Cozen Cities: July 29, 2026

Housing & Real Estate

CHICAGO—Competing Renter Protection Proposals Introduced

Chicago officials are weighing competing proposals to update the city’s renter protection laws. Mayor Brandon Johnson’s (D) proposal would create a Tenant Bill of Rights and establish a new eviction and lease-renewal protections, while a competing aldermanic measure would scale back several of those requirements.

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PITTSBURGH—Council Advances Downtown Tax-Subsidy Proposal

The Pittsburgh City Council voted to advance a Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID) proposal that would use future property tax revenues to support up to $200 million in downtown and neighborhood development.

SEATTLE—Council Committee Advances Protections Against Unwanted Homebuying Solicitations

A City Council committee advanced legislation creating a city-managed “Do Not Solicit” list for homeowners who do not want to receive offers to sell their properties. The bill would establish civil penalties for prohibited solicitations and is scheduled for consideration by the full City Council on July 28.

Policy & Politics

DETROIT—Council Advances Data Center Water-Use Safeguards

The Detroit City Council approved a resolution supporting new safeguards on water use by AI data centers and is working with city planners to develop regulations aimed at protecting local water supplies, infrastructure, and environmental resources as data center development expands.

LOS ANGELES—Homelessness Rises Following Two Years of Declines

Los Angeles’ latest homeless count shows a 3.4% increase in overall homelessness and a 7.9% rise in unsheltered homelessness, ending two years of reported declines. Mayor Karen Bass (D) attributed the increase to federal and state funding reductions and service cuts.

NEW YORK CITY—Council Approves Pay Raise for Elected Officials

The New York City Council approved an 18.2% salary increase for elected officials, marking the first pay adjustment since 2016. The increase applies to council members, borough presidents, district attorneys, and other citywide officials, following recommendations from an independent compensation panel.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Council Approves Ticket Resale Restrictions

The D.C. Council approved legislation aimed at curbing ticket scalping and protecting consumers in the secondary ticket market. The measure would cap resale prices, prohibit certain ticket resale practices, and impose registration requirements on high-volume resellers.

Public Health & Safety

BALTIMORE—Council Questions School Officials Over ICE Enforcement Outside Campus

The Baltimore City Council held a hearing questioning Baltimore City Public Schools leadership on student safety protocols, absenteeism, and mental health support after federal immigration agents arrested a parent outside Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle School.

DETROIT—Mayor Unveils Six-Point Community Safety Plan

Mayor Mary Sheffield (D) announced a six-point Community Safety Plan that combines gun safety education, neighborhood-based interventions, targeted enforcement, conflict resolution programs, and expanded youth engagement initiatives to reduce crime and improve public safety across Detroit.

PITTSBURGH—City Files Federal Antitrust Lawsuit Against Major Fire Truck Manufacturers

Pittsburgh filed an antitrust lawsuit against major fire apparatus manufacturers, alleging anti-competitive practices have increased equipment costs and delayed deliveries for local governments.

RICHMOND—City Completes Medical 911 Dispatch Transfer

Richmond transferred primary responsibility for emergency medical 911 calls back to the Richmond Ambulance Authority, fulfilling a City Council ordinance that concludes a two-year central dispatch period to improve response accuracy.

TWIN CITIES—MPLS Council Rejects Police Drone Pilot

The Minneapolis City Council voted against a proposed police drone pilot program that would have deployed drones as first responders to certain emergency calls. Opponents raised concerns about surveillance, privacy, and the vendor’s business relationships, while supporters argued the technology could improve response times and public safety.

TWIN CITIES—St. Paul Park Lighting Repairs Paused Amid Copper Wire Theft Costs

St. Paul officials are suspending repairs to hundreds of park and trail lights damaged by copper wire theft as the city confronts a $26M budget deficit. The city has spent approximately $2.5 million on lighting repairs over the past two years and plans to seek additional funding through the 2027 budget process.

Labor & Employment

NEW YORK CITY—Administration Announces More Than 50 Small-Business Regulatory Reforms

Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s (D) administration announced more than 50 proposed and administrative reforms intended to reduce permitting requirements, paperwork, and regulatory burdens for small businesses.

Taxes & Spending

CHICAGO—Alders Debate Budget Shortfall

Chicago alderpersons are divided over how to address an $89 million budget shortfall tied to revenue measures included in the city’s 2026 budget that have yet to produce anticipated funds. The debate has centered on whether the administration failed to implement the adopted budget or whether the underlying revenue assumptions were unrealistic.

CHICAGO—Council Blocks Millionaire Tax Referendum

Mayor Johnson’s effort to place an advisory millionaire tax question before voters failed after City Council members rejected the proposal. The referendum would have asked voters whether the city should pursue a tax on income exceeding $1 million if authorized under state law.

RICHMOND—Council Considers School Construction Sales Tax

Richmond City Council will vote on whether to place a 1% sales tax increase on the November ballot to generate an estimated $47 million annually for school construction and major renovations.

NEW YORK CITY—Administration Announces Discounts at Planned Municipal Grocery Stores

Mayor Mamdani announced that five planned municipal grocery stores will offer essential groceries at prices roughly 30% below market rates. The city plans to open the first location by the end of 2027.

PHILADELPHIA—Council Seeks Answers on Property Assessment Increases

Philadelphia City Council members are pressing the Parker administration for additional information about rising property assessments, following reports of significant valuation increases in some neighborhoods. Multiple reviews of the city’s assessment process are underway as officials evaluate concerns about transparency and valuation methodology.

TWIN CITIES—St. Paul Mayor Says Taxes Likely Needed to Address Budget Gap

St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her (D) said it will be difficult to close the city’s projected $26 million budget deficit without additional revenue. City officials continue to evaluate spending reductions and potential tax increases as they prepare next year’s budget proposal.

Transportation & Mobility

BOSTON—Mayor Announces Street Safety Measures Following Cyclist Death

Mayor Michelle Wu (D) announced a series of street safety measures, following the death of cyclist and city transit planner Louisa Gag, including expanded protected bike lanes, stricter truck safety requirements, and stronger enforcement tools.

CHICAGO—Parking Meter Deal Deadline Extended to September

The Chicago City Council now has until September 30 to approve or reject a proposed $2.53 billion transfer of the city’s parking meter lease from Chicago Parking Meters LLC to an investment firm. The extension provides additional time for alderpersons to review the transaction and assess its potential implications for the city.

LOS ANGELES—Mayor Outlines Metro Expansion Priorities

Mayor Bass detailed her priorities as the new LA Metro Board Chair, emphasizing goals to make the system fare‑free, expand key Bus Rapid Transit routes, and advance major rail projects like the Sepulveda Transit Corridor ahead of the 2028 Olympics.

SEATTLE—Council Sends 0.3% Transit Sales Tax Measure to Ballot

The Seattle City Council unanimously approved placing a 0.3% sales tax measure on the November ballot to fund transit service and infrastructure for 10 years. The measure is projected to generate approximately $138 million annually, expand city-funded bus trips and provide fully subsidized transit passes to an additional 12,000 residents.

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