WASHINGTON, March 4, 2026 — Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced that Alexandra DeRiso has joined the firm as a principal on its health care team.
The city and the Local Initiatives Support Corp.’s Detroit office announced that three properties with 321 total units are being rehabilitated and preserved as affordable housing units through public and private investment.
Mayor Todd Gloria (D) has announced $16.5 million in new funding for the Bridge to Home program, an affordable housing development initiative he launched in 2021. Since its inception, the program has delivered 390 affordable homes, including 146 designated for individuals at risk of homelessness.
The Minneapolis City Council voted to allocate $1 million in one-time rental assistance to residents affected by Operation Metro Surge, an ongoing operation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to apprehend and deport undocumented immigrants.
The Cycle House, a “net-zero” 18-unit affordable housing development, is the first in D.C. The mixed-use building touts solar panels on the roof and parking canopy and fuel cells, producing as much energy as it consumes in a year. The project is the result of Mayor Muriel Bowser’s (D) Green Bank, established in 2018.
Seattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson (D) announced the Centers and Corridors zoning proposal—the second major package of the updated Comprehensive Plan—expanding zoning in 30 new Neighborhood Centers, Urban Centers, and transit corridors. The boost in housing supply across neighborhoods represents a significant step toward creating abundant, affordable, and diverse housing options citywide.
The Baltimore City Council introduced two measures—one to require agency plans to limit ICE operations in city‑owned spaces and prohibit use of city resources for immigration enforcement, and another urging state restrictions—codifying existing executive and police policies into law.
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling is publicly backing an effort by the Chicago City Council to give the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) authority to investigate whether Chicago police officers violated city ordinances in assisting federal immigration agents, following a series of reports from city residents. A final vote by the City Council is scheduled for February 18.
Detroit families with any children born on or after January 1, 2026, are now eligible to apply for the Rx Kids program. The program will allow families to apply for cash prescriptions during pregnancy and for the first six months of the baby’s life with no work or income requirements. The City of Detroit plans on investing $1.5 million over the next three years in the program.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has proposed changes to its data retention policy that would allow footage to be deleted after five years. Under the proposal, approximately 11.8 million videos would be destroyed, while any footage relating to shootings, active court cases, or internal investigation would be preserved.
The Los Angeles Police Department released its annual crime review for 2025, showing the city’s lowest number of annual homicides since 1966. Police Chief Jim McDonnell credits, in part, increased gun seizures. Analysis also showed decreases in gun violence, traffic fatalities, and gang-related homicides.
An “ICE Out” package, consisting of seven bills, was introduced to the Philadelphia City Council. The legislation would restrict city agencies from cooperating with ICE, including prohibiting ICE access to city-owned spaces without a judicial warrant.
Mayor Wilson announced a series of measures restricting ICE and CBP activity, including an executive order prohibiting federal use of any city-owned or city-controlled properties, should enforcement increase in Seattle.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) issued an executive order aimed at protecting New Yorkers from abusive immigration enforcement and reaffirming the City’s sanctuary laws. The order restates that information collected by city agencies for municipal purposes must remain protected and may not be shared with federal immigration authorities except as required by law. It also requires agencies to designate a privacy officer, conduct training, and certify compliance within 14 days, and reaffirms that federal authorities may not enter city property without a judicial warrant.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott (D) proposed reducing the residential property tax rate to $1.99 per $100 by adjusting the Homestead Tax Credit cap, boosting enrollment in state credits, and reforming tax sales—raising starting bids to full assessed value and introducing payment plans under an agreement with Maryland Legal Aid.
The first executive order announced by Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield (D) requires the assessor to adopt the ratio standards of the International Association of Assessing Officers. The mayor’s office says the goal is to restore trust in the assessor after a history of overassessment. The order also requires a mass appraisal report and modified economic condition factors to have assessments reflect the market value of properties within their respective neighborhoods.
Mayor Mamdani and the Department of Consumer and Worker Protections announced that eligible New Yorkers will have access to free, in-person and virtual tax preparation sessions. The program is available to families who earn $97,000 or less and individuals earning $68,000 or less.
City Council President Kenyatta Johnson (D) said Council could withhold city funding for the School District if concerns with the recently unveiled facilities master plan, which proposes 20 school closures, six co-locations, and modernization of 159 buildings, are not addressed.
The city’s financial department has reported both a decline in hotel taxes by $7.4 million and lower than projected income from paid parking, which contributed largely to the deficit. The city also reports a projected annual expenditure of $3.2 million more than the allocated budget, with overtime payments for police and fire departments totalling about $15.3 million.
Business leaders in Minneapolis and St. Paul have reported losing out on millions of dollars in revenue since increased immigration enforcement began in the area, with the city of Minneapolis estimating a loss of $10 million to $20 million in revenue with large events postponing or cancelling entirely.
Los Angeles Metro announced that Congress granted the city $94.3 million in funding ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The funding will go to the Games Enhanced Transit System, which includes the development of mobility hubs, light-rail improvements, and pedestrian access near the games alongside other “mobility-related” projects.
Mayor Cherelle Parker (D) and city officials launched a pay-per-day program for workers to remove snow on sidewalks, focusing on ADA ramps, access to schools, community centers, transportation centers, and commercial areas. City officials reported that the first day of the program cleared more than 60 blocks and 500 ADA curb ramps with 200 workers.
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.
March 12, 2026
March 12, 2026
March 12, 2026
