2022 Legislative Session – March Madness

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March Madness is beginning to take hold and not just in the basketball arena. The Virginia General Assembly has less than 11 days left in the 2022 Session and Budget bills have passed out of both chambers and are in the bosom of the money committees. Staff of the Senate Finance & Appropriations and House Appropriations committees will be working to get the respective budgets in a posture to be hashed by the Budget conferees.

The Republican controlled House budget has included money for school construction, teacher pay raises and bonuses for public employees and tax relief (including suspending the gas tax increase and eliminating the sales tax on groceries). The Senate’s budget differs with more education funding and less in tax relief. These differences will need to be worked out when the Budget conferees meet leading up to adjournment of Session on March 12. Youngkin has already met with budget conferees and leadership to begin work on the budget.

Once a budget is approved it will be sent to Governor Youngkin who will then review and send down budget amendments for the April 27 Reconvened Session.

Advancing Legislation

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Employer/Labor: SB 631 (Barker) employer liability; overtime, passed both houses and will be sent to the Governor;

Workforce Development: HB 191 (Hodges) passed the House and is in Senate General Laws;

Labor bills: SB 352 (Surovell) which requires employers to provide paid sick leave to health care providers, grocery store workers and home health workers was killed in a House subcommittee and SB 624 (Favola) which only applies to home health workers has not been heard yet in House Commerce & Energy:

HB 1156 (Byron) and SB 15 (Favola) both passed that will create a new class of family leave insurance that an employer can offer;

Workers Comp: presumption as to death or disability from COVID-19, extends exp. to Dec 31, 2022, HB 932 (Robinson) passed out of a Senate committee but SB 181 (Saslaw) was killed in the House subcommittee;

Data Protection: SB 341 (Barker) dealing with high-volume third party sellers died in the House; Consumer data protection bills, HB 714 (Hayes) and SB 534 (Marsden) are still alive;

Freezing or lowering gas tax: HB 1144 (Webert) was killed in Senate Finance;

Wage bills: minimum wage bills HB 296 (McNamara) and SB 173 (Peake) both were killed in the Senate Commerce & Labor committee;

Cannabis: SB 391 (Ebbin) retail market cannabis bill was quietly carried over in a House subcommittee on Monday delaying any retail sales until at least 2023; SB 591 (Hanger) prohibiting the sale of marijuana products in certain shapes and including provisions to address chemically synthesized cannabinoids, including delta-8 THC, will be up for a House floor vote.

Other notable legislation: SB 203 (Morrissey) adding Petersburg to the list of cities to host a casino was killed in the Senate. The City of Richmond is still considering another vote on their previously defeated referendum to bring a casino to the city but they may face a legal challenge. Virginia Football Stadium Authority bills SB 727 (Saslaw) and HB 1353 (Knight) have passed and will be worked on in conference.

Review legislation from the Virginia Legislative Information System LIS

March Madness Richmond style

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Co-Chaired by Cozen’s Julia Hammond, the Annual Capitol Square Basketball Classic was held at the VCU Siegel Center pitting the skilled basketball prowess of Governor Youngkin and his office against the tenacious lobbying team. In a thriller, Governor Youngkin’s son hit the game winning shot giving the Governor’s team the win. In the House vs Senate game, the House pulled out a win over the hard scrabbling Senate team. While fun was had, the main purpose of the game was to raise money for the VCU Massey Cancer Center and over $50,000 was raised for this most worthy cause.

Newsclips

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With first veto, Youngkin overrules bill on Arlington policing oversight

By TEO ARMUS, Washington Post (Metered Paywall – 3 articles a month)

Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) on Tuesday issued his first veto since taking office, blocking part of an effort by one of the most liberal jurisdictions in Virginia to ramp up independent accountability of its police force. The bill he vetoed would have allowed the Arlington County Board, rather than the county manager, to hire an auditor to investigate possible police misconduct. The measure received bipartisan support, passing the GOP-controlled House of Delegates on a 65-to-35 vote.

Senate panel holds line on tax policies as final negotiations loom

By MICHAEL MARTZ, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall – 7 articles a month)

The Senate Finance & Appropriations Committee isn’t budging from its positions on Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s package of tax cuts as it prepares for negotiations with the House of Delegates over budgets that are $3 billion apart in spending. The committee rejected an attempt by Sen. Steve Newman, R-Lynchburg, one of Youngkin’s closest allies in the General Assembly, to approve a proposal to double the standard deduction for state income tax filers instead of sending the idea to a special tax policy subcommittee to study over the next year.

House Republicans kill legislation to kick start legal sales of marijuana in Virginia

By MEL LEONOR, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall – 7 articles a month)

House Republicans on Monday killed legislation intended to kick start the legal sale of recreational marijuana in Virginia, arguing that there is not enough time to perfect the complex legislation, while promising to address it next year. Virginia last year became the first state in the South to legalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, an effort led by Democrats, who then had sweeping power. Lawmakers in 2021 punted the creation of a new legal market to the current session in an effort that appeared to fail on Monday.

Virginia House passes Parole Board transparency bill

By TANNOCK BLAIR, WRIC-TV

The Virginia House of Delegates passed a bill that intends to make Parole Board votes public. The bill, listed as Senate Bill 5, passed with bipartisan support and a majority vote of 96-3 in the chamber last week. It is now headed to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s desk where it is expected to be signed.

Legislation lays out a plan for affordable broadband

By JACKIE LLANOS HERNANDEZ, Virginia Mercury

Legislation creating a plan to expand affordable broadband access across the commonwealth is on the way to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s desk with broad bipartisan support. HB 1265, by Del. Suhas Subramanyam, D-Loudoun, charges the state Department of Housing and Community Development with creating a plan to deliver recommendations to the General Assembly and Youngkin by Dec. 1. Designing a map and blueprint to establish the areas in the state that are in most need of broadband access is among the tasks agency will have to tackle before the end of the year.

Gov. Youngkin releases updated COVID Action Plan

By GARY BOYER, WFXR-TV

Gov. Glenn Youngkin updated Virginia’s COVID-19 Action Plan this week. The plan continues the Commonwealth’s commitment to providing additional COVID-19 vaccine events across Virginia, as well as grand flexibilities to health care workers and reaffirmed his commitment to chart a pathway to normalcy.

Va. Senate removes a pandemic protocol — plastic dividers

Associated Press

The plastic dividers that have separated lawmakers in the Virginia Senate in the name of COVID-19 prevention are coming down. Senate Clerk Susan Clarke Schaar and other members of the Senate staff were working to remove the tall, shiny barriers from the chamber after Monday’s floor session concluded. The plastic panels that separated lawmakers’ desks, which Republicans had complained amounted to cages, were being disassembled and carried out.

Senate committee kills bill to restore regulatory oversight over energy projects

By PATRICK WILSON, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall – 7 articles a month)

Democrats on a Senate committee killed a House bill on Monday that would have restored State Corporation Commission oversight over the bonanza of energy projects approved in a 2020 law. The bill from Del. Lee Ware, R-Powhatan, would have amended the Virginia Clean Economy Act, the legislation Democrats passed in 2020 to transition Virginia off the use of fossil fuels for electricity generation and promote the use of solar and wind energy.

Proposal to forbid local gas bans dropped in Senate

By SARAH VOGELSONG, Virginia Mercury

A controversial proposal to forbid local governments from banning or limiting use of natural gas has been dropped after House Majority Leader Terry Kilgore revamped a bill Tuesday in a bid to ensure legislation providing businesses with certainty about gas service makes it through the Senate. . . . The new version of House Bill 1257 presented Tuesday would prohibit any “public entity that provides natural gas utility service” from discontinuing service “generally or to any commercial or industrial customers” without providing three years of notice, undertaking certain negotiations and in some circumstances offering the system up for auction to the highest bidder. Only three localities would be affected by the legislation: the cities of Richmond, Charlottesville and Danville, all of which have municipal gas utilities.

Report finds potentially $400 million wrongly given out from Virginia Employment Commission

By MARGARET KAVANAGH, WTKR-TV

An audit of the Virginia Employment Commission has highlighted major issues within the agency after an explosion of claims filed as a result of the pandemic. The report dissects problems that could have potentially cost taxpayers $400 million. The News 3 investigative team spoke to those impacted, the VEC commissioner and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin about the new findings.

D.C., Virginia awarded millions in federal grants to push equity in unemployment benefits

By TEO ARMUS AND MICHAEL BRICE-SADDLER, Washington Post (Metered Paywall – 3 articles a month)

The U.S. Department of Labor is planning to roll out millions in funding to promote equity in unemployment insurance programs — and the District and Virginia will be two of the first to benefit. Employment agencies for the two jurisdictions were among the first selected to receive these new federal grants, which are meant to help claimants from traditionally marginalized backgrounds access unemployment benefits, Labor officials announced Tuesday.

Richmond increases business tax threshold to $250,000

By C. SUAREZ ROJAS, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall – 7 articles a month)

Beginning next year, Richmond will cut business taxes for local companies by increasing an exemption threshold. Businesses will be exempt from the city’s Business, Professional and Occupational License tax for the first $250,000 generated annually, starting Jan. 1, 2023. Companies earning less will only need to pay a $30 annual fee, rather than a rate determined by the type of business

Miyares: Virginia to receive $530 million to fight the opioid crisis

By TYLER THRASHER, WRIC-TV

Attorney General Jason Miyares has announced the final approval of the $26 billion opioid agreement between Cardinal, McKesson and Amerisource Bergen with Johnson & Johnson. The commonwealth expects to receive $530 million to fight the opioid crisis. According to a release by the office of the Attorney General, following successful state sign-on and subdivision sign-on periods, the defendants will start releasing funds to a national administrator on April 2, 2022. Money will start flowing to state and local governments in the second quarter of 2022.

With big tax incentives, Virginia aims to lure Commanders

By SARAH RANKIN, Associated Press

Virginia lawmakers are advancing a measure intended to lure the Washington Commanders to the state by allowing the NFL team to forgo what could be $1 billion or more in future tax payments to help finance a potential new football stadium. The move, which comes a year after lawmakers gave the team preferential treatment for a lucrative sports betting permit, is intended to help Virginia secure its first major pro sports franchise and beat out Maryland and the District of Columbia as the team weighs where to go after its FedEx Field lease ends in 2027.

Va. Congressman unveils plan to sack tax perks of state’s plan to lure Washington Commanders stadium

By ERIC FLACK, WUSA-TV

A Virginia congressman wants to sack a financial incentive package aimed at luring the Washington Commanders’ new stadium to the Commonwealth. U.S. Representative Don Beyer, a Democrat who represents Virginia’s 8th Congressional District in the heart of Northern Virginia, said stadium bond packages like the one working its way through the Virginia state legislature takes needed tax revenue out of the pockets of taxpayers all to benefit people who have more than enough money to build new stadiums on their own.

PHILADELPHIA, August 19, 2021 — Best Lawyers selected 210 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 23 of the firm’s nationwide offices for inclusion in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America© (Copyright 2020 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC). Lawyers were selected for inclusion in the 2022 edition based entirely on a peer-review process.

Additionally, Frank Abramonte (Information Technology Law), Jeremiah G. Garvey (Securities/Capital Markets Law), Lorraine Linford (Trademark Law), Anne E. Mickey (Admiralty and Maritime Law), Joseph F. Quinn (Labor & Employment), Stephen Seeger (Construction Law), Anna Wermuth (Employment Law),  A. Martin Wickliff, Jr (Labor Law), were designated as Best Lawyers® 2022 “Lawyer of the Year.”

Atlanta

Elliot Kerzner (Commercial Litigation) Ones to Watch

Danielle Le Jeune (Insurance Law) Ones to Watch

Kenan G. Loomis (Insurance Law, Litigation – Insurance)

Charlotte

Jeremy L. Jones (Insurance Law, Litigation – Insurance)

Cherry Hill

Thomas McKay III (Insurance Law)

Ira G. Megdal (Energy Law)

Chicago

Jack J. Carriglio (Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense: White-Collar)

Janet R. Davis (Insurance Law, Litigation – Insurance)

Amy M. Doig (Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law) Ones to Watch

David R. Doyle (Bankruptcy) Ones to Watch

Robert M. Fishman (Bankruptcy)

Gary L. Gassman (Insurance Law, Litigation – Insurance)

Tia C. Ghattas (Commercial Litigation)

Jeremy J. Glenn (Employment Law – Management)

Danielle Harris (Labor & Employment) Ones to Watch

Corey T. Hickman (Commercial Litigation) Ones to Watch

Jonathan Levy (Insurance Law) Ones to Watch

Elizabeth A. Olivera (Immigration Law) Ones to Watch

Peter J. Roberts (Bankruptcy/Insolvency)

Christina M. Sanfelippo (Bankruptcy) Ones to Watch

Brian Shaw (Bankruptcy)

Joseph E. Tilson (Employment Law –  Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment)

Anna Wermuth (Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management)

Dallas

Donnie Mike Apodaca (Commercial Litigation) Ones to Watch

William Craven (Insurance Law) Ones to Watch

Alicia G. Curran (Insurance Law)

Stephen M. Halbeisen (Insurance Law)

Suzanne C. Radcliff (Insurance Law)

Denver

Brad W. Breslau (Insurance Law, Litigation – Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants)

Thomas Dunford (Insurance Law)

Houston

David L. Barron (Employment Law – Management)

Adam C. Gutmann (Labor and Employment Law – Employee, Labor and Employment Law – Management) Ones to Watch

Aaron Holt (Labor and Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment) Ones to Watch

Stephen P. Pate (Insurance Law)

Nandini Sane (Labor and Employment Law – Management) Ones to Watch

Julia Simonet (Commercial Litigation) Ones to Watch

A. Martin Wickliff, Jr. (Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Mediation)

Joseph A. Ziemianski (Insurance Law, Litigation – Insurance)

Los Angeles

Maria Louis Cousineau (Litigation – Insurance)

Susan A. Grueneberg (Franchise Law)

Angel Marti III (Insurance Law) Ones to Watch

Howard D. Maycon (Litigation – Insurance)

Donald C. Nanney (Environmental Law)

Mark A. Talise (Insurance Law) Ones to Watch

Brett Nicole Taylor (Commercial Litigation) Ones to Watch

Miami

Arielle Eisenberg (Labor and Employment Law – Management) Ones to Watch

Susan N. Eisenberg (Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment)

James A. Gale (Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law)

Jonathan E. Gale (Litigation – Intellectual Property, Technology Law) Ones to Watch

Jahan S. Islami (International Mergers and Acquisitions, Mergers and Acquisitions Law)

Charles C. Kline (Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Franchise Law, Insurance Law)

Samuel A. Lewis (Information Technology Law, Technology Law)

Martin T. Schrier (Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law)

Jennifer Taylor (Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment)

Minneapolis

Mayura Noordyke (Entertainment and Sports Law, Intellectual property, Litigation – Intellectual Property) Ones to Watch

Mark A. Jacobson (Litigation – Antitrust, Litigation – Intellectual Property)

Steven P. Katkov (Real Estate Law)

Edgar G. Rapoport (Leveraged Buyout and Private Equity Law) Ones to Watch

Thomas G. Wallrich (Real Estate Law)

New York

Melissa Brill (Insurance Law)

Laura Dowgin (Insurance Law) Ones to Watch

Geoffrey Ferrer (Admiralty and Maritime Law, Transportation Law)

Yehudah Gordon (Criminal Defense: White-Collar) Ones to Watch

John Ho (Litigation – Labor and Employment)

Daniel Levin (Real Estate Law) Ones to Watch

J. Bruce Maffeo (Criminal Defense: General Practice, Criminal Defense: White-Collar)

Farrell J. Miller (Insurance Law) Ones to Watch

Anupama Prasad (Insurance Law) Ones to Watch

Frank A. Pugliese (Information Technology Law, Technology Law)

Emily Shoor (Real Estate Law) Ones to Watch

Christopher Raleigh (Admiralty and Maritime Law)

Newark

Michael J. Connolly (Energy Law)

Gregory Eisenstark (Energy Law)

Philadelphia

Dylan Alper (Commercial Litigation) Ones to Watch

Leigh Ann Benson (Commercial Litigation) Ones to Watch

Isaac A. Binkovitz (Insurance Law) Ones to Watch

Joseph C. Bright (Tax Law)

Brian D. Burack (Commercial Litigation) Ones to Watch

Richard J. Busis (Corporate Law)

Jason Cabrera (Labor and Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment) Ones to Watch

Jonathan M. Ciriello (Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law) Ones to Watch

Dennis L. Cohen (Tax Law)

Stephen A. Cozen (Insurance Law)

Alfred J. D’Angelo (Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management)

Raymond L. DeLuca (Construction Law)

Amanda DiChello (Trusts and Estates)

Jay A. Dorsch (Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law)

Martin Duffey (Insurance Law)

Elliott R. Feldman (Commercial Litigation)

Bruce W. Ficken (Construction Law, Litigation – Construction)

H. Robert Fiebach (Commercial Litigation, Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Litigation – Real Estate, Litigation – Securities)

Brian P. Flaherty (Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Environmental)

Eric D. Freed (Insurance Law)

Robert I. Friedman (Trusts and Estates)

Thomas J. Gallagher III (Tax Law)

Mark H. Gallant (Health Care Law)

Henry A. Gladstone (Corporate Law)

Edward M. Glickman  (Trusts and Estates)

Josh M. Greenbaum (Construction Law)

Howard Grossman (Real Estate Law)

Michael J. Hanlon (Education Law, Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management)

Daniel Q. Harrington (Insurance Law)

Robert S. Hawkins (Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management)

James H. Heller (Commercial Litigation)

Michael J. Heller (Corporate Law, Venture Capital Law)

Kevin. J. Hughes (Insurance Law)

Hayes H. Hunt (Criminal Defense: White-Collar)

Fred Warren Jacoby (Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Construction)

Daniel V. Johns (Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment)

Veronica Johnson (Real Estate Law) Ones to Watch

Matthew H. Kamens (Trusts and Estates)

Max Kaplan (Commercial Litigation) Ones to Watch

Sandra L. Kelly (Real Estate Law) Ones to Watch

Sarah A. Kelly (Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment)

Stephen Kempa (Insurance Law) Ones to Watch

Philip G. Kircher (Commercial Litigation)

Raymond A. Kresge (Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment)

James M. Kwartnik (Construction Law)

Larry P. Laubach (Corporate Law)

Bernard Lee (Real Estate Law)

Jeffrey A. Leonard (Real Estate Law)

Lester E. Lipschutz (Trusts and Estates)

Elizabeth A. Malloy (Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment)

Suzanne S. Mayes (Public Finance Law)

Michael Melusky (Commercial Litigation) Ones to Watch

Stephen A. Miller (Criminal Defense: White-Collar)

Deborah M. Minkoff (Insurance Law)

Katharine E. Mooney (Insurance Law) Ones to Watch

Mark T. Mullen (Insurance Law)

Jeffrey I. Pasek (Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment)

Andrew J. Rolfes (Litigation – Labor and Employment)

Colleen Rush (Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Venture Capital Law) Ones to Watch

Heidi R. Schwartz (Tax Law) Ones to Watch

Alexa Sebia (Commercial Litigation) Ones to Watch

Harper S. Seldin (Commercial Litigation) Ones to Watch

Jason M. Shargel (Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law)

Benjamin L. Shechtman (Labor and Employment Law – Management) Ones to Watch

Adam M. Silverman (Real Estate Law)

Robert A. Silverman (Real Estate Law)

Cheryl A. Upham (Tax Law)

George A. Voegele, Jr. (Litigation – Labor and Employment)

Joshua C. Weinberger (Tax Law)

Matthew I. Weinstein (Real Estate Law)

Thomas G. Wilkinson (Commercial Litigation, Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants)

Benjamin I. Wilkoff (Insurance Law) Ones to Watch

Anna Will Kentz (Labor and Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment) Ones to Watch

James R. Williams (Real Estate Law)

Thomas P. Witt (Land Use and Zoning Law, Real Estate Law)

Eli S. Wolfe (Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Venture Capital Law) Ones to Watch                                                                                  

Pittsburgh

Lynn Krisay Brehm (Employee Benefit (ERISA) Law)

Peter J. Ennis (Litigation – Labor and Employment)

James W. Forsyth (Tax Law)

Jeremiah G. Garvey (Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Securities/Capital Markets Law, Securities Regulation, Venture Capital Law)

Eugene A. Giotto (Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Health Care, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants)

Thomas S. Giotto (Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management)

Tiffany A. Jenca (Labor and Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment) Ones to Watch

Jason Kreps (Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Venture Capital Law) Ones to Watch

Jesse Loffler (Commercial Litigation) Ones to Watch

Brock E. McCandless (Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation – Real Estate, Real Estate Law) Ones to Watch

Mariah L. Passarelli (Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment)

Seth Popick (Corporate Law) – Ones to Watch

Joseph F. Quinn (Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment)

Maura L. Winters (Commercial Litigation) Ones to Watch

Richmond

Jerry W. Kilgore (Administrative/Regulatory Law, Government Relations Practice)

Thomas A. Lisk (Administrative/Regulatory Law, Gaming Law, Government Relations Practice)

San Diego

Kevin D. Bush (Litigation – Insurance)

Thomas M. Regan (Insurance Law)

Craig A. Schloss (Litigation – Labor and Employment)

San Francisco

Walter M. Stella (Employment Law – Management)

Brett C. Greving (Litigation – Labor and Employment) Ones to Watch      

Santa Monica

Richard H. Close (Land Use and Zoning Law)

Jonathan S. Gross (Real Estate Law)

Diane J. Hvolka (Real Estate Law)

Paul S. Rutter (Real Estate Law)

Peter E. Swain (Real Estate Law)

Seattle, WA

Frank Abramonte (Copyright Law, Information Technology Law, Patent Law)

Peter Berg (Insurance Law) Ones to Watch

Nadia A. Bugaighis (Insurance Law) Ones to Watch

Anusha E. Jones (Commercial Litigation) Ones to Watch

William Knowles (Insurance Law)

Lorraine Linford (Patent Law, Trademark Law)

Jodi McDougall (Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Insurance)

Avin S. Singh (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law) Ones to Watch

Terri A. Sutton (Insurance Law) Ones to Watch

Washington, D.C.

Barry Boss (Criminal Defense: White-Collar)

Rebecca Brodey (Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense: White-Collar) Ones to Watch

Eric J. DeBear (Real Estate Law) Ones to Watch

Marc J. Fink (Admiralty and Maritime Law, Transportation Law)

Daniel W. Hardwick (Real Estate Law)

James Grier Hoyt (Real Estate Law)

Jeffrey F. Lawrence (Admiralty and Maritime Law)

Hugh J. Marbury (Arbitration, Commercial Litigation, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants)

Milton A. Marquis (Litigation – Antitrust)

Anne E. Mickey (Admiralty and Maritime Law)

Meridith H. Moldenhauer (Real Estate Law)

Bernard Nash (Administrative/Regulatory Law, Government Relations Practice)

Lawrence M. Prosen (Arbitration, Construction Law, and Litigation-Construction)

Stephen M. Seeger (Arbitration, Construction Law, Litigation – Construction)

Stanley O. Sher (Admiralty and Maritime Law)

Barbara Van Gelder (Criminal Defense: White-Collar)

Rachel Welford (Transportation Law) Ones to Watch

West Conshohocken

Jonathan T. Hoffman (Family Law)

Nicholas A. Karwacki (Commercial Litigation) Ones to Watch

Patrick J. O’Connor (Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation)

Margaret Gallagher Thompson (Litigation – Trusts and Estates, Trust and Estates)

West Palm Beach

Chad A. Pasternack (Insurance Law) Ones to Watch

Alexandra J. Schultz (Insurance Law) Ones to Watch

Wilmington

John T. Carroll III (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law)

Richard L. Emge (Real Estate Law)

Mark E. Felger  (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law)

Throughout the country, large municipalities are laboratories of democracy. New and innovative policies introduced in one market are often exported to others, and ultimately replicated at the state and federal level. This newsletter highlights emerging local policy and regulatory discussions that impact industries, businesses, and organizations across the nation.

Gig Economy & Technology

CHICAGO — University of Chicago Commits Millions to Startups

The University of Chicago is stepping up its efforts to create more startups, committing more than $20 million to launch three new accelerators focused on deep technology such as data science, artificial intelligence, clean technology and life sciences—areas where the university excels but for which funding often is hardest to find.

CHICAGO — Technology, Health Care, Finance Industries Look for Brighter Skies in 2023

Chicago tech companies laid off more than 2,500 employees in 2022, based on reporting by Crain’s and LayoffsTracker.com. It marked the first slowdown experienced by many entrepreneurs, investors and tech workers, sending tremors across the industry. The sectors being hit hardest were digital advertising, e-commerce and other facets of consumer tech.

NEW YORK CITY – First Legal Cannabis Dispensary Opens in NYC

The first legal adult-use cannabis dispensary in New York State has opened in lower Manhattan. The dispensary is operated by the nonprofit organization Housing Works, and funds from marijuana sales will be reinvested in services to the unhoused and formerly incarcerated.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — AG Racine Uses Last Days of Tenure to Settle Lawsuits With Google, GrubHub

During the last few days of his term, D.C. Attorney General Karlo Racine reached two major settlements: a $9.5 million settlement with Google, whom his office had accused of violating the District’s Consumer Protection Procedures Act by making it unnecessarily difficult for users to prevent their location from being tracked, and one $3.5 million settlement with GrubHub, whom his office accused of utilizing deceptive advertising tactics and imposing hidden fees.

Labor & Employment

BOSTON – $15 Minimum Wage Takes Effect in MA

Massachusetts’ $15-per-hour minimum wage has taken effect as of January 1, the final step in a series of pay hikes first laid out by the legislature in 2018.

CHICAGO — See the Latest Back-to-Office Stats in Chicago

After a Thanksgiving week dip, Chicago office-going rebounded sharply ahead of the yearend holidays, according to data from real estate technology firm Kastle Systems, which analyzed building security card swipes and compared current figures to early 2020. The number of building swipes reveals Chicago’s return-to-office levels are now ahead of national average and on par with New York’s.

DETROIT — Detroit’s Joblessness Rate Drops Below 7% for First Time Since 2000; Experts Urge Caution

Detroit’s unemployment rate has fallen to 6.4%, a 22-year low, according to November figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released last week. It’s the first time since December 2000 that Detroit’s unemployment rate fell below 7%, Mayor Mike Duggan said at a Jan. 5 celebration at the city’s workforce development center. But two experts warned the unemployment drop is due more to a reduction in the labor force than an increase in jobs.

LOS ANGELES — LA County Takes Steps on Fair Work Week Ordinance

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Dec. 20, advanced the idea of enacting a fair work week ordinance aimed at giving retail employees more consistent schedules and breaks between shifts. The board instructed its staff to return in six months with an ordinance that would require large retailers in unincorporated areas to give employees 14 days’ notice of their work schedule. Employers would also have to provide workers with 10 hours of rest between shifts and a good faith estimate of weekly work hours.

SAN DIEGO — San Diego Begins Enforcing New Contractor Transparency Rules to Fight Wage Theft, Even Playing Field

A new San Diego law that took effect Sunday requires companies serving as contractors or subcontractors on city projects to comply with more rigorous transparency and accountability measures. San Diego officials say the goal of the new rules, which the City Council approved in August, is to help prevent wage theft and create a more even playing field among contractors by preventing any of them from skirting city rules.

SEATTLE – Tough Job Market Ahead for 2023

Despite the past year of business and job growth in Washington state, WA is only 67,000 jobs (or 1.9%) ahead of February 2020, prior to the pandemic. It is estimated that COVID cost the state over 190,000 jobs.

Policy & Politics

BALTIMORE — Councilmember Cohen Signals Potential Run for City Council President in 2024, Potentially Against Current Council President Mosby

Baltimore Councilmember Zeke Cohen has announced the formation of an exploratory committee ahead of a possible run for City Council president in 2024. Current Council President Nick Mosby — who has recently been the subject of allegations of ethics violations, which he has continuously denied — has not stated whether he intends to run for the position again.

BALTIMORE — Mayor Scott Details Baltimore’s Legislative Priorities for the Coming Year

Last week, in preparation for the first Maryland General Assembly session meeting of 2023, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott announced the city’s legislative priorities in the hopes that it might secure $497 million funding from the state’s $2.5 billion surplus. These include addressing Baltimore’s vacancy challenges, reforming tax sale and property taxes, and making necessary improvements to public safety, among others.

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healy takes oath of office

Maura Healey took the gubernatorial oath of office last Tuesday, becoming the state’s 73rd Governor. In her first address as governor, she noted housing, cost of living, transportation, and climate changes as major priorities.

PHILADELPHIA — Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court Says Impeachment Articles Against Philadelphia DA Krasner Do Not Meet Minimum Standard of “Misbehavior in Office”

Following Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s request for their intervention, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court recently found that the impeachment articles approved by the state House last November do not rise to the standard of “misbehavior in office.” It is unclear whether the scheduled Senate impeachment trial will move forward as planned.

PHILADELPHIA — “Millionaire’s Amendment” Now in Effect in Philadelphia Mayoral Race

Real estate magnate and former City Councilmember Allan Domb triggered Philadelphia’s “millionaire’s amendment” last week through his disclosure to the city’s Philadelphia Board of Ethics that his out-of-pocket donations to his campaign have exceeded $250,000. The campaign finance regulation will double the annual limit on campaign contributions for individuals and organizations in what is already shaping up to be an extremely competitive election.

RICHMOND — City Council Outlines Legislative Priorities For Upcoming Year, Elects New Council President

As 2022 drew to a close, Richmond City Council members came together to unanimously endorse a list of the city’s legislative priorities for the upcoming Virginia General Assembly session that begins this week. Priorities include potentially paving the way for a new casino, preventing sewage overflows into the James River, and the implementation of several housing policies. Councilmember Michael Jones was also elected to succeed Cynthia Newbille as Council president earlier this month, officially kicking off the new year.

SEATTLE – Four Councilmembers Will Not Seek Reelection at the End of 2023

Councilmember Alex Pedersen announced that he will not seek reelection to Seattle City Council. In his statement, he noted that he is not a “career politician.” Pedersen is the fourth Council Member who has indicated that they will not seek reelection.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Mayor Bowser Intends to Veto City Council’s Criminal Code Overhaul Bill

Last week, Mayor Muriel Bowser stated her intent to veto a bill that was unanimously passed by City Council in November that would implement the first overhaul of the city’s criminal code in nearly a century. City Council is expected to override the veto, making the move by Mayor Bowser largely symbolic.

Public Health & Safety

BOSTON – Supreme Court Hears Case Over Police and Firefighter Vaccine Mandate

Last Friday, Massachusetts’ Supreme Judicial Court heard oral arguments from the city of Boston and police and firefighter unions, based on the idea that Mayor Wu did not have the right to impose a citywide vaccine mandate in December 2021. The state court must now decide whether or not the public health danger was sufficient cause for Wu to enact the mandate.

CHICAGO — Mayor Lightfoot, Chicago Department of Public Health Announce Emergency Supplemental Victim Service Fund to Ease Trauma From Gun Violence

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), and Community Safety Coordination Center (CSCC) today announced the launch of a new nearly $275,000 Emergency Supplemental Victims’ Fund (ESVF) pilot program to ease the financial burden and trauma inflicted on those directly impacted by gun violence. This pilot program will focus on alleviating the immediate financial impacts of shooting incidents by providing financial assistance in set amounts to survivors and their families.

DETROIT — Violent Crime in Detroit Down, Property Crime Up in 2022

Violent crime in Detroit in 2022 dropped 11% over the previous year as of Friday, while property crime increased by nearly a quarter, fueled by a 41% jump in vehicle thefts, according to the latest Detroit police statistics. As of Friday, there had been 307 criminal homicides in Detroit — identical to the Dec. 30, 2021, total — while the 952 non-fatal shootings represented a 10% decline from the 1,055 shootings recorded during the same period in 2021.

LOS ANGELES — Mayor Bass Launches “Inside Safe” to Tackle LA’s Street Homelessness

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Wednesday, Dec. 21, launched her “Inside Safe” initiative to move people living in tents and homeless encampments off the streets and indoors. Bass has insisted the program will entail outreach workers going to encampments to talk to individuals about housing options and support services they’re eligible for, and that people won’t be forced or coerced into moving.

NEW YORK CITY – NYC Nurses’ Strike Imminent

Over 10,000 nurses across 5 NYC hospitals in the private sector have announced that they will strike if a contract agreement is not reached by January 9. Nurses have been engaged in a yearlong fight with hospitals to improve staffing ratios.

PHILADELPHIA — City Unveils Plan for Opioid Settlement Dollars

Last Thursday, Mayor Jim Kenney joined city and community officials to unveil the city’s plan to spend its $20 million apportionment of opioid settlement funding from several national pharmaceutical distribution companies. The plan includes investment in citywide substance use treatment programs, overdose response initiatives, and revitalization of Kensington — one of Philadelphia’s hardest-hit neighborhoods.

Real Estate Development

CHICAGO — Chicago Real Estate Stuck in a Holding Pattern Heading Into 2023

Redfin and Zillow, two online real estate marketplaces, both expect existing-home prices to hold up better in Chicago than in most major cities, largely because they didn’t rise as drastically here, so there’s less air to be let out of them. As prices dropped elsewhere around the country, they only flattened in the Chicago area, at least for now.

LOS ANGELES — Southern California Home Prices Fall for a Sixth Straight Month

Southern California home prices fell for a sixth-straight month in November, wiping out most of the price gains achieved during the first half of the year. The median price of a Southern California home – or the price at the midpoint of all sales — dropped to $690,000 in November, up a mere $10,000 from year-ago prices, according to new numbers from real estate data firm CoreLogic released Wednesday. Last month’s median price was down $70,000, or 9%, from the all-time high of $760,000 reached in April and May.

PHILADELPHIA — Development Projects Coming to Philadelphia in 2023

From the construction of new parks and museums to apartments and affordable housing to the highly anticipated 76ers Place, the world of real estate development will be booming in 2023. Billy Penn has compiled a list of development projects to keep an eye on this year.

RICHMOND — Richmond Reveals Bidders for City Center Redevelopment Contract

The City of Richmond revealed via press release the names of five firms that are bidding for a contract to redevelop the City Center neighborhood, which encompasses the Richmond Coliseum and the 6th Street Marketplace, both of which are currently vacant. The project is expected to help economically revitalize the heart of the city.

SAN DIEGO — Home Prices Expected to “Continue Their Slide Down” in San Diego, Rest of Nation

San Diego metro continued to see price declines in October, but the pace of decreasing prices slowed compared to other cities. San Diego home prices were down 0.7 percent from September to October, said the S&P Case-Shiller Indices released this week. That was a change from the previous month that saw San Diego prices drop 2.1 percent — tied for the fourth-biggest drop in the 20-city index. It was the sixth-most in October.

SEATTLE – Seattle Home Prices are Falling More Than the Rest of the United States

According to new data analyzing September to October 2022 home prices, Seattle is one of the fastest cooling housing markets in the United States.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Development Projects Coming to D.C. in 2023

Several new real estate developments are coming to the Washington, D.C. area, including the first buildings of the new Amazon’s HQ2 campus, the conversion of an office building to apartment units in Kalorama, and the newest development on the Capitol Waterfront.

Taxes & Spending

CHICAGO — Sparing Residents From Tax Hikes Months Before Election, Chicago’s 2023 Budget Takes Effect

Chicagoans can ring in the new year without worrying they will have to cough up more cash in 2023 to cover the cost of a city-imposed property tax hike to keep up with the soaring rate of inflation, or any new fees. The reprieve comes as residents prepare to make their picks for mayor and City Council. With less than two months until Election Day, Mayor Lori Lightfoot touts the $16.4 billion spending plan she crafted as a “stability budget” for a city enjoying a faster than expected recovery from the depth of the economic catastrophe triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

DETROIT — Whitmer Signs Bills That Allow Huntington Place Expansion to Move Forward

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday signed legislation that will allow a plan to expand the Huntington Place convention center in downtown Detroit to move forward. Whitmer signed Senate Bills 1222 and 1223, which amended different acts related to convention facilities. Specifically, SB 1222 allows for additional bond issuances and capital expenditures associated with Huntington Place so the facility may be expanded to accommodate more convention business and development in the area.

LOS ANGELES — Howard Jarvis Group, Apartment Owners Sue to Block LA’s New Housing Tax

A coalition of real estate and anti-tax groups is seeking to prevent the city of Los Angeles from implementing a recently passed tax on the sales of properties over $5 million. The proceeds of Measure ULA, which passed with nearly 58% of the vote in the November election, would go toward a range of efforts to prevent people from becoming homeless. In addition, tens of millions of dollars would go to the construction of new housing and tenant defense.

Transportation & Mobility

CHICAGO — Nearly $200 Million Earmarked for CTA, Metra to Make Transit Stations More Accessible

A provision in a new bipartisan infrastructure bill, championed by Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth, will allocate nearly $200 million in funding for Metra and the Chicago Transit Authority to make stations more accessible for individuals with disabilities. The All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) Act will ultimately direct $185 million in funding to the CTA and Metra to build ramps, install elevators, and to make other improvements to ensure that bus and rail systems are more usable for individuals with disabilities, according to a press release.

NEW YORK CITY – Uber Workers Strike Outside Manhattan Headquarters

Several Uber workers went on strike outside of Uber’s Manhattan headquarters for the second time in the last month. NYC’s Taxi and Limousine Commission were scheduled to give rideshare and taxi drivers a raise last month, but a lawsuit from Uber caused a temporary block on the wage increase.

RICHMOND — GRTC Extends Fare-Free Program Through June 2024

The Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) has announced that it will be extending the fare-free program through at least June 2024. The program is part of an ongoing impact study made possible by an $8 million grant from the Department of Rail and Public Transportation, and has resulted in a 15% increase in ridership since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

SAN DIEGO — San Diego Airport Still Feeling Effects of Temporary Fuel Shortage Caused by Pipeline Leak

A fuel supply shortage stemming from a pipeline leak continued to affect some flights at San Diego International Airport on January 3, forcing at least one carrier to make a stop in Los Angeles to refuel. The fuel issue, caused by a leak in a key pipeline east of Los Angeles, was expected to be resolved by the evening of January 3, with normal fuel supplies resuming January 4, said a spokesperson for Kinder Morgan, which operates the pipeline.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Transportation Projects Coming to D.C. in 2023

From various Metro line extensions to protected bike lanes to revamps of stretches of I-95, transportation will be undergoing extensive transformations throughout Washington, D.C. in 2023.

Throughout the country, large municipalities are laboratories of democracy. New and innovative policies introduced in one market are often exported to others, and ultimately replicated at the state and federal level. This newsletter highlights emerging local policy and regulatory discussions that impact industries, businesses, and organizations across the nation.

GIG ECONOMY & TECHNOLOGY

CHICAGO — United Center Concessions Workers in One-Day Walkout

Concessions workers at the United Center staged a one-day walkout Sunday that affected food and beverage service during the afternoon’s Chicago Bulls game.

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Freelancers Secure New Protections From City Hall

Freelance workers in Los Angeles are set to receive more protections with the Los Angeles City Council’s adoption on Friday, February 24, of an ordinance intended to protect the industry. The ordinance requires that any contract of $600 or more between employers and freelance workers must be in writing, with a date by which the freelancer must be paid. If the contract does not include a date or if there is no written contract, employers must pay freelancers within 30 days after the work is completed.

SAN DIEGO — San Diego Police Want to Add Surveillance Tech: 500 Streetlight Cameras Plus License Plate Readers

Almost three years ago, the city of San Diego cut off access to its broad network of Smart Streetlights — more than 3,000 devices perched atop light poles that could collect images and other data, some of which the Police Department used to solve criminal cases. On March 1, the San Diego Police Department said it wants access to 500 of those devices to be restored — and they want to add another crime-solving tool to the network: automated license plate readers.

LABOR & EMPLOYMENT

CHICAGO — Chicago’s 25 Largest Employers Exceed Pre-COVID Headcount

Unlike the rest of the nation , the Chicago area has failed to recover all the jobs lost in the pandemic – with the exception of  Chicago’s 25 largest employers, which have collectively exceeded their pre-COVID headcount levels. As of December 2022, the area had 3.81 million employees (compared to 3.83 million in February 2020), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Chicago’s top 25 employers accounted for nearly 12% of those workers.

CHICAGO — Chicago Area Scores Number One Ranking for Business Relocations, Expansion in 2022

For the 10th straight year, the Chicago region recorded the most business relocations and expansions among large metro areas in the U.S., Site Selection magazine said.

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Port Director Expects “Real Progress” in West Coast Labor Talks This Spring

The head of the Port of Los Angeles said he remains confident West Coast port employers and dock workers will get closer to a contract agreement over the next few months as stalled negotiations continue to pressure cargo flow. West Coast dockworkers have been operating without a contract since last summer, and uncertainty over negotiations has pushed shippers to shift cargo to East and Gulf Coast ports. In January, the Port of Los Angeles processed 726,014 TEUs, a 16% YoY decrease.

NEW YORK CITY — Starbucks Reinstate Fired NYC Union Organizer

Starbucks employee Austin Locke has been reinstated to his position at a Long Island City location after being fired in July 2022 following a vote to unionize. The company will need to pay $21,000 in backpay and penalties for violating NYC’s Fair Workweek Law.

SAN DIEGO — Nearly 2,000 San Diegans Found Full-Time Jobs Through Workforce Partnership Programs in 2022

The San Diego Workforce Partnership aided local employers in connecting more than 1,800 local residents to jobs that offered living wages averaging $22.79 an hour. More than 11,000 people were served by the organization in 2022, including 9,444 job seekers who received training or placement in internships or career opportunities.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — D.C. Tech Hiring Market Heats Up in Light of Recent Silicon Valley Layoffs

As thousands of tech layoffs in Silicon Valley made headlines in recent weeks, many opportunities for software developers and engineers have opened up on the East Coast, with Washington, D.C., showing the potential to become a new epicenter of sorts.

POLICY & POLITICS

CHICAGO — Lightfoot Out; Vallas, Johnson In for April Runoff

Lori Lightfoot, the first Black woman and the first openly gay person ever to serve as mayor of Chicago, became a one-term mayor on Tuesday. With nearly 99% of the precincts reporting, Lightfoot, who guided Chicago through the pandemic, finished third in Tuesday’s election with 17.06% of the vote –  behind former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas and Cook County Commissioner and Chicago Teachers Union organizer Brandon Johnson.  Vallas, who won 33.77% of the vote  and Johnson, who wound up with 20.29%, will compete in a runoff election April 4.

CHICAGO — In City Council Races, Most Incumbent Chicago Aldermen Are Holding Onto Their Seats, Advancing to Runoffs

In a Chicago aldermanic election marked by a dozen aldermen calling it quits, incumbent City Council members who ran for re-election  had an overwhelmingly good night on February 28. Unofficial results had only one incumbent losing, while the other 31 other incumbents had over 50% of the votes cast in their races. Poised to win these races outright, these incumbents will avoid the April runoff elections.

CHICAGO — NYC Mayor Says Lightfoot’s Loss Is a “Warning Sign” on Ignoring Crime Issues

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said last week’s reelection loss of his Chicago counterpart is a “warning sign for the country” and that fellow Democrats ignore the issue of crime at the party’s peril.

DETROIT — Detroit City Council Approves $156.5 Million Surplus Spending, Pay Raises for Elected Officials

Detroit City Council on February 28 approved Mayor Mike Duggan’s proposal to spend $156.5 million in surplus funds on immediate projects across the city, including sidewalk replacements, park renovations, dangerous tree removals, unsalvageable building demolitions and transit improvements. Council members on February 28 also approved pay raises for Detroit’s mayor, city council members and city clerk.

LOS ANGELES — Ex-L.A. Official’s Bribery Trial Kicks Off With Fiery Opening

Federal prosecutors opened Raymond Chan’s fraud and bribery trial on February 21 by detailing the former Los Angeles deputy mayor’s alleged involvement in a years-long “pay-to-play” real estate scheme, while Chan’s attorney delivered an inflammatory opening that drew at least 11 sustained objections and a skeptical admonishment from the judge. Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Har told the California federal jury deciding Chan’s fate that the former Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety general manager-turned-deputy mayor and his cronies had a common goal: “Get money, keep power and avoid the feds.”

PHILADELPHIA — Mayor Kenney Gives Final Budget Address of His Term

Last week, Mayor Jim Kenney officially kicked off Philadelphia’s 2023 budget season by giving his final budget address to City Council. His $6.1 billion proposed budget includes new measures to tackle the city’s gun-violence epidemic and address economic inequality, among other priorities.

PHILADELPHIA — Council President Clarke Resigns; Competition for Ultimate Council Leadership Position Begins

In the wake of Philadelphia City Council President Darrell L. Clarke’s official announcement of his retirement, four current district council members are eagerly throwing their names into the ring for the chance to succeed their colleague in the politically powerful leadership position.

RICHMOND — Potential Richmond Mayoral Candidates File Paperwork for 2024

Richmond will not elect its next mayor until 2024, but at least two people — former Richmond City Council president Michelle Mosby and ShiftMed Vice President of People Operations Garrett Sawyer — have already filed paperwork to prepare for potential mayoral runs in order to succeed term-limited Mayor Levar Stoney.

SEATTLE — Seattle Becomes First U.S. City to Ban Caste-Based Discrimination

Seattle has become the first U.S. city to explicitly ban caste-based discrimination. Caste now falls under the list of protected statuses in existing anti-discrimination legislation.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — D.C. City Council to Consider Reparations Bill

In an effort to address the city’s racial wealth gaps — which is reportedly the nation’s largest — Councilmember At-Large Kenyan McDuffie re-introduced a 2020 bill calling for the payment of reparations for the descendants of enslaved African Americans. Nine other council members have signed on.

PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY

BALTIMORE — Latest Attempt to Return Authority Over Baltimore Police Department to City Government Rejected

Last week, a proposed amendment to the Baltimore city charter that would prevent the transfer of control over the Baltimore City Police Department to the city government was rejected by a coalition of police reform advocates. Baltimore is the only jurisdiction in Maryland without total control of its own police department due to existing language in the city charter.

CHICAGO — Chicago Expanding Types of 911 Calls That Receive Mental Health Response

To handle Chicago’s roughly 175 behavioral health-related 911 calls each day, the city relies almost entirely on the police — an approach that can lead to jail detentions, unnecessary hospitalizations and violent police confrontations. A pilot program under Mayor Lori Lightfoot aims to curb the police role. The program, Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement, is setting up mobile teams that include paramedics, mental-health clinicians and, in some cases, police officers trained in crisis response. The teams aim to de-escalate crises and connect people to the care they need.

LOS ANGELES — City Council Approves Plan from Mayor Bass to Cut Red Tape for Homeless Services

At the request of Mayor Karen Bass, so that contracts for goods and services can be accepted immediately, the Los Angeles City Council voted on February 28, to waive its usual competitive bidding process when it comes to hiring vendors to tackle L.A.’s homelessness crisis. The council suspended competitive bidding and authorized the city administrative officer and city departments to act immediately to procure “construction contracts, service provider contracts, supplies, and equipment for homelessness facilities,” according to its resolution.

RICHMOND — City Council Approves Grant for New Police Department Crime Center

In an effort to increase the efficiency of the Richmond Police Department’s response to crime, City Council has approved $750,000 in grant funding for the creation of a real-time crime center, which will serve as a sort of “air traffic control for officers in the field,” according to Mayor Levar Stoney.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — City Council Considering Keeping Police in Schools

After previously deciding to gradually reduce the number of police officers in the city’s public and charter schools, D.C. City Council is reportedly considering keeping them there, citing a recent increase in crime and incidents of violence.

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

BOSTON — Mayor Wu’s Rent Control Proposal Reviewed by City Council

Boston City Council held a hearing examining Mayor Wu’s controversial rent control proposal, which would tie yearly rent increases to inflation and cap hikes at a rate of 6% plus the Consumer Price Index. The proposal has been contentious for both progressives, who argue there are not enough tenant protections, and the business community, who fear it will hurt landlords of small properties.

CHICAGO — Is This 2023 or 2013? Downtown Condos Are Selling for Long-Ago Prices.

Many condominiums in downtown Chicago neighborhoods have performed poorly as investments, selling recently at prices well below what their sellers paid for them years ago.

DETROIT — As Rush for Real Estate Ends, These Metro Detroit Markets Stay Hot

While there’s a certain amount of gloominess in the raw data concerning metro Detroit’s housing market, local executives say they are witnessing the emergence of plenty of hot markets at a variety of price points.

SAN DIEGO — San Diego Home Sales Fall to Lowest Level in 35 Years

January is typically a slow month for home sales in San Diego — but never this slow. There were 1,682 home sales in January, CoreLogic reported February 28, the lowest ever recorded dating back to 1988. The slowest month prior to January 2023 was 1,742 sales in February 1995, when much of the nation’s housing market was going through a steady period of a decline after a run-up in prices in the late 1980s.

TAXES & SPENDING

CHICAGO — City Investing $25 Million to Back Mortgages on West, South Sides

The city of Chicago is investing in the nation’s two major mortgage-backers, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, to generate hundreds of new home loans in the city’s Black and Brown neighborhoods where lending has been neglected in the past. “We’re investing taxpayers’ dollars in taxpayers,” said city Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin. In recent months, she has directed $7 million of a planned $25 million of city money to a fund that invests in the mortgage-backers, with a stipulation that the money be used for loans on single-family homes on the city’s South and West sides.

DETROIT — Duggan Presents $2.6 Billion Budget, Says City Is in Position to Deal With Pension Cliff

Mayor Mike Duggan on March 3 presented a $2.6 billion budget for the city’s upcoming fiscal year and a four-year financial plan for the City Council’s approval. Duggan touted his 10th balanced budget as mayor, calling it “historic.” The upcoming fiscal year, 2023-24, starts on July 1. Of the total budget, $1.3 billion is for the general fund, with 54% allocated for city employee wages and benefits, 16% toward debt payment and pre-bankruptcy pension costs and 30% to support city services. General fund money comes from income tax, state revenue sharing, wagering tax, property tax and utility users tax.

LOS ANGELES — L.A. City Council Votes to Explore Ways to Implement New Measure ULA Tax

The Los Angeles City Council voted on  February 21 to explore ways to implement Measure ULA,  which passed in November and seeks an additional tax on property sales that exceed $5 million in Los Angeles. Currently facing litigation, the tax is expected to generate between $600 million and $1.1 billion annually. A majority of the revenue would go toward affordable housing and tenant assistance programs, backers said.

SAN DIEGO — In Major Setback, Proposed San Diego Parcel Tax for Libraries, Parks Falls Short of Signatures for 2024 Ballot

A proposed parcel tax that would upgrade parks and libraries in San Diego suffered a major setback recently when the registrar of voters determined supporters had not gathered enough valid signatures for the 2024 ballot. Supporters, who raised and spent roughly $1 million on their signature-gathering campaign last year, said they have not decided whether to make a second run at gathering enough valid signatures to get the measure on next year’s ballot.

TRANSPORTATION & MOBILITY

BOSTON — Inspector General Tells Boston School District to Investigate Late Buses

The Massachusetts inspector general Jeffrey Shapiro expressed “extreme concern” about a Boston school district bus contractor, and urged the district to tighten oversight and hold the contractor accountable.

CHICAGO — O’Hare Receives $50 Million in Federal Grant Money for Upgrades at Terminal 3

O’Hare International Airport will be getting $50 million in grant money from the federal government for upgrades at Terminal 3, including an expanded passenger corridor, approximately 10,000 square feet of new concessions and amenity spaces, renovated restrooms and improvements to the terminal’s baggage facilities.

DETROIT — DDOT Switches to Mobile Ticketing App Token Transit

The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) is now using a new app for mobile ticketing from Token Transit. Payment with the current app, Passport, will be phased out after February 28. While riders can still buy 24-hour and 4-hour passes on either the Dart app or Token Transit, 31-day and 7-day passes can only be purchased via Token Transport. Any previously purchased, unused passes in a rider’s Passport wallet will be transferred to Token Transit by March 1.

LOS ANGELES — Vote On LAPD Transit Patrols Sparks City Hall Debate Over Safety on Metro System

The Los Angeles City Council voted March 1 to extend the LAPD’s contract to patrol Metro’s buses and trains, setting off a fresh debate over rising crime on the region’s transit system and the push to find alternatives to police. In a 10-2 vote, the council retroactively approved a six-month contract extension for security services at Metro, also known as the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

PHILADELPHIA — SEPTA to Invest $17 Million in 10 Fuel-Cell Electric Buses

Last week, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) announced that it would be spending $17 million on 10 fuel-cell electric transit buses to its fleet. The buses are part of SEPTA’s efforts to work toward the goal of a zero-emissions fleet.

SAN DIEGO — San Diego Plans to Start Construction on $27 Million Railroad Crossing at Park Boulevard Near Petco Park This Summer

Construction of the long-planned railroad crossing at Park Boulevard, which would let motorists cross over the tracks along Harbor Drive near Petco Park in downtown San Diego, could start in August. Permits have been secured and city consultant Civic San Diego will solicit bids for work on the $27 million project in May, Christina Bibler, who is the director of the city’s economic development department, told the Union-Tribune.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Lack of Necessary Funding Threatens Viability of Fare-Free Bus Program

Late last year, D.C. City Council passed legislation that promised to bring free public transit to the masses. Now, the city’s chief financial officer has removed funding for the widely popular fare-free bus program, citing a lack of available revenue to sustain it.

Throughout the country, large municipalities are laboratories of democracy. New and innovative policies introduced in one market are often exported to others, and ultimately replicated at the state and federal level. This newsletter highlights emerging local policy and regulatory discussions that impact industries, businesses, and organizations across the nation.

Gig Economy & Technology

BALTIMORE — Northrop Grumman Opens New Baltimore-Area Phased Development, Integrated Testing Facility

Multinational aerospace and defense technology company Northrop Grumman has expanded its presence in the Baltimore area with its new, 55,000-square-foot Maryland Space Assembly and Test 2 facility.

CHICAGO — Does Chicago Have the Tech Workforce to Satisfy Google’s Massive Appetite?

Google’s recent acquisition of the Thompson Center — and looming employee grab — are both a boon and a potential beast for a local tech scene that has blossomed over the last two decades, spawning high-flying startups such as Grubhub, Groupon, Relativity and SpotHero. So far in 2022, more employers are attempting to hire software workers than any other job category besides nursing, according to the Computing Technology Industry Association.

LOS ANGELES — TSA Will Test Drone-Tracking Tech at LAX After Dozens of Sightings, Some Near-Misses

In response to an increase in drone sightings near Los Angeles International Airport, the Transit Security Administration is testing new technology to help counter the problem. There have been over 35 drone sightings this year near LAX, some within 1,000 feet of an aircraft.

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Tech Salaries Growth Largest in Nation

According to a survey conducted by job-matching platform Hired.com, salaries in the tech sector grew nearly 12% in Philadelphia in 2022 — the largest such growth of any large city in the U.S. The growth is likely due to the increased prevalence of remote technology roles.

RICHMOND — DoorDash to Donate $1 Million to Richmond to Address Food Insecurity

Last week, app-based food delivery company DoorDash announced that it will be donating $1 million to Richmond as part of its Project DASH initiative to ameliorate food insecurity through partnerships with local food banks. Richmond is one of 18 cities throughout the U.S. that will be receiving funding.

Labor & Employment

BOSTON — MBTA’s Largest Union is Suing for New Retirement Rules

The largest union for workers of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is suing over new rules to the retirement system, specifically a decision made to slash the pensions of workers who retire before age 65. Negotiations have been going on for four years over the pension agreement, and MBTA is currently in financial and operational crisis.

NEW YORK CITY — Those Incarcerated for Marijuana Offenses Vie for First New York Recreational Cannabis Licenses

New York’s licensing applications for cannabis sales closed last week — and anyone who was incarcerated for marijuana offenses are first in line. With this approach, lawmakers aim to address past wrongs and attract applicants who have been affected by marijuana prohibition. However, many have concerns that the licensing process is difficult and eligible applicants have few places to turn to for support.

PHILADELPHIA — Workers at Philadelphia Museum of Art Go on Strike

Unionized workers at the Philadelphia Museum of Art began striking last week after two years of failed contract negotiations. Despite Museum officials’ insistence that their wage increases and benefits package have been adequate, workers point to comparatively higher wages at comparable institutions.

Policy & Politics

BOSTON — City Council Has One Month to Develop New District Maps

Boston City Council must develop new district maps, and account for the huge population growth in the Seaport. District 2 has added approximately 18,000 residents since the last redistricting in 2012, and the Seaport was not classified as a neighborhood at the time.

CHICAGO — City Hall Shake-Up: Why Aldermen Are Retiring In Droves and How It Could Change Chicago Politics

15 current Alderpeople will not be returning to the Chicago City Council next year. With thirty percent of the council members elected four years ago either retiring, resigning or running for other offices, the council has not seen an exodus of this magnitude in decades.

DETROIT — Detroit Sues Census Bureau, Accuses Feds of Undercounting Minorities

The city of Detroit filed a federal lawsuit on Sept. 20 against the U.S. Census Bureau and Commerce Department, accusing officials of undercounting residents, particularly Black and Hispanic citizens.

LOS ANGELES — Bass, Caruso Clash on USC Ties, Ethics, Crime in L.A. Mayor Debate

U.S. Rep Karen Bass and real estate developer Rick Caruso bashed heads in the most recent debate for the campaign for mayor of Los Angeles. The debate entailed negative accusations and remarks from both candidates that signified an end to the duo’s proclamations of mutual respect, having once sat side by side as dignitaries at a USC graduation.

NEW YORK CITY — City Redistricting Maps Rejected

The New York City Districting Commission voted 8-7 to reject a new set of proposed City Council maps. The Commission rejected a plan that would extend one of three Staten Island council districts into South Brooklyn. The Commission must reconvene to deliberate new district lines, since a final plan is due to the City Clerk by Dec. 7.

NEW YORK CITY — Construction Begins on NYC’s New Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers

Construction officially began last week on the first Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center in the Bronx’s Orchard Beach. These centers were announced by Mayor Adams to support the hundreds of asylum seekers entering NYC. The centers will offer shelter, food, medical care, case work services, and settlement options for the new arrivals.

PHILADELPHIA — Number of Languages Supported in Elections to Triple

Election officials in Philadelphia announced last week that they will add six languages — Russian, Vietnamese, Khmer, Arabic, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese — to its list of supported languages. This means that election materials such as voting guides, polling place signage, and ballot questions will now be translated into these languages in addition to English, Spanish, and Chinese.

RICHMOND — City Council Rejects Ranked-Choice Voting Proposal

Richmond City Council has rejected a proposal to introduce ranked-choice voting for council elections in 2024, citing concerns about adequate implementation and the city’s history of voter suppression.

SEATTLE — Mayor Announces First Steps Towards Seattle Green New Deal

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell signed into law $6.5 million in environmental investments last week. The programming includes creating “climate resilience hubs” to support residents during weather events and ensuring that homes, libraries, and city-owned buildings transition off fossil fuels.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — What Bills Will D.C. City Council Be Prioritizing This Term?

D.C. City Council is officially back in session, and this term, will be prioritizing bills that address issues such as migration, biker and pedestrian safety, paid leave and worker protections, and transportation.

Public Health & Safety

DETROIT — Detroit City Officials, Police Reach New Contract Deal With Pay Raises

Two of Detroit’s three police unions have reached tentative agreements with the city that would give cops an immediate $10,000 annual raise, with 4% annual increases each year for the next four years. Police Chief James White called the tentative agreement “historic” and said the extra money will help fill 300 vacant positions.

LOS ANGELES — L.A. County Ends Mask Order on Public Transit, in Airports

On Friday, Sept. 23, Los Angeles County ended its local health order requiring masking while aboard public transit or inside transportation hubs, such as airports. L.A. County health officials had previously cited the heightened risks of coronavirus spread and exposure for transit workers, but with a notable decline in reported cases and hospitalizations in recent weeks, health officials said the time has come to relax the order.

PHILADELPHIA — Mayor Kenney Signs Executive Order Banning Guns From City’s Recreation Centers

Last week, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney signed an executive order banning firearms and other deadly weapons from the city’s recreation centers, regardless of whether an individual is otherwise legally permitted to carry a gun. The order is expected to face legal challenges at the state level.

SAN DIEGO — City of San Diego Secures $3.65 Million Grant for Gang, Gun Violence Prevention Program

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria announced on Sept. 13 that the City of San Diego was awarded a $3.65 million California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) grant to implement the Peacemaker Project, a program that aims to interrupt cycles of violence among youth.

Real Estate Development

BALTIMORE — City Council Considering Abundant Housing Act

Baltimore City Council is considering a new building regulation that would ban single-family zoning policies. The Abundant Housing Act would allow for the construction of more multi-unit housing, thus reducing cost, housing scarcity, and segregation in existing Baltimore neighborhoods, according to proponents of the legislation.

LOS ANGELES — L.A. to Reopen Section 8 Housing Waiting List for First Time in Five Years. Here’s What You Need to Know

The city of Los Angeles is reopening the waiting list for its Section 8 housing vouchers program for the first time in five years. On Oct. 17, Los Angelenos have two weeks to submit an online application for a chance to be added to the waiting list. Last time the Section 8 waiting list was open, it received 188,000 applications for just 20,000 vouchers.

RICHMOND — City Council Approves New $2.4 Billion Development for Richmond Flying Squirrels

Richmond City Council has ratified plans for a $2.4 billion redevelopment project to replace the Diamond baseball stadium. The redevelopment project, which is expected to be completed by spring 2025, will ensure that the Richmond Flying Squirrels are able to comply with Major League Baseball facility standards.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — District Breaks Ground on Barry Farm Redevelopment Project

Last week, construction crews broke ground on the Barry Farm redevelopment project. The city has allocated $43 million in order to revitalize the historically significant Southwest D.C. neighborhood.

Taxes & Spending

CHICAGO — Lightfoot Cancels Pre-Election Property Tax Increase

Mayor Lightfoot announced she no longer plans to ask the City Council to approve a $42.7 million property tax increase, as she prepares to kick off her 2023 budget push early next week. Lightfoot had previously announced plans for a 2.5% raise — half of what an automatic escalator would have allowed — as part of her 2023 budget plan, but decided otherwise after mayoral allies urged her to cancel the tax hike and avoid a likely budget defeat.

DETROIT — City of Detroit Reports Revised Revenue Estimates for Fiscal Years 2023-2027

On September 12, the City of Detroit held its regular biannual Revenue Estimating Conference to receive an update to the Detroit Economic Outlook for 2021-2027 and approve revised economic and revenue forecasts for the remainder of fiscal year 2023 and for fiscal year 2024 through fiscal year 2027. State law requires the City to hold independent revenue conferences in September and February each fiscal year to set the total amount available to be budgeted for the next four years.

SAN DIEGO — Mayor Gloria Releases Annual Grant Report Showing a 62% Funding Increase Over Prior Fiscal Year

Mayor Todd Gloria released the City’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 citywide grants report, showing that the City was awarded a total of 59 grant awards with a combined total value of $259.46 million – a 62% increase over FY 2021. The federal, state, regional and private grants fund a wide variety of City priorities and activities such as projects to enhance water reliability, economic development, emergency response preparedness, homeless services, road and bridge repair, and public safety.

SEATTLE — Property Tax Levy Proposed for Mental Health Care Funding

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, along with King County Executive Dow Constantine and Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall, proposed a property tax levy to fund mental and behavioral health in the region. The levy could raise $1.25 billion over a decade, with profits benefiting five regional crisis-care centers and services for the county’s mental health care system. The tax proposal will be on the ballot in April 2023 and, if approved, will go into effect in 2024.

Transportation & Mobility

BOSTON — MBTA Projects a Grim Budget for FY24

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has begun creating its budget for the next fiscal year, and it is already anticipating gaps of over $200 million. Though the agency has been struggling since 2020, it has remained afloat due to federal pandemic relief dollars, which will not be available next year. Leaders of the agency report that they are reluctant to reduce service or increase fares.

CHICAGO — Chicago Area Transit Systems Reach Pre-Pandemic Milestone with Combined 1 Million Weekday Riders

The Chicago area’s regional transit systems, including the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace, are breaking pandemic-era ridership records by consistently surpassing 1 million weekday riders — a figure not reached since March 2020. While each system doesn’t have the number of riders it had pre-pandemic, each has shown a steady rise in ridership as people return to in-person work and school.

LOS ANGELES — L.A. Metro’s K Line Light Rail to Open in October

On September 22, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO) announced the opening of the K Line to the public starting Oct 7. The line will connect the Crenshaw Corridor and Inglewood residents to low-cost rail transit that hasn’t served the community since the 1950s. In celebration, METRO is offering free rides on the entire Bus and Rail System on the opening weekend.

LOS ANGELES — L.A. Promises to Add Thousands of Bus Shelters

The Los Angeles City Council approved an advertising contract that would add thousands of bus shelters to the city over the next decade. The council voted to give a ten year contract to Tranzito-Vector to advertise on hundreds of bus shelters if the city agrees to install and maintain 3,000 such structures, which provide comfort and shade for travelers.

PHILADELPHIA — Parking Authority Implements “Ticketing Blitz” to Clear Bus Lanes

The Philadelphia Parking Authority has begun cracking down on drivers who illegally double park in designated bus lanes on certain streets by doling out tickets between $51 and $101. The goal is to help improve on-time status for bus routes that navigate through Center City.

SAN DIEGO — Lawmakers Announce $150 Million Grant for New Otay Mesa East Port of Entry

Local and state lawmakers announced a federal grant of $150 million allocated to building a third port of entry in San Diego. The new port at Otay Mesa East will improve commerce and reduce wait times for the entire city. The grant to Caltrans and SANDAG will provide funding for a four-lane toll roll directly to the port, with Customs and Border Protection and California Highway Patrol facilities along the road.

SEATTLE — Mayor Harrell Plans to Move Parking Enforcement from Dept. of Transportation to Seattle Police Department

Mayor Harrell’s first proposed budget includes a $20 million increase for the Seattle Police Department – primarily because the proposal includes shifting parking enforcement back to the Police Department. The Seattle Dept. of Transportation has handled parking enforcement since 2020, after public calls to reform the police department.

WASHINGTON D.C. — District Traffic Cameras Could Soon Issue Points in Addition to Fees

A new bill proposed by Councilmember Christina Henderson would, if passed, grant D.C.’s notorious traffic cameras authority to issue points to drivers’ licenses in addition to fines. Currently, drivers with between 10 and 11 points may have their licenses suspended for 90 days, while drivers with more than 12 may have their licenses revoked entirely.

Throughout the country, large municipalities are laboratories of democracy. New and innovative policies introduced in one market are often exported to others, and ultimately replicated at the state and federal level. This newsletter highlights emerging local policy and regulatory discussions that impact industries, businesses, and organizations across the nation.

Gig Economy & Technology

CHICAGO — Chicago Biotech Startup Unveils AI to Speed Up Breakthrough Drugs

In the wake of Evozyne’s hiring of a seasoned tech-company executive as CEO, the Chicago-based biotech company announced it has developed an AI model that it hopes will revolutionize development of new therapeutic proteins, significantly accelerating the time it takes to bring drugs treating rare diseases to market.

RICHMOND — Flock Cameras Help Understaffed Richmond Police Department Solve Crimes

Richmond Police have recently been testing a new technology called Flock cameras to identify license plate numbers to help them solve more crimes. The cameras, which have been installed in high-crime areas and are only used to scan license plates have been a boon to a department that has recently been understaffed.

SAN DIEGO — How Much Faster Can Computers Get? UC San Diego Leads $50 Million Effort to Find Out

A group of 10 universities led by UC San Diego is undertaking a $50.5 million effort to greatly improve the speed and efficiency of computers, work that could do everything from make drug discovery faster to create better weather forecasts. The coalition, which includes such schools as Stanford and UCLA, hinges on making advances in software and next-generation computer chips. Among other things, both are needed to more rapidly move data from memory sources to processors.

SEATTLE — Sewage Tunnel Project Halfway Completed

Construction of a Seattle/Kings County custom-built 2.7-mile-long rail line, which will store up to 30 million gallons of sewage and stormwater during heavy rains, is halfway complete. The line will prevent polluted water from spilling into the nearby Lake Washington Ship Canal and Lake Union and Salmon Bay. The project is expected to be operational in 2026.

Labor & Employment

CHICAGO — Here Are the Latest Return-to-Office Numbers in Chicago

Chicago office-going has rebounded slightly after the holidays. That’s according to data from real estate technology firm Kastle Systems, which analyzed building security card swipes and compared current figures to early 2020. The firm is measuring the Chicago metro area with an average of the country’s top 10 cities to get a snapshot of where they stand as we come out of the pandemic. It also compares Chicago against the three biggest cities in the country.

DETROIT — Detroit Unemployment Dips to 6.4%; Still High Compared to State, National Figures

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan touted that the city hit a new decades-low unemployment rate, which he believes indicates that his administration’s efforts to boost employment are working.

LOS ANGELES — Port of LA Campaigns to Bring Back Shippers Lost Amid Labor Talks

Labor negotiations are still ongoing and cargo volume has taken a hit as a result. Importers have recently diverted goods to other U.S. ports, with the Port of New York and New Jersey benefitting the most — New York claimed LA’s “busiest port” title late last year.

NEW YORK CITY — Assembly Staffers Launch Public Union Effort

A group of New York State Assembly staffers have announced their intent to organize and join the New York State Legislative Workers United group, which was launched by Senate staffers last year but remained unrecognized by the state Senate.

Policy & Politics

BALTIMORE — Governor Moore’s Budget Includes Funding to Address Baltimore’s Vacant Homes Issue 

Recently inaugurated Maryland Governor Wes Moore unveiled his new budget last week, which includes $20 million to Project C.O.R.E., which will help Baltimore address its widespread vacant homes issue. The city has approximately 15,000 vacant homes, which are hazardous to residents and first responders.

CHICAGO — Mayoral Hopefuls on the Attack as New Fundraising Totals Show Competitive Race

The mayoral candidates are bursting with attacks on each other recently while some interesting new financial totals are out — the mayoral race is very competitive, financially — and a reform group released results of a survey of aldermanic candidates on potentially revamping the city’s remap process.

DETROIT — Detroit City Council 2023 Wish List Includes Food Safety, Neighborhoods

Detroit City Council is ready to tackle several policies, old and new, as members return to session January 10 after taking a break from their first year as a new nine-member body. Council approved several ordinances and a multimillion-dollar tax break to a billionaire in past months, but members have more on their radar for the new year. District 3 Councilmember Scott Benson unsuccessfully vied for a new food safety ordinance that would require restaurants to post their inspection grades, but he aims to bring it back to the table.

NEW YORK CITY — City Requests State Support for Asylum Seekers

Mayor Adams has indicated that NYC has reached its breaking point in the asylum seeker crisis. Over 40,000 migrants have arrived in NYC since last spring. Mayor Adams requested that New York State contribute funds to accommodate 500 asylum seekers.

PHILADELPHIA — Mayoral Forums Begin; Former PA Lieutenant Governor to Join Mayoral Race

The race for Philadelphia mayor is in full swing, and local officials and organizations have begun hosting mayoral forums with the candidates, with topics ranging from gun violence to Black economic opportunity. Meanwhile, former Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Mike Stack is reportedly planning to join the race for Philadelphia mayor, making him the 11th candidate to enter the historically crowded field.

SAN DIEGO — In State of the City Speech, Mayor Gloria Strikes More Positive Note Than Last Year

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria highlighted affordable housing more than any other topic during his annual State of the City address, and its tone was more positive than last year. In his third annual State of the City address, Gloria uttered the phrase “affordable housing” seven times — more than any other two-word phrase — noting the housing package that the City Council passed last year and a second package that will be considered this spring.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — D.C. City Council Considering Free School Lunches

D.C. City Council is reportedly considering a proposal to make school lunches free for more than 96,000 students at traditional public, charter, and participating private schools. The proposal would continue a similar federal program that was implemented temporarily during the COVID-19 pandemic and is intended to help alleviate food insecurity.

Public Health & Safety

BALTIMORE — New Affordable Housing Development Breaks Ground in Park Heights Neighborhood

Ground was recently broken on a new affordable housing development called Woodland Gardens in the Park Heights neighborhood in Northwest Baltimore. The first section to be completed is intended for senior living, followed by a section intended for families.

BOSTON — Boston Police Department Ignored More Than 100 Immigration Detainer Requests in 2022

ICE reported that the Boston Police Department ignored over 100 immigration detainer requests under the city’s sanctuary “Trust Act.” BPD had noted in a report earlier in January that they only ignored 12 detainer requests.

BOSTON — COVID Wastewater Report Published by Boston Health Officials

Health officials in Boston have released their first city-specific COVID wastewater report, giving a closer look at neighborhood COVID data. This is part of Boston’s new wastewater surveillance program, which uses samples from 11 manholes in the city.

CHICAGO — City Council Passes Bodily Autonomy for All Ordinance to Further Protect Those Seeking Reproductive or Gender-Affirming Care From Discrimination, Retaliation

On January 18, City Council passed the Bodily Autonomy For All ordinance. Under this law, landlords and employers alike cannot discriminate or retaliate against an individual who has received reproductive healthcare or gender-affirming care.

SAN DIEGO — Number of Homeless in Downtown San Diego Reaches Record High for Fifth Straight Month

The number of homeless people living without shelter in downtown San Diego is approaching 2,000 and has hit a record high for the fifth straight month. The number of homeless people in downtown encampments has been rising for the past few months despite an increase in shelter beds that have opened this year.

PHILADELPHIA — Experts Expect Real Estate Development Slowdown in Light of Interest Rate Uncertainty

Interest rates have reached their highest level in 15 years, which may make some real estate developers hesitant to move forward full steam ahead on projects that are not already well underway. According to certain funders, priority will generally be given to projects that are already pre-leased.

Real Estate Development

CHICAGO — Downtown Office Vacancy Hits Another New High

Downtown Chicago just wrapped up its best year of new office demand since 2019. But thanks to a deluge of space-cutting and sublease listings, there’s still a record amount of available workspace. The vacancy rate among downtown office buildings finished 2022 at an all-time high of 21.4%, up from 19.7% at this time last year and remains far higher than the 13.8% vacancy rate when the COVID-19 pandemic began nearly three years ago.

DETROIT — Detroit Property Values Rise 20% in 2022, City Says

Residential property values in the city of Detroit were up 20 percent on average in 2022, Mayor Mike Duggan said January 13, continuing a six-year trend of rising home values, though there are still some pockets of the city where property values declined. The city also saw more vacant homes rehabilitated than demolished last year, the mayor said.

LOS ANGELES — LA Home Prices Dropped Second Most in Nation in December; Inventory Remains High

A new study published by real estate company RE/MAX has found that home prices in Los Angeles are actually on the decline year-over-year. In December 2022, the median price of a home in Los Angeles was $810,000; down $40,000 or 4.7% from December 2021. That was the second largest decline in the study, behind only San Francisco which saw a 5.1% decrease.

SAN DIEGO — Home Prices Rose Slightly in December Amid Uncertain Outlook

San Diego County home prices more or less stabilized in December following a roller coaster ride throughout 2022 with an uncertain outlook for 2023 due to rising interest rates and inflation. The median price of a single-family home at the end of December was $869,900, a 2.3% increase over November but well below the peak earlier this year when the median price was approaching $1 million, according to the association.

SEATTLE — Seattle-Area Percentage of “House Rich, Cash Poor” Among Highest in U.S.
A new report indicates that Seattle homeowners rank sixth highest out of 25 metro areas for the ratio of home value to income – a phenomenon sometimes referred to as being “house rich, cash poor.”

Taxes & Spending

CHICAGO — State Lawmakers Approve Sending $20 Million to Chicago for Care, Housing of Immigrants

Chicago is set to receive $20 million from the state to care for immigrants arriving in the city. after state lawmakers passed an appropriations bill containing the millions for costs associated with “shelter, transportation, basic health and first aid, food” and other needs for asylum seekers on January 10. The bill awaits Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s signature.

CHICAGO — City Council Approves Fund to Redevelop LaSalle Street Storefronts

Mayor Lori Lightfoot has a new tool in her effort to inject street life into the LaSalle Street corridor the city hopes will become a mixed-use area with new affordable housing units. On January 18, the City Council approved a $5 million fund to help small businesses redevelop vacant storefronts along the corridor that could help make living on the street, known for closing down after business hours, more appealing.

DETROIT — DDA Okays $50 Million for District Detroit, But Not Without Some Objections

The Detroit Downtown Development Authority board has signed off — with some passionate dissent — on perhaps $48.75 million in public funding for deeply affordable District Detroit area housing as well as infrastructure improvements. The approvals, which took place January 11, give way for $23.75 million in DDA loans for 139 affordable units in three new developments at 50 percent of the area median income as well as up to $25 million for road improvements, utilities, security and public space upgrades for the area.

NEW YORK CITY — New York Casino in the Works

New York State’s Gaming Facility Location Board announced a request for applications for three new casinos in the New York City area. A six-member Community Advisory Committee will now determine which site is optimal.

NEW YORK CITY — Mayor Adams’ FY24 Preliminary Budget Released

Mayor Adams released his preliminary budget for Fiscal Year 2024. The proposed expense budget is $102.7 billion, including $20 million for the “Housing Our Neighbors” plan, $1.8 million to expand the rat mitigation program, and $1.6 million to hire several Chief Decarbonization Officers.

SAN DIEGO — San Diego to Spend $77 Million Building Region’s Largest Composting Plant to Comply With State Organics Law

San Diego will spend $77 million on a large composting plant in Miramar to handle all the yard trimmings, food scraps and other organic material that city residents and businesses must begin recycling under a new state law. City officials say they expect the plant, which will be by far the county’s largest composting facility, to help other local communities and trash haulers comply with the new law, SB 1383.

Transportation & Mobility

CHICAGO — Chicago Drivers Now Stuck in Traffic Congestion More Than Any Other U.S. City

Chicagoans were more impacted by time spent in traffic in 2022 than drivers in any other U.S. urban area, according to the latest annual report from transportation analysis firm Inrix. Drivers in and around the city lost 155 hours sitting in traffic last year. That’s up from 104 lost hours in 2021, which earned the area the No. 2 ranking behind New York City.

LOS ANGELES — LA Traffic Deaths Rose in 2022, Surpassing 300 Fatalities for First Time in Two Decades

Traffic deaths climbed again in Los Angeles last year, with 300 people killed on city streets — the highest number in at least two decades, city officials said. According to Los Angeles Police Department data, 312 people were killed in traffic collisions last year, 5% more than in 2021 and a 29% increase over 2020. LA’s streets remain particularly deadly for pedestrians and bicyclists, with 159 people killed in collisions involving pedestrians and motorists, a 19% rise compared with 2021, and 20 people killed in collisions involving cyclists and motorists, an 11% rise.

Public Health

• Masks now recommended indoors in Cook County: The health department recommends people wear masks indoors to protect those most at risk from COVID-19, including people older than 50, people with underlying medical conditions, and those who are immunocompromised. From Block Club Chicago.

Illinois

Amid spike in crime, Pritzker administration announces new grant funding for community violence prevention organizations

Governor JB Pritzker announced the launch of $113 million in funding opportunities for community organizations working on violence prevention and interruption across the state. This funding builds on $73 million already distributed by the Illinois Department of Human Services to organizations in FY22 as well as an additional $71.8 million in the pipeline, with grant agreements expected to be finalized prior to the summer.

Community-based organizations that provide services in any of the 42 eligible communities (and follow GATA guidelines) can apply. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis to expedite funding.

To apply for funding, visit www.dhs.illinois.gov/rpsa.

Around the State

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• Out-of-state businesses are buying Illinois’ sales pitch: “The organization has helped bring to Illinois 15,800 jobs and $4.6 billion of capital investment in its first six years. For instance, Lion Electric, a Canadian company that makes electric school buses, plans to open a manufacturing plant in Joliet later this year. In downstate Bloomington, Rivian manufactures electric cars,” by the Daily Herald.
• State education chief urges schools to stop working with police to ticket students for misbehavior, by the Chicago Tribune and ProPublica.
• As nationwide teacher shortage worsens, some say inadequate pay is to blame, by the Tribune.
• $309M available to Illinois homeowners struggling with their mortgages, by Capitol News Illinois.
• Welch is committed to protecting incumbents, ‘But it’s not a blank check.’ From the Chicago Sun-Times.
• Durkin believes Irvin can win in suburbs and Chicago, he tells WCIA.

Chicago

More than 100,000 Chicagoans applied for 5,000 spots in guaranteed income program during 1st week of applications

More than 100,000 people applied for a spot in Chicago’s $31.5 million guaranteed basic income pilot program, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Friday.

The program will support 5,000 low-income households with $500 a month for 12 months to provide additional economic stability. To apply for the lottery, residents must live in the City of Chicago, be 18 years or older, have experienced economic hardship related to COVID-19, and have a household income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (ex. $57,575 for a household of 3).

Program participants will be selected via a lottery.

More information on the new initiative is available here.

More From City Hall

• How one apartment project on the Far Northwest Side created divisions on affordable housing, congestion and more: “While Lightfoot during her first term has had minimal success defeating aldermanic prerogative, one exception is the Glenstar development. Late last year, the City Council approved the plan over the objections of the ward’s alderman, who warned his fellow council members they were establishing a dangerous precedent that empowered any mayor to overrule local aldermanic control on development issues,” by the Chicago Tribune.
• Lightfoot leaves Board of Education seat empty after arguing against elected board: “The mayor fought against an elected board, saying it was imperative she appoint all its members. Leaving a seat open for 9 months — especially with two more vacancies looming — is “problematic,” one lawmaker said,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.
• A key Lightfoot casino adviser raised money for one of the bidders: “The already bumpy process of selecting a casino winner gets bumpier, with aldermen left out of the loop on a connection between one of the finalists and the consultancy hired by the city to run the numbers on the bids,” reports Crain’s Chicago Business.
• Wealthy neighborhoods hiring their own private police as crime rises. by the Wall Street Journal.

Federal

Beltway Briefing: Forest and Trees

A barrage of divisive economic signals played a role in recent market turmoil. On Capitol Hill, politicians are pouncing on the numbers to support their political agendas ahead of the critical 2022 midterm elections. Meanwhile, the path forward in the war in Ukraine remains unclear, as what many predicted would be a swift victory for the Russian military enters its third month, with no end in sight.

Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, and Kaitlyn Martin take a step back from the minutiae of Washington to reflect on the bigger picture of politics and try to bring some perspective to the challenging environment in which the country finds itself.

You can listen to this episode on any of the platforms below

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2022 Special Session for the Budget

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After the General Assembly failed to adopt a new state budget during the recently concluded regular session of the legislature, Governor Youngkin called the General Assembly back to Richmond for a Special Session beginning Monday, April 4, 2022. As of today, the budget negotiators have not reached a compromise. While it feels like Delegates and Senators are in no rush to finalize a budget, those relying on tax relief, pay raises, or new investments in education and public safety are growing restless.

Some of the issues being worked on are a suspension of the gas tax, elimination of the grocery tax, increasing the standard deduction and gun violence prevention money. The Governor did sign into law one tax measure that is not stuck in the budget, HB 1239 (Scott) allowing localities to lower vehicle tax rates to help give tax relief to struggling Virginians.

While we await a budget during the Special Session, Governor Youngkin’s Administration is reviewing all of the legislation passed during the regular session. The Governor has until midnight on April 11^th to sign, amend, or veto bills. One bill facing possible amendments deals with regulations to address cannabis products, including synthetics, aimed at bringing the retail market under control and providing consumer safety protections. While the legislature pushed back the timeline for establishing a legal marijuana retail market, they did pass legislation providing a path to regulate cannabis products, specifically Delta-8, in the retail market and prohibiting certain shapes of retail marijuana products including the shape of a human, animal, vehicle, or fruit which are more appealing to children (SB591–Hanger).

The creation of a Stadium Authority, in hopes of wooing the Washington Commanders new stadium to the Commonwealth, may see a significant reduction in scope and size. The Senate bill originally called for as much as $1 billion in bonds to finance the project but now, many are reporting, the bill conferees are looking to reduce the amount by two-thirds to $350 million. Even with the reduction in financial scope, Virginia’s proposed bid is greater than both Maryland and DC.

COVID Workplace regulations

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Earlier this month, the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s Worker Safety Board (DOLI) voted to remove additional workplace safety restrictions for COVID-19 that were widely seen as overly burdensome. The new guidance directs businesses to follow OSHA and CDC directives, thus allowing business owners greater flexibility to limit spread and calls for employers to facilitate vaccines and boosters, encourage workers who are ill to stay home, provide masks and promote sanitation and good ventilation, educate workers on COVID policies and report infections.

Election updates

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There are several groups – the Virginia League of Women Voters, the ACLU of Virginia, the Virginia NAACP – calling for new elections in 2022 for the recently redrawn legislative districts. Whether the elections are in 2022 or 2023, many legislators and politicos are putting their names forward for the newly redrawn House of Delegates, Senate and Congressional districts.

Newsclips

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Youngkin pushes tax cuts in TV ad; sets April 4 special session

By MEL LEONOR, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall – 7 articles a month)

Gov. Glenn Youngkin is putting pressure on the Virginia legislature with a new TV ad — that will air across the state starting Thursday — pitching his package of tax cuts. Youngkin also announced that he will call lawmakers back to Richmond for a special session April 4 to wrap up work on the budget. Speaking with reporters Wednesday afternoon, Youngkin said he signed a proclamation calling legislators to a special session to finish work on the budget and other pending legislation.

Gov. Youngkin signs law empowering localities to lower tax rates on vehicles

By GARY BOYER AND SARAH FEARING, WAVY-TV

Gov. Glenn Youngkin has signed a new law meant to empower localities across the commonwealth to cut tax rates and prevent huge tax hikes driven by dramatic increases in used vehicle values. . . . If local government leadership does not address the increased value of used vehicles, then taxpayers will likely be facing significant increases in taxes as the Commonwealth of Virginia constitutionally mandates 100 percent fair market value in property tax assessments.

Youngkin hails state board’s removal of stricter COVID workplace rules

By ANDREW CAIN, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall – 7 articles a month)

Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Tuesday hailed a move by a state board to formally remove a set of rules that required employers to treat COVID-19 as a work place hazard and institute mitigation measures like requiring masks and ensuring social distancing. The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s Worker Safety Board voted Monday to remove what Youngkin said were unnecessary restrictions put in place under then-Gov. Ralph Northam’s administration. As expected, the board determined that COVID no longer poses a grave threat to Virginians in the workplace.

Virginia, the first state to set Covid workplace rules, drops them.

By EMMA GOLDBERG, New York Times (Metered Paywall – 1 to 2 articles a month)

Virginia’s workplace safety board voted on Monday to withdraw the state’s emergency rules for protecting workers from Covid-19, leaving employers to follow looser guidelines to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the workplace. Virginia, which has its own workplace safety agency, was the first state in the country to put in place emergency standards to protect workers from the virus. Under those standards, which were enacted in July 2020 under Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, employers had to require indoor masking in higher-risk areas, as well as report Covid outbreaks to the state’s Department of Health.

Judge rules that a dozen Virginia students can ask for mask mandates — but no more

By HANNAH NATANSON AND RACHEL WEINER, Washington Post (Metered Paywall – 3 articles a month)

A federal judge in Charlottesville ruled Wednesday that a handful of schools in Virginia could require face masks if necessary to protect a dozen immunocompromised children whose families sued over mask-optional policies. The ruling includes schools in the state’s largest districts, Loudoun and Fairfax. Judge Norman K. Moon emphasized repeatedly, though, that he is not undoing state law and an executive order that makes masks optional. His order is limited to the 12 families who sued in Charlottesville federal court, whose children attend 10 different school districts in Virginia and range in age from preschool to 11th grade.

‘Radio silence’: Voting rights advocates push for 2022 Virginia House elections as lawmakers shy away

By DEAN MIRSHAHI, WRIC-TV

Public support for new Virginia House of Delegates elections this year has grown over the last month, but voting rights advocates have questioned the reticence from state lawmakers and groups to get behind the push. The Virginia League of Women Voters, the ACLU of Virginia, the Virginia NAACP and several of its local branches have all recently backed the calls for new elections using newly redrawn districts that reflect the population shifts over the last decade. . . . But the Democratic Party of Virginia has not weighed in on the effort, nor have any of the party caucuses in the House or state Senate.

Rep. Beyer faces packed slate of challengers in 8th District race

By JO DEVOE, ArlNow

A full slate of candidates is vying to unseat Rep. Don Beyer as Arlington’s representative in Congress. Beyer has held onto his 8th District seat — which includes all of Arlington County, the cities Alexandria and Falls Church, and portions of Fairfax County — since he replaced the retiring Rep. Jim Moran in 2014. The incumbent, who declared his re-election bid in January, will face off local progressive Democrat challenger Victoria Virasingh in a Democratic primary scheduled for June 21. . . . Local Republicans, meanwhile, will be able to select their preferred candidate from five hopefuls.

Into the weeds as hemp concerns clash

By LUKE WEIR, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall – 5 articles a month)

Hemp legalization was not intended to get people high, said a lawmaker whose proposal to close loopholes in state cannabis code was approved this winter by the legislature, to the dismay of hemp businesses in Southwest Virginia. In response to a proliferation of Delta 8 THC products for sale in stores across Virginia, Sen. Emmett Hanger, R-Augusta, this year carried a bill alongside Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin County, to redefine legal distinctions between the non-intoxicating hemp plant and its mind-altering sibling, the cannabis plant.

Hemp Businesses Call On Youngkin To Amend Restrictive THC Bill

By JILLIAN LYNCH, Daily News Record (Metered Paywall – 5 articles a month)

A bill approved by the General Assembly aims to change the legal definition of marijuana in Virginia. In Virginia, hemp is classified as cannabis with a concentration of 0.3% THC or lower, according to the state code. If signed into law, SB 591, introduced by Sen. Emmett Hanger, R-Mount Solon, Virginia would be more restrictive to THC in classifying hemp products than federal law. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main compound in marijuana that produces a “high.”

High from hemp: States wrestle with chemically made THC

By GENE JOHNSON, Associated Press

Over the past few years, Jonny Griffis has invested millions of dollars in his legal marijuana farm in northern Michigan, which produces extracts to be used in things like gummy bears and vape oils. But now that farm — like many other licensed grows in states that have legalized marijuana — faces an existential threat: high-inducing cannabis compounds derived not from the heavily regulated and taxed legal marijuana industry, but from a chemical process involving little-regulated, cheaply grown hemp….Virginia lawmakers this month approved a bill to strictly limit the amount of THC allowed in hemp-derived products; Gov. Glenn Youngkin has not yet signed it.

Former Petersburg delegate says she will run for new state Senate district seat

By BILL ATKINSON, Progress Index (Metered paywall – 10 articles a month)

Even though it was less than three months ago that Lashrecse Aird’s time in the General Assembly officially ended, the decision to jump back into the political fray actually was a bit difficult. “It really was a hard decision,” Aird said in a phone interview Wednesday morning, the same day she announced she would run for the Democratic nomination in the newly created 13th Senate District.

Ayala, former Lt. Gov. candidate, announces bid for new Prince William senate seat

Potomac Local (Subscription Required)

Former Prince William County delegate turned lieutenant governor candidate Hyla Ayala announced a bid for Virginia Senate today. Ayala will run for the newly created 33rd District seat representing portions of south Fairfax, Lake Ridge, and Woodbridge. Currently, there is no incumbent in the district.

Throughout the country, large municipalities are laboratories of democracy. New and innovative policies introduced in one market are often exported to others, and ultimately replicated at the state and federal level. This newsletter highlights emerging local policy and regulatory discussions that impact industries, businesses, and organizations across the nation.

Gig Economy & Technology

CHICAGO — Rideshare, Delivery Drivers Demand Higher Wages, Different Working Conditions; Join National Movement

At a news conference last month, Illinois rideshare drivers and delivery workers from Uber, Lyft, Grubhub and DoorDash announced that different local groups —which add up to 20,000 members — are joining in a national movement led by Justice for App Workers, demanding higher wages and different working conditions. The Chicago Tribune hasmore.

NEW YORK CITY —  First Link 5G Kiosk in NYC Unveiled

In July, Mayor Eric Adams and LinkNYC CEO Nick Colvin unveiled the first Link5G kiosk in New York City, located in Morris Heights. The 5G kiosk is the start of a new phase of LinkNYC, which provides free public Wi-Fi, free phone calls, access to government and social services, and public service messaging. There will be approximately 2,000 new Link5G kiosks throughout the five boroughs, bringing the total LinkNYC network to over 4,000 locations citywide.

SEATTLE — Seattle Public Library’s Wi-Fi Hot Spot Program Charts Success

New reports suggest that the Seattle Public Library’s Wi-Fi Hot Spot Program increased by almost 40% during the pandemic. The program was launched in 2015 to combat the citywide lack of affordable Internet access.

Labor & Employment

BOSTON — Mayor Wu Unveils New Cabinet for Worker Empowerment

Mayor Michelle Wu announced a new Cabinet for Worker Empowerment, with the goals of advancing the well-being of all public and private sector workers throughout Boston and ensuring accountability for worker empowerment policy. The Cabinet for Worker Empowerment will also be helping to implement Boston’s Green New Deal for Boston Public Schools.

CHICAGO — Companies Using Carrots, Not Sticks, To Get Workers Back as Hopes Fade for Post-Labor Day Return to Office

Most Chicago-area firms are adapting to COVID-19 the same way. Instead of giving employees hard deadlines to leave comfy home offices, most are enticing people back with new amenities and perks, including the option to continue to work from home for a portion of the week. The Chicago Tribune has more.

NEW YORK CITY — City of New York Files Lawsuit Against Starbucks for Wrongful Termination

New York City filed a lawsuit against Starbucks, alleging the coffee chain wrongfully terminated an employee and union organizer. The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) claims that Starbucks violated NYC’s “just cause” protections when it fired barista and union organizer Austin Locke on July 5, less than a month after his Starbucks location voted to join a union.

NEW YORK CITY — City of New York Reaches Settlement with Chipotle over Fair Workweek Violations

New York City reached a settlement with Chipotle over violations of the City’s Fair Workweek and Paid Safe and Sick Leave laws. Chipotle agreed to pay $20 million to approximately 13,000 workers, as well as $1 million in civil penalties. This settlement is the largest fair workweek settlement nationwide and the largest worker protection settlement in NYC history.

SAN DIEGO — San Diego’s Smaller Workforce

In July, San Diego County’s labor force — adults who either have a job or are actively looking for one — had 24,000 fewer people than in February 2020 before lockdowns started. Despite this, the region’s unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the nation, and job growth has picked up in sectors hit hardest by lockdowns. The San Diego Union-Tribune has more.

SEATTLE — First Day of School Delayed Due to Teachers’ Strike

Seattle Public Schools delayed their first day of school due to a teachers’ strike, primarily over issues of pay, staffing ratios, and mental health support.

SEATTLE — Rise in Unions Is Coming From Seattle

Washington state workers are forming unions at the highest rate in years, mostly due to Seattle Starbucks employees. Across Washington and the US, Starbucks employees filed the highest amount of cases for union representation in 2022 thus far.

WASHINGTON D.C. — Newly Passed Housekeeping Bill, Other Business Regulations Could Impact At-Large Council Race

In a move intended to protect residents and visitors, D.C. Council has passed a measurethat mandates how frequently hotels must clean their rooms. Many local business owners view this as just the latest in a long string of needlessly burdensome regulations in the midst of their already arduous pandemic recoveries, which may impact the upcoming at-large race. Council is also said to be strongly considering a mandate on the frequency with which movie theaters screen films with captions.

WASHINGTON D.C. — I-82 Opponents Petition D.C. Court of Appeals for Expedited Rehearing

Opponents of Initiative 82 (I-82) — a measure that seeks to increase D.C.’s tipped minimum wage to match its standard minimum wage — have petitioned the D.C. Court of Appeals to rehear the case in a last-ditch attempt to block the measure from appearing on ballots in November. Opponents, most of whom are local business owners, believe the measure would be too costly and might discourage patrons from tipping at all.

Political Trends

BOSTON — Incumbent Kevin Hayden Wins Suffolk County District Attorney Democratic Primary

After a tumultuous Suffolk County District Attorney race, incumbent Kevin Hayden was victorious in the September 6 primary election. Since there is no Republican candidate for the primary election, Hayden will become the next District Attorney.

CHICAGO — Chicago Alderwoman Susan Sadlowski Garza Joins Growing Exodus from City Council

More than 25% of City Council members have either left or announced their intended departure within the last year. Former Councilmembers have resigned for a variety of reasons, including retirements, criminal convictions, and potential mayoral challengers to current Mayor Lightfoot.  NBC 5 Chicago has more.

LOS ANGELES — LA Mayoral Election

A new poll in Los Angeles’ mayoral race shows Congresswoman Karen Bass leading real estate developer Rick Caruso. Both have focused their campaigns on homelessness. The Los Angeles Times has more mayoral election updates here.

NEW YORK CITY — Incumbents Hold Onto Their Seats (Mostly)

The second of New York’s two primaries featured several high-profile races between incumbents and races where candidates are vying for open seats. Long-time Congress Members Jerry Nadler and Carolyn Maloney competed in the newly redrawn 12th district, where Nadler was victorious. In the redrawn 10th district encompassing lower Manhattan and brownstone Brooklyn, Trump impeachment lawyer Daniel Goldman was successfulin his bid, beating a group of candidates who ran to his left.  On the State Senate side, incumbents largely held on to their seats against high profile challengers from both the left and right.

PHILADELPHIA — Four Philadelphia City Councilmembers Resign to Launch Mayoral Campaigns

Philadelphia City Council announced last week that it would be returning to chambers on September 22, marking the first in-person meetings since the beginning of the pandemic. The announcement comes amidst a rash of resignations from official and anticipated 2023 mayoral candidates.

SAN DIEGO — San Diego Mayor on Latest Efforts on Homelessness, Sports Arena Site, Care Court

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria praised the California Legislature for passing Governor Gavin Newsom’s CARE Court plan, calling it “a game changer” in the treatment of the severely mentally ill. The mayor joined Midday Edition on Thursday to talk about local issues, including what he sees as the city’s progress on homeless outreach. KPBS has more.

SAN DIEGO — San Diego City Council Incumbents Move on to November Runoff Election

The top-two vote getters in each of the four City Council races in this primary will proceed to a November runoff election. Election results from the city’s June 7th primary can be found here.

SEATTLE — Democracy Voucher Program Is Changing Political Donations

Early data on Seattle’s innovative “democracy voucher” program indicates that since the launch of the program, the donor pool has diversified. Seattle residents receive four $25 vouchers to donate to any political candidate who participates in the program.

Real Estate Development

BOSTON — “Great Beantown Move” 2022 Was Worse Than Previous Years

The September 1 “Great Beantown Move”, the day when 60 – 80% of Boston leases turn over, was much worse this year. Lack of inventory and soaring rents created a sense of panic over finding a September lease for many city residents.

DETROIT — Downtown Detroit Parks, Real Estate Projects to Benefit From DDP’s New $13.74 Million State Grant

Parks in downtown Detroit will get a makeover as a result of $13.74 million the Downtown Detroit Partnership was awarded Wednesday, Sept. 7. Read more from Crain’s Detroit Business here.

NEW YORK CITY — Land Use Approval Process Takes Twice to Three Times as Long as Other Cities

A new Citizens Budget Commission (CBC) report detailed that New York City’s land use approval process took on average 2.5 years for applicants to obtain final approvals, two to three times longer than cities with similar requirements like Boston and Los Angeles. CBC argues that making necessary zoning changes “has become increasingly difficult” due to a lengthy and unpredictable process, making it more expensive to build and ultimately slowing down growth.

NEW YORK CITY — Housing Market Finally Beginning to Cool Down

The city’s housing market is beginning to cool off after a year of aggressive price increases, according to a report from StreetEasy. The median asking price for homes fell by .08% in July after stagnating in June. However, the city’s rental market remains in record-high territory, with new records for average and median rents across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.

RICHMOND — Richmond Property Values on the Rise

Over the past year, property values in Richmond have increased on average by 13%, reflecting an increase in the number of people moving to Richmond from other east coast cities. In response, some Richmond City Councilmembers have expressed interest in exploring various tax solutions to help ameliorate the increased financial burden experienced by residents.

SAN DIEGO — Downtown San Diego Homeless Population Hits Record High

A monthly count of homeless people living without shelter in downtown San Diego reached a record high of 1,609 in August. It is the largest number in the 10 years the Downtown San Diego Partnership has been conducting the count. The San Diego Union-Tribune has more.

SAN DIEGO — Mayor Gloria Recommends Midway Rising to Redevelop Sports Arena Property

The state of California’s Department of Housing and Community Development announced Tuesday that it supports San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria’s decision to pick Midway Rising to remake the city’s sports arena property in the Midway District. Read more about the project here.

SAN DIEGO — Real Estate Agents Say “No” Housing Recession in San Diego

The housing market may have cooled but the San Diego Association of Realtors says sales are up 9% compared to last year in San Diego: “we are not in a housing recession rather the market is stabilizing.” CBS 8 has more.

Taxes & Spending

CHICAGO — 2023 Budget Forecast

Last month, the City of Chicago released its 2023 Budget Forecast, which projects a $127.9 million budget gap for fiscal year 2023. The city will raise property taxes by $42.7 million — less than expected. Despite Chicago property taxes being tied to the consumer price index, Mayor Lightfoot said the city “will provide taxpayers with a much-needed break and lower the CPI to 2.5%, which is the five-year CPI average.” To view a copy of the 2023 Budget Forecast, or download the Forecast Summary, visit: chicago.gov/obm.

LOS ANGELES — LA County Puts Cannabis Business Tax Measure on November Ballot

Los Angeles County voters will be asked in November to consider a ballot measure that would impose business taxes on cannabis operations in unincorporated areas, once such businesses are permitted. ABC 7 has more here.

NEW YORK CITY — State Financial Control Board Expecting Multitude of Fiscal Challenges in Coming Years

In a meeting with Mayor Eric Adams, the State Financial Control Board sounded the alarm on several fiscal challenges New York City will be facing in the coming years. Some members of the Board cited declining tax revenue, increased pension obligations, and the end of federal stimulus dollars as they warned of trouble on the horizon, in addition to a potential national recession.

NEW YORK CITY — Mayor Eric Adams Embroiled in Budget Battle Over DOE

Mayor Eric Adams finds himself in a budget battle after a Manhattan judge threw out the New York City Department of Education’s (DOE) budget, allowing the City Council and Mayor to reconsider how to fund schools this year. The City appealed the decision and anappellate court blocked the ruling, allowing the current education budget to move forward as is, with the final ruling to be made in several weeks.

SEATTLE — Local Social Housing Initiative Collects Enough Signatures to Get on Ballot in 2023

Initiative 135 qualified to appear on Seattle voters’ ballots in early 2023. If approved, it would establish a public development authority, which would be tasked with creating permanently affordable housing protected from market forces.

Transportation & Mobility

BOSTON — Half of Boston Residents Will Live Within Three Minutes of a Bike Route by 2024
Half of Boston residents would live within 3 minutes of a bike route by 2024, under a a new proposed plan from Mayor Michelle Wu. Wu stated that they will aim to add 9.4 miles of bike lanes in 2023, along with the addition of 100 new Bluebike stations.

CHICAGO — Red Line Extension (RLE) Redevelopment Project Area

Last month, Chicago and CTA planning officials released a detailed $3.6 billion funding plan for the long-stalled Red Line Extension. The extension would add 5.6 miles of rail and create four new stations past 95th Street. The proposed financing mechanism to raise $950 million of the $1.44 billion needed is a new transit tax increment financing (TIF) district that would funnel property taxes to the Far South Side.

DETROIT — $7 Million Grant to Fund Four More Electric Buses for Detroit Transportation Department

Detroit’s transportation department will use part of its $7 million grant to fund four more electric buses. The Detroit News has more.

LOS ANGELES — Port of LA receives $20 Million to Improve Truck Access

A $20 million federal grant will help improve a trucking bottleneck at the nation’s busiest port, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said during a visit Wednesday. Transport Dive has more.

NEW YORK CITY — Preliminary Plan for NYC Congestion Pricing Program Released

The MTA released the preliminary plan for NYC’s congestion pricing program, outlining several tolling scenarios for drivers entering Manhattan’s Central Business District. The proposed toll rates range anywhere from $9 to $23 during peak periods and $5 to $12 during overnight hours. If approved, it would be the first in the nation.

RICHMOND — City Council Endorses Expansion of TOD Zoning

Richmond City Council’s Land Use, Housing & Transportation Standing Committee hasendorsed a resolution that would extend the city’s zoning to include Transit-Oriented Nodal District 1 (TOD-1) to encourage development toward the Southside.

SEATTLE — “Fare Ambassadors” Introduced to Give Lighter Penalties to Non-Paying Riders

After suspending payment enforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sound Transit will be utilizing “fare ambassadors” to educate and give lighter penalties to non-paying riders. Fare ambassadors will replace security guards in military uniforms, who checked fares prior to spring 2020, and all ambassadors will undergo anti-bias and de-escalation training.