New York Note: City Legislation, Offshore Wind Project, Councilmember Arrested, Mayoral Appointments

July 22, 2024

NYC Council Introduces and Passes Legislation

Last Thursday, the NYC Council convened a Stated meeting, where they passed and introduced multiple pieces of legislation. The Council passed legislation to expand the availability of rapid sexually transmitted infections testing centers, and legislation reforming the city contracts process, reducing the public notice period. The Council introduced a bill requiring all employers in the City to report on information relating to their efforts to improve wage transparency, alongside a bill requiring the City to conduct an annual pay and employment equity study on private employers. A bill was also introduced requiring hotels to obtain a license to operate, with requirements for large hotels to maintain continuous front desk coverage and at least one security guard. You can find all of the legislation that was passed and introduced here.

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Governor Hochul Announces Start of Construction on New York’s Largest Offshore Wind Project

Governor Hochul announced the commencement of the state’s 924-megawatt offshore wind project, Sunrise Wind, set to be located about thirty miles east of Montauk, New York, providing clean energy to power around 600,000 New York homes. Sunrise Wind, developed by Ørsted, will support more than 800 jobs during the project’s construction phase and invest $700 million in Suffolk County. The Governor also launched New York’s fifth offshore wind solicitation, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), in an effort to ensure the state’s commitment toward supporting the renewable energy industry.

Councilmember Susan Zhuang Arrested at Brooklyn Protest

Councilmember Susan Zhuang was arrested at a protest, for allegedly biting into an officer’s arm while handcuffed. Zhuang, who is in her first term in the Council, was protesting a planned homeless shelter in her district in Southern Brooklyn. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams did not comment on whether the Council will have a disciplinary process until the legal process plays out.

Mayor Announces New Administration Appointments

On Wednesday, Mayor Adams announced several new appointments to his Administration. Chauncey Parker has been appointed as Assistant Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, Reggie Thomas has been appointed as Chief of Staff to First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, and Frank Dwyer has been appointed as Chief of Staff to Deputy Mayor of Communications Fabien Levy. Katherine Maro has been promoted to First Deputy Chief of Staff to Camille Joseph Varlack.

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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

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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