Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies (CPS), the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced the addition of Donovan W. Pepper as principal and director of national strategic partnerships.
October 16, 2025
Mayor Cherelle Parker (D) has taken a measured approach by avoiding direct confrontation with President Donald Trump to safeguard federal funding and maintain stability. While some view this as pragmatic leadership, others argue the city should adopt a more assertive stance as national tensions rise.
City Council’s Commerce Committee advanced a proposal requiring employers to fund 40 hours of initial training and eight hours annually for private security guards, with amendments exempting guards who hold state lethal weapons certifications and clarifying implementation details. The bill sparked concerns over costs and flexibility from business groups. Further amendments may follow before a final vote.
Legislation introduced by City Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (D-District 7) would require new convenience stores and pharmacies in her district to obtain zoning board approval, aiming to address community concerns about nuisance activity while raising questions about potential impacts on small business growth and permitting timelines.
Mayor Parker announced that the eight-day municipal strike over the summer led to $10.1 million in added expenses but was offset by $4.7 million in saved wages, resulting in a net cost of $5.4 million to taxpayers.
The Philadelphia City Council holds several public hearings throughout the legislative calendar year, which can be streamed here.
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a Flower Show theme exploring the history and traditions of American gardening.
Philadelphia police now solve up to 91% of homicides thanks to falling violence and major policy changes, including doubling real-time crime cameras, adding license plate readers, and expanding cell phone analysis tools through a $20 million grant. These upgrades, combined with reduced caseloads and improved staffing conditions, have accelerated arrests and boosted public safety.
Nearly half of Philadelphia renters are spending more than a third of their income on housing as rising rents and stagnant wages leave many residents financially strained.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) scheduled more departures in 2025, driven by American Airlines growth, while reductions by Spirit and Frontier mean fewer budget-friendly routes for travelers.
Thousands braved wet weather to watch marching bands, color guards, and re-enactors celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps during Homecoming 250 festivities in Philadelphia this week.
The Trump administration finalized a rule raising dissolved oxygen requirements to boost aquatic life in the Delaware River, a move praised by environmentalists but expected to cost Philadelphia’s water utility billions in compliance upgrades.
The Philly Pride Visitor Center, launching in January, will serve as one of the nation’s first dedicated hubs for LGBTQ+ travelers, offering resources and celebrating the city’s historic role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights.
The West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance reopened the historic Paul Robeson House and Museum with a renovated annex to honor the life and legacy of the influential activist, artist, and humanitarian.
The Philadelphia Inquirer published a voter guide for the November general election, which will include contests for district attorney, city controller, and multiple judicial seats, along with high-profile retention votes for three Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices.
Philadelphia’s building trades unions have endorsed State Senator Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia) in the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District, strengthening his position in a competitive race to succeed retiring U.S. Representative Dwight Evans.
Managing Director
Principal
Legislative Analyst
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.
November 10, 2025
November 10, 2025
November 10, 2025
