Cozen Cities: March 25, 2026

March 25, 2026

Technology & Gig Economy

BALTIMORE—Council President Proposes One-Year Ban on Large Data Centers

City Council President Zeke Cohen (D) is introducing a bill to pause data center construction for one year to protect residents from potential spikes in energy costs and environmental strain.

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DETROIT—City Council Urges Two‑Year Data Center Moratorium

The Detroit City Council approved a resolution asking Mayor Mary Sheffield (D) to refrain from issuing new data center permits for two years, citing the need for additional study of the facilities’ potential environmental and economic impacts.

LOS ANGELES—City Prepares to Launch 125‑Camera Speed Enforcement Network

Los Angeles is advancing a 125‑camera speed‑safety program, with citations expected to begin this fall after City Council adopts the required use policy. LADOT estimates $7.95 million in annual costs, requiring roughly 110,000–175,000 paid citations per year to break even.

SEATTLE—Mayor Pauses Expansion of Surveillance Camera Pilot Program

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson (D) announced that she is placing the expansion of the city’s surveillance camera pilot program on hold while an audit is conducted. Existing cameras will continue operating during the review, with the mayor citing unresolved concerns related to privacy, data security, and program governance

Housing & Real Estate

PHILADELPHIA—Court Settlement Halts Council Vote on Tenant‑Protection Bills

A court settlement has delayed the City Council’s planned vote on the Safe Healthy Homes Act after two landlords sued the housing committee, alleging Sunshine Act violations during a recent hearing. Under the agreement, the bills will return to committee for a new public hearing, delaying proposed expansions of “good cause” protections and proactive rental inspections.

RICHMOND—Councilors Propose Tax Deferral Plan for Home Assessments

Four Richmond City Council members introduced a proposal allowing residents to defer real estate tax increases exceeding 5% of their previous year’s bill, creating a 2% interest lien on the property to be settled upon its future sale or transfer.

SEATTLE—Homeless Shelter Plans Ahead of World Cup

The Seattle City Council is reviewing a proposal from Mayor Wilson to create 500 new shelter beds by June to move more people experiencing homelessness indoors ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

TWIN CITIES — Mayor Frey Vetoes Eviction Extension, Offers $1M in Assistance

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) vetoed a proposal to extend the city’s eviction notice timeline, instead proposing $1 million in city funding for rental assistance. The mayor said the funding would serve as an alternative approach to help residents cover housing costs and avoid eviction without changing existing notice requirements.

Public Health & Safety

BALTIMORE—IG Finds Fraud & Data Breach in Youth Diversion Program

Inspector General Isabel Mercedes Cumming reported that a now-defunct youth diversion program was marred by fraudulent invoicing and a breach of sensitive juvenile records, while accusing Mayor Brandon Scott (D) administration of hindering the investigation by redacting key documents.

CHICAGO — City Council Authorizes COPA to Probe CPD-ICE Involvement

The Chicago City Council voted unanimously to grant the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) the authority to investigate possible cases of Chicago Police Department officers working in coordination with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents.

Labor & Employment

CHICAGO — City Council Halts Wage Increase, Johnson Plans to Veto

The Chicago City Council voted to end a planned increase to the city’s minimum wage for tipped workers. Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) has vowed to veto this measure.

Policy & Politics

WASHINGTON, D.C.—National League of Cities Conference Brings Local Leaders to Capitol Hill (March 16–18, 2026)

Nearly 3,000 mayors and councilmembers convened in Washington for the National League of Cities’ Congressional City Conference, pressing Congress on bipartisan bills tied to housing, mental health, infrastructure, and rail safety.

NEW YORK CITY—Council Bill Proposes New $30 Minimum Wage

New York City Council Member Sandy Nurse (D) introduced a bill to raise the city’s minimum wage from $17 to $30 per hour through phased increases. Under the proposal, large employers would reach $30 by 2030, while smaller businesses would do so by 2032.

Taxes & Spending

BOSTON—Wu Administration Freezes Discretionary Spending

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s (D) administration has directed city departments to freeze spending on food, travel, and office supplies, and curtail spending on building and equipment repairs as the city manages budget constraints. According to a memo sent to department heads, departments must also limit overtime to non‑discretionary duties and strictly restrict non‑personnel spending through the end of the fiscal year.

PHILADELPHIA—$1 Rideshare Tax Proposal to Support Public Schools

Mayor Cherelle Parker (D) proposed increasing a planned rideshare tax to $1 per trip to help address the School District of Philadelphia’s projected $300 million budget gap. The revised proposal amends Parker’s initial plan for a $0.20 per ride tax included in her $6.9 billion FY27 budget.

PITTSBURGH—Mayor O’Connor Submits $28.3M Budget Revision, $40M Deficit

Mayor Corey O’Connor (D) presented a 2026 budget revision after reopening the budget to address a “worse than expected” $40 million deficit, adding $28.3 million in spending for underfunded retiree healthcare, fuel expenses, and overtime, while utilizing $6.5 million from the rainy day fund.

Transportation & Mobility

BOSTON—City Council Calls for Transparency from Mayor Wu over Transportation Policy

A number of City Council members signed onto a hearing notice aimed at increasing transparency from the Wu administration on the city’s slowing progress on transit and road safety projects.

PHILADELPHIA—New Development Bill to Increase Transit Ridership

The Parker administration introduced legislation to expand Philadelphia’s transit‑oriented development radius , concentrating new units near transit to boost ridership and improve access.

NEW YORK CITY—NYC Ends Criminal Penalties for Minor Bike, E‑Bike Violations

Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) ended the NYPD’s practice of issuing criminal summonses to cyclists and e‑bike riders for low‑level traffic offenses, shifting these violations to the same civil summons process used for motorists.

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About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

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.

About Cozen O’Connor

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.

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