Cozen Cities – August 6, 2025

August 6, 2025

Gig Economy & Technology

BOSTON—City Joins Data Alliance to Boost Services

Boston is partnering with the Bloomberg Philanthropies City Data Alliance to improve resident services using AI and analytics. The City aims to modernize 311 notifications with multilingual text-based tools, reduce call volume, and better align with how residents prefer to get updates.

DETROIT—City Launches First-of-Its-Kind $700K Startup Fund

Detroit launched a pioneering $700,000 Startup Fund to support local tech startups through grants, job creation, and talent retention. The program will award 26 grants over the next year, building on Detroit’s reputation as a top emerging startup hub and fostering innovation that benefits the city’s economy and residents.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Council Considers Amending Law Threatening Sports Betting Industry

A Delaware-based LLC is using the 300-year-old Statute of Anne to sue major sports betting companies in D.C. for millions in gambling losses, prompting the City Council to consider retroactively amending the law to protect the city’s legalized sports wagering market.

Housing & Real Estate

LOS ANGELES—City Restricts Duplexes in Pacific Palisades

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) issued an executive order banning applications under Senate Bill 9—a California law that allows up to four homes on lots traditionally zoned for single-family housing—in the Palisades Fire zone, citing safety concerns about evacuation and infrastructure strain in this wildfire-prone area.

SAN DIEGO—City Allocates Additional $15M to Affordable Housing Program

San Diego City officials announced an additional $15 million for its Bridge to Home initiative, which supports affordable housing development across the city. Since 2021, the program has committed nearly $108 million to 24 projects, creating over 2,100 affordable homes.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Council Advances Revised Rental Act

The D.C. Council advanced a revised Rental Act that would expedite eviction proceedings for nonpayment and public safety cases, reduce tenant notice periods, and introduce a 15-year exemption from the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act for newly constructed buildings.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Council Advances $3.7B Commanders Stadium Deal

The D.C. Council granted initial approval to a $3.7 billion plan to redevelop the RFK Stadium site into a new Washington Commanders stadium and mixed-use district, backed by over $1 billion in public funds and tax breaks, with final approval expected in September.

Labor & Employment

BALTIMORE—City Launches Infrastructure Academy to Train City Workforce

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott (D) launched the Baltimore City Infrastructure Academy to centralize and modernize workforce training for City employees to fill critical infrastructure jobs and provide residents with career pathways in fields like fleet management, public works, and construction.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Council Scales Back Tipped Wage Measure

The D.C. Council voted to amend Initiative 82, preserving the tipped minimum wage and slowing base wage increases over the next decade, drawing criticism from labor advocates and praise from restaurant industry groups.

Policy & Politics

BOSTON—Mayor Wu Dominates Polls Ahead of Preliminary Election

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu (D) maintains a commanding lead over challenger Josh Kraft, according to the latest Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll, despite Kraft leading in fundraising. Boston’s preliminary election will take place in September.

DETROIT—City Holds First Open Mayoral Primary in 12 Years

Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield and Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. received the most votes in the City’s first open mayoral primary in 12 years on Tuesday. They now advance to compete in November’s general election to replace outgoing Mayor Mike Duggan (D).

NEW YORK CITY—Fraud Protection Law Takes Effect

Legislation combating immigration legal services fraud became law after Mayor Eric Adams (D) took no action during the 30-day review period. The new law is designed to protect immigrant communities from exploitation and improve access to reliable legal support by raising penalties for fraudulent legal providers through a public awareness campaign.

RICHMOND—Council Delays Rental Inspection Program Amid Calls for Revisions

Richmond’s rental inspection proposal remains on hold as City Council members and housing industry groups push for changes that would focus enforcement on problem properties, seeking to protect responsible landlords and avoid stigmatizing entire neighborhoods.

SEATTLE—City Sues Over Federal DEI Restrictions

Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison filed a lawsuit, with the backing of Mayor Bruce Harrell (D), seeking to block enforcement of two Trump administration executive orders that tie federal funding to restrictions on diversity and gender-related programs.

TWIN CITIES—State Rep. Enters St. Paul Mayoral Race

State Representative Kaohly Vang Her (DFL) entered the race for St. Paul mayor on Monday, challenging incumbent Mayor Melvin Carter (D) and energizing a previously quiet campaign season with promises of more engaged leadership and support from organized labor.

Public Health & Safety

BALTIMORE—Mayor Credits Violence Reduction Strategy for Drop in Crime

Baltimore saw a more than 24% drop in homicides and an 18% decline in non-fatal shootings this year, which Mayor Scott attributes to the expansion of the Group Violence Reduction Strategy and strengthened partnerships between law enforcement and community organizations.

NEW YORK CITY—Gun Violence Hits Historic Low

New York Police Department (NYPD) data released this week shows gun violence has dropped to historic lows, with 412 shootings and 489 victims recorded in the first seven months of 2025—the lowest figures since record keeping began in 1993. Commissioner Jessica Tisch credited the trend to Mayor Adams’ public safety initiatives.

Taxes & Spending

CHICAGO—Mayor Johnson Weighing Tax Solutions to Balance City Budget

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) is considering reinstating the corporate head tax and introducing a social media advertising tax to raise revenue without hiking property taxes. Mayor Johnson says these measures target wealthier residents and corporations to maintain public safety investments, while critics warn such taxes could push businesses to leave the city.

LOS ANGELES—Business Coalition Pushes Gross Receipts Tax Repeal

A coalition of business leaders filed a ballot measure to repeal Los Angeles’ gross receipts tax, arguing it harms job growth and drives businesses out of the city. City officials, including Mayor Bass, warn the measure would slash $800 million from the budget, threatening essential services.

RICHMOND—City Cuts Taxes for Nearly 70% of Small Businesses

The Richmond City Council voted to double the business, professional, and occupational license tax threshold from $250,000 to $500,000, meaning most small businesses will pay only a $30 annual license fee starting in 2026. The move intends to support job growth and creation.

SEATTLE—Business Tax Reform Heads to Ballot

City leaders approved a ballot measure to overhaul Seattle’s Business and Occupation tax. The plan would raise $81 million annually by taxing large employers while easing costs for small businesses to address  a $140 million budget shortfall amid possible federal cuts.

Transportation & Mobility

PHILADELPHIA—SEPTA Cuts, Fare Hikes Set to Begin in Late August

SEPTA will reduce service by 20% and raise fares by 21.5%, affecting buses, subways, trolleys, and Regional Rail, with potential overcrowding and longer wait times. The changes, driven by a $213 million budget gap, coincide with the start of the school year and could deepen if state funding remains unresolved.

NEW YORK CITY—Gov. Hochul Orders Transit Flooding Review

New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) directed the MTA to review why the transit system remains vulnerable to extreme weather, blaming decades of underinvestment. MTA Chair Janno Lieber acknowledged the issues but noted rider satisfaction is improving.

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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