Tilson were all in attendance; Jessica Ramos and Michael Blake did not make the fundraising threshold to qualify. The debate highlighted sharp policy differences between the two frontrunners, with Cuomo focused on infrastructure and Mamdani advocating for expansive public services. Following the debate, Mamdani and Lander cross-endorsed to unite progressive voters. Early voting began this past weekend, and will continue until June 22 before the primary election on June 24.

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NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation

At this week’s Stated Meeting, the New York City Council passed and introduced several bills. The Council passed a bill mandating Narcan availability in city jails to prevent overdose deaths and another requiring the installation of 50 new public drinking fountains in parks. The Council also approved a transparency measure for public restroom construction and voted to reduce insurance requirements for taxi drivers. A revised Hudson Yards plan was adopted, eliminating a previously proposed casino and expanding affordable housing and open space. The Council also introduced a bill requiring DOHMH to provide two notices of inspection for food service establishments before the inspection, and a bill prohibiting food establishments from using a dynamic pricing model. You can find all of the bills that were passed and introduced here.

FARE Act Takes Effect

A major housing change took effect last Tuesday, and the Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses (FARE) Act outlawed broker fees for most apartment hunters. Under the new law, which became effective June 11, if a landlord or management company hires a broker to list an apartment, they must pay that broker’s fee, rather than the tenant. The reform is expected to reduce the hefty upfront cost of renting by about 42%. Real estate groups have opposed the broker-fee ban and warned it might prompt higher rents. The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) and brokerage groups sued to halt the law; a judge presiding over the case denied their request for an injunction but did not dismiss the case.

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About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.

About Cozen O’Connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.

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