Recent Publication:
News in New York – Gov. Hochul Event on 5/31; Judge Appointments; Congestion Pricing Update; 2023 Cannabis Industry Power Players
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.
News
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.
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.”
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
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.
May 10, 2022
Schwab and Christ Take the Helm of a Top Ten Lobbying Practice With Deep Roots Around the State
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.
March 23, 2022
Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce the following changes in firm leadership positions for the 2022 year.
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).
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.
November 07, 2018
Stuart Shorenstein, Katie Schwab, Ken Fisher, and Rose Christ from Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies New York host a special conference call to debrief on the New York general election results and the implications of the results in terms of policy for the next term.
Publications
May 22, 2023
News in New York – Gov. Hochul Event on 5/31; Judge Appointments; Congestion Pricing Update; 2023 Cannabis Industry Power Players
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.
May 15, 2023
News in New York – NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; Congestion Pricing Plan; Additional Cannabis Dispensary Licenses
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
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.
May 01, 2023
News in New York – State Budget "Conceptual Agreement"; Mayor Executive Budget; NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; Albany 40 under 40
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
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.
April 17, 2023
News in New York – NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation; Hochul Nominates New Chief Judge; Adams Appoints Rat Czar
April 10, 2023
News in New York – City Council Releases Preliminary Budget Response; Adams Announces PEG Elimination; Contract Agreement with PBA
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.
April 03, 2023
News in New York – State Budget Update; Adams Launches MyCity Portal; NYS Receives Federal Funding for Broadband Internet Access
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
February 21, 2023
News in New York – Senate Rejects LaSalle; DC37 and Mayor Adams Announce Tentative Contract Agreement; NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
January 03, 2023
News in New York – First Legal Cannabis Dispensary Opens; Oppositions to LaSalle Chief Judge Confirmation; Mayor Adams Announces Two Administration Appointments
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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"
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.”
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
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
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.”
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
April 22, 2021
Alyssa Baldassini, Lauren Turenchalk, Vivien Krieger, and Katie Schwab discuss the eight top Democratic candidates and their plans for affordable housing.
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.
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.
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.
May 24, 2019
New legislation would add 10 days of employee personal time and expand employer liability.
December 21, 2018
This Week in New York – Deputy Mayor for Housing & Urban Development Steps Down & de Blasio Announces Next Commissioner to Oversee the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
December 14, 2018
This Week in New York – Plan to Raise $3 Billion for NYCHA Units, Council Looking Into Amazon Deal & Next Week's Meetings
December 07, 2018
This Week in New York – de Blasio To Replace New York City Office of Emergency Management Commissioner & Next Week's Meetings
November 30, 2018
This Week in New York – Melissa Mark-Viverito Announces Run for NYC Public Advocate, NYC Council Approves Appointment of Margaret Garnett as Department of Investigations Commissioner, New Bills Aim to Legalize e-Bikes and e-Scooters
November 16, 2018
This Week in New York – Amazon's New Headquarters Planned for Long Island City, Calls to Eliminate Office of the New York City Public Advocate & Next Week's City Council Hearings
November 09, 2018
This Week in New York – 2018 Midterm Election Results, Next Week's City Council Hearings
November 02, 2018
This Week in New York – Council Passes New Bills Related to Commercial Spaces, Ballot Proposals Receive Mixed Support from Elected Officials, Jamie Ansorge Named to 40 Under 40 List & Election Day Reception Invitation
October 26, 2018
This Week in New York – Michael Blake, Jumaane Williams Announce Intent to Run for Office of NYC Public Advocate, Next Week's City Council Hearings, Upcoming Beltway Briefing Podcast
October 19, 2018
This Week in New York – City Council Passes “Parental Empowerment” Bill Package, Kelly Jin Appointed as City’s Chief Analytics Officer, Next Week's City Council Hearings
October 12, 2018
This Week in New York – Hearing on Commercial Rent Renewal Legislation (Int. 737-A) Set for October 22, Next Week's City Council Hearings, Beltway Briefing Podcast: The Road to the 2018 Midterm Elections
September 21, 2018
This Week in New York – Waterfront Management Advisory Board Convened, Amy Peterson Appointed as Director of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, Next Week's City Council Hearings
September 14, 2018
On today’s New York Client Call, Stuart Shorenstein, Katie Schwab, Rose Christ and Ken Fisher of our New York City team debrief on last night’s New York primary election results and analyze the results of several heavily contested New York State Senate races that could potentially impact control of the chamber.
September 14, 2018
This Week in New York – New York Primary Election Results, City Council Approves Several Pieces of Legislation, Next Week's City Council Hearings
September 07, 2018
This Week in New York – Proposed Amendments to City Charter, City Council Speaker Calls For City To Take Over Subways & Upcoming NY Post-Primary Client Call
August 31, 2018
This Week in New York – Council Passes School Speed Camera Legislation, Democratic Candidates for Governor and Attorney General Hold Debates & New NYC Ferry Route
August 24, 2018
This Week in New York – de Blasio in Brooklyn, New Transport Workgroup, DCP's New Executive Director & Cuomo / Nixon Debate
August 15, 2018
On this special edition of the Beltway Briefing Road to the 2018 Midterm Elections call, Howard Schweitzer, CPS’s Managing Partner, interviews Katie Schwab, Rose Christ and Ken Fisher of our New York City office about the current political climate in New York, the recent activism we’ve been seeing by the City Council and Mayor’s Office – particularly as it relates to the “disruptors” like Uber, Lyft, and Airbnb – and the team’s thoughts on the closely-watched Governor and State Attorneys General races in New York.
August 10, 2018
This Week in New York – For-Hire Vehicle Bills, Rezoning in Manhattan Neighborhood & Labor and Employment Conference Invitation
August 03, 2018
This Week in New York – Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Steps Down, Executive Director of New York City Department of City Planning Steps Down, Rezoning of Inwood Section of Manhattan
July 27, 2018
This Week in New York – Bill to Ban Plastic Straws, Limiting Ride Sharing Services & Mayor de Blasio in Staten Island
June 29, 2018
This Week in New York – Affordable Housing Plan Bills Passed, Transportation Bills Introduced & Impacts of City Partnerships
June 22, 2018
This Week in New York – Marijuana Enforcement Policy Change & Next Week's Committee Hearings
June 08, 2018
This Week in New York – Council and Mayor Close to an Agreement on Fair Fares, Council Approves Opioid and Drug Treatment Bills, Proposal to Add 'X' Category to NYC Birth Certificates