Cozen Cities: July 15, 2026

Technology & Gig Economy

TWIN CITIES—Proposed Police Drone Program Draws Privacy Concerns

Nearly 50 residents signed up to speak at a Minneapolis City Council committee meeting regarding a proposed police drone pilot program, raising concerns about privacy and surveillance. The initiative would allow drones to respond to certain 911 calls ahead of officers to provide live video of potential crime scenes and help reduce response times.

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NEW YORK CITY—Mayor Launches Public Interest Technology Crews

Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) launched an initiative to embed five teams of technologists within city agencies to develop digital tools and improve access to government services. The first team will focus on creating an online portal for complaints involving difficult-to-cancel subscriptions.

SEATTLE—City Adopts Digital Accessibility Policy

Seattle adopted a policy requiring all new public-facing websites, apps, forms, maps, videos, and other digital content to meet accessibility standards before launch. The city must also update existing materials or provide accessible alternatives ahead of federal requirements that take effect in April 2027.

Housing & Real Estate

CHICAGO — Mayor Seeks New Appointments to Housing Authority Board

Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) nominated three new members to the Chicago Housing Authority board in an effort to reshape the agency’s leadership. The nominations come after several board members supported the selection of a new agency leader over the mayor’s objections.

LOS ANGELES—Officials Say Emergency Voucher Households No Longer at Risk

City housing officials reported that more than 4,300 households receiving pandemic-era emergency housing vouchers are no longer at risk of losing assistance after the city and county secured funding to continue the program through the end of 2026.

PITTSBURGH—Mayor Launches Online Permit Tracker

Mayor Corey O’Connor (D) announced the launch of a Permit Tracker tool on the city’s OneStopPGH platform, allowing residents and businesses to monitor the status of development applications and inspections across multiple departments.

SEATTLE—Mayor Proposes Ban on Rental Junk Fees

Mayor Katie Wilson (D) proposed legislation requiring landlords to disclose all rental fees upfront and prohibiting charges for services such as appliances, common areas, pets, mail, and packages. If approved, the rules would take effect in July 2027.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Mayor Introduces Housing Modernization Package

Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) introduced legislation aimed at modernizing housing laws, strengthening tenant protections, preserving affordable housing, and creating a more predictable regulatory framework for housing providers.

Policy & Politics

CHICAGO — Budget Chair Opposes Parking Meter Sale

Ald. Jason Ervin (D), Chair of the Finance Committee and a key ally of Mayor Johnson, argued against selling the city’s parking meter system and instead proposed creating a trust to purchase the system itself.

TWIN CITIES—MPLS Chief Communications Officer Terminated Following Theft Allegations

Minneapolis Chief Communications Officer Adam Fetcher, a former press secretary in the Obama administration, was terminated following allegations that he stole cash and credit cards from fellow city employees.

NEW YORK CITY—Charter Commission Outlines Government Efficiency Reforms

The New York City Commission on Government Efficiency released a preliminary report proposing reforms to streamline outdoor dining, permitting, contracting, and street infrastructure projects. The commission will continue public hearings before considering Charter amendments for the November ballot.

Public Health & Safety

BALTIMORE—City Approves $63M Wastewater Infrastructure Upgrade

The Baltimore Department of Public Works approved a $63 million project to modernize the Eastern Avenue Pumping Station, including upgrades to aging equipment and electrical systems at the city’s primary wastewater facility.

BOSTON—City Awards $600K for Overdose Prevention, Treatment Programs

Mayor Wu and the Boston Public Health Commission announced $600,000 in Community Overdose Response Grants for organizations providing overdose prevention and substance use treatment services in neighborhoods with the highest overdose rates. The funding will be distributed through the city’s opioid settlement funds.

CHICAGO — Mayor Names Public Health Commissioner

Mayor Johnson appointed Dr. Garth Walker as the city’s new public health commissioner. Walker previously served as chief medical officer of Rush Health and held leadership roles in both the Biden administration and the Illinois Public Health Department.

CHICAGO — Police Superintendent Search Begins Following Snelling Departure

Following the retirement of Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling on July 15, Interim Superintendent Fred Waller will lead the department while the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability begins its search for a permanent replacement.

DETROIT—Officials Call for Changes to ICE Vehicle Pursuit Practices

Detroit City Council members and a police commissioner called on the Department of Homeland Security to halt ICE vehicle pursuits in residential neighborhoods and publicly disclose pursuit policies, following two incidents that resulted in injuries and property damage. Federal officials defended the operations, stating the individuals involved attempted to evade lawful stops.

TWIN CITIES—MPLS Expands Drug Enforcement Efforts

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) announced plans to increase enforcement in areas identified as open-air drug markets, including deploying additional police officers and surveillance cameras aimed at reducing drug-related activity.

PHILADELPHIA—City Moves Toward New Waste Disposal Contract

The Parker administration announced plans to enter into a new four‑year waste processing and disposal contract with Reworld, operator of the Delaware Valley waste‑to‑energy facility, an incinerator in Chester. The move follows the failure of a City Council proposal that would have prohibited the city from sending waste to the incinerator, which  has drawn concerns about environmental and public health impacts..

RICHMOND—City Delays Medical 911 Dispatch Transfer

Mayor Danny Avula’s (D) administration told City Council it expects to complete the transfer of medical 911 dispatch responsibilities back to the Richmond Ambulance Authority by July 27, following a delay in implementation.

Labor & Employment

BOSTON—Report Raises Concerns About City Council Employment Policies

A report found that Boston City Council staff, who are classified as temporary employees, lack standardized policies governing paid leave, compensation, job descriptions, and other workplace protections. The report also found that employment terms and office policies are largely determined by individual councilors, resulting in inconsistent practices across offices.

Taxes & Spending

CHICAGO— City Faces $130M Budget Gap

Mayor Johnson said the city is facing a budget gap of at least $130 million after revenue baked into the city’s 2026 spending plan failed to materialize. Mayor Johnson said the shortfall stems, in part, from the City Council’s failure to approve several anticipated revenue measures, including proposed taxes on large businesses.

LOS ANGELES—Council Shelves Ballot Measure on ‘Mansion Tax’ for New Apartments

The Los Angeles City Council voted 14–0 to halt a proposed November ballot measure that would have rolled back the city’s transfer tax on high‑value apartment building sales, leaving the existing tax structure in place.

TWIN CITIES—Council President Proposes Payments From Tax-Exempt Institutions

St. Paul City Council President Rebecca Noecker (DFL) said the city should consider a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes program as officials work to address a projected $26 million budget gap. Noecker suggested that tax-exempt institutions, including universities, hospitals, nonprofits, and religious organizations, should contribute financially to help support city services and close the budget shortfall.

NEW YORK CITY—Council Adopts $125.8B FY27 Budget

The New York City Council adopted a $125.8 billion FY27 budget that expands housing vouchers, Fair Fares, and college savings accounts for public school students. The plan also restores funding for parks, libraries, and cultural institutions, while adding $350 million to city reserves.

PITTSBURGH—Mechanical Amusement Tax Remains in Limbo

Pittsburgh officials said the city’s newly enacted mechanical amusement device tax remains uncertain after state lawmakers declined to include anticipated skill-game regulations in the state budget.

RICHMOND—Officials Advance School Infrastructure Sales Tax Referendum

City officials formally introduced a resolution to place a 1% local sales tax increase on the November ballot, a voter-dependent measure enabled by the state budget that could generate up to $50 million annually for public school modernization and construction projects.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Council Proposal Would Add New Tax on High Earners’ Passive Income

D.C. Council member Brianne K. Nadeau (D) introduced legislation creating a 3% tax on passive income earned by individuals making more than $400,000 annually and households earning more than $500,000, as officials seek additional revenue to address the city’s $1.1 billion budget gap.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Council Orders Study of New Business Activity Tax

The D.C. Council directed the Office of the Chief Financial Officer to study the feasibility of a new business activity tax as officials explore options to address the city’s budget gap. The proposed tax would apply to the gross receipts of businesses with a substantial presence in the District and was included as part of the FY27 budget implementation package.

Transportation & Mobility

CHICAGO — Mayor Announces Regional Transit Board Appointees

Mayor Johnson nominated five individuals to serve on the Regional Transit Authority Board. The appointments are subject to City Council approval.

NEW YORK CITY—City, State Unveil Plan to Expand Bus Service

Mayor Mamdani and New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) unveiled a new action plan aimed at improving bus service across the five boroughs. The initiative identifies 50 priority corridors for speed and reliability improvements and launches five next‑generation rapid bus routes designed to reduce travel times and improve transit access for riders.

SEATTLE—Councilmember Proposes Smaller Transit Tax Increase

Councilmember Bob Kettle (D) proposed scaling back Mayor Wilson’s plan to increase the city’s dedicated transit sales tax, citing affordability concerns. Mayor Wilson’s proposal would raise the tax rate from 0.15% to 0.3% and generate an estimated $138 million annually for expanded transit service, while Kettle’s alternative would increase the rate to 0.2%.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Council Holds First Hearing on Driverless Ride Services

The D.C. Council held its first public hearing on legislation that would allow commercial autonomous vehicle operations in the District. Testimony highlighted potential transportation benefits, while labor advocates raised concerns about job displacement and privacy.

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