City Hall
City Employees Return to Office Full Time
Mayor Cherelle Parker’s return-to-office mandate went into effect Monday after Judge Sierra Thomas-Street upheld the policy last week.
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Massive City Data Breach Confirmed, Experts Say Not to Panic
The City of Philadelphia confirmed last week that a data breach targeting the City’s email system affected more than 35,000 people last year. While the suspicious activity prompted investigations, the Law Department claims there is no evidence of identity theft or fraud.
Election Update
Philadelphia State Reps. Bullock, Kinsey Resign
Philadelphia state House Representatives Donna Bullock and Stephen Kinsey resigned this week, leaving Democrats in a numeric minority until special elections are held on September 17. Rep. Bullock was named CEO of anti-homelessness nonprofit Project HOME, while Rep. Kinsey had previously announced that he will not be seeking reelection in order to spend more time in Philadelphia and with his family. Both districts are expected to remain blue.
RNC Speaker Casts National Spotlight on Kensington
Philadelphia native Michael Coyle, who started the “Kensington Beach” Instagram account to highlight the city’s opioid crisis, spoke at the Republican National Convention (RNC) Tuesday, bringing national attention to the dire conditions in the neighborhood and blaming President Joe Biden for the fentanyl crisis.
Around Town
Police Sweeps Likely to Continue in Kensington
With no announcement of the latest round of ID checks, car towings, and street closures in Kensington, the City says the coordinated police operations could continue on a monthly basis as part of the mayor’s broader goal to improve quality of life in Kensington.
Drexel Appoints Interim President
Drexel University appointed Denis O’Brien, a long-time trustee and former president of Exelon Utilities, as interim president. President John Fry will be leaving Drexel to become Temple University’s next president beginning in November.
Preschool Parents Oppose Proposed Old City Bus Terminal
Old City preschool parents are uniting in opposition to the prospect of a new intercity bus station in the neighborhood. The unprecedented spring and summer heat brought multiple demonstrations in support of placing a new transit terminal with air conditioning, restrooms, and other amenities in Old City.
Cranes Next to Kelly Drive Grandstands Have Purpose
Runners, bikers, and walkers along the Schuylkill River Trail have grown familiar with the mass construction activity on Kelly Drive near the Grandstands. After a 2018 inspection indicated that the century-old wall along the Schuylkill River had developed deformities, the City commissioned the replacement of approximately 400 feet of the bulkhead in 2024. Construction is projected to conclude in spring 2025.
Suburban Spotlight
Philadelphia, Allentown Among Fastest Shrinking Municipalities in PA
The Center for Rural Pennsylvania found that 41 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties saw declining populations in 2022 and 2023. Philadelphia and Allentown were among the Commonwealth’s fourteen fastest shrinking cities, enduring a 3.3% and 0.8% population drop, respectively.
Washington Crossing Village Applies for “Historic District” Designation
To circumvent the replacement of the Washington Crossing Bridge in Wakefield Township, the municipality recently filed for designation as a “Historic District” with the Pennsylvania Department of Historic Preservation. If the township successfully secures the designation, it can prevent the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission from completely rebuilding the bridge.
About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies
Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.
About Cozen O’Connor
Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.
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