New York Note: NYC Charter Meeting, DOJ Sues NYC, City & State Who’s Who in Insurance

July 28, 2025

NYC Charter Panel Convenes

The New York City Charter Revision Commission voted this week to place five proposed amendments on the November ballot. The first bill would create a more streamlined process for reviewing publicly financed affordable housing, the second would simplify modest housing programs by reducing the time taken to review small housing and infrastructure projects, the third would establish an affordable housing appeals board, the fourth would modernize and condense the city’s 8000 paper maps by digitizing them. These four bills were all voted in favor of unanimously, 13-0. The final bill, which was voted through, 12-1, was to move local elections to even years to encourage larger voter turnout.

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DOJ Sues NYC

On July 24, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit in federal court against New York City, Mayor Eric Adams. The complaint, issued by DOJ and Attorney General Pam Bondi, alleges that the city’s sanctuary policies unlawfully obstructs federal immigration enforcement and violates the Supremacy Clause by limiting cooperation with federal authorities. This complaint comes in a long string of federal cases against cities reluctant to aid federal immigration officers. City officials have stated that these policies are intended to protect public safety, maintain community trust, and encourage immigrant communities to engage with law enforcement without fear of deportation.

NYC Launches New Pilot

New York City has launched a $3.2 million pilot program, named Liberty Link. The program will provide free or subsidized Wi‑Fi to approximately 2,200 households across 35 affordable housing buildings in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx. Funded by the federal CARES Act and coordinated by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development along with New York Public Libraries, the initiative aims to expand internet access for low-income families.

City & State Who’s Who in Insurance

Stuart Shorenstein was recognized by City & State New York as a key figure in shaping New York’s insurance landscape. Stuart, co-founder of Cozen O’Connor’s New York Public Strategies practice, has provided strategic counsel to Ace American Insurance Co., a subsidiary of Chubb, following its acquisition in 2016. Chubb remains one of the nation’s foremost property and casualty insurance providers.

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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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