WASHINGTON, September 1, 2026 — Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O'Connor, today announced the addition of Rodney Whitlock, Debbie Curtis, Katie Waldo, and Maddie News to the firm's federal health policy practice in Washington, D.C.
Several parents told City Council their children with disabilities were pushed out of preschool programs, prompting Councilmembers Isaiah Thomas and Nina Ahmad to call for stronger, citywide protections. Thomas, who convened the Education Committee hearing, said resources need to follow children into early‑childhood programs, so providers are not left without support. Ahmad noted Pennsylvania has no statewide system for tracking preschool exclusions, making it difficult to understand the issue’s breadth.. Parents and advocates want a full ban on suspensions, expulsions, and early pick‑ups across all preschool settings, arguing current rules for PHLpreK and district programs leave gaps.
Mayor Cherelle Parker honored community activist and minister Isaiah “HMBL Zayy” Thomas with the Key to the City after the Nicetown activist completed a 3,000‑mile walk from Philadelphia to California to raise money for HMBL University, a planned trade school for young people. Thomas finished the 124‑day journey on July 26 and has raised more than $181,000 toward a $200,000 goal. City officials said the key recognizes his commitment to expanding career pathways for Philadelphia youth, and Parker praised his determination and vision. Thomas said the walk was meant to show young people what is possible when they persist.
Philadelphia is officially one of three finalist cities, alongside Denver and Boston, under consideration to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention (DNC), with Atlanta and Chicago recently eliminated from the shortlist. If chosen, Philadelphia would host the convention at Xfinity Mobile Arena from August 7–10, 2028. DNC officials visited finalist cities earlier this year to assess logistics, including arena capacity, transportation, and security. Mayor Parker said the city’s recent run of major events demonstrates its readiness, and host‑committee president David L. Cohen called the finalist designation a reflection of Philadelphia’s strong bid and experience with large national gatherings.
Federal investigators issued subpoenas last summer for documents related to William Dunbar, a Philadelphia lobbyist and former adviser to Mayor Parker’s 2023 campaign. The subpoenas, sent to several of Dunbar’s associates, seek records connected to his business and political activities. Sources said they were not aware of any investigation involving Parker herself, and no charges have been filed. Dunbar, who has longstanding political ties and briefly ran Parker’s campaign operation in 2024, declined to comment, as did the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
A New York–based developer, Jonathan Rose Cos., is planning a 129‑unit affordable apartment building at 11th and Berks Streets on land owned by the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA). The six‑story project will include units for households earning 60%, 50%, and less than 20% of area median income, with most apartments reserved for households earning between roughly $17,000 and $44,000. Designed by WRT Architects, the building will be Philadelphia’s largest “passive house” development, aimed at reducing energy use and lowering utility costs. The plan also includes 21 parking spaces, on‑site amenities, and 15 affordable for‑sale townhomes that PHA will build on the remainder of the site. Construction is expected to begin in December, with move‑ins anticipated in early 2029.
Philadelphia’s teachers union says poor oversight during an HVAC renovation allowed a subcontractor to mishandle asbestos‑containing material at Kensington High School, triggering a building closure that will send more than 400 students to the former Austin Meehan Middle School until January. Union leaders argue the district knew about the issue weeks earlier and communicated too late, while district officials say they halted work, removed the subcontractor, and prioritized safety. Councilmember Mike Driscoll criticized the relocation as rushed and said moving students eight miles away will create significant hardship for families.
Philadelphia’s Chinatown community gathered to celebrate visible progress on the Chinatown Stitch, a planned two‑and‑a‑half‑block cap over I‑676 that would reconnect the neighborhood after decades of division. The Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation showcased updated designs and new market-stall prototypes, even as the project faces a major funding gap following the rescission of most federal dollars. Executive Director John Chin said the community now sees the project as a matter of when, not if, with the city and DVRPC stepping in to fund the remaining design work. The latest plans include landscaped paths, a playground, plaza, pavilion, and stream, and city project manager Kara Medow said the newly unveiled market‑stall prototypes offer a preview of the community spaces that the Stitch will ultimately create.
Philadelphia‑area builders and lenders say construction has slowed sharply this summer, with projects downsized, delayed, or entangled in financing disputes, prompting a pivot toward data centers, industrial development, and military‑related work. Contractors report shaky confidence as traditional “eds and meds” projects lag and developers struggle with high interest rates and rising material costs, while banks tighten underwriting. Mayor Parker’s Lower South Philly initiative reflects this shift by prioritizing defense, port, and industrial growth, even as experts warn that data‑center expansion is crowding out other commercial sectors.
Philadelphia’s Colombian community is rallying to support loved ones after a 7.4‑magnitude earthquake devastated Pereira and other regions, leaving more than 200 people dead and thousands missing. At a vigil outside Philadelphia City Hall, dozens gathered with flags, music, and moments of silence as Acción Colombia, a nonprofit serving more than 8,000 Colombian nationals across the region, began organizing donation drives and relief efforts. Director Leity Rodriguez Largo said Philadelphians have shown overwhelming solidarity and emphasized that every contribution will help communities struggling through aftershocks, displacement, and limited access to essentials.
Restoration work is underway at Lemon Hill Park after the 39‑day FIFA Fan Festival left large portions of the fields damaged. Philadelphia Soccer 2026 has committed $4 million toward upgrades and the city says additional improvements are planned. Mayor Parker has increased Parks and Recreation funding in recent budgets, but volunteer caretakers say they still want assurance that long‑term maintenance will continue once the restoration is complete.
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Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.
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