Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced the addition of Martin K. Johnson as principal in its Richmond office.
Mayor Eric Adams signed an executive order directing city agencies and the police department to expand the use of translation tools as part of a plan to reduce language barriers for non-English speakers. The city plans to install language applications on more than 100,000 city-owned electronic devices and implement a new program in the public school system that will allow for translations of the top 12 languages spoken by students and their families.
The Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted to make Mayor Karen Bass’ (D) housing streamlining ordinance permanent, reducing approval times for 100% affordable housing projects to 60 days.
The Philadelphia City Council approved about $277 million for the first year of Mayor Cherelle Parker’s (D) $2 billion Housing Opportunities Made Easy (HOME) Initiative, adding $82.6 million in spending.
The Richmond City Council unanimously approved allocating $2.2 million of a $22 million surplus to a special purpose reserve—including $403K for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, plus funds for family support, community facility upgrades, and Vision Zero studies—while directing the bulk to reserves amid council calls to examine a larger housing commitment.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria (D) launched the “Neighborhood Homes for All of Us” initiative to expand affordable housing options for first-time homebuyers, using developments like 3Roots in Mira Mesa as a model. The program will gather public input to shape future housing policies aimed at lowering costs and increasing homeownership opportunities across the city.
The City of Seattle announced nearly $28 million in funding, about double last year’s $14 million, to support affordable housing providers facing rising costs, lagging rent payments, and higher-than-expected vacancies. The awards will be issued early next year to address deferred maintenance and repairs, requiring preservation planning with third-party input.
Employees of Boston’s Planning Department voted to form a union, with 90 in favor and 55 opposed out of 145 ballots cast. The vote comes nearly two years after Mayor Michelle Wu (D) moved the former Boston Planning and Development Agency into City Hall, shifting staff and budgeting into city government as the department oversees development review and planning, amid ongoing housing affordability and fiscal pressures.
Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson (D-District 8) introduced a motion to delay the full $30-per-hour Olympic wage for hotel and airport workers until 2030 instead of 2028. Labor groups condemned the move as undermining hard-won raises, while tourism industry leaders welcomed it as relief from rising costs.
Seattle’s Office of Labor Standards reached a nearly $3.8 million settlement with Amazon Logistics Inc., also known as Amazon Flex, following an investigation into alleged failures to provide required premium pay and paid sick and safe time to certain delivery drivers under the city’s gig worker ordinances.
A Chicago City Council committee advanced a proposal to ban hemp products citywide, clearing the way for a final vote. Supporters cite safety and regulation concerns, while opponents warn the ban could shut down hundreds of local businesses.
D.C. Councilmember Anita Bonds’ (D-At Large) decision not to run for reelection adds another open seat to the 2026 local cycle, which is already set to elect a new mayor, could trigger multiple special elections should candidates seek higher office, and will implement ranked‑choice voting in the June primary.
The Boston City Council unanimously approved a petition asking the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy to extend the required closure notice from 14 days to 120 days for regulators and affected patients. The proposal would also require pharmacies to notify local public health departments and municipal officials, as advocates and council leaders argue abrupt closures worsen access to medications.
The Los Angeles City Council approved $1 million to hire additional Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers, far short of Mayor Bass’ $4.4 million request to fund 410 new hires. Council members cited budget constraints, while the mayor and police officials warned that limited funding could worsen staffing shortages and increase overtime costs.
The Minneapolis City Council approved an ordinance to create a more humane, public health-focused response to homeless encampments, including required sanitation services and advanced notice before closures. The measure faces a likely veto from Mayor Jacob Frey (D), who argues it could encourage encampments and limit the city’s ability to close them quickly.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott’s (D) administration announced a 10‑year plan projecting $2.5 billion in savings and $1.5 billion reinvestment by 2035, proposing to lower the property tax rate to $1.99 per $100, adopt a progressive city income tax on earnings over $500,000, raise taxes on vacant properties, and implement operational reforms without layoffs, including tech‑enabled parking enforcement and right‑sizing surplus properties.
Chicago alderpersons opposing Mayor Brandon Johnson’s (D) budget advanced a $409 million alternative plan, blocking a proposed corporate head tax. The plan funds pensions, schools, and city priorities through new fees on garbage, liquor, rideshares, and short-term rentals. Mayor Johnson has threatened to veto key measures, setting up a tense budget showdown.
San Diego faces a $23 million first-quarter deficit, with a $110 million shortfall projected for next year. Mayor Gloria has limited hiring, suspended most overtime, and asked departments to cut non-essential programs, while council members have expressed frustration that he has not implemented approved job cuts. Revenues from hotel, sales, cannabis, and parking taxes are down, while public safety, water, and vehicle costs rise.
The St. Paul City Council approved an $883 million 2026 budget, raising property taxes 5.3%, restoring firefighter and library funding, and allocating $13.9 million for housing, $1 million for cybersecurity, and $300K for immigration assistance. It now goes to Mayor Melvin Carter (D) for approval.
The San Diego City Council approved continued use of automated license plate readers, despite public opposition, citing their role in crime prevention and vehicle recovery. The city emphasized strict data limits, auditing, and restricted access to protect privacy.
Managing Director
Co-Chair, New York Practice
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.
December 17, 2025
December 17, 2025
December 16, 2025
