PHILADELPHIA, April 27, 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 Mikecia Witherspoon as principal in its Philadelphia office.
Prior to the school board’s approval of the facilities plan, Councilmembers stated they were prepared to pursue actions such as lawsuits, injunctions, civil disobedience, and blocking reappointments to oppose the proposed closures, with particular concern for Robeson, Lankenau, and Overbrook. Following the board’s 6–3 vote to adopt the plan, Councilmembers said they would continue evaluating next steps. Councilmember Thomas stated he would not support reconfirming any board member who voted for the plan, while Councilmember Jones Jr. introduced legislation to explore an oversight committee for district finances. Several members also questioned the future of the mayor’s proposed rideshare tax, while emphasizing the need to assess how the closures will affect students and families.
Governor Josh Shapiro appointed Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. as interim chair of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission as the agency undergoes leadership changes and a review of recent spending. Jones, who has served on the commission since 2017, said he plans to develop a 100 day turnaround plan to address long standing case backlogs and improve processing times. The commission is currently operating with four members, following several resignations, including the chair, vice chair, and executive director. Jones said the agency can continue its work but noted that additional commissioner appointments will be needed to ensure quorum and manage caseloads.
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office warned City Council that its Gun Violence Task Force could lose access to key digital investigative tools without recurring city funding. Assistant District Attorney William Fritze said the unit’s state allocation is capped at $1.6 million and a one‑time federal grant that helped cover costs has been exhausted. Without additional city support, subscriptions for tools such as cell phone extraction, cell tower mapping, and license plate readers will begin expiring this year, potentially hindering homicide and shooting investigations. The warning came as District Attorney Larry Krasner requested additional office funding for domestic violence prosecutions, elder abuse cases, evidence storage, and victim support services.
The Philadelphia school board voted 6–3 to adopt a $3 billion facilities plan that will close 17 schools, co‑locate several others, and renovate 169 buildings over the next decade. District leaders described the blueprint as a “living plan” that may shift as enrollment, funding, and program needs change, and emphasized that no closures would occur before 2027. Superintendent Tony Watlington said the district must address building conditions, under‑enrollment, and expand academic offerings. The board noted that state mandated hearings must take place before any school can officially close.
Philadelphia small business owners told the City Council that eliminating the first $100,000 BIRT exemption has sharply increased tax bills for an estimated 75,000 sole proprietors, independent contractors, and gig workers, prompting some to consider relocating their businesses outside the city. Speakers urged Council to advance Councilmember Driscoll’s proposal to create new exemptions. Residents, advocates, and industry groups offered differing views on the combined impact of the proposed tax changes, and Councilmembers signaled they will continue reviewing the measures as budget negotiations proceed.
Philadelphia’s major tourism and hospitality organizations urged the City Council to reject Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s proposed 2% hotel tax increase, arguing it would raise the combined state and local rate to 17.5% and make the city the highest‑taxed major East Coast hotel market. The groups said the change could hurt competitiveness ahead of the semiquincentennial and major sporting events, and noted it would be the first time hotel‑tax revenue funds a general city service rather than tourism‑related initiatives. The administration estimates the increase would generate $110 million for homelessness services.
The Pennsylvania Senate convened a ceremonial meeting at the National Constitution Center as part of early observances leading up to July 4. Senators were each accompanied by a student from their district. Senate President Kim Ward and the Philadelphia delegation introduced a resolution during the session. Following the meeting, senators, staff, families, and students gathered for lunch in the Great Hall, and members toured Signers’ Hall. Mayor Parker addressed the Senate, highlighting city–state collaboration and acknowledging bipartisan support from members of the delegation.
Hundreds of Philadelphians gathered at City Hall for a “Workers Over Billionaires” May Day rally, marching through Center City to call for stronger unions, higher taxes on the wealthy, and more affordable housing. Several participants carried signs addressing labor rights, immigration, and national politics, while union leaders from groups representing teachers, hospitality workers, and public‑sector employees urged officials to increase wages, expand worker protections, and boost public‑service funding. The march stopped at locations where workers are seeking improved pay and benefits, and union leaders framed the day as part of a broader push for policies that prioritize workers’ well‑being over corporate interests.
Philadelphia introduced AlleyGators, a new initiative within the Office of Clean and Green Initiatives that will clear trash, debris, and illegal dumping from 300 alleyways per year as part of the citywide One Philly, United City cleaning effort. Residents can request cleanings through a centralized system designed to make tracking and scheduling easier. The effort will be staffed by 40 workers from the Future Track program, with support from the Community Life Improvement Program. City leaders emphasized that each alley will be cleaned once per year and asked residents to maintain them afterward so crews can focus on other problem areas across the city.
Dr. Ala Stanford did not participate in a scheduled WHYY debate, citing disagreements over the event format. Her absence left State Representative Chris Rabb and State Senator Sharif Street as the only participants in the Democratic primary forum for Pennsylvania’s 3rd congressional district. The two candidates largely aligned on major policy positions, including support for expanding universal health care, abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and impeaching President Donald Trump. Street emphasized his legislative experience and ability to “get things done,” while Rabb argued that the district needs more ambitious, non‑establishment leadership. Both addressed Stanford’s absence during the forum, and Stanford said she would continue engaging voters directly on the campaign trail.
State Rep. Chris Rabb used his livestreamed appearance with Hasan Piker to amplify several themes central to his PA‑03 campaign, including anti‑establishment positioning, criticisms of Israel’s actions in Gaza, and his refusal to accept corporate or AIPAC-aligned funding. He framed those positions as defining contrasts in the race and urged viewers to evaluate candidates based on their public stances. He also emphasized youth turnout, arguing younger voters have often been overlooked and saying his campaign is focused on directly engaging them.
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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.
May 7, 2026
May 7, 2026
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