WASHINGTON, September 1, 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 Rodney Whitlock, Debbie Curtis, Katie Waldo, and Maddie News to the firm's federal health policy practice in Washington, D.C.
Following recent protests at City Hall, the Parker administration has agreed to meet this week with the immigrant coalition advocating for full implementation of Philadelphia’s ICE OUT laws. The planned discussion comes after organizers, clergy, domestic workers, and victim advocates gathered outside the mayor’s office to underscore the need for clear guidance on how the protections will function. A spokesperson for the administration said there has been ongoing dialogue, and coalition representatives described the meeting as an initial step toward ensuring staff training, transparent reporting processes, and structured community involvement in implementation.
The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia ruled Friday that the Trump administration’s policy requiring Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain most undocumented immigrants without bond hearings violates the Fifth Amendment and federal immigration law. The decision places the Philadelphia‑based court among seven other federal appeals courts that have rejected the policy, while two have upheld it. Immigration attorneys say the directive has contributed to increased detention and expedited court proceedings, leading to a rise in habeas petitions nationwide. Advocates described the ruling as a significant affirmation of due‑process protections and the need for individualized bond determinations. The Justice Department and the ACLU have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to consider the issue in its next term.
Burlington will relocate its corporate headquarters from New Jersey to Philadelphia’s Schuylkill Yards in a $370 million move supported by nearly $40 million in state and city incentives, a decision that Mayor Parker called a strong vote of confidence in the city and Governor Shapiro described as one of the largest headquarters relocations to Pennsylvania in years. The company expects to bring at least 2,000 jobs over the next five years and said its conversations with Parker and Shapiro, along with their focus on economic development, workforce training, transportation, public safety, and fiscal responsibility, played a major role in choosing Philadelphia.
Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) welcomed 700 new Octavius Catto Scholars for the 2026–27 academic year during its annual family reunion event, where CCP President Alycia Marshall greeted students and families. The program, a partnership between CCP and the City of Philadelphia, provides last‑dollar tuition support and wraparound services such as advising, tutoring, transportation assistance, and monthly incentives. Staff emphasized eligibility‑based enrollment and hands-on guidance from scholarship navigators. Students from across the city shared plans to pursue fields including health sciences, nursing, business, accounting, and medical imaging, reflecting the program’s focus on expanding access to higher education and economic opportunity.
More than 400 YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School students, staff and alumni kicked off the new school year with the school’s traditional march down North Broad Street, a celebration of resilience and second‑chance education. Led by the Mad Beatz Philly drumline, the march highlighted YouthBuild’s model, which supports students ages 17–20 in earning a high school diploma while completing workforce training and community service. Principal Kazmir Davis and YB Flex principal Nicole Cooper said the event symbolizes students reclaiming their education, especially as the school expands with YB Flex, an evening program designed for those balancing work or caregiving. Students described YouthBuild’s wraparound support as central to their success, with some returning as staff to help the next cohort.
SEPTA has been awarded $13.3 million in federal funding to support the replacement of its aging Silverliner IV Regional Rail cars, which were pulled from service last year for inspections and repairs following several fire incidents. The grant, announced by U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle, will help advance the agency’s plan to procure 234 new Silverliner VI cars, a project estimated at $2 billion. SEPTA is currently reviewing bids and expects to award a contract this fall. The Silverliner IV fleet, built in the mid‑1970s, has faced significant reliability challenges, leading to months of service disruptions after the Federal Railroad Administration ordered emergency inspections in 2025. While SEPTA works toward long‑term fleet replacement, the agency is supplementing service with leased coaches from Maryland and surplus Bombardier cars from Montréal.
Drexel University will close the Academy of Natural Sciences museum on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, ending two centuries of public access to one of Philadelphia’s oldest cultural institutions. The museum’s final day of regular public hours will be September 27, after which Drexel plans to relocate the Academy’s collections and sell the building, which faces significant deferred maintenance. The announcement prompted widespread public reaction, with many Philadelphians describing the closure as the loss of a civic landmark and a defining piece of the city’s cultural identity.
The Philadelphia School District and 32BJ SEIU District 1201 have reached a tentative contract covering the union’s 2,000 bus drivers, cleaners, maintenance workers, building engineers, and tradespeople. The agreement was finalized just before the previous contract expired Monday night. While terms were not released, 32BJ had been seeking higher wages, clearer advancement pathways, and collaboration with the district to fill vacant engineering and trades roles. Union leaders said the deal reflects members’ work and the district’s commitment to stable wages and benefits. Members will review and vote on the agreement within the next two weeks.
Philadelphia real estate developers are preparing a $1.5 million campaign through the super PAC Philly For Growth to support business friendly City Council members and limit the influence of progressive challengers in next year’s elections. The group plans to invest in advertising that promotes candidates who align with development priorities, and it will also back a challenger in the 5th district, where policy discussions have raised concerns among some development interests.
Philadelphia’s Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 endorsed Governor Josh Shapiro for a second term, with Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 President Roosevelt L. Poplar praising the governor’s support for law enforcement, increased public‑safety funding, and consistent engagement with officers. Governor Shapiro said he was honored by the endorsement and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring communities across Pennsylvania feel safe.
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.
September 3, 2026
September 3, 2026
September 2, 2026
