Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies (CPS) announced that Jessica I. Monahan — a transportation policy expert who has secured federal funding for a range of nonprofits, local governments, Fortune 100 companies, emerging businesses, and government contractors — has joined its Washington D.C.-based lobbying team as a senior principal.
Bears put lakefront stadium cards on the table with state agency key to funding deal
“Frank Bilecki, executive director of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, said the Bears are eyeing the same portion of the hotel tax the White Sox hope to use to fund a new stadium in the South Loop,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.
Bill ending state’s tipped wage advances but prospects uncertain amid pushback
“An Illinois House committee advanced a measure that would end the state’s subminimum wage for tipped workers amid bipartisan opposition this week, but the bill’s sponsor said she’d seek further compromise before presenting it for a vote,” by Capitol News Illinois.
House criminal justice committee advances bills to prevent wrongful convictions, solve cold cases, add a new crime to Illinois law
“The House Judiciary – Criminal Committee spent more than two hours on Thursday, the final day of a committee deadline week for the chamber, advancing bills that lawmakers hope will help solve some cold cases as well as bills to reduce wrongful convictions and create a new crime in Illinois,” by The Daily Line.
Johnson seeks TIF funds for 4 projects proposed under LaSalle Reimagined program
Mayor Brandon Johnson announced Wednesday that four vacant commercial office spaces will be formally proposed to the City Council for development assistance to become housing as part of the LaSalle Street Reimagined initiative and the City’s ongoing commitment to mixed-use, mixed-income vitality downtown.
The projects, including three shortlisted by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, would collectively use $151.2 million in tax-increment financing (TIF) funds to repurpose office buildings along LaSalle Street, creating more than 1,000 new apartments, with at least 319 expected to have affordable rents.
The office-to-residential conversions at 111 W. Monroe St., 208 S. LaSalle St., 30 N. LaSalle St. and 79 W. Monroe St. is collectively valued at more than $528 million in development costs.
Pending formal review and approval procedures, project construction could start in early 2025.
Battle over effort to ban natural gas in new Chicago buildings continues in council hearing
“The legislation backed by Mayor Brandon Johnson has gotten support from a wide range of groups, including climate change activists, consumer advocates and others affiliated with the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition. Proponents argue the shift away from gas heating and appliances would improve health and allow for much-needed progress in the fight against climate change,” by the Chicago Tribune.
Johnson stands by Bally’s despite financial speed bumps
“Mayor Brandon Johnson is standing by casino operator Bally’s despite a series of recent financial bumps that could affect the viability of the company’s planned Chicago gambling and entertainment complex,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.
Mayor Johnson Announces New Appointments to City Colleges of Chicago Board of Trustees
“Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced four new appointees to the City Colleges of Chicago Board of Trustees. The appointments are Rev. Dr. Marshall Elijah Hatch, Sr., Darlene Hightower, Oscar Sanchez, and Katya Nuques, who will be named the new Board chair,” from the Office of Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Johnson to Biden: Long-term undocumented immigrants deserve work permits, too
“On the first anniversary of his election as mayor, Johnson touted a letter he signed with leaders from other cities urging Biden to push harder for more work permits for immigrants,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.
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Legislative Analyst
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.
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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