BRI Legislative Breakfast Highlights Key Issues Facing the Building and Realty Industry
On Friday, March 7, 2025, the Building and Realty Institute (BRI) hosted its annual Legislative Breakfast at Mulino’s at Lake Isle in Eastchester, NY. This highly anticipated event provided a crucial forum for dialogue between members of the building and real estate industry and key state legislators.
The breakfast brought together members of the New York State Assembly and Senate delegation to engage directly with BRI members, allowing for a meaningful discussion on the most pressing legislative and regulatory issues impacting the industry. The attending legislators included Assemblymembers Matt Slater, Dana Levenberg, Amy Paulin, Gary Pretlow, MaryJane Shimsky, and Steve Otis, along with State Senator Shelley Mayer. Adding to the significance of the event, newly-elected Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins made a special appearance.
During the breakfast, the BRI presented its 2025 Legislative Agenda, outlining critical concerns and policy recommendations for lawmakers to consider during the current legislative session in Albany. The discussion focused on several key issues, including:
- “Good Cause” Eviction Law – A controversial proposal that could drastically alter the landlord-tenant dynamic, potentially discouraging property investment and development.
- Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act (HSTPA) – The ongoing impacts of this sweeping 2019 rent regulation law and the need for reforms to ensure a balanced approach to landlord-tenant relationships.
- NY’s Housing Shortage – Strategies to increase the supply of affordable housing while maintaining economic viability for developers and property owners.
- The Co-op Exclusion (Carve-Out) Proposal – The proposed bill calls for protecting cooperative housing in New York. The proposal stresses the need to exempt cooperative corporations from laws designed to address traditional landlord-tenant relationships.
The Legislative Breakfast underscored the importance of direct engagement between policymakers and industry leaders. BRI members had the opportunity to voice their concerns, share firsthand experiences, and advocate for policies that support economic growth, fair regulations, and sustainable development in the region.
The event reinforced the BRI’s commitment to serving as a strong advocate for the real estate and construction sectors, ensuring that lawmakers understand the challenges faced by property owners, managers, and industry professionals. As the legislative session progresses, the BRI will continue working closely with elected officials to safeguard the interests of its members and promote sound housing policies.