New York Note: Adams Case Dismissed, Adams Announces Independent Run, Council Releases Budget Response

April 7, 2025

Adams Case Dismissed with Prejudice

A federal judge dismissed the corruption case against NYC Mayor Eric Adams with prejudice, meaning that the charges can not be refiled in the future. Echoing sentiments from several prominent Democrats in the city, Judge Dale Ho expressed concern that dismissing the case without prejudice would imply Adams’ freedom depended on supporting Trump’s policies, potentially making him more beholden to federal priorities than to his constituents. So, while Judge Ho conceded that dismissal was the only practical outcome, he underscored that dismissing the case “with prejudice” would avoid the appearance of a quid-pro-quo.

Subscribe

Adams to Run as an Independent

Mayor Eric Adams announced he will skip the Democratic primary and run for reelection as an independent, aiming to build support among unaffiliated voters and ethnic minorities. He blamed dismissed bribery charges for derailing his momentum and vowed to campaign “uninhibited.” Facing low approval ratings and loss of public matching funds, Adams hopes to revive his image with a public safety-focused message.

Council Releases Preliminary Budget Response

Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Finance Chair Justin Brannan, Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, and Council Members released the Council’s Fiscal Year 2026 Preliminary Budget Response, outlining a $6.3 billion plan to reverse budget reductions, address underbudgeting, and stabilize city services. The proposal prioritizes investments in childcare, education, housing, mental health, parks, and public safety, while also supporting the closure of Rikers. It includes $4.4 billion in expense funding, $2.8 billion for capital projects, and a $1.9 billion surplus to guard against risks from unpredictable federal policies and funding cuts. The full Fiscal Year 2026 Preliminary Budget Response is available here.

Authors

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.

Explore Articles and News

See All News

  • Pennsylvania Perspective for Thursday, August 13, 2026

    August 13, 2026

    Pennsylvania PA Maintains Childhood Vaccine Schedule Pennsylvania health officials announced that the commonwealth will keep its existing childhood immunization rules despite a new executive order from...
    Read More

  • Broad Street Brief: August 13, 2026

    August 13, 2026

    City Hall City Council Orders Comprehensive Audit of Philadelphia School District City Council President Kenyatta Johnson has directed City Controller Christy Brady to conduct...
    Read More

  • Cozen Cities: August 12, 2026

    August 12, 2026

    Technology & Gig Economy CHICAGO—Mayor Calls for Data Center Moratorium Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) announced an executive order calling on the City Council to adopt a...
    Read More