Cozen Cities – April 30, 2025

April 30, 2025

Technology & Gig Economy

NEW YORK—Mayor Adams, CTO Announce City’s First Crypto Summit

New York Mayor Eric Adams (D) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Matthew Fraser will host New York City’s first Crypto Summit next month, bringing together leaders from cryptocurrency, blockchain, and fintech industries.

SAN DIEGO—City Council Advances Ban on AI-Driven Rental “Price-Fixing”

The San Diego City Council voted 8-1 to advance an ordinance banning AI software used for setting rental prices, which local leaders claim could save renters over $2,000 annually.

Housing & Real Estate

BOSTON—Report Shows Boost in City Housing Market

Home prices in Greater Boston rose in March, with the median price of a single-family house reaching $930,000, a 3.3% increase from last year. However, the number of homes on the market surged, suggesting a potential recovery from a three-year housing slump.

PHILADELPHIA—Mayor Parker Unveils Details About $2B HOME Initiative

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker (D) announced that over 75% of the proposed $800 million Housing Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) Initiative bond would fund seven key housing programs, including affordable housing preservation and production.

SEATTLE—Local Officials Advocate for Homelessness Program Funding

Seattle and King County officials are urging the state to allocate funds from its budget to continue supporting the Encampment Resolution Program, a highly regarded initiative to address homelessness. The proposed state budgets would cut funding for the program by 40%.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—City, Commanders Announce $3.7B RFK Stadium Redevelopment Deal

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and the Washington Commanders announced a $3.7 billion deal to redevelop the dilapidated RFK Stadium site into a new stadium. The project requires approval by the D.C. Council and inclusion in the City’s 2026 capital budget to move forward.

Policy & Politics

BALTIMORE—Mayor Scott Vows to Tackle Taxes, Test Scores, the Arts

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott (D) pledged during his first State of the City address of his second term to reduce property taxes by 2028, improve student test scores, promote city arts and culture, and continue existing diversity initiatives despite recent federal regulation changes.

DETROIT—Several Candidates Running for Mayor

Nine candidates have filed to run for Detroit mayor, with candidates ranging from current and former City Council members to a former police chief, an attorney, and a local faith leader. Outgoing Mayor Mike Duggan (D) will not run for re-election.

NEW YORK—Speaker Adams Picks Up Major Endorsements in Mayoral Race

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D) gained support from three major unions and State Attorney General Letitia James, challenging former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s dominance in the Democratic race.

RICHMOND—City Proposes Ban on New Vape, Smoke Shops

A new zoning amendment would ban new tobacco and hemp shops within 1,000 feet of schools, residences, and other sensitive areas in Richmond to safeguard public health. The proposal is part of a broader zoning code overhaul to increase housing density and improve public transit access.

Public Health & Safety

BALTIMORE—Summer Youth Engagement Strategy Aims to Reduce Violence

Mayor Scott announced a strategy to deter violence by engaging youth with summer programs, curfews, and extended recreation center hours, resulting in significant drops in violent crime since its launch in 2023.

CHICAGO—Proposal Would Allow CPD to Impose Teen Curfews

Chicago Alderman Brian Hopkins (D-Ward 2) introduced a proposal that would give the Chicago Police Department (CPD) the power to declare temporary curfews for unaccompanied minors. Under the proposal, the curfews would be imposed on an as-needed basis.

RICHMOND—Mayor Avula Announces New Office of Gun Violence Prevention

Richmond Mayor Danny Avula (D) announced the establishment of an Office of Gun Violence Prevention to build community relationships and reduce gun violence. He noted that plans for the new office would be unaffected by recent U.S. Department of Justice grant cancellations.

RICHMOND—State Says Years of Neglect Were Behind January Water Crisis

An investigation by the Virginia Department of Health revealed that years of neglect and operational errors at Richmond’s main water treatment plant led to the January water crisis, requiring significant corrective actions.

Taxes & Spending

BALTIMORE—City Cleans Up Accounting with $332M “De-Appropriation”

Baltimore’s Board of Estimates voted to” de-appropriate” $332 million in unrealized grant funds for various capital projects. While the Board emphasized that this move would have no impact on ongoing projects, City Council President Zeke Cohen (D) expressed concern about the potential strain on resources.

CHICAGO—Mayor Johnson Considers City Layoffs, Service Cuts

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) is considering layoffs and service cuts, which he had previously ruled out, to address the anticipated $1.12 billion budget shortfall and loss of $3 billion in federal funding.

DETROIT—City Council Explores Tax Options

The Detroit City Council recently commissioned a study that would determine whether or not tax options, such as an amusement tax, would be viable for the City.

LOS ANGELES—Mayor Bass Proposes Budget Including 1,600 Layoffs to Address Deficit

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ (D) proposed budget includes 1,600 layoffs to address a nearly $1 billion deficit in the upcoming fiscal year.

SEATTLE—Mayor Harrell Proposes Doubling Education Levy

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell (D) is proposing a $1.3 billion property tax increase over six years to fund preschool, daycare, community college tuition, and K-12 programs. The “Every Child Ready” proposal expands the 2018 $619 million education levy, aiming to support children from early education through successful careers.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Mayor Bowser Proposes $11M Early Education Boost

Mayor Bowser plans to increase funding for childcare cost reduction and preschool teacher salaries, with a total of $175.5 million allocated to early education programs, pending approval from the D.C. Council and Congress. The announcement comes as the City faces a $1.1 billion budget shortfall, which could lead to layoffs, furloughs, and other spending freezes.

Authors

About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

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.

About Cozen O’Connor

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.

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