New York Note – Budget Director, City Legislation, Brooklyn Power 100

August 7, 2023

Blake Washington Named as NYS Budget Director

Governor Hochul announced the appointment of Blake G. Washington as New York State’s new Budget Director. He replaces Robert Megna, who served as Acting Budget Director after the departure of Robert Mujica. Washington currently works as Secretary to the NYS Assembly Ways and Means Committee, advising the Speaker on budget and fiscal matters. He has worked for the Ways and Means Committee since 2002.

NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation

Last Thursday, the NYC Council convened a Stated meeting, where they passed and introduced multiple pieces of legislation. The Council formalized a permanent outdoor dining program, allowing sidewalk dining for all 12 months of the year and roadway dining from April – November. Additionally, the Council approved legislation adding increased protection against lead contamination and established the Office of the Homeowner Advocate. Legislation was introduced increasing the civil penalties for operating an e-bike on sidewalks, and requiring DOT to install at least 100 solar-powered traffic control devices over the next 5 years. You can find all of the bills that were passed and introduced here.

City & State NY’s 2023 Brooklyn Power 100

Ken Fisher has been named to City & State NY’s Brooklyn Power 100. The list honors the changemakers in the borough. City & State NY describes Fisher as the “borough’s leading expert on zoning and land use matters,”

Authors

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.

Explore Articles and News

See All News