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 January 5th, City Controller Christy Brandy vowed to broaden oversight of Mayor Parker’s H.O.M.E. initiative to ensure all borrowed funds are properly used and accounted for. She also pledged to focus on Philadelphia’s waterfront and port assets, emphasizing their role as major economic engines and committing to evaluate whether the city is maximizing their financial impact.
During Monday morning’s inauguration ceremonies, nearly three dozen Philadelphia judges were sworn in alongside District Attorney Larry Krasner and Controller Christy Brady at the Kimmel Center’s Marian Anderson Hall. Krasner began his third term by emphasizing the importance of crime prevention and modern enforcement strategies, noting broad agreement among city leaders on those priorities.
For the first time in more than half a century, Philadelphia has recorded fewer than 225 homicides in a single year—222 in 2025—marking the city’s lowest annual total since 1966. The total represents a decline of 17% from 2024, and a 60% drop from 2021. Adam Geer, the city’s director of public safety, highlighted the decline as an important development, while underscoring the need for sustained efforts.
Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel’s 2026 plan outlines priorities that include further reducing property crime and gun violence, expanding the department’s drone program, and implementing the city’s public safety plan to be released later this month. The drone program, now active in four districts, is expected to help with investigations and barricade situations. Bethel also plans to increase police visibility in commercial corridors, strengthen partnerships with community organizations, and continue targeted enforcement in areas experiencing persistent crime.
Philadelphia has begun construction on the Commerce Connector, a $2.7 million pedestrian path in Old City that will link the Independence Visitor Center and Carpenters Hall. Led by the Independence Historical Trust in partnership with the city and local organizations, the 2,000‑foot connector will feature seating and plantings, improve walkability, and help manage increased tourism expected for the nation’s 250th anniversary.
In partnership with the nonprofit Believe in Students, Gather Food Hall plans to address college food insecurity by providing 5,000 free meals this year. The initiative aims to support vendors, attract commuters and professionals, and ensure students in need have reliable access to food. The free‑meals program is backed by a 10‑year, $250,000 commitment from Brandywine Realty Trust.
Montgomery County has received a $1 million commitment from local resident Nand Todi to support the new short‑term supportive housing facility under construction in Lansdale. The facility will accommodate approximately 20 individuals at a time and is projected to reduce homelessness in the area by up to 75%. On-site wraparound services, provided by Resources for Human Development, will assist residents with permanent housing placement, behavioral health needs, and access to additional supports. Referrals will be coordinated through local outreach teams and the County’s Your Way Home partnership.
Managing Director
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Account Executive
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
