New York Note: NYS Legislative Session, Gubernatorial and Mayoral appointments, Federal Opportunity Zones

New York State Concludes 2026 Legislative Session

The New York State Legislature concluded its 2026 legislative session on Friday, following the approval of a broad range of policy measures across multiple areas, including public safety, housing, environmental review, and insurance regulation. The FY27 budget, which was almost two months late, compressed the legislative calendar, resulting in the passage of 485 bills in the final week of session. In total, 759 bills were passed this session – the lowest total since 2020. Measures that passed include a constitutional amendment to modify the state’s redistricting process (though it will need to pass again next year before appearing on the ballot to New York voters), a one-year moratorium on the construction of new large data centers, a pause on the sale of children’s toys that include AI chatbots, and legislation prohibiting businesses from using consumers’ personal data to set individualized prices.

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Governor Hochul Announces Confirmation of Three Cabinet Members

Governor Hochul announced the confirmation of three key cabinet members by the New York State Senate. Terry O’Leary was confirmed to serve as Commissioner of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and previously served as Executive Deputy Commissioner of DHSES and Deputy Secretary for Public Safety. John Kagia was confirmed as Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management and most recently served as OCM’s Director of Policy. Kathy Moser was confirmed as Commissioner of the State’s Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, where she has served as Acting Commissioner since October 2025.

Mayor Mamdani Appoints Criminal Justice Coordinator

Mayor Mamdani announced that Justine Olderman will serve as Criminal Justice Coordinator. Olderman most recently served as a Distinguished Scholar in Residence at New York University School of Law and previously spent 23 years at The Bronx Defenders, including six years as Executive Director. As Criminal Justice Coordinator, Olderman will oversee day-to-day operations of the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, working with district attorneys, public defenders, courts, and public safety agencies, and will report to First Deputy Mayor Dean Fullihan.

Opportunity Zone Nomination Window Opens July 1 — A Critical Advocacy Opportunity for Investors, Developers, and Communities

Cozen O’Connor Senior Principals Sean Clerget and Jamie L. Ansorge co-authored an article announcing a new, once-in-a-decade window is opening for the designation of federal Opportunity Zones (OZs), which creates a significant and time-sensitive opportunity for developers, investors, businesses, and community stakeholders to shape where federal tax-advantaged capital will flow over the next decade. Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies is well positioned to help clients navigate the nomination process by developing targeted advocacy strategies and executing coordinated engagement to maximize the likelihood of securing favorable designations and achieving meaningful results. View the full article for more information on project eligibility and key deadlines.

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