Cozen Cities – September 24, 2025

Gig Economy & Technology

BOSTON—City Tests AI Traffic System to Speed Up School Buses

Boston is piloting an AI-driven traffic management system that uses GPS data to extend green lights for school buses, reducing travel times by 8% in early tests, saving 3-10 minutes per bus route. Funded by the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge, the program could expand citywide if Boston secures a $1 million prize later this year.

SEATTLE—City Unveils AI Plan with Hackathons, Training, Service Upgrades

Seattle launched its 2025–2026 Artificial Intelligence Plan, expanding policies, training, and tools to improve city services and promote responsible AI use. The initiative includes public hackathons, employee education, and pilots in permitting, transportation, and infrastructure, positioning Seattle as a national leader in AI innovation.

Housing & Real Estate

BALTIMORE—City Council Advances Housing Bills to Boost Density

A Baltimore City Council committee approved measures to eliminate parking requirements and ease building restrictions to encourage development and lower housing costs, despite some opposition.

BALTIMORE—City Cuts Vacant Homes by 21% Through Coordinated Redevelopment

Baltimore reduced its vacant building notices from 16,000 to 12,600 in five years through a citywide “whole-block” redevelopment strategy, backed by $3 billion in public and private investment. The effort prioritizes community engagement, anti-displacement measures, and partnerships with nonprofits to revitalize neighborhoods and prevent future vacancy.

LOS ANGELES—Mayor Bass Withdraws Bill to Overhaul “Mansion Tax”

Mayor Karen Bass suddenly pulled her plan to change L.A.’s voter-approved “mansion tax,” saying more time was needed to fix the proposal and that she’ll try again in January. The move came after strong criticism from supporters of the tax, who said the changes would reduce funding for housing and homelessness programs.

NEW YORK CITY—City Launches Pilot to Support Struggling HDFC Co-Ops

Mayor Eric Adams and Attorney General Letitia James announced a two-year pilot program funded through $750,000 from the Attorney General’s office to help Housing Development Fund Corporation (HDFC) co-ops stabilize finances, address arrears, and complete renovations. The initiative, led by UHAB, will assist 20–30 co-ops with technical and financial support.

RICHMOND—City Launches Code Refresh to Modernize Zoning Rules

The city is overhauling its 49-year-old zoning code through a three-year process to allow more diverse housing, support equitable growth, and align with the Richmond 300 master plan.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Council Passes Law to Attract Housing Investment

The D.C. Council approved the Rebalancing Expectations for Neighbors, Tenants and Landlords (RENTAL) Act, which speeds up evictions and revises tenant purchase rights to encourage affordable housing development while sparking debate over tenant protections.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Council Approves $3.7B Commanders Stadium, Development Deal

Lawmakers voted 11-2 to greenlight a massive project bringing the NFL team back to D.C. with a new stadium and mixed-use development at the RFK site, backed by over $1 billion in public funds and $2.7 billion from the team.

Labor & Employment

PHILADELPHIA—Job Growth Outpaces Peer Cities, Office Vacancies Still High

Philadelphia’s recent job gains are concentrated in health care, hospitality, and arts sectors, while office-based industries remain stagnant, keeping vacancy rates above 20%.

PHILADELPHIA—School Safety Officers Approve New Contracts

Philadelphia’s school safety officers unanimously ratified a new contract granting 3% raises, bonuses, bulletproof vests, parental leave, and other benefits, pending school board approval.

SAN DIEGO—City Approves $25 Minimum Wage for Most Tourism Workers

San Diego City Council approved a phased increase of the minimum wage for tourism workers to $25 an hour by 2030, affecting employees at large hotels, amusement parks, and major event venues. The measure, supported by labor unions and workers, faced opposition from the hospitality industry but was eased with a gradual rollout to help businesses adjust.

Policy & Politics

BOSTON—Josh Kraft Ends Mayoral Bid After Primary Loss to Wu

Josh Kraft suspended his campaign for Boston mayor after receiving 23% in Tuesday’s primary against incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu (D), who secured 72% of the vote. Kraft, son of Patriots owner Robert Kraft, ran as a moderate Democrat but struggled to gain traction. Mayor Wu remains the clear favorite for reelection in November.

DETROIT—Mayor Duggan Proposes New Reserve Fund

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced the city is expecting its 11th straight budget surplus and proposed using $42 million of the $60 million surplus to create a new reserve fund to guard against possible drops in corporate tax revenue. Duggan, who is running for Michigan governor, said he wants to leave a strong financial foundation for his successor amid federal policy changes that could impact city income.

NEW YORK CITY—Officials Arrested in Protest Over Immigration Detention Conditions

More than a dozen New York officials, including Comptroller Brad Lander and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, were arrested during a protest at 26 Federal Plaza after being denied access to ICE holding areas. The demonstration followed a federal judge’s order requiring the agency to improve conditions, including reducing overcrowding and providing basic hygiene supplies. Officials accused ICE of blocking oversight, while DHS criticized the protest as a “stunt.”

Public Health & Safety

CHICAGO—Mayor Johnson Issues “Right to Protest” Order Amid Threat of Federal Crackdown

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) signed an order directing local police to protect the right to protest, even if federal agents try to interfere. The move comes as former President Trump threatens to send federal forces to the city.

SAN DIEGO—City, County Leaders Unveil Proposed Ordinance Aimed at Federal Enforcement Actions

San Diego officials introduced the Due Process and Safety Ordinance to protect residents from warrantless or discriminatory federal enforcement actions. The ordinance would require judicial warrants for access to city property, ban local involvement in “biased” enforcement, and extend civil rights protections to contractors and public facilities.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Council Expands Pharmacy Access to COVID Vaccines

The D.C. Council passed emergency legislation allowing pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines without prescriptions to residents aged 3 and older for 90 days to improve access ahead of the respiratory illness season.

Taxes & Spending

CHICAGO—Budget Task Force Recommends Tax Hikes, Higher Fees to Close $1B Gap

A Chicago task force created by Mayor Johnson recommended nearly 90 ways to help close the city’s $1.15 billion budget gap for 2026. The ideas include raising taxes and fees, extending a hiring freeze, and adding furlough days, though Johnson says he’s still reviewing the report and gathering input from across the city.

RICHMOND—City Council Delays Vote on Real Estate Tax Rate

After debate over balancing homeowner relief with City services, the Richmond City Council postponed a decision on whether to lower the real estate tax rate until October 14.

SEATTLE—Mayor Proposes 60% Budget Boost for Immigration Office Amid Federal Crackdown

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell’s (D) 2026 budget proposal would add $4 million to the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, a 60% increase, to expand legal aid, job training, and citizenship support. The move comes as the Trump administration signals stepped-up immigration enforcement in “sanctuary cities” and after 75 deportations in King County this year. Despite a $143 million deficit, Harrell says the funding protects vulnerable communities and aligns with Seattle’s long-standing “don’t ask” policy on immigration status.

SEATTLE—Mayor Proposes Sales Tax Hike to Expand Behavioral Health Response

Mayor Harrell announced a proposed 0.1% sales tax increase to raise $39 million for public safety initiatives, including doubling the city’s Community Assisted Response and Engagement (CARE) team from 24 to 48 behavioral health responders. The plan also funds expanded overdose response, diversion programs, and fire department staffing. The tax proposal, enabled by new state authority, will be part of Harrell’s full 2026 budget, which faces a $143 million deficit and requires City Council approval.

Transportation & Mobility

BOSTON—Councilor Proposes Ban on E-Bikes and Scooters for Delivery Drivers

Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn (D-District 2) introduced a proposal to ban e-bikes, mopeds, and scooters for third-party food delivery drivers following a fatal scooter crash near Copley Square. The measure faces opposition from councilors citing job impacts and remains under review in the Government Operations Committee.

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