Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced the addition of Braxton Plummer as principal in its Cherry Hill office.
On Thursday, December 11th, the City Council formally adopted Resolution 250955, approving the Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E) Annual Program Statement and Budget. This action authorizes the 2025-2026 programs annual statement and budget, outlining expenditures by various agencies during the first year of the H.O.M.E program. The resolution also includes a proposal supported by City Council but opposed by the Mayor. The resolution passed with unanimous support from all members of City Council.
On Thursday, December 11th, the City Council unanimously passed Bill 250646-A, entitled “Minimum Training for Security Officers.” The bill enhances safety requirements in the private security industry by ensuring that all security personnel receive necessary training, including first aid, use of force, and de-escalation techniques.
During the Tuesday, December 9th City Council public safety committee hearing, members examined the city’s policies and laws for protecting victims of abuse and domestic violence. President Johnson delivered remarks highlighting challenges within the criminal justice system, including dismissed cases and difficulties for individuals appearing in court. Following the hearing, officials stated they are exploring strategies and reforms the city could implement to strengthen protections and ensure cases are handled effectively. District Attorney Larry Krasner also acknowledged that his office has room for improvement, stating, “We can do better.”
The Philadelphia School Board will hold a special action meeting to vote on a resolution authorizing Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. and his team to consider handing over unused school buildings to the city. The resolution would include the District’s current 20 vacant buildings. School Board President Reginald Streater says no decisions are final and public deliberation will happen at the special meeting on Friday, December 12th at 4pm.
On Monday, December 8th, after assistance from Governor Josh Shapiro in breaking the impasse, Transport Workers Union Local 234 and SEPTA reached a tentative agreement on a new two-year contract. The local’s executive board has approved the deal and SEPTA’s board of directors is scheduled to consider the agreement on December 18th. Under the proposed contract, union members will receive a 3.5% raise each year and pensions will increase 6% for those who retire during the contract term.
The far-right lanes of Chestnut street (between Broad and 21st), Walnut Street (between Broad and 19th), and Oregon Avenue (between Fifth and Front street) will be converted into red bus-only lanes to discourage double-parking and stopping. The City first introduced bus-only lanes on Chestnut Street in 2022, followed by Market Street and Erie Avenue. Those corridors saw reductions in double-parking and stopping, and bus travel times improved by 12%—compared to a 4% increase on Center City routes without bus-only lanes.
Christinia Vassallow was named the new executive director of the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, with a start date of January 5th, 2026. In addition to the leadership change, PEW announced $8.6 million in grants to 44 Philadelphia-area arts organizations, including Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra, Monument Lab, Mural Arts Philadelphia, Philadanco, and more.
Over the last year, the city and its third-party healthcare providers have transformed the Riverview Recovery Home facility. What was once a construction zone is now the fully operational Riverview Wellness Village, a recovery campus staffed by 75 and supporting more than 200 residents. The facility has increased the number of recovery beds in the city by nearly 50%. Residents have access to medical care, mental health treatment, job training, and group counseling all on the campus.
Over the last year, the city and its third-party healthcare providers have transformed the facility. What was recently a construction zone is now a recovery home with 75 staff and more than 200 residents, with an increase of recovery house beds in the city by nearly 50%. Residents residing in the home have access to medical care, mental health treatment, job training and group counseling all on the campus.
Marking the nation’s 250th anniversary, Philadelphia will launch a new five-week-long arts festival, ArtPhilly’s What Now: 2026. Philadelphia artists— such as Walé Oyéjidé, Yolanda Wisher and Pedro Ospina—will present more than 30 original works from late May to July 2026 in venues around the city. The goal of the festival is to bring together artists of all kinds and ensure art remains central to the city’s celebration.
County Officials expect to avoid a tax increase for 2026, thanks to budget cuts across nearly every department and delayed projects such as park maintenance and computer system upgrades. In the first quarter of the year, officials directed each department to reduce non-personal spending by 5% and instituted a soft hiring freeze by requiring all new hires to be approved by top-level management.
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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.
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.
January 20, 2026
January 20, 2026
January 20, 2026
