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.
Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) announced an executive order calling on the City Council to adopt a temporary moratorium on new data centers while the city updates its regulatory framework. The pause would allow officials to develop new standards addressing the environmental impacts and energy demands associated with data center development.
Mayor Danny Avula (D) pledged to resolve widespread account errors, waive related late fees, and reduce customer service wait times, following the rollout of the Department of Public Utilities’ new billing system. The administration aims to provide accurate statements to all customers within two months.
Mayor Katie Wilson (D) and City Council members proposed legislation barring large grocery retailers from using sensitive personal data to set individualized prices. Publicly available discounts, including senior and veteran discounts, would remain permitted.
While Baltimore officials have reduced the number of vacant and uninhabitable homes over the past decade, the city’s vacant-lot inventory has increased by more than 21,000 parcels. City Council members and community groups are calling for a more comprehensive strategy to manage and maintain those properties.
The Pittsburgh City Council and Planning Commission postponed consideration of proposed short-term rental regulations until after August recess. The legislation would restrict nonresident operators in residential neighborhoods while preserving options for owner-occupied properties.
Mayor Johnson appointed Ashlee Gabrysch, a former Fitch Ratings executive, as the city’s new chief financial officer, ahead of the city’s upcoming budget process.
City Councilmember Nithya Raman (D) confirmed she will no longer serve as chair of the City Council’s Housing and Homelessness Committee. Raman has led the committee since 2023 and is currently running for mayor.
An external investigation into St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her’s (D) workplace conduct expanded after an additional city employee alleged inappropriate behavior by the mayor. The inquiry, commissioned by the city, follows earlier complaints and is examining allegations involving multiple city employees.
The Baltimore Board of Estimates ratified Mayor Brandon Scott’s (D) plan to raise the underground conduit franchise fee for Baltimore Gas & Electric and other utilities from $2.20 to $4.05 per linear foot starting in 2027, reversing a 2023 agreement that had waived the fee in exchange for capital improvements.
Mayor Johnson signed an executive order directing the city to strengthen procurement standards for firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition purchased by the Chicago Police Department and other public safety agencies, with new standards required within 90 days.
The New York City Council announced funding for Cornell Tech’s Urban Tech Hub and New Yorkers for Parks to develop the Generative Canopy Project, which will use mapping and modeling technology to inform tree canopy expansion and extreme heat mitigation.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) said the city should adjust future police budgets to better reflect actual spending after the Minneapolis Police Department exceeded its budget due to rising overtime costs in 2025 and 2026.
The Boston City Council adopted a measure calling for standards governing critical-incident administrative leave, following the in-custody death of Shacoby Kenny, to improve consistency and accountability.
A Chicago labor union representing city workers criticized Mayor Johnson and leaders of the city’s Transportation and Aviation departments, alleging violations of worker contracts and unfair labor practices.
Philadelphia is holding free neighborhood workshops to help homeowners understand relief programs after reassessments raised taxes by up to 25% in areas like Kensington, Kingsessing, and Mantua.
Pittsburgh City Controller Rachael Heisler (D) offered a cautiously optimistic assessment of the city’s finances, citing strong tax collections and major institutional payments, while warning that spending pressures remain.
The Pittsburgh City Council approved a Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID) that will use future property tax revenues to support up to $200 million in bonds for downtown redevelopment and mobility projects.
Three Richmond City Council members filed an ordinance to mandate a four-cent reduction to the city’s real estate tax rate for the 2028 tax year, countering Mayor Avula’s proposed one-cent cut.
City officials reached an agreement to provide universal free school meals for Seattle Public Schools students beginning this school year, alongside additional food assistance for qualifying students during weekends and school breaks.
A Los Angeles City Council committee advanced a proposal directing the city’s Department of Transportation to develop recommendations for regulating e-bikes, including potential restrictions on modifications and new training requirements for riders under 18.
The New York City Council announced a September hearing that will examine more than a dozen legislative proposals related to e-bikes and scooters, along with the implementation and enforcement of existing laws.
The Pittsburgh City Council voted 8-0 to eliminate a “vehicle safety” provision in the municipal parking code that drivers frequently used in court to justify parking in prohibited areas such as sidewalks and bike lanes.
Uber and labor unions are opposing a Washington, D.C. bill that would allow widespread autonomous vehicle deployment, arguing it threatens driver jobs and earnings.
Co-Chair, New York Practice
Managing Director
Managing Director
Co-Chair, New York Practice
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 1, 2026
September 1, 2026
August 31, 2026
