Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced the addition of Patrick Lespinasse as principal.
Editor’s note: The Broad Street Brief will be taking a break next week for Thanksgiving. Regular updates will resume on Thursday, December 4.
Mayor Cherelle Parker (D) signed an executive order replacing race- and gender-based contracting targets with a system prioritizing small, local businesses, citing stagnant growth under the old program and legal risks tied to affirmative action rulings. The new policy directs the city’s economic opportunity office to set benchmarks and provide technical assistance while maintaining a registry of qualifying firms.
The City Council postponed its vote on the first-year budget for Mayor Parker’s $800 million Housing Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) Initiative, delaying bond sales until 2026. The delay stems from negotiations to raise the proposed $195 million budget and lower income eligibility thresholds to prioritize low-income residents. Mayor Parker continues to defend broader eligibility to include middle-class households, while Council leaders stress the need for transparency and equitable spending.
On Wednesday, the City Council’s Law & Government Committee advanced legislation to allow members to keep their seats while running for state or federal office, such as Congress or the Pennsylvania General Assembly. The rule would still apply to those seeking city positions like mayor or district attorney, and the change requires voter approval through a ballot question.
The Philadelphia City Council holds several public hearings throughout the legislative calendar year, which can be streamed here.
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health Division of Substance Use Prevention & Harm Reduction (SUPHR) is rolling out the “Heart to Heart” campaign, an initiative to educate residents on stimulant-related heart risks and provide conversation tools for doctor visits. The campaign also connects people to low-barrier clinics and resources in neighborhoods most affected by stimulant overdoses.
Three Philadelphia restaurants—Friday Saturday Sunday, Her Place Supper Club, and Provenance—received Michelin stars and 31 others earned distinctions in the city’s debut in the prestigious guide. The recognition marks a major boost for the city’s culinary reputation and is expected to drive tourism, increase reservations, and raise menu prices while inspiring local workforce development programs.
Philadelphia’s crackdown on Kensington’s open-air drug market, combined with new recovery programs, has led to measurable improvements: shootings have dropped 82% since 2022, street homelessness is down by half, and visible drug activity has declined. The city has tripled police patrols, opened the $100 million Riverview Wellness Village, and expanded treatment beds by 66%, signaling a shift toward integrated policing and long-term care strategies.
Experts and officials at the Safer Together forum highlighted coordinated city efforts, increased state funding, and community-based interventions as key drivers of Philadelphia’s record decline in shootings, while stressing the need for sustained investment to maintain progress.
Eli Lilly announced it will open its fifth U.S. biotech incubator at 2300 Market Street in Center City, aiming to host six to eight early-stage companies and strengthen Philadelphia’s growing life sciences sector.
Officials are planning school closings, mergers, and new construction guided by themes of strengthening K-8 schools, reinvesting in neighborhood high schools, reducing student transitions, and expanding access to 5-12 criteria-based programs, with a citywide survey launching this week to gather input.
The city will host a one-night holiday concert on December 2 featuring orchestra, chorus, and the Wanamaker Organ, which will be recorded for broadcast by WHYY. The event is part of a new series funded by a $1 million donation to keep the space active before renovations begin next year.
The College of Physicians announced a multi-year renovation, beginning in early 2026, to add larger galleries, an accessible entrance, and new educational spaces, aiming to double student programming and showcase more of the Mütter Museum’s collection.
Square data shows restaurant and bar activity has remained stable as more venues adopt branded merchandise to boost revenue and visibility—reflecting a national trend that also builds on Philadelphia’s strong custom-gear culture.
The Philadelphia Inquirer published a guide explaining what spectators should know about the sold-out 2025 Philadelphia Marathon this Sunday, including how to navigate crowds and road closures as 15,000 runners take to the course.
Managing Director
Principal
Account Executive
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.
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.
December 11, 2025
December 11, 2025
December 10, 2025
