Several Reopening Announcements, Governor Cuomo Announces Administration Appointments, Mayor de Blasio Announces NYC Artist Corps

May 10, 2021

News in New York – Several Reopening Announcements, Governor Cuomo Announces Administration Appointments, Mayor de Blasio Announces NYC Artist Corps

Several Reopening Announcements

Last week, Governor Cuomo made several reopening announcements. The Governor announced that the State would begin rapidly relaxing pandemic-related restrictions on business activities and public gatherings. Cuomo announced that beginning May 19, most business capacities, currently based upon percentage of maximum occupancy, will be removed and replaced with space available to maintain six feet of separation. He also stated that on May 19 the indoor social gathering limit will increase from 100 to 250 people, the outdoor residential gathering limit will be removed, and the indoor residential gathering limit will increase from 10 to 50 people. The Governor also announced that Broadway will fully reopen on September 14. Tickets for Broadway shows became available on May 6, and are available for sale at 100 percent of theater capacity.

Governor Cuomo Announces Administration Appointments

Last Friday, Governor Cuomo announced several new appointments to his Administration. The Governor appointed Dana Carotenuto as Chief of Staff, Victor Olds as Special Counsel for Public Integrity, Sean Ewart as Senior Policy Advisor for Energy, and Khemenec Pantin as Senior Policy Advisor for Human Services and Mental Hygiene. Carotenuto most recently served as Deputy Secretary for Legislative Affairs and Policy, and was previously the Chief of Staff for the Independent Democratic Conference. Cuomo also made several changes in his communications department, appointing Rich Azzopardi as Director of Communications, Colin Brennan as Senior Deputy Communications Director, Jennifer Givner as Acting Press Secretary, and Jordan Bennet as Deputy Communications for Downstate. You can see the full list of appointments here.

Mayor de Blasio Announces NYC Artist Corps

Last Thursday, Mayor de Blasio announced the NYC Artist Corps. The $25 million initiative builds on the recently announced City Cleanup Corps, and will provide grants to thousands of local artists to bring create programming and engagement throughout NYC over the next few months. Artists will be able to provide a variety of programming, including performances, public artworks, pop-up shows, murals, and more. The Artist Corps is part of the City’s efforts to bring culture back and spur NYC’s recovery through beautifying and activating public spaces.

Please contact Katie Schwab or Rose Christ of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies with any questions you may have regarding this note or if you’re interested in ways to engage on these issues.

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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