New York Note: State of the City, Mayoral Race, Lobbying Rankings, Client Spotlight

March 10, 2025

Speaker Adams Delivers State of the City

Council Speaker Adrienne Adams’ 2025 State of the City Address emphasized housing affordability, economic equity, public safety reform, and protecting democracy. She highlighted the Fair Housing Framework Act and City of Yes initiative, which secured $5 billion in investments and expanded tenant protections and homeownership opportunities. Adams pledged to strengthen immigrant protections, expand maternal health services, and invest in early childhood education and minority-owned businesses. She also introduced legislation mandating quicker payments to city-contracting nonprofits to ensure stability for service providers. On public safety, she called for closing Rikers Island and replacing it with mental health courts and community-based alternatives to incarceration. Throughout the speech, she warned against federal threats to civil rights and urged grassroots activism to safeguard democracy, reinforcing New York City’s commitment to equity and resilience.

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Speaker Adams Declares for Mayoral Race

Council Speaker Adrienne Adams announced that she will run for NYC Mayor. She held a rally launching the campaign on Saturday, which was attended by fellow Councilmembers supporting her run. Adams joins a crowded primary field that includes incumbent Eric Adams, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, State Senator Jessica Ramos, State Senator Zellnor Myrie, State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, Scott Stringer, Michael Blake, Jim Walden, and Whitney Tilson.

NY Public Strategies Moves Up in City Clerk’s Annual Lobbying Firm Rankings

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies’ New York practice has been recognized as a top lobbyist in the Office of the City Clerk’s Lobbying Bureau Annual Report. Ranked fifth among the top 10 lobbying firms, the practice has climbed five spots since 2023, highlighting its rapid growth in revenue over the past two years.

Client Spotlight: Repertorio Español

Repertorio Español, founded to provide the Latinx community with high-quality theater that reflects their diverse cultures and heritage, continues to thrive today with its commitment to artistic excellence. Its latest production, LOS SOLES TRUNCOS, written by the renowned playwright René Marqués, explores profound themes of human struggle, resilience, and the complexities of family and loss. Directed by José Zayas, this captivating play features a talented ensemble delivering performances that deeply resonate with audiences. With its thought-provoking narrative and striking visuals, LOS SOLES TRUNCOS promises an unforgettable journey through the human spirit, exemplifying Repertorio Español’s dedication to storytelling that speaks to both Hispanic and non-Hispanic audiences alike.

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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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