[WEBINAR] Who Does What? Defining Proper Roles for Staff and Elected Officials
Ethics Laws and the Importance of Transparency for Public Officials
Although the Denver City Council’s power in shaping the city’s budget is limited, it still plays a critical role in identifying and advocating for priorities for each neighborhood, district and the city as a whole....more
CHICAGO — Ordinance Requiring City Data Be Stored in U.S. Held in Committee- The Chicago City Council Committee on Economic, Capital & Technology Development held an ordinance requiring city data to “be processed, stored,...more
Mayor Parker’s FY25 Budget Leaves UC Townhomes Agreement in Limbo- Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s FY25 budget lacks funding for the development of a proposed affordable housing project at 39th and Market Streets, the...more
Members of the New York City Council are looking to accomplish what the New York State Legislature could not – proposing various bans on the use of non-competes in New York City. On February 28, 2024, members of the New York...more
In response to San Diego’s current housing shortfall and related socio-economic conditions, the City Council has approved several changes to the city’s existing Complete Communities infill development initiative. These...more
On Tuesday, Mayor Cherelle Parker was sworn in as the city’s first-ever female executive. During the historic ceremony at the Met Philadelphia on North Broad Street, Mayor Parker referenced her 100-Day Action Plan, which...more
During their last meeting of the 2023 session — and the final meeting of Council President Darrell Clarke’s tenure — City Council approved dozens of bills and resolutions, including the midyear budget transfer, an end to...more
Philadelphia Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies’ Managing Director Joe Hill and Government Affairs Associate Brianna Westbrooks have been appointed to the Philadelphia Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker’s transition team. Joe will...more
City Council Passes Ski Mask Ban- Today, Philadelphia City Council passed a ban on the wearing of ski masks in certain public spaces in an attempt to improve public safety by a 13-2 vote. The Council is also in the midst of...more
Last week, legislation was introduced in Philadelphia City Council that, if passed, would secure Registered Community Organizations (RCOs) legal protection from the city for their involvement in zoning matters. The bill was...more
The Chicago City Council voted on October 6, 2023, to eliminate the subminimum wage for tipped employees working within Chicago by July 1, 2028. The “One Fair Wage” ordinance will gradually phase out the subminimum wage, also...more
The court of appeal held that the City’s determination that a mixed-use development project was consistent with applicable general plans policies and standards was supported by substantial evidence. Old East Davis...more
On March 9, 2022, the Los Angeles City Council held a special meeting to discuss amending the City’s proof-of-vaccine requirement. The Council voted to direct the City Attorney to prepare a new ordinance making the...more
Last month, the City of Detroit began the process of considering a revised adult use marijuana ordinance. Application processing for recreational marijuana licenses under the City’s prior ordinance was previously enjoined on...more
On Dec. 15, 2021, the City Council approved the City’s rezoning plan for the SoHo and NoHo neighborhoods. The Council’s action completed the legislative process, thereby turning the plan into law. The stated objectives of the...more
“Mixed Income Neighborhoods Overlay” Bill Passes Out of Committee A plan intended to protect the ability of low and moderate-income Philadelphians to live in their neighborhoods despite increases in property values took one...more
City Council Advances Streetery Bill A City Council committee advanced legislation to make some “streeteries” a permanent part of the city’s dining and zoning landscape. An amendment passed out of the Streets and Services...more
Solar Lab Unveiled at Frankford High School, Aiming to Train Students in Green Careers Sponsored by the Philadelphia Energy Association, U.S. Department of Energy, and PECO, city leaders unveiled a new solar lab at Frankford...more
Driving Equality Bill Championed by Councilmember Thomas Passes City Council passed Councilmember Isaiah Thomas’s driving equality bill with a 14-2 vote, which will prohibit Philadelphia police from stopping vehicles for...more
As Gun Violence Surge Continues, City Council Considers Proactive Measures toReduceHarm - With a historic surge in gun violence continuing through the start of the fall, City Council is now aiming to take proactive measures...more
Philadelphia City Council is slated to give final approval to the city’s $5.2 billion budget today, capping a marathon of negotiations on a variety of different issues and funding streams. City Council negotiated an...more
Philadelphia’s latest budget goes into effect today, containing $5.2 billion in spending and a host of programs designed to curb Philadelphia’s increasing gun violence rates. Over $200 million is directed towards...more
On June 17, the New York City Council approved legislation (Intro. No. 1572-B of 2019) that would require specific land use applications to include "racial equity reports." Under the law, which would go into effect on June 1,...more
After extensive debate and negotiations, City Council approved an amended version of Mayor Kenney’s budget proposal late last night. City Council championed additional investments in anti-violence programming, the Poverty...more
A city’s ban on short-term vacation rentals in the coastal zone constitutes “development” under the California Coastal Act. Therefore, the Coastal Commission must first approve a coastal development permit, an amendment to...more