New York Note: DCLA Commissioner, FIFA World Cup, City & State, Regents Board Appointment

Mayor Mamdani Appoints Diya Vij as Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs

The Mayor announced the appointment of Diya Vij as Commissioner of  Cultural Affairs. Vij most recently served as a curator at Creative Time, where she curated large-scale public art projects in partnership with State and City agencies, and as vice president of the Brooklyn-based non-profit PowerHouse Arts. Vij also brings relevant experience having previously served at the DCLA under Mayor Bill de Blasio, where she launched and co-directed the Public Artists in Residence (PAIR) program.

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City Council World Cup Hearing

On Friday, the New York City Council’s Committee on Economic Development held an oversight hearing on preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Mayor’s World Cup Czar, Maya Handy, outlined projections of $3.3 billion in regional economic activity, 1.2 million visitors, and $430 million in tax revenue, and defended the roughly $35 million in municipal funding, of which about $20 million has already been spent largely on marketing under the Adams administration. The remaining $15 million, appropriated under Mayor Zohran Mamdani, has not yet been used as City Hall determines how it should be allocated. Council Members pressed for more transparency on planned spending and projections, especially for free and accessible programming citywide. They also examined whether transportation agencies and law enforcement are prepared for the expected surge in visitors, while stressing the need to protect daily commutes and maintain public safety. Members additionally emphasized the importance of ensuring long‑term benefits for working‑class New Yorkers, outer‑borough communities, and local institutions. See the full hearing here.

Katrell Lewis Named to City & State’s 2026 Who’s Who in Affordable Housing

Katrell Lewis, Principal with Cozen O’Connor’s New York office, was recognized by the City & State 2026 Who’s Who in Affordable Housing list for his work in advising affordable housing and land use clients. His feature in City and State highlighted his work helping secure the largest funding increase in nearly 40 years for the Supportive Housing Network of New York, his work with the Black Legislative Task Force to steer $8 million in legislative funding to housing organizations statewide, as well as his impressive record prior to joining Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies.

Janie Weinman Shorenstein Appointed to Board of Regents

Congratulations to Dr. Janice Weinman Shorenstein, wife of Stuart Shorenstein, member and co-founder of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies’ New York practice, on her recent appointment to the New York Board of Regents as an At Large member. Janice currently serves as CEO of Education Through Music and brings a distinguished record of experience and broad expertise to her new position on the board.

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