New York Note: Adams Releases Executive Budget, Staten Island Special Election, City Legislation, City & State GR Pros

May 5, 2025

Mayor Adams Unveils FY 2026 Executive Budget

Mayor Eric Adams released New York City’s $115.1 billion Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget, dubbed the “Best Budget Ever.” It focuses on investments in public safety, criminal justice reform, affordable housing, education, and cleanliness. The budget also includes funding to increase the NYPD’s headcount to 35,000 officers by 2026, along with additional resources for early childhood education and universal after-school programs. While avoiding concerns about federal funding cuts and a potential recession, it emphasizes fiscal responsibility and strategic investments for a safer, more affordable city.

Frank Morano Wins Special Election for NYC Council District 51

Republican radio host Frank Morano won the New York City Council District 51 special election, securing 59% of the vote. He led conservative Democrat Clifford Hagen, who received 21%, and Republican Griffin Fosella, with 20%. Morano, backed by former Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli and others, will hold the seat until the end of the year, with plans to run again in the June primary and November general election. Despite the short term, Morano gains a significant advantage for reelection.

NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation

Last Thursday, the NYC Council held a Stated Meeting, in which they passed and introduced several pieces of legislation. The Council voted to require the Department of Parks and Recreation to create a plan for wildfire prevention and mitigation in city parks, responding to increased fire risks in green spaces. They also voted to extend a COVID-era law capping delivery app fees for restaurants, continuing protections for small businesses while allowing them to purchase additional services from third-party apps.

City & State NY’s Government Relations Pros You Need to Know

Ashley Thompson DiNardo has been named to City & State NY’s 2025 Who’s Who in Government Relations. The list highlights key figures in New York’s government relations sector, emphasizing their expertise, connections, and ability to influence policymaking, funding, and industry rules.

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