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ADVOCACY

NYSBA's Legislative Agenda

 

New York is facing a housing shortage that impacts quality of life and makes it harder to attract people, jobs, and commerce. Despite creating 1.2 million jobs in the past decade, only 400,000 housing units were built, driving up prices and inflation. Rising shelter costs are making it increasingly difficult for families to afford homes. To address this, NYSBA stands ready to help build more attainable housing. We offer a five-point housing plan to tackle shelter inflation and ease the affordability crisis by removing barriers to new construction.

 

Click here to view NYSBA's five-point plan.​​

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Gas Ban/Electrification

 

Starting December 31, 2025, electrification mandates for new residential buildings up to seven stories will take effect, which bans the use of all fossil fuel-burning equipment like gas fireplaces, gas stoves, and even the use of propane. This mandate impacts builders and developers statewide, affecting thousands of new homes across ongoing and upcoming projects.

 

NYSBA advocates for the grandfathering of projects that have already commenced, have received site plan approval, or have expended funds toward infrastructure, ensuring continuity with initially planned energy sources beyond the implementation date. ​​

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NYSBA Comments on Energy Code to NYS DOS Code Development Unit

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NYSBA Comments to Public Service Commission

 

Support the Grandfathering in All-Electric Act (S.685/A.6327)

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Prevailing Wage Expansion 

 

A bill under consideration in Albany would significantly expand Construction Prevailing Wage requirements to include more private construction projects—posing a serious threat to affordability, job creation, and development throughout New York State.

NYSBA has joined a broad coalition of business leaders in strong opposition. If enacted, this legislation would drive up costs, stall critical projects, and further strain an already challenged housing and development market.

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Download the Article: Business Leaders Push Legislators to Oppose Construction Prevailing Wage Bill (PDF)

Learn More and Take Action at KeepNewYorkBuilding.org

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We urge all members to stay informed and make your voices heard. Together, we can protect our industry and Keep New York Building.

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Fire Sprinkler Mandate

 

We are pleased to share with you NYSBA's Housing and Feasibility of Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems Study, an important resource that will guide our future efforts in fire safety and sprinkler mandates in new homes. We would like to thank NAHB's State and Local Issues Fund Committee and the NYSBA Research and Education Foundation for their financial assistance in funding the study.​​​

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Click below to access NYSBA's Housing and Feasibility of Residential Fire Sprinklers Systems Study:

 

Talking Points Against Mandatory Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems in NYS

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NYSBA's Letter Opposing to Mandatory Automatic Fire Sprinkler Installation​​​

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DEC Wetlands Protection Rules

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The 2022 New York State budget included a law that expanded the mapped wetland area from 1.2 million to 2.2 million acres. This change lowers the threshold for what qualifies as a wetland as well as other significant changes. These new regulations will severely impact the home building industry. Here are some examples of the devastating impact of the Wetlands Act

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NYSBA has submitted its comments to the Department of Economic Development regarding the proposed regulations. Click below to read the full commentary:

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NYSBA commissioned the Wetlands Impact Map Study, which was conducted by Davey Resource Group. The study has proven to be a valuable resource in NYSBA’s discussions with state legislators and coalition partners as we work to draft legislation addressing the overreach and negative impacts of the new wetlands law—particularly its implications for future development and the availability of urgently needed housing.

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A presentation of the study was featured during NYSBA’s March 18 Legislative Reception and can be accessed at the link below:​

NYSBA DEC Wetlands Map Impact Presentation

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To learn more about New York’s Freshwater Wetland Regulatory Changes, click the links below to access the PowerPoint slides created by Terresa Bakner, Esq., Partner at Whiteman, Osterman & Hanna LLP, as well as a recording of the webinar where she presents and discusses the material.

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Promoting Housing​

 

Governor Hochul’s “Pro-Housing Community Program” Has Committed $650 Million Towards Incentivizing Municipalities To Increase Their Housing Production. Learn about this program by visiting the New York State website for Home and Community Renewal:​ New York State Home and Community Renewal Pro-Housing Community Program

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These are NYSBA's ideas for Building on Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Program to Address New York’s Housing Crisis 

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The following list of zoning reforms can be used as a reference to engage directly with town and planning boards, encouraging them to make these changes which could decrease cost and increase production of housing:​ Zoning Reform Ideas to Address Local Housing Crisis​​

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Good Cause Eviction (GCE) Law for Upstate Municipalities

 

As we saw Good Cause Eviction pass in the NY State budget last month, albeit only in New York City, it was left up to all other municipalities to opt in. NYSBA has put together the following Talking Points to help landlords build a cohesive argument against adopting Good Cause Eviction in upstate New York municipalities.

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Understanding Proposed Changes to the 2024 NY Residential Building Code

 

Watch the Webinar Recording (Passcode: 2024NYResidentialBuildingCode#)​

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