Another Year, Another Successful HGAR Albany Lobby Day

REALTORS® from across the state descended on the New York State Capitol to meet directly with elected officials and advocate on the issues shaping the housing market.

This year followed that proud tradition—while also standing out in meaningful ways. More than 70 HGAR members traveled by bus and car to Albany, gathering in Hearing Room B of the Legislative Office Building. 

Hosted by Assemblyman Matt Slater, the group heard from more than 15 state representatives who joined throughout the day to engage directly with our members.

HGAR’s advocacy centered on eight key issues spanning REALTOR® practice, fair housing, and policies aimed at strengthening homeownership and expanding housing supply. 

• Combating illegal discrimination in cooperative housing 
  
  
• Advancing vacancy reset opportunities for long-term stabilized units
  
  
• Ensuring compliance with source-of-income protections 
  
  
• Reforms to SEQRA to streamline development
  
  
• Addressing the growing challenge of rising home insurance costs
  
  
• Supporting zoning board education
  
  
• The importance of written buyer representation agreements. 

HGAR also voiced opposition to the expansion of the REST Act, citing concerns about its long-term impact on housing supply.

Each legislator was given time to respond, creating a dynamic and substantive dialogue that often extended beyond the formal agenda. 

Conversations with state leaders reflected a broader, coordinated effort to tackle New York’s housing challenges—balancing affordability, supply, and sustainability. 

Key topics included:

• The REVIVE Act
  
  
• First-time homebuyer savings accounts
  
  
• and ongoing negotiations around rent stabilization and environmental review reform. 

Across the board, there was a clear emphasis on maintaining tenant protection while ensuring that housing mobility and new development remain viable.

HGAR also helped reinforce growing momentum behind strategies to increase housing supply, including adaptive reuse of underutilized properties, zoning and planning board reform, and targeted incentives for development. 

These efforts are increasingly shaped by infrastructure and climate considerations—particularly flooding, sustainability, and utility capacity—which are becoming central to long-term housing planning.

Regionally, discussions highlighted initiatives such as the Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund, infrastructure challenges in suburban development, and the importance of transit reliability along the Hudson Line. 

Local efforts, including the Galleria redevelopment and Westchester County housing initiatives, underscored the importance of coordinated, place-based solutions.

Feedback from key stakeholders—including MaryJane Shimsky, Dana Levenberg, and Chris Burdick—reinforced a shared commitment to increasing housing supply, improving affordability, and modernizing regulatory frameworks. 

There was also strong engagement from Amy Paulin and Assemblyman Slater, both of whom demonstrated clear enthusiasm for HGAR’s priorities.

This year also introduced new advocacy strategies. HGAR’s use of “Issue Captains” and the integration of member voices brought real-world experiences into the conversation, creating a more dynamic and impactful dialogue with legislators. 

Under the leadership of Legislative Committee Chair Crystal Hawkins-Syska, the program maintained a clear structure while allowing for meaningful engagement across topics.

And while not every legislator could attend the main session, HGAR members ensured their voices were still heard. Teams fanned out across the Capitol, meeting directly with offices and reinforcing our message face-to-face.

Lobby Day is always about more than a single day in Albany—it’s about building relationships, shaping policy conversations, and ensuring that the voice of REALTORS® is heard at every level of government. 

If this year is any indication, HGAR’s advocacy is not only growing stronger but also becoming more strategic, more inclusive, and more effective.

The work continues—but Albany heard us loud and clear.