Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies (CPS), the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced the addition of Donovan W. Pepper as principal and director of national strategic partnerships.
November 3, 2025
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in response to the Trump administration halting SNAP benefits for nearly 3 million New Yorkers starting November 1, citing a refusal to release federal contingency funding during the ongoing shutdown. Hochul announced $65 million in new state funds to support food banks and pantries, deploy Empire State Service Corps and SUNY Corps members, and provide roughly 40 million meals, bringing total state emergency food assistance commitments this week to $106 million.
Mayor Eric Adams announced a phased plan to hire 5,000 additional NYPD officers, raising the uniformed force to 40,000 by FY 2029, the highest level in 20 years. The city will invest $17.8 million in FY 2026, ramping to $315.8 million by FY 2029. Hiring begins in July 2026 with 300 officers, grows to 2,500 in July 2027, and reaches 5,000 by July 2028. Officials framed the investment around declines in shootings and major crime, record low transit crime, and ongoing efforts to remove illegal firearms and strengthen the response to domestic violence.
At its October 29 Stated Meeting, the Council advanced a broad package highlighted by maternal health reforms, expanding the Newborn Home Visiting Program and establishing a citywide doula services initiative, and adoption of the 230 block Jamaica Neighborhood Plan to deliver nearly 12,000 homes (about 4,200 permanently affordable) alongside more than $413 million in community investments. Additional measures boost transparency on vacant NYCHA units, strengthen small business compliance support, establish first responder training on domestic violence related traumatic brain injury, license self storage facilities with consumer protections, require graphic firearm warnings, and mandate itemized pricing from tax preparers.
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.
November 10, 2025
November 10, 2025
November 10, 2025
