Cozen Cities: June 3, 2026

June 3, 2026

Technology & Gig Economy

CHICAGO—City Panel to Release Data Center Policy Recommendations

Chicago’s Department of Environment convened a public session to gather input as a city working group develops policy recommendations on data center development. The interagency group is expected to deliver its findings to the Chicago City Council by June 30.

TWIN CITIES—MSP Council Approves Six‑Month Moratorium on Data Centers

The Minneapolis City Council approved a six‑month moratorium on the establishment, re‑establishment, or expansion of data centers in the city. The measure includes an exception for smaller projects under 350,000 square feet located in the downtown area.

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Housing & Real Estate

BALTIMORE—City Launches Vacant Property Boarding Pilot to Reduce Fire Risk

Baltimore launched a pilot program replacing plywood with transparent panels on more than 300 vacant properties to improve visibility for first responders and reduce arson risk.

BOSTON—Mayor Explores Tax Incentives for Stalled Housing Projects

Mayor Michelle Wu (D) is considering short‑term tax abatements to encourage delayed housing developments to move forward amid rising costs and slowing construction.

CHICAGO—Council Approves Affordable Housing Database Pilot Program

The City Council unanimously approved the Accountable Housing and Anti‑Discrimination Act, creating a two‑year pilot program to launch a centralized online database of affordable housing units. The platform will allow renters to view available units, waitlist information, and housing provider details citywide.

CHICAGO—Mayor Proposes Overhaul of Renter Protections

Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) is preparing to introduce an ordinance to update the city’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance, aimed at strengthening protections against eviction and predatory practices. The proposal would also establish a rental registry and create a new administrative body to help resolve disputes between tenants and landlords.

LOS ANGELES—Council Committee Shelves Measure to Reduce ‘Mansion Tax’ Rates

A City Council committee voted to set aside a proposed ballot measure that would have reduced Measure ULA transfer tax rates on certain properties. The proposal sought to lower rates for multifamily and mixed‑use developments from as high as 5.5% to a range of 2%-3.5%, but was sidelined on a 2–1 vote.

LOS ANGELES—Mayor Highlights Growth Under Housing Plan

Mayor Karen Bass (D) said Los Angeles’ housing strategy has increased development activity, with tens of thousands of units underway following implementation of the Citywide Housing Incentive Program.

NEW YORK CITY—Mamdani Announces ‘Block by Block’ Housing Initiative

Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) announced a plan to create 200,000 affordable housing units over the next decade through new financing tools and land‑use reforms.

SEATTLE—Council Committee Advances Upzoning Plan to Promote Dense, Sustainable Development

The City Council’s Land Use Committee advanced an upzoning proposal aimed at encouraging higher‑density development, including towers and affordable housing. The initiative also seeks to promote environmentally sustainable building practices, including the use of mass timber and passive house design standards.

Public Health & Safety

CHICAGO—Mayor Cites Improved Response Times After ShotSpotter Removal

Mayor Johnson said police response times have improved since the city ended its gunshot detection contract in 2024, citing a study showing faster responses in areas that previously used the technology.

DETROIT—Council Considers Temporary Curfew for Downtown Event

The City Council is considering an emergency ordinance imposing an early curfew for minors during the June Ford Fireworks event to address public safety concerns.

TWIN CITIES—Mayor Appoints Interim Police Chief Following Resignation

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) appointed Bill Peterson, a longtime department veteran, as interim police chief following the resignation of Chief Brian O’Hara.

RICHMOND—Utilities Seek Authority to Levy Stormwater Violation Fines

Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities is seeking authority to impose administrative penalties for stormwater and sewer violations without requiring court action.

Labor & Employment

CHICAGO—Council Approves Compromise to Freeze Tipped Wage Levels

The City Council approved a compromise measure freezing tipped worker wages at 76% of the minimum wage for two years for large restaurants and four years for smaller establishments. The agreement temporarily pauses the scheduled phase-out of the tipped wage structure.

Policy & Politics

BALTIMORE—Mayor Scott Unveils Second‑Term Policy Agenda

Mayor Brandon Scott (D) released his second‑term action plan, adding infrastructure modernization as a new priority alongside public safety and economic development goals.

BALTIMORE—City Seeks Dismissal of Inspector General Records Lawsuit

The Baltimore law department moved to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the inspector general seeking expanded records access, arguing the City Charter grants senior officials authority over internal documents.

BOSTON—Mayor Eliminates Green Infrastructure Office in Budget Plan

Mayor Wu eliminated the city’s standalone Office of Green Infrastructure, as part of the FY27 budget, integrating its functions into the Streets Cabinet. The change includes eliminating the director position while reallocating staff across other city teams.

CHICAGO—Council Approves Ban on Police Ties to Extremist Groups

The City Council approved an ordinance prohibiting police officers from engaging in or supporting extremist activities. The measure directs the Civilian Office of Police Accountability to investigate alleged violations and passed by a 28–21 vote.

LOS ANGELES—Mayor Bass Advances to Runoff in Mayoral Election

Mayor Bass advanced to the November runoff election, with early results showing Spencer Pratt in second place ahead of Councilmember Nithya Raman.

Taxes & Spending

BOSTON—Council Votes to Retain Recent Pay Raises for Officials

The City Council voted to retain recent salary increases for council members and Mayor Wu, rejecting a proposal to roll them back and reallocate the savings to address budget pressures.

DETROIT—City Secures Dual Credit Rating Upgrades

Detroit received credit rating upgrades from both S&P Global and Moody’s, with Moody’s restoring the city to the “A” category for the first time since 1999.

LOS ANGELES—Council Approves $15B Budget Preserving Police Hiring Plan

The City Council approved a $15 billion fiscal year 2026–27 budget, largely maintaining Mayor Bass’ proposal, including plans to hire more than 500 police officers.

TWIN CITIES—MSP Council Rejects Land Purchase for Public Safety Training Center

The Minneapolis City Council rejected a $6 million land purchase requested by Mayor Frey for a proposed $38 million public safety training facility for police, firefighters, and other first responders.

PHILADELPHIA—Mayor Proposes Revised Hotel, Short‑Term Rental Tax Plan

Mayor Cherelle Parker (D) introduced a revised tax proposal combining a reduced hotel‑tax increase with a new short‑term rental tax to generate funding for homelessness services.

PITTSBURGH—Council Considers New Tax on Mechanical Amusement Devices

The City Council is considering legislation to impose a new annual license fee on mechanical amusement devices, including skill games, pinball machines, and jukeboxes. The proposal would establish a tax structure for a broad category of entertainment machines operating within the city.

Transportation & Mobility

BALTIMORE—Judge Pauses Civil Trial Over Key Bridge Collapse Liability

A federal judge paused proceedings in the Key Bridge collapse case to assess whether economic damage claims are barred under existing legal precedent.

NEW YORK CITY—City Announces World Cup Transportation Plan

New York City unveiled a transportation strategy for 2026 World Cup matches, including dedicated bus corridors and traffic management measures to reduce congestion.

PITTSBURGH—Transit Board Approves Operating, Capital Budgets

The Pittsburgh Regional Transit board approved operating and capital budgets that maintain current fares and service levels through a combination of reserves and temporary funding adjustments.

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