New York Note: Mamdani Bans Hotel Fees, Congressional Redistricting, Albany Power 100

January 26, 2026

Mamdani Administration Bans Hotel Fees

On Wednesday, Mayor Mamdani joined Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Sam Levine in announcing the administration’s rule on banning hotel junk fees. Part of the administration’s affordability agenda, the newly adopted rule prohibits hotels from charging mandatory resort, destination or service fees unless those costs are clearly included in the advertised room price. The rule is expected to have a significant impact ahead of a projected tourist influx as New York City prepares to host visitors attending the FIFA World Cup at MetLife stadium this summer.

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Court Order Calls for State Commission to Redraw Congressional Lines

A Manhattan State Supreme Court justice ruled on Wednesday that the boundaries of one of New York City’s congressional districts, NY-11, which encompasses parts of State Island and Brooklyn, is unconstitutional. The judge ruled in favor of Democratic lawyers who asserted that the current boundaries of the district represented by the U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, unlawfully diminish the representation of Black and Latino voters in Staten Island. The ruling could trigger the state’s redistricting commission to redraw the map. Even though New York State currently prohibits mid-cycle redistricting, the ruling comes against a national backdrop of mid-decade redistricting in key states such as California and Texas.

Katrell Lewis Named to City & State NY’s 2026 Albany Power 100

Katrell Lewis, Principal with Cozen O’Connor’s New York office, was recognized by City & State New York on its 2026 Albany 100 list. A leading advocate in Albany, Katrell represents clients before the Governor’s office, state agencies, and the legislature, advising on policy and budget matters. His feature in City and State highlighted his work helping secure significant government funding for affordable housing projects across New York State on behalf of his clients LISC New York and The Supportive Housing Network of New York.

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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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