Cozen Cities: May 20, 2026

May 20, 2026

Technology & Gig Economy

BALTIMORE—Council Approves One‑Year Moratorium on Large Data Centers

The City Council approved a 12‑month moratorium on the construction of large data centers to allow for a study of potential impacts on energy infrastructure, public health, and environmental resources.

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Housing & Real Estate

CHICAGO—City Panel Agrees to $2.25M Settlement Over Accessible Housing Shortfall

A City Council committee approved a $2.25 million settlement in a lawsuit alleging the city failed to meet federal accessibility requirements, requiring the creation or rehabilitation of more than 2,800 accessible affordable housing units over the next 12 years.

LOS ANGELES—City Expands Homeless Housing Commitments Through 2029

Los Angeles agreed to extend its homeless housing commitments through 2029 under a legal settlement requiring the city to place 19,600 individuals into shelter or housing and maintain at least 12,915 beds.

NEW YORK CITY—City Unveils ‘SPEED’ Housing Reforms

Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) released a package of reforms aimed at accelerating affordable housing development by streamlining environmental review, permitting, and lease‑up processes.

Public Health & Safety

DETROIT—Council Delays Vote on ShotSpotter Contract Extension

The City Council delayed a decision on extending the city’s contract with ShotSpotter, a gunfire detection technology system,  as members sought additional information on the program’s effectiveness before proceeding.

LOS ANGELES—Council Advances Limits on ‘Pretextual’ Traffic Stops

The City Council approved a measure directing the Police Commission to consider restrictions on traffic stops for minor equipment violations unless a clear safety risk is present.

TWIN CITIES—MSP Council Passes Gun Control Ordinance

The Minneapolis City Council approved an ordinance restricting certain firearms and limiting their use in some public places, despite state preemption laws governing local gun regulation.

PITTSBURGH—Council Bars ICE Use of City Property for Enforcement

The City Council unanimously approved legislation prohibiting federal immigration agents from using city facilities or accessing nonpublic spaces without a judicial warrant.

PITTSBURGH—Council Seeks Expanded Crime Data Reporting

The City Council approved legislation requiring detailed quarterly reporting on crime trends to support data‑driven policymaking.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Mayor Responds to MPD Crime Data Investigation

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) responded to an ongoing investigation into alleged manipulation of crime statistics within the Metropolitan Police Department, which has placed 13 senior officials on administrative leave. Bowser said disciplinary action, including possible termination, will depend on the findings of an inspector general review and whether data was intentionally altered.

Labor & Employment

BOSTON—Council Calls for Increased In‑Person Work by City Employees

The City Council adopted a resolution urging a return to in‑person work for at least four days per week, citing concerns about service accessibility and downtown economic impacts.

CHICAGO—Committee Advances Measure to Delay Phaseout of Tipped Wage

The City Council’s Committee on Workforce Development approved an ordinance that would delay the phaseout of the tipped minimum wage by two years, advancing the measure to the full council for consideration. The proposal follows an earlier failed council attempt to override Mayor Brandon Johnson’s (D) veto.

LOS ANGELES—Council Moves to Delay $30 Minimum Wage for Hotel, Airport Workers

The City Council gave initial approval to a measure delaying implementation of a $30 hourly minimum wage for hotel and airport workers from 2028 to 2030.

PITTSBURGH—City Expands Youth Employment Program Year‑Round

The city announced the expansion of its Learn and Earn program into a year‑round initiative supported by a $1 million philanthropic grant and matching city funds.

Policy & Politics

BALTIMORE—Mayor, Inspector General Dispute Access to City Records

Mayor Brandon Scott (D) and Inspector General Isabel Mercedes Cumming remain in a dispute over access to internal records following allegations of unauthorized spending, as a proposed charter amendment to restore broader access stalled in the City Council.

Taxes & Spending

BOSTON—Council Signals Potential Pushback on Mayor’s Budget

City Council members are weighing changes to Mayor Michelle Wu’s (D) proposed budget as debates continue over spending levels ahead of a key deadline.

CHICAGO—Committee Advances $54.7M Incentive Package for United Center Project

A Chicago City Council committee approved $54.7 million in tax incentives for the first phase of the “1901 Project,” an entertainment district development near the United Center. The development aims to transform surface parking lots into an entertainment district featuring a music venue, public parks, a hotel, and residential units, and now heads to the full City Council for approval.

RICHMOND—City Council Adopts $1.1B Budget With Employee Raises

The City Council approved a $1.1 billion budget that maintains the real estate tax rate, funds employee raises, and allocates resources for infrastructure and public safety priorities.

RICHMOND—City Collects $5.6M in Delinquent Short‑Term Rental Taxes

The city announced it recovered $5.6 million in back taxes, interest, and penalties from unpaid short‑term rental obligations dating to 2023.

SEATTLE—City Faces Growing Budget Deficit, Weighs Taxes and Cuts

City officials have projected a significant multi-year budget shortfall, prompting consideration of new revenue measures and spending reductions, including potential layoffs.

Transportation & Mobility

BOSTON—Council Backs State “Safe Ride Act” on Micromobility Regulation

The City Council approved a resolution supporting state legislation to regulate e‑bikes, scooters, and similar devices in response to safety concerns.

LOS ANGELES—Mayor Releases First Capital Infrastructure Program

Mayor Karen Bass (D) introduced the city’s first Capital Infrastructure Program, outlining a multi‑year plan to improve how the city builds and maintains streets, parks, and other public assets.

PHILADELPHIA—Council Holds Hearing on Expansion of Autonomous Vehicles

The City Council held a joint committee hearing to examine the potential risks of expanding driverless vehicle use in the city. Council members highlighted the need for clear regulations, incident‑reporting requirements, and safeguards to address potential impacts on transportation workers as autonomous technology develops.

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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

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