Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced the addition of Bentley Graves as principal in its Minneapolis office.
The New York City Council passed the Guaranteeing Unbiased AI Regulation and Disclosure (GUARD) Act, a package of bills requiring reporting and oversight of artificial intelligence (AI). The legislation will create an Office of Algorithmic Accountability to oversee AI and algorithmic tools used by city agencies, set procurement and deployment rules, review systems for bias, and engage the public in ensuring transparency and fairness.
The Baltimore City Council’s Land Use & Transportation Committee declined to advance Mayor Brandon Scott’s (D) bill to allow large single-family homes to be converted into multi-unit residences, citing strong community opposition and calls for further study on zoning impacts.
The Los Angeles City Council capped rent increases for rent-stabilized apartments at 3%, down from 8%, applying to units built before 1978. The move helps residents who spend most of their income on rent, though advocates say more support is needed.
The Philadelphia City Council approved changes to Mayor Cherelle Parker’s (D) Housing Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) Initiative budget, increasing first-year spending and directing most funds to households earning 60% of area median income or less. The amendment will likely delay the issuance of $400 million in bonds needed to finance the program.
New ordinances capping rental application fees at $50 and allowing tenants to pay security deposits in installments are now in effect, aiming to reduce upfront housing costs and improve affordability for renters citywide.
The latest draft of Richmond’s Code Refresh reduces earlier upzoning proposals by limiting height, density, and accessory units while still promoting “middle housing” options. The City Council is expected to vote on the revised zoning changes next spring.
The Richmond City Council approved the sale of city-owned lots for a planned neighborhood of 30–40 tiny homes, part of a broader effort to address housing affordability.
The San Diego City Council is set to vote on a plan that would allow a 322% housing increase to keep pace with San Diego State University’s growing enrollment. Supporters argue the upzoning is necessary, while critics say the plan lacks firm requirements for new infrastructure.
The Minneapolis City Council approved $14.43 million for nine affordable housing projects totaling 597 units, most reserved for low-income households. The largest award supports Trellis’ conversion of the downtown Flour Exchange Building as part of the city’s push to expand affordable housing and revitalize downtown.
New York City Council Member Julie Menin (D) announced she has secured a supermajority of 36 commitments to become the next New York City Council speaker, well above the 26 votes required. The official vote will take place when the new legislative session begins in January.
A state board recommended licenses for three casinos in New York City: Bally’s in the Bronx and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Metropolitan Park and Resorts World New York City in Queens. The Gaming Commission is expected to approve the recommendations later this month.
The Minneapolis City Council has revived discussion on the future of George Floyd Square, adding a mixed-use redevelopment plan to the agenda for its final meeting on December 11. Council members and residents remain divided over how to balance traffic, public space, and local input.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) announced she will not run for reelection in 2026, ending more than a decade in office. Her decision sets up a competitive mayoral race as the city faces economic challenges, budget pressures, and ongoing debates over housing, public safety, and D.C. statehood.
The Mayor’s Office of Women’s Advancement announced two mini-grant opportunities totaling $100,000 to boost mental health and curb youth violence. One grant focuses on Women and Girls Mental Health, and the other on Domestic, Sexual, and Gender-Based Violence Prevention.
Downtown Chicago aldermen are renewing their call for a tougher youth curfew, arguing that police need stronger tools to prevent large, unruly crowds. The aldermen plan to reintroduce curfew legislation despite past pushback from the mayor.
San Diego’s city auditor is reviewing the Police Department’s Internal Affairs unit to assess how misconduct complaints are handled, building on prior reports that found investigations often incomplete or biased.
New data shows D.C.’s homicide rate has dropped by about 30% in 2025 while police have achieved their highest case clearance rate since 2013, aided by increased arrests and multiagency collaboration amid ongoing federal-local law enforcement coordination.
Budget Chair Jason Ervin signaled that Mayor Brandon Johnson’s (D) proposed $21-per-employee corporate head tax could survive despite a committee vote against it, citing Mayor Johnson’s veto threat on alternatives like property tax hikes or service cuts.
The Los Angeles City Council formed a Budget and Finance Advisory Committee to address long-term financial challenges after closing a $1-billion deficit. The panel will focus on sustainable budgeting, revenue planning, and city asset management over two years.
The Philadelphia City Council is expected to approve legislation creating PhillySaves, an auto-IRA program for workers without employer-sponsored plans, requiring businesses with at least one employee to enroll. The initiative includes a proposed 15-member Retirement Savings Board and could go to voters for final approval via a charter change as early as May.
The Philadelphia City Council is considering legislation to restore a Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT) exemption for sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs, aiming to ease financial burdens on very small businesses after a court ruling eliminated the previous revenue-based exemption earlier this year.
The Richmond City Council learned that its Employee Homebuyer Assistance Program may have to return $1.3 million in unused American Rescue Plan Act funds to the federal government unless eligibility rules are streamlined or participation expands before the 2026 deadline.
The Seattle City Council adopted a $9 billion budget for 2026, adding funds for rental assistance, reserves, and enhanced support for homelessness programs. The budget shields priorities like encampment removal and graffiti abatement but leaves a projected structural deficit of $140 million for 2027 unresolved.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) faces a budget showdown as the outgoing progressive-controlled City Council proposes deep cuts to his office and other measures before newly elected members take their seats.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) plans to buy up to 150 hybrid buses with a $121 million federal grant from the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission Program. The buses will reduce emissions but do not significantly advance the CTA’s goal of a fully electric fleet by 2040.
Detroit secured a $50 million federal grant to buy 53 new buses, completing the key pieces needed to rebuild its transit system alongside recent driver and mechanic pay raises. Officials say riders will start seeing more reliable service as the new fleet rolls out and the new Coolidge Terminal opens next spring.
Philadelphia released its updated Vision Zero Action Plan, outlining strategies to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030 through targeted safety improvements on high-risk streets, expanded bike infrastructure, and proposed state-level measures for speed enforcement and traffic camera authority.
Sound Transit announced an 8-mile extension of the 1 Line this Saturday, adding new stops at Kent/Des Moines, Star Lake, and Federal Way Downtown. The $2.5 billion project is expected to add up to 23,000 weekday riders.
Co-Chair, New York Practice
Managing Director
Managing Director
Co-Chair, New York Practice
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.
February 5, 2026
February 5, 2026
February 4, 2026
