Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced the addition of Patrick Lespinasse as principal.
November 6, 2025
Mayor Cherelle Parker (D) signed an executive order directing $7 million to food pantries, vulnerable families, and rental assistance for furloughed federal workers as SNAP benefits remain disrupted during the ongoing government shutdown.
This week, the City deployed a new 40-member task force with authority to issue fines up to $5,000 per item under strengthened anti-dumping laws. The City Council is considering additional enforcement measures including towing vehicles used for dumping and leveraging surveillance technology.
Last week, the City Council introduced a bill calling for a ballot question in May about creating a board to oversee PhillySaves, a proposed program that would automatically enroll workers without employer retirement plans to contribute a portion of their wages to an IRA.
In a Hidden City op-ed, Deputy Managing Director Aparna Palantino explains how the Capital Program Office—created early in the Parker administration to centralize oversight of more than 200 projects—has accelerated timelines, delivered major upgrades, and expanded workforce training and small-business contracting to strengthen local economic impact.
Philadelphia filed a federal lawsuit alleging that CVS Health, Express Scripts, Optum, and other pharmacy benefit managers—companies that negotiate drug prices and manage prescription benefits for insurers—contributed to the opioid epidemic through over-distribution and deceptive marketing.
The Philadelphia City Council holds several public hearings throughout the legislative calendar year, which can be streamed here.
Macerich CEO Jackson Hsieh said the company is refocusing on leasing and revitalizing the Fashion District following the 76ers’ decision not to move forward with a proposed Center City arena, expressing cautious optimism about progress and potential support from city-led Market East initiatives.
President Donald Trump announced last week that South Korea intends to build a nuclear-powered submarine at Hanwha Philly Shipyard, a move that could boost regional shipbuilding and job growth.
Medetomidine, a powerful veterinary tranquilizer now found in most illicit opioid samples in Philadelphia, is causing severe withdrawal symptoms and life-threatening complications, overwhelming hospitals and substance use disorder treatment systems.
The School District of Philadelphia postponed the release of its facilities master plan, opting instead to survey families this month and present a draft plan in the winter after additional data analysis and community engagement.
Museum CEO Sasha Suda was dismissed after three years in the role, with Louis Marchesano appointed to oversee operations while an interim leader is sought.
Philadelphia’s voter turnout surged to 34% in the 2025 general election—the highest in at least a decade—driven by high-profile judicial retention votes, a contested district attorney race, and national political dynamics. Incumbent District Attorney Larry Krasner (D) secured reelection in a landslide over former judge Pat Dugan (R), while Christy Brady (D) defeated challenger Ari Patrinos (R) to secure her first full four-year term as city controller.
Democrat Joe Khan defeated Republican incumbent Jennifer Schorn to become Bucks County’s first-ever Democratic District Attorney, pledging to modernize the office and prioritize environmental accountability.
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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 11, 2025
December 11, 2025
December 10, 2025
