Katie Schwab

Co-Chair, New York Practice, Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Recent Publication:

FY25 New York State Budget Update [Alert]

On April 15, New York Governor Hochul announced the parameters of a 2025 state budget. Rose Christ, Katie Schwab, James Ansorge, and Katrell Lewis review the highlights of the announced $237B budget.

Katie provides strategic advice and analysis to nonprofit organizations, trade associations, and corporations that are engaged in New York City's complex regulatory, legislative, and procurement systems. She also counsels her clients in the development and implementation of effective public and community outreach strategies.  

Katie's professional experience as a government official, non-profit executive, and government contractor give her a unique insight into the role and responsibilities of an advocate. Prior to joining the firm, she served as managing director and co chair of a major New York City government, policy, and government contracts practice; as the director of government and corporate affairs for Cemusa Inc., an international street furniture and outdoor advertising company; and as Deputy Commissioner for Comprehensive Planning for Nassau County Planning Commission in the administration of County Executive Tom Suozzi. Katie began her career in the counsel’s office at the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission and served in the Mayor’s Office of City Legislative Affairs and the Department of Transportation’s Division of Franchises, Concessions and Consents. After leaving city service, she joined the Alliance for Downtown New York and became the founding executive director of the Oyster Bay Main Street Association in Oyster Bay, Long Island. 

Katie is personally committed to her community and New York City, serving on the several boards including the Design Trust for Public Space, the Celebrate Brooklyn! Friends Committee, and the Association for a Better New York Steering Committee.

Katie earned her bachelor's degree, magna cum laude, from Saint Mary's College. Katie earned her law degree from University of Virginia Law School.

Experience

News

Public Strategies’ Rose Christ & Katie Schwab Named in City & State NY’s 2024 Power 100

March 04, 2024

Rose Christ and Katie Schwab, co-chairs and managing directors of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies’ New York practice, were named in City & State New York’s 2024 Power 100, recognized as “leaders who’ve made [New York City] the greatest city in the world.”

Public Strategies’ New York Practice Named in City & State NY’s 2023 NYS Top 50 Lobbyists

December 05, 2023

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies New York Practice ranked 15 on City & State New York’s list of 2023 New York State Top 50 Lobbyists.

Public Strategies’ Katie Schwab & Rose Christ Named in City & State NY’s 2023 Power of Diversity: Women 100 List

November 13, 2023

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies New York co-chairs, Katie Schwab and Rose Christ, were named in City & State New York’s 2023 Power of Diversity: Women 100 list.

Katie Schwab Recognized by PoliticsNY & amNYMetro as a Power Player in PR & Lobbying

October 25, 2023

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies’ Co-Chair of the New York Practice, Katie Schwab was recognized by PoliticsNY and amNY Metro in their “Power Players in Public Relations and Lobbying” publication.

Cozen O’Connor Releases Film Short on New York Real Estate’s Future

December 19, 2022

New York, December 19, 2022 – Cozen O’Connor and its affiliate, Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, announce the release of an innovative short documentary, “New York City: What’s Ahead? A Real Estate Perspective,” with keen observations about this current unprecedented and transformative period.

Katie Schwab and Rose Christ Recognized Among City & State New York’s 2022 Power in Diversity: Women 100 Leaders

December 01, 2022

Katie Schwab, managing director at Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies New York, and Rose Christ, a senior principal in the group, have been named to the 2022 Power in Diversity: Women 100 list by City & State New York. This prestigious list recognizes top female elected officials, business executives, nonprofit leaders, commissioners, advocates, academics, and others who are “in the arena of New York politics and government.”

New York Note: NYC Redistricting Maps Approved, Judge Blocks Portions of Concealed Carry Law, Asylum Seeker State of Emergency

October 10, 2022

News in New York – NYC Redistricting Maps Approved by Commission; Federal Judge Blocks Significant Portions of NY's Concealed Carry Law; Mayor Adams Declares Asylum Seeker State of Emergency

Survey of Real Estate Professionals Finds Strong Optimism About New York City’s Future

October 06, 2022

New York City real estate professionals are feeling optimistic about the city, with anti-real estate sentiment among politicians topping their list of concerns, narrowly edging out the high cost of construction.

Rose Christ and Katie Schwab Elevated to Co-Chair Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies NY Leadership Team

May 10, 2022

Schwab and Christ Take the Helm of a Top Ten Lobbying Practice With Deep Roots Around the State

Katie Schwab Selected as a Recipient City & State Above & Beyond: Women Awards

March 25, 2022

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Katie Schwab, Managing Director of the firm’s Public Strategies Group has been selected as a recipient of City & State Above & Beyond: Women Awards.

Cozen O’Connor Announces Changes to Firm Management 2022

March 23, 2022

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce the following changes in firm leadership positions for the 2022 year.

Katie Schwab Named a Board Member of the Downtown Lower Manhattan Association

June 14, 2021

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Katie Schwab, managing director of the firm’s Public Strategies Group, has been named a board member of the Downtown Lower Manhattan Association (DLMA).

Katie Schwab Honored as One of New York’s Most Distinguished Leaders

January 28, 2020

Katie Schwab, Director of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies New York Government Affairs practice, has been honored by City & State New York as one of the 2020 “New York 50 Over 50” leaders.

Publications

FY25 New York State Budget Update [Alert]

April 16, 2024

On April 15, New York Governor Hochul announced the parameters of a 2025 state budget. Rose Christ, Katie Schwab, James Ansorge, and Katrell Lewis review the highlights of the announced $237B budget.

New York Note – City Legislation, DASNY President, Willets Point

April 15, 2024

News in New York – City Legislation, DASNY President, Willets Point

Cozen Cities - April 10, 2024

April 10, 2024

CHICAGO — Gov. JB Pritzker Announces Plan to Make Chicago Quantum Technology Capital Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced a plan to make Chicago a quantum technology capital at M-Hub, a business incubator on Chicago’s Near West Side that plays home to prototype shops and laboratories.

New York Note – Council Preliminary Budget, Council Union Deal, Nonprofit Advisory Council

April 08, 2024

News in New York – Council Preliminary Budget, Council Union Deal, Nonprofit Advisory Council

New York Note – Congestion Pricing, State Budget Delayed, City Budget Hearings

April 01, 2024

News in New York – Congestion Pricing, State Budget Delayed, City Budget Hearings

Congestion Pricing Rules Finalized by MTA

March 28, 2024

Rose Christ and Katie Schwab discuss the MTA's final rules for New York City's Central Business District tolling program.

Cozen Cities - March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

LOS ANGELES — How Tech Sector Downturn has Hurt L.A. Office Market The Los Angeles tech office space saw fourth-quarter leasing drop to 2.2 million square feet from nearly 3 million square feet the year before.

New York Note: NYC Property Tax System, City Legislation, NY’s Trailblazing Attorneys

March 25, 2024

News in New York – NYC Property Tax System, City Legislation, NY’s Trailblazing Attorneys

New York Note – One-House Budgets, NYS Human Rights, Cozen Expansion

March 18, 2024

News in New York – One-House Budgets, NYS Human Rights, Cozen Expansion

Cozen Cities – March 13, 2024

March 13, 2024

CHICAGO — CTA Calls on Private Companies to Submit Tech Solutions to Improve System Last week, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) launched the CTA Innovation Studio — calling on private-sector companies to submit ideas that could solve some of the transit agency’s problems.

NYS FY25 Budget Alert: Assembly and Senate Release One-House Budgets [Alert]

March 12, 2024

Katie Schwab, Rose Christ, Jamie Ansorge, and Katrell Lewis discuss the New York State Assembly and Senate's recently released one-house budgets for Fiscal Year 2025.

New York Note – City of Yes, City Legislation, LinkLocal

March 11, 2024

News in New York - City of Yes, City Legislation, LinkLocal.

New York Note – Congressional Maps, Reparations Commission, NYC Power 100

March 04, 2024

News in New York – Congressional Maps, Reparations Commission, NYC Power 100

Cozen Cities - February 28, 2024

February 28, 2024

CHICAGO — Uber, Lyft Drivers Join Valentine’s Day Strike with Thousands Across Country Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash drivers gathered at O’Hare Airport’s rideshare waiting lot on Valentine’s Day to kick off a strike that was held across multiple cities across the country, including in Philadelphia, Miami, and Los Angeles.

New York Note – Cancelled Budget Cuts, Noncitizen Voting Bill, Congressional Maps, Who’s Who in Budgeting and Finance

February 26, 2024

News in New York – Cancelled Budget Cuts, Noncitizen Voting Bill, Congressional Maps, Who’s Who in Budgeting and Finance

New York Note – Congressional Maps, Comptroller M/WBE Report, NYS Budget Amendments

February 20, 2024

News in New York – Congressional Maps, Comptroller M/WBE Report, NYS Budget Amendments

Cozen Cities - February 14, 2024

February 14, 2024

BOSTON — City Leading AI Industry Boston-area companies are leading in the development of new artificial intelligence (AI) and managing data for AI use. A new report estimates that Boston’s expertise in tech and health industries and proximity to universities will allow it to make strides in lesser-known areas of AI.

New York Note – Tin Cup Day and City Legislation

February 12, 2024

News in New York – Tin Cup Day and City Legislation

New York Note – Council Override, Dining Out NYC, Admin Appointments

February 05, 2024

News in New York – Council Override, Dining Out NYC, Admin Appointments

Cozen Cities - January 31, 2024

January 31, 2024

CHICAGO — Chicago Rideshare Drivers Looking for Safety Solutions Chicago Gig Alliance organizer Lori Simmons is leading the charge in demanding city officials take action in response to a rash of recent rideshare driver robberies on the city’s West Side.

New York Note – State of the City, Judicial Appointments, IRC

January 29, 2024

News in New York - State of the City, Judicial Appointments, IRC

New York Note – State and City Budgets, Council Committees, Mayoral Vetoes

January 22, 2024

News in New York – State and City Budgets, Council Committees, Mayoral Vetoes

Cozen Cities - January 17, 2024

January 17, 2024

Gig Economy & Technology CHICAGO — After Latest Shooting, Rideshare Drivers Protest Outside Midway Airport for Change

New York Note – State of the State, State and City Budgets, Council Committees

January 12, 2024

News in New York – State of the State, State and City Budgets, Council Committees

New York Note – Council Charter Meeting, Start of State Session, Adams Sues Charter Bus Companies

January 08, 2024

News in New York – Council Charter Meeting, Start of State Session, Adams Sues Charter Bus Companies

Cozen Cities - January 3, 2024

January 03, 2024

BALTIMORE — Mayor Scott, BDE Introduce Free Public Wi-Fi Network In December, Mayor Brandon Scott and the City’s Office of Broadband and Digital Equity (BDE) launched FreeBmoreWiFi, a citywide free public Wi-Fi network. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the initiative marks a significant milestone in the City’s commitment to digital equity and inclusive access to technology for residents.

New York Note – Vetoed Bills, Start of State Session, Council Charter Meeting

January 02, 2024

News in New York – Vetoed Bills, Start of State Session, Council Charter Meeting

New York Note – City Legislation, Redistricting, Willets Point, State Legislation

December 26, 2023

News in New York – City Legislation, Redistricting, Willets Point, State Legislation

New York Note – DOC Commissioner, Green Fast Track, Council Hearing on November Plan

December 18, 2023

News in New York – DOC Commissioner, Green Fast Track, Council Hearing on November Plan

Cozen Cities - December 13, 2023

December 13, 2023

BALTIMORE — New UpSurge CEO Bets on Baltimore, Tech Tech entrepreneur Kory Bailey — who was recently named CEO of UpSurge, a nonprofit, professional ecosystem-building organization — spoke about his efforts to build a vibrant tech ecosystem in the city.

New York Note – Executive Director for Housing, City Legislation, Top Lobbyists

December 11, 2023

News in New York – Executive Director for Housing, City Legislation, Top Lobbyists

New York Note – Congestion Pricing, Cannabis Settlement, State Bills

December 04, 2023

News in New York – Congestion Pricing, Cannabis Settlement, State Bills

Cozen Cities - November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

DETROIT — Electric Delivery Startup BrightDrop Becomes Part of GM BrightDrop, a General Motors (GM) commercial electric vehicle startup formed in 2021, will no longer operate as a subsidiary and is now becoming part of GM itself.

New York Note – Migrant Spending Cuts, Class Size Limits, Mayor Assault Allegation

November 27, 2023

News in New York – Migrant Spending Cuts, Class Size Limits, Mayor Assault Allegation

New York Note – November Plan, City Legislation, Clean Slate Act, 2023 Women 100

November 20, 2023

News in New York – November Plan, City Legislation, Clean Slate Act, 2023 Women 100

Cozen Cities - November 17, 2023

November 17, 2023

Gig Economy & Technology CHICAGO — Harris School Introduces New Technology, Society Initiative

New York Note – Mayor Adams Campaign Investigation and General Election Results 2023

November 13, 2023

News in New York – Mayor Adams Campaign Investigation and General Election Results 2023

New York Note – Deputy Mayor, Election Day, City Legislation, Employment Law Now

November 06, 2023

News in New York – Deputy Mayor, Election Day, City Legislation, Employment Law Now

Cozen Cities - November 1, 2023

November 01, 2023

Gig Economy & Technology BALTIMORE — Baltimore Selected as Federal Tech Hub for AI, Biotechnology

New York Note – Remote Work Pilot, Mayoral Appointments, Power Players

October 30, 2023

News in New York – Remote Work Pilot, Mayoral Appointments, Power Players

New York Note – AI Action Plan, Dining Out NYC, City Legislation

October 23, 2023

News in New York – AI Action Plan, Dining Out NYC, City Legislation

Cozen Cites - October 18, 2023

October 18, 2023

Gig Economy & Technology BALTIMORE — AI to Help Baltimore Agencies Bridge Language Gaps By year’s end, the City of Baltimore will be deploying a new AI-backed service to help 911 dispatchers communicate with callers in their native language without waiting for an interpreter.

New York Note – Containerized Trash, Dispensary Licenses, Right to Shelter

October 16, 2023

News in New York – Containerized Trash, Dispensary Licenses, Right to Shelter

New York Note – City Legislation, Congestion Pricing, Right to Shelter

October 09, 2023

News in New York – City Legislation, Congestion Pricing, Right to Shelter

Cozen Cities - October 5, 2023

October 05, 2023

Gig Economy & Technology CHICAGO — Chicago Government’s IT Infrastructure Inefficient to the Point of “Barely” Working, Consultant Tells City Council

New York Note – City Legislation, Mayoral Appointment, Tree Funding

October 02, 2023

News in New York – City Legislation, Mayoral Appointment, Tree Funding

New York Note – Housing Reform to City Zoning, Asylum Seekers, 2023 NY Super Lawyers

September 25, 2023

News in New York – Housing Reform to City Zoning, Asylum Seekers, 2023 NY Super Lawyers

New York Note – City Legislation, Former DOB Commissioner Indicted, Queens Special Election

September 18, 2023

News in New York – City Legislation, Former DOB Commissioner Indicted, Queens Special Election

New York Note – Budget Cuts, Climate Innovation Pilot, Short-Term Rentals

September 11, 2023

News in New York – Budget Cuts, Climate Innovation Pilot, Short-Term Rentals

New York Note – Housing Incentives, Rikers Island, Asylum Seekers

September 05, 2023

News in New York – Pro-Housing Communities Program, Closing Rikers Island, Work Authorization for Asylum Seekers

New York Note – Work Authorizations, Cannabis Injunction, Mayor Visits Israel

August 28, 2023

Governor Hochul Calls on Biden Administration to Support Asylum Seekers in NYS...

Cozen Cities - August 23, 2023

August 23, 2023

Gig Economy & Technology CHICAGO — Chicago City Council to Consider Regulating Rideshares

New York Note – Traffic Mobility Review Board, City of Yes, Outdoor Dining

August 21, 2023

News in New York – Traffic Mobility Review Board; "City of Yes" Office to Housing Conversion; Outdoor Dining Program Approved by Mayor

New York Note – Chief Efficiency Officer, Asylum Seekers, Retirees’ Medicare

August 14, 2023

News in New York – Denise C. Clay Named as Chief Efficiency Officer; Updated Costs to Asylum Seeker Crisis; Judge Strikes Down Municipal Retiree Plan

Cozen Cities - August 10, 2023

August 10, 2023

Gig Economy & Technology CHICAGO — Google Plans to Open in Thompson Center by 2026; Will Tech Giant Help Revitalize the Loop?

New York Note – Budget Director, City Legislation, Brooklyn Power 100

August 07, 2023

News in New York – Blake Washington Named as NYS Budget Director; NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; City & State NY's Brooklyn Power 100

New York Note – Chief Counsel, Drone Usage, Workplace Accessibility

July 31, 2023

News in New York – Lisa Zornberg Named as Mayor's Chief Counsel; New Guidance on Responsible Drone Usage; Center for Workplace Accessibility and Inclusion Launches

Cozen Cities - July 26, 2023

July 26, 2023

Throughout the country, large municipalities are laboratories of democracy. New and innovative policies introduced in one market are often exported to others, and ultimately replicated at the state and federal level. This newsletter highlights emerging local policy and regulatory discussions that impact industries, businesses, and organizations across the nation.

New York Note – Congestion Pricing, Asylum Seeker Policy, NYPD Commissioner

July 24, 2023

News in New York – Traffic Mobility Review Board; Asylum Seeker Policy; Edward Caban Named as NYPD Commissioner

New York Note – Congressional Lines, City Legislation, Teacher Contract

July 17, 2023

News in New York – New York Ordered to Redraw Congressional Maps; NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; Teachers Union Approves Five-Year Contract

Cozen Cities - July 12, 2023

July 12, 2023

The article discusses a variety of topics regarding tech, labor, policy and politics, public health, real estate, taxes, and transportation happening in major cities across the U.S.

New York Note – NYCHA Leadership, Acting NYPD Commissioner, Real Estate Power 100

July 10, 2023

News in New York – New NYCHA Leadership Appointed; Acting NYPD Commissioner; City & State NY's 2023 Real Estate Power 100

New York Note: City Budget, Primary Elections, Congestion Pricing Update

July 05, 2023

News in New York – NYC FY24 Budget Adopted; 2023 NYC Primary Election Results; Congestion Pricing Receives Federal Approval

Cozen Cites - June 29, 2023

June 29, 2023

DETROIT — Detroit Program Teaches Residents Tech Fundamentals, How to Find High-Paying Jobs

New York Note: Assembly Session, City Legislation, Rent Increase

June 26, 2023

News in New York – Assembly Closes out 2023 Legislative Session; NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; Rent Guidelines Board Votes to Increase; City & State NY's Power Pride 100

New York Note – Primary Election, NYPD Commissioner Resigns, Teacher Contract

June 20, 2023

News in New York – NYC Primary Election on Tuesday, June 27; NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell Resigns; Teachers Union Reaches Tentative Contract

New York Note – Legislative Session, Court of Claims, FEMA Funding

June 12, 2023

News in New York – State Session Concludes; NYC to Receive Over $100M from FEMA for Asylum Seekers; NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; Appointments to New York State Court of Claims

New York Note – Deputy Mayor, Legislative Session, 2023 LGBTQ+ Power Players

June 05, 2023

News in New York – Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives; End of NYS Legislative Session; 2023 LGBTQ+ Power Players

Cozen Cities - May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023

BOSTON — Running List of Layoffs in Boston Tech Sector The Boston Globe has begun tracking layoffs at tech companies in the region.

New York Note – Right-to-Shelter Law, City Legislation, Housing Chief

May 30, 2023

News in New York – Adams Requests Relief from City's Right-to-Shelter Law; NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; Housing Chief to Leave Adams Administration

News in New York – Gov. Hochul Event, Judge Appointments, Congestion Pricing Update, 2023 Cannabis Industry Power Players

May 22, 2023

News in New York – Gov. Hochul Event on 5/31; Judge Appointments; Congestion Pricing Update; 2023 Cannabis Industry Power Players

Cozen Cities - May 19, 2023

May 19, 2023

Chicago Mayor Lightfoot Announces Apprenticeship Program to Create, Grow Technology Talent in City Government, Improve City Services Now former-Mayor Lori Lightfoot and various city departments announced an apprenticeship program to develop and maintain a pipeline of technology talent for the City of Chicago.

New York Note: City Legislation, Congestion Pricing, Cannabis Licenses

May 15, 2023

News in New York – NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; Congestion Pricing Plan; Additional Cannabis Dispensary Licenses

New York Note – Asylum Seekers, State Budget, Rent Guidelines Board

May 08, 2023

News in New York – Mayor Adams Plan to Shelter Asylum Seekers Outside NYC; Enacted FY24 State Budget; Rent Guidelines Board Recommends Increased Rent

Cozen Cities - May 4, 2023

May 04, 2023

Baltimore District 8 City Councilmember Kristerfer Burnet has introduced legislation that would limit the use of facial recognition technology. The goal of the two bills is to protect privacy and promote transparency and accountability.

New York Note: State Budget, City Legislation, Albany 40 Under 40

May 01, 2023

News in New York – State Budget "Conceptual Agreement"; Mayor Executive Budget; NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; Albany 40 under 40

New York Note: Chief Judge, Assembly Maps, Sustainability Plan, Budget Update

April 24, 2023

News in New York – Rowan Wilson Confirmed as Chief Judge; Redistricting Commission Submits New Assembly Maps; Mayor's Sustainability Plan; State Budget Update

Cozen Cities - April 19, 2023

April 19, 2023

The New York Police Department (NYPD) recently announced a series of high-tech security, including a robotic “digidog” to be used in life-threatening situations.

New York Note: City Legislation, Chief Judge, Rat Czar

April 17, 2023

News in New York – NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; Hochul Nominates New Chief Judge; Adams Appoints Rat Czar

New York Note: Council Budget Response, PEG Elimination, PBA Agreement

April 10, 2023

News in New York – City Council Releases Preliminary Budget Response; Adams Announces PEG Elimination; Contract Agreement with PBA

Cozen Cities - April 5, 2023

April 05, 2023

The city will be providing paid sick and safe leave for most gig workers, who will accrue a day of paid sick leave for every 30 days they do work in Seattle.

New York Note: State Budget, MyCity Portal, Broadband Access

April 03, 2023

News in New York – State Budget Update; Adams Launches MyCity Portal; NYS Receives Federal Funding for Broadband Internet Access

New York Note – Health Commissioner, Judge Nominations, Law Power 100

March 27, 2023

News in New York – Governor Hochul Nominates Commissioner of Health; Chief Judge Short List Released; Stuart Shorenstein and Ken Fisher Named to 2023 Law Power 100

Cozen Cities - March 22, 2023

March 22, 2023

Chicago will begin testing parking enforcement technology and smart loading zones following an ordinance the City Council passed March 15. The technology will automatically issue tickets for parking or standing violations in areas with posted signs, such as bike lanes and commercial loading zones.

New York Note: One-House Budgets, City Legislation, Mayoral Appointments

March 20, 2023

News in New York –State Senate and Assembly Release One-House Budgets; NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; Mayor Adams Announces Appointments

New York Note: State of the City, Asylum Seeker Plan, Delivery Worker Wage

March 13, 2023

News in New York – Speaker Adams Delivers State of the City Address; Mayor Adams Unveils "The Road Forward"; Minimum Wage for App-Based Food Delivery Workers

Cozen Cities - March 10, 2023

March 10, 2023

Concessions workers at the United Center staged a one-day walkout Sunday that affected food and beverage service during the afternoon’s Chicago Bulls game.

New York Note: Welcome NYC, Mental Health Plan, Budget Director

March 07, 2023

City Council announced a new public/private partnership in support of asylum seekers, “Welcome NYC.” The $2.2 million initiative includes $1 million in funding from the city and $1 million from large philanthropic organizations, including the Robin Hood Foundation and the New York Community Trust. The funding will go toward legal services, workforce development, literacy programs, youth services, faith-based services, and food assistance at several organizations across the city.

State AG Pulse | Attorneys General as State Policymakers: The NY Model

March 06, 2023

Cozen Public Strategies Managing Director Katie Schwab joins Jerry Kilgore, former VA AG, and Meghan Stoppel, former NE Consumer Chief, to debate the role of state AG as policymaker, and whether the NY model holds for the rest of the country.

New York Note: Mental Health Agenda, MTA Oversight, Admin Appointments

February 27, 2023

News in New York – Preview of Adams' Mental Health Agenda; Adams Seeks Further Oversight of the MTA; Mayor Adams Announces Administration Appointments

Cozen Cities - Feb. 22, 2023

February 22, 2023

On the evening of February 2, Chicago rideshare drivers gathered outside the Copernicus Center on the city’s Northwest Side, braving extremely cold and windy weather, to demand better working conditions, wages and benefits.

New York Note: LaSalle Rejected, DC37 Agreement, City Legislation

February 21, 2023

News in New York – Senate Rejects LaSalle; DC37 and Mayor Adams Announce Tentative Contract Agreement; NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation

New York Note: GOP Sues over LaSalle, Vaccination Requirement, Gary Jenkins Steps Down, Progressive Caucus

February 13, 2023

News in New York – GOP Senator Sues Dems over LaSalle; Adams Lifts Vaccination Requirement for City Workers; Gary Jenkins Resigns as Social Services Commissioner; Council Members Leave Progressive Caucus over NYPD Funding Pledge

Cozen Cities: February 10, 2023

February 10, 2023

Rideshare and delivery drivers in Chicago are calling for an ordinance that guarantees their right to appeal before being permanently kicked off the app they use for their jobs. The proposed ordinance would offer a means for app drivers accused of misconduct to tell their side of the story and recoup lost income if they were found to be unfairly deactivated.

New York Note: Executive FY24 Budget, City Legislation, Composting

February 06, 2023

News in New York – Governor Hochul Releases FY24 Executive Budget; NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; Citywide Composting Program; Council Hearing on Facial Recognition Technology

New York Note: State of the City, Governor’s Budget, Judicial Appointments

January 30, 2023

News in New York – Mayor Adams Delivers State of the City; Governor Hochul to Deliver FY24 Executive Budget; Mayor Adams Announces 21 Judicial Appointments and Reappointments

New York Note: LaSalle Rejected, City Legislation, Cannabis Dispensary

January 23, 2023

News in New York – Senate Judiciary Committee Votes No on LaSalle; NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; First NY Cannabis Dispensary Owned by Justice-Impacted Individual Opens

Governor Hochul Announces Plan to Tackle New York’s Housing Crisis [Alert]

January 18, 2023

During her State of the State address, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the New York Housing Compact, a strategy to build 800,000 new homes over the next decade.

Cozen Cities: January 11, 2023

January 11, 2023

The University of Chicago is stepping up its efforts to create more startups, committing more than $20 million to launch three new accelerators focused on deep technology such as data science, artificial intelligence, clean technology and life sciences—areas where the university excels but for which funding often is hardest to find.

New York Note – City Legislation, NYS Legislature Session, and Cozen Expansion

January 09, 2023

Last Wednesday, the NYC Council held their Charter meeting, where they introduced multiple pieces of legislation. The Charter meeting is the first Stated meeting of the calendar year. The Council introduced legislation related to health insurance coverage for city employees and retirees, a change that could save the city up to $600 million per year. Legislation was also introduced calling upon the MTA to inspect every subway surveillance camera on a quarterly basis. You can find all of the bills that were introduced here.

New York Note: First Cannabis Sale, LaSalle Nomination, Admin Appointments

January 03, 2023

News in New York – First Legal Cannabis Dispensary Opens; Oppositions to LaSalle Chief Judge Confirmation; Mayor Adams Announces Two Administration Appointments

New York Note - City Legislation, Migrant Report, Chief Judge

December 27, 2022

Last Wednesday, the NYC Council convened a Stated meeting, where they passed and introduced multiple pieces of legislation. The Council voted on the Language Access Act, which aims to strengthen language access for New York City residents and small business owners, and increase the translation of city documents into more languages. Legislation was also passed to improve the efficiency of parks capital improvements projects. Additionally, the Council approved legislation to create a workforce development program for people with disabilities, along with legislation requiring five-year accessibility plans from every city agency. You can find all of the bills that were passed and introduced here.

Cozen Cities - December 21, 2022

December 21, 2022

For more than a year, the California voter-approved gig economy law known as Proposition 22 has hung in the balance after a judge invalidated the ballot initiative allowing giant ride-hailing and delivery companies to classify their workers as independent contractors rather than employees. On Tuesday, a California appeals court heard oral arguments in San Francisco on whether it should uphold the lower court ruling that deemed Proposition 22 unconstitutional and unenforceable.

New York Note - Making New York Work for Everyone, Council Housing, Asylum Seeker Tuition

December 19, 2022

News in New York – Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul Launch "Making New York Work for Everyone"; City Council Housing Plan; In-State SUNY Tuition for Asylum Seekers; Rose Christ Named Among 2022 City & State New York's Responsible 100

Cozen Cities - December 14, 2022

December 14, 2022

Massachusetts’ Energy Facilities Sitting Board approved a special permit for a controversial electrical substation in East Boston. The permit allows the project to circumvent 14 final environmental permits. 84% of Boston voters voted against the substation in a non-binding ballot question last year.

New York Note: Get Stuff Built, City Legislation, AG Chief of Staff Resigns

December 12, 2022

News in New York – Mayor Adams Launches "Get Stuff Built"; NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; Attorney General's Chief of Staff Resigns

New York Note: Assembly Maps, Mental Illness Plan, Health Commissioner Steps Down

December 05, 2022

News in New York – New Draft Assembly Map Released; Adams Plan to Provide Care for Individuals with Severe Mental Illness; Bassett Stepping Down as Health Commissioner

New York Note: Agency Vacancy Reduction, City Legislation, Commission on Gender Equity

November 28, 2022

News in New York – NYC Agencies Asked to Reduce Vacancies by Half; NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; Mayor Adams Appoints Nine New Commissioners to Commission on Gender Equity

New York Note: Soccer Stadium, Government Worker Shortage, CityFHEPS Vouchers

November 21, 2022

News in New York – Soccer Stadium to be Built in Queens by New York City Football Club; NYC Lost Over 19,000 Full-Time Government Employees Since 2020; CityFHEPS Housing Voucher Program Expanded Eligibility; Katie Schwab & Rose Christ Named to City & State NY's Power of Diversity: Women 100

New York Note: Election Results, New HERRC Site, “Get Stuff Clean”

November 14, 2022

News in New York – New York 2022 Midterm Election Results; Randall's Island Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center Demobilized; Mayor Adams Launches "Get Stuff Clean"

Cozen Cities - November 11, 2022

November 11, 2022

Driverless car company Waymo, owned by Google parent Alphabet, said October 19 that it plans to add autonomous taxi fleet operations to Los Angeles. “L.A. is in the top three ride-hailing markets in the United States and globally,” said Saswat Panigrahi, the company’s chief product officer. “The commercial opportunity is huge.”

New York Note: Ulrich Resigns, Salary Transparency Law, Legal Fellows

November 07, 2022

News in New York – Eric Ulrich Resigns as Department of Buildings Commissioner; NYC Emloyers Required to Post Salary Ranges on Job Listings; Mayor Adams Launches NYC Legal Fellows Program

New York Note - Stated Meeting, District Maps Approved, Fire Commissioner

October 31, 2022

News in New York – NYC Council Introduces and Passes Legislation; District Maps Accepted by City Council; Mayor Adams Appoints Laura Kavanagh as Fire Commissioner

Cozen Cities - October 26, 2022

October 26, 2022

In yet another pre-election sweetener, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that the city is expanding its parental leave policy, effective Jan. 1, to allow all 32,000 city employees up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave whether they are the “birthing or non-birthing parent.”

New York Note: Trash Pickup, Mayoral Appointments, and 40 under 40

October 24, 2022

News in New York – Mayor Adams Announces New Trash Pickup Rules to Combat City's Rat Problem; Mayor Adams Announces Two Administration Appointments; Zakariah Malik Named Among 2022 City & State New York's 40 Under 40

Cozen Cities: October 5, 2022

October 05, 2022

Multinational aerospace and defense technology company Northrop Grumman has expanded its presence in the Baltimore area with its new, 55,000-square-foot Maryland Space Assembly and Test 2 facility.

The New York Note: Assembly Maps, NYC Chefs Council, and Zero Emission Vehicles

October 03, 2022

News in New York – Judge Orders NY Assembly Maps to be Redrawn; Mayor Adams Announces Inaugural Chefs Council; Governor Hochul Commits All New Cars to be Zero Emissions by 2035

The New York Note: NYC Redistricting, Relief Centers for Asylum Seekers, and Urban Agriculture Director

September 29, 2022

News in New York – NYC Redistricting Maps Rejected; Mayor Adams Announces Relief Centers to Support Asylum Seekers Entering NYC; Mayor Adams Appoints Mickie as Director of Newly-Created Office of Urban Agriculture.

Cozen Cities: September 21, 2022

September 21, 2022

Throughout the country, large municipalities are laboratories of democracy. New and innovative policies introduced in one market are often exported to others, and ultimately replicated at the state and federal level. This newsletter highlights emerging local policy and regulatory discussions that impact industries, businesses, and organizations across the nation.

Bring Back Truly Public Meetings, New York – New York Daily News

August 16, 2022

Katie Schwab published an article in New York Daily News discussing the importance of returning, post-Covid, to the physical hearing room.

NY State Legislators Introduce Legislation to Protect SoHo/NoHo Residents

May 09, 2022

Senator Kavanagh, Assembly Member Glick have each introduced state legislation to permit residents to continue to occupy units previously reserved for artists.

Controversial Citywide Hotel Text Amendment Debated at City Planning Commission [Alert]

August 02, 2021

Alyssa Baldassini, Kaitesi Munroe, Vivien Krieger, Katie Schwab discuss the city’s proposed City-Wide Hotel Special Permit and how community boards and borough presidents are responding.

NYC Is Moving Towards Creating a Permanent Open Restaurants Program [Alert]

July 20, 2021

Alyssa Baldassini, Kaitesi Munroe, Vivien Krieger, and Katie Schwab discuss Mayor de Blasio's plan to make the temporary Open Restaurants Program permanent.

NYC Council Approves Proposal to Mandate Racial Equity Reports for Certain Land Use Applications [Alert]

June 28, 2021

Alyssa Baldassini, Kaitesi Munroe, Vivien Krieger and Katie Schwab discuss the NYC Council Approval of the Proposal to Mandate Racial Equity Reports for Certain Land Use Applications

Where do the Mayoral Candidates Stand on Affordable Housing? [Alert]

April 22, 2021

Alyssa Baldassini, Lauren Turenchalk, Vivien Krieger, and Katie Schwab discuss the eight top Democratic candidates and their plans for affordable housing.

New York City Council to Consider Legislation Impacting Employers

April 29, 2020

Katie Schwab & Jamie Ansorge discuss three new bills introduced in New York City City Council that would impact employers in the city.

NYS DFS Releases Emergency COVID-19 Regulation on Mortgage Forbearances and Financial Fee Waivers [Alert]

March 26, 2020

Stuart Shorenstein, Katie Schwab, Jamie Ansorge, and Evan Preminger discuss EC 202.9, requiring New York state-regulated financial institutions to provide mortgage forbearance for residential properties located in New York for 90 days and to eliminate ATM fees, overdraft fees, and credit card late payment fees.

NYC Council Considers Legislation to End At-Will Employment in the Fast Food Industry [Alert]

February 11, 2020

Katie Schwab discusses two new bills in New York City impacting fast food employers and employees. A hearing on the bills is scheduled for February 13.

New York City Council Advances Legislation Expanding Earned Safe and Sick Time Law [Alert]

May 24, 2019

New legislation would add 10 days of employee personal time and expand employer liability.

Events & Seminars

Past Events

Public Strategies New York Post-Election Client Call

November 07, 2018 - Conference Call/Podcast

Public Strategies New York Post-Primary Client Call

September 14, 2018 - Conference Call/Podcast

Education

  • University of Virginia School of Law, J.D., 1987
  • St. Mary's College, B.A., magna cum laude, 1984

Awards & Honors

City & State New York’s 2022 Power of Diversity: Women 100

Board Member, Design Trust for Public Space (2021-)

Board Member, Downtown Lower Manhattan Association (2021-)

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn Friends Council

Association for a Better New York, Steering Committee Member