Cozen Cities: July 1, 2026

Housing & Real Estate

BOSTON—Mayor Expands Property Tax Relief for Seniors

Mayor Michelle Wu (D) signed an ordinance increasing income eligibility for senior property tax relief, the first such adjustment in more than two decades. The measure ensures that income and asset thresholds for the exemption will automatically adjust annually with inflation.

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LOS ANGELES—Council Approves Low‑Rise Housing Ordinance

City officials approved a low‑rise ordinance allowing four‑story apartments near transit stops, creating new housing capacity while delaying broader upzoning requirements until 2030. The ordinance now awaits mayoral approval.

NEW YORK CITY—Rent Guidelines Board Approves Rent Freeze

The Rent Guidelines Board voted to freeze rents on one‑ and two‑year rent‑stabilized leases. The decision applies to leases beginning on or after October 1 and fulfills a key campaign pledge from Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D).

PITTSBURGH—Council Advances Short-Term Rental Restrictions

The City Council proposed an amended ordinance restricting nonresident owners from operating short‑term rentals while preserving the ability of primary residents to rent a single unit.

RICHMOND—Council Approves Supportive Housing Extension

The City Council voted 6-2 to grant a temporary use permit for a 40‑unit supportive housing facility through March 2030 while calling for increased funding support to address senior homelessness.

SEATTLE—Council Grants Bonding Authority to Social Housing Developer

The City Council approved charter changes allowing the city’s social housing developer to issue bonds to finance housing construction and acquisition, along with authority to sell retail space in certain developments.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Council Moves to Update Tax Sale Laws Following Federal Scrutiny

The D.C. Council is preparing legislation revising tax foreclosure practices following federal concerns about compliance with the Supreme Court’s decision in Tyler v. Hennepin County.

Public Health & Safety

CHICAGO—Mayor Establishes Office of Gun Violence Reduction

Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) signed an executive order creating the Office of Gun Violence Reduction within the Mayor’s Office to coordinate violence prevention efforts, victim services, and community safety investments.

DETROIT—Council Narrowly Approves ShotSpotter Contract Extension

The City Council approved a nine‑month extension of its ShotSpotter contract on a 5-4vote, including approximately $2.06 million in additional funding. The system will remain in place while the city evaluates longer‑term public safety technology options.

NEW YORK CITY—Mayor Opens Public Health Vending Machines

Mayor Mamdani opened two publicly supported health vending machines offering free harm reduction supplies, including naloxone and testing kits. The program is funded through opioid settlement dollars and aims to expand around‑the‑clock access to public health resources.

PHILADELPHIA —Council Proposes Office for Food Equity

The City Council introduced legislation to create a permanent office focused on food insecurity and equity following findings that more than 200,000 residents face food insecurity daily.

RICHMOND—Mayor Avula Outlines Oversight Safeguards Following Embezzlement Charges

Mayor Danny Avula (D) highlighted new financial oversight and anti‑corruption safeguards following federal charges tied to an alleged $2.8 million embezzlement scheme involving the city’s fire department.

Labor & Employment

LOS ANGELES—City Delays $30 Minimum Wage Plan to 2030

City officials voted to delay implementation of a $30 minimum wage for hotel and airport workers until 2030, citing concerns over job losses and rising labor costs.

LOS ANGELES —Local Minimum Wage to Increase July 1

Los Angeles will raise its minimum wage to $18.42 per hour beginning July 1, 2026, exceeding the statewide rate and applying to all work within city limits.

Policy & Politics

CHICAGO—Budget Task Force Backs Inflation‑Linked Property Taxes

A budget task force, launched early last year through an executive order from Mayor Brandon Johnson (D), reaffirmed recommendations to link property taxes and other revenue streams to inflation as part of a broader effort to stabilize city finances and address long‑term pension obligations.

CHICAGO—Council Rejects Ban on Sweepstakes Machines

The City Council voted 33–15 to reject a proposed ban on sweepstakes machines. The decision allows roughly 7,000 machines to continue operating despite concerns over competition with regulated gaming terminals.

RICHMOND—City Council Rejects Citizen Commissions to Avoid Delaying Code Overhaul

The City Council voted 6-2 to reject proposals establishing new citizen review commissions, citing concerns that added oversight would delay progress on the city’s zoning code overhaul.

Taxes & Spending

BALTIMORE—Council Approves $4.9B FY27 Budget

The City Council unanimously approved a $4.9 billion FY27 budget with no tax increases or service cuts while expanding funding for youth programs, school safety, and immigrant services.

BOSTON—Council Approves $4.9B Budget After Revisions

The City Council approved Mayor Wu’s revised $4.9 billion budget following negotiations over spending adjustments and concerns about proposed cuts to city services.

PITTSBURGH—Council Passes Mechanical Amusement Tax

The City Council approved a tiered license fee on mechanical amusement devices, including skill games, as part of efforts to address a projected budget shortfall, though state legal questions remain.

TWIN CITIES—Mayor Faces $26M Budget Gap, Signals Spending Cuts and Tax Changes

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter (D) is addressing a $26 million budget shortfall through potential spending reductions, tax increases, and longer‑term economic development strategies. City departments were asked to prepare multiple budget scenarios, including baseline cuts.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Council Approves FY27 Budget Amid CFO Concerns

The D.C. Council approved the FY27 budget on a final vote, restoring funding to several programs. The city’s chief financial officer warned the plan may be unbalanced due to reliance on reserve funds.

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