WASHINGTON, September 1, 2026 — Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O'Connor, today announced the addition of Rodney Whitlock, Debbie Curtis, Katie Waldo, and Maddie News to the firm's federal health policy practice in Washington, D.C.
September 14, 2026
As New York marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, state and city officials advanced a series of measures focused on remembrance, education, transparency, and support for those affected. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed three bills extending deadlines and eligibility for certain 9/11-related retirement, workers’ compensation, death, and disability benefits for responders, National Guard members, and their families. The New York City Council approved legislation to co-name 26 streets and public places in memory of those lost in the attacks and adopted a resolution urging the state to incorporate 9/11 curriculum in schools, while Mayor Zohran Mamdani launched a public portal containing more than 170,000 pages of city records documenting the government’s response to the attacks and their aftermath.
On Sept. 10, the City Council’s Housing and Buildings Committee, chaired by Council Member Pierina Sanchez, held an oversight hearing on Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s housing plan and related legislation, including the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA). Testifying officials from HPD and DOB highlighted efforts to accelerate housing production and preservation, strengthen code enforcement, expand homeownership opportunities, streamline permitting, and modernize agency operations. The administration also reiterated its support for COPA, outlining plans to establish standards for qualified purchasers, tenant notification requirements, financing pathways, and enforcement provisions through future rulemaking. Council members questioned officials on housing preservation goals, distressed building enforcement, accessory dwelling units, Housing Connect reforms, expiring housing vouchers, and the reauthorization of the J-51 tax incentive program, which the administration said it supports.
Last Thursday, the New York City Council passed, among other measures, legislation addressing public health and consumer disclosure requirements for food establishments, the regulation of tobacco and e-cigarette retailers, residential quality-of-life concerns, notification requirements related to disruptive construction work, and a package of measures commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The Council also introduced legislation concerning safety and reporting requirements for third-party food delivery services, public restroom access for delivery workers, electronic housing registration processes, disclosure requirements for the use of artificial intelligence in mental health services, and the creation of designated curb space for pedicabs. The Council further introduced legislation aimed at strengthening contracting practices for nonprofit providers, including requiring interest on late contract payments and establishing budget-readiness and invoiceability standards for human services contracts. All passed and introduced bills are available here.
Co-Chair, New York Practice
Co-Chair, New York Practice
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.
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.
September 14, 2026
September 14, 2026
September 10, 2026
