New York Note: City Budget, Council Legislation, Client Spotlight, SPEED Report, 2026 Nonprofit Trailblazers

May 18, 2026

New York City Executive Budget Released

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani released the $124.7B Executive Budget for Fiscal Year 2027, while noting that some revenue assumptions remain pending the adoption of the New York State budget. The proposal closes a previously projected $12B deficit through savings, new revenue sources, and increased State aid without service cuts, reserve use, or property tax increases, and includes investments in public services, worker protections, and baseline funding for key programs and institutions. Over the coming weeks, the Council will hold a series of public hearings to review the Mayor’s Executive Budget. Click here to read the statement released by Council Speaker Julie Menin and Finance Chair Linda Lee, noting their appreciation that the Mayor’s budget aligns with the Council’s approach to identifying savings and avoiding raising property taxes. Please see here for the Mayor’s press release from today’s announcement which includes a link to the Mayor’s executive budget presentation.

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NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation

Last Thursday, the New York City Council passed several pieces of legislation, including measures requiring the Department of Social Services to provide a benefits interview confirmation notice, establishing a task force on 988 and a public education campaign on mental health awareness, and installing illuminated and solar-powered traffic devices at crosswalks, as well as a package of bills aimed at enhancing the tourism experience related to the World Cup. The Council also introduced legislation, including proposals to prohibit surveillance pricing, restrict the frequency of price increases in grocery stores, address animal waste, prohibit city agencies from procuring non-compostable single-use cups, and allow seasonal enclosures for sidewalk cafes, among other measures. Separately, the Council certified Lisa Kersavage to serve as Chair of the Landmarks Preservation Commission. All passed and introduced bills are available here.

Client Spotlight: Empire State Golf Alliance

The Empire State Golf Alliance (ESGA) convened golf industry leaders, legislators, workforce partners, superintendents, suppliers, and community organizations from across New York at the New York State Capitol on May 12th for the inaugural New York Golf Day, a statewide gathering highlighting golf’s impact on the state’s economy, environment, tourism industry, and local communities. The day-long program featured a welcome breakfast, exhibits from local businesses and suppliers, STEM demonstrations, and presentations focused on growing the game, charitable giving, environmental stewardship, apprenticeships, adaptive golf, and support for veterans. Several elected and government officials participated in the speaking program, including Assembly Members Amanda Septimo and Judy Griffin, Senator Monica Martinez, and Empire State Development Commissioner Hope Knight. ESGA was also formally recognized on the floors of both the New York State Assembly and Senate.

SPEED Report Seeks to Accelerate NYC Housing Development

Rachel Scall, Land Use and Zoning Attorney and Member at Cozen O’Connor, authored “Mamdani Administration’s SPEED Report Aims to Speed Up Housing Production,” examining the administration’s newly released SPEED report, which outlines administrative reforms designed to significantly reduce development timelines for housing projects. The piece highlights proposed changes across environmental review, permitting, interagency coordination, and lease-up processes, aimed at accelerating both affordable and market-rate housing production while addressing longstanding bureaucratic delays.

Zak Malik Honored by City & State

Zak Malik, Principal at Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, was named to City & State New York’s 2026 Nonprofit Trailblazers list in recognition of his advocacy on behalf of nonprofits, community organizations, and civic groups. His budget and legislative efforts helped secure $75 million in New York City funding for nonprofit initiatives and capital projects in FY26, including support for the renovation of the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater and the Apollo Theater.

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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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