New York Note: Council Legislation, State A.I. Law, Mayoral Appointment, Client Spotlight, Who’s Who in Sports

June 15, 2026

NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation

Last Thursday, the New York City Council passed several measures, including a pair of bills related to early childhood education. The bills require a study and report on the processes for obtaining permits, licenses, or registrations to operate a child care program, as well as an education and outreach campaign to enroll students in early childhood education programs. Among other measures, the Council also passed a resolution calling for amendments to the Workers’ Compensation Law, along with several land use items, including measures related to increased artist housing. Additionally, the Council introduced several pieces of legislation, including bills to establish Park Improvement Districts, create a Department of Coastal Protection, develop a new plan regarding security perimeters adjacent to educational facilities, and address horse-drawn carriages through one bill requiring a study and another calling for a ban. All passed and introduced bills are available here.

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New York’s AI Advertising Disclosure Law Takes Effect

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a first-in-the-nation law requiring the disclosure of AI-generated synthetic performers in film and television advertisements is now in effect. The law mandates any advertisement using digitally created performers which appear to be real people must clearly identify that the content is AI-generated, thereby enhancing transparency for consumers. The measure aims to address the increasing use of synthetic media across digital platforms, to protect consumers’ ability to distinguish real from artificial content while safeguarding creative professionals. The law complements a broader slate of New York initiatives to regulate artificial intelligence, strengthen online safety, and establish new standards for responsible innovation.

Mayor Mamdani Nominates John Mangin to Lead Board of Standards and Appeals

Mayor Zohran Mamdani nominated John Mangin, to serve as Chair of the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA). Mangin currently serves as Director of the Housing Division at the Department of City Planning and has played a major role in major housing and land-use initiatives, including the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity and Mandatory Inclusionary Housing. He previously served as Director of Policy and Research for the 2025 Charter Revision Commission and has experience in fair housing advocacy, as well as serving as an adjunct professor at NYU Wagner. If confirmed by the NYC Council, Mangin will lead the independent BSA as it expands its role in advancing affordable housing, including oversight of the City’s Affordable Housing Fast Track action approved by voters in 2025.

Client Spotlight: City Parks Foundation

City Parks Foundation launched the 40th anniversary season of its SummerStage program on June 10 with an opening night performance at Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield. The festival, which began in 1986, will feature more than 60 free and benefit performances across Central Park and 12 neighborhood parks citywide, continuing its mission of providing accessible arts programming to New Yorkers. The season opened in association with the Blue Note Jazz Festival, headlined by GRAMMY-winning vocalist Ledisi alongside additional performers. SummerStage remains one of the City’s signature cultural programs, drawing diverse audiences and delivering world-class performances across all five boroughs.

City & State 2026 Who’s Who in Sports

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies Principal Patrick Lespinasse was recognized as part of City & State’s 2026 Who’s Who in Sports for his leadership at the intersection of public policy, community engagement, and sports equity, including as the founder of Par & Politics, a network focused on expanding access and inclusion in golf. Drawing on prior senior roles at Verizon and Starbucks, Lespinasse advances strategic advocacy initiatives that bridge government, nonprofit, and corporate stakeholders. He also serves as co-chair of the City Parks Foundation Sports Committee, supporting free programming at more than 300 locations across New York City, and works with the Empire State Golf Alliance to promote equitable participation statewide.

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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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