Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce the promotion of six members to shareholder: Benjamin Bomrind, Patrick Carey, Sarah Krissoff, Jeffrey Monhait, Michael O’Donnell, and Tamar Wise. The election of these six new shareholders was voted on during the firm’s recent All Attorney Summit in Orlando, Florida.
November 13, 2025
Mayor Cherelle Parker (D) unveiled a planning initiative to revitalize Market East, pledging it will avoid past failures by incorporating public feedback and expert guidance. The 60-member advisory committee aims to deliver short- and long-term recommendations, with support from state and federal partners likely needed to fund redevelopment. During the kickoff event, Mayor Parker announced that Comcast and the 76ers will begin demolishing buildings on Market Street ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with plans for mixed-use development and a new bus terminal also underway.
The Parker administration has ended race- and gender-based diversity targets in city contracts, citing recent court rulings and federal guidance, and will now prioritize incentives for small and local businesses. A forthcoming report is expected to recommend procurement reforms that align with evolving legal standards.
During Thursday’s meeting, City Councilmember Anthony Phillips (D-District 9) introduced a bill requiring non-Philadelphia-resident landlords to provide verifiable contact information and designate a local agent within the city to ensure accountability and responsiveness for rental properties.
The City Council on Wednesday postponed a key vote on Mayor Parker’s Housing Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) Initiative, putting pressure on lawmakers to approve the plan next week to enable a $400 million bond sale before year-end. Debate centered on whether the program should more narrowly target low-income residents, with some members pushing for amendments to increase funding and codify income thresholds.
As the City nears the expiration of its current contract, City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (D-District 3) proposed legislation banning the incineration of trash due to environmental justice concerns, urging the city to consider cleaner alternatives. Councilmember Gauthier was joined by other lawmakers and advocates last week for a tour of the Chester incineration site, where the City of Philadelphia currently sends a third of its municipal waste.
The City Council is reviewing legislation that would require employers to offer reasonable accommodations for workers experiencing disruptive symptoms related to menstruation and menopause.
The Philadelphia City Council holds several public hearings throughout the legislative calendar year, which can be streamed here.
Philadelphia-area legislators expressed relief and support for the newly passed $50.1 billion state budget, which increases aid to underfunded school districts and resolves a months-long impasse. While some criticized the delay’s impact on local schools and services, many praised the final agreement for prioritizing equity and long-term investment.
Temple University purchased the former University of the Arts building at Broad and Walnut Streets and will reopen it in 2027 as a hub for arts, architecture, and music programs. The move expands Temple’s presence on the Avenue of the Arts and supports new partnerships with cultural institutions across Philadelphia.
About 3,000 unionized security guards working across universities and office buildings in Philadelphia approved a new contract that includes wage increases, additional paid holidays, and continued employer-covered health care. Union leaders and contractors say the agreement strengthens job quality and recognizes the essential role guards play in city safety.
Local Democratic representatives say they cannot support the U.S. Senate’s continuing resolution without guaranteed provisions to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies. While the deal would reopen the government and provide backpay, members expressed concern that it leaves critical health care protections unresolved.
A temporary pause in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is impacting nearly 1 million people in the region, with local and state officials mobilizing emergency support for food banks and vulnerable families. The delay stems from legal and budget disputes tied to the government shutdown and recent policy changes.
National hospital watchdog Leapfrog released its fall safety report this week, with 17 of 41 hospitals in the Philadelphia region receiving A ratings, and none receiving a D grade for the first time in years.
Isaiah Martin and Pablo McConnie-Saad entered the Democratic primary to succeed retiring U.S. Representative Dwight Evans (PA-03), joining a diverse field of first-time and seasoned candidates. With no Republican challengers expected, the May 19 primary is likely to determine the district’s next representative.
A developer’s plan to transform the largely vacant Exton Square Mall into a mixed-use town center with housing and commercial space has sparked a legal battle after township supervisors rejected it over infrastructure and density concerns.
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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.
December 3, 2025
December 2, 2025
December 1, 2025
