Neppl is a fifth-generation Newburgh native, attorney, and a 25-year veteran of New York State government and politics.
Wage growth is outpacing home price gains, which improves housing affordability. Still, future affordability could be hampered if housing supply fails to keep pace with demand.
Under legislation S.8417/A.8888 signed by Gov. Hochul, new applicants must pay 100% of the material and installation costs for gas service, as opposed to other ratepayers.
This year’s accomplishments reflect HGAR’s continued commitment to advocacy, education and engagement.
2025 was a transformative year for HGAR’s advocacy efforts, strengthening our presence across New York City and delivering meaningful wins for our members and the real estate community. Our work this year reflects a deep commitment to protecting property rights, advancing transparency, and ensuring a robust, well-informed real estate market.
One of the most significant achievements was securing nearly $400,000 in Issues Mobilization Funds from state and national associations to support a major NYC ballot initiative—a historic accomplishment that demonstrates HGAR’s growing influence and leadership in local policy matters. Complementing this, our members contributed $164,110 in RPAC funds, further solidifying engagement in advocacy efforts crucial to protecting the future of our industry.
HGAR played a central role in a citywide campaign in support of Ballot Measure 3, partnering with Realtor associations across New York City to achieve a major advocacy victory. We also formalized a Realtor Coalition and hosted the NYC Realtor Rally, creating a structured platform for alignment and strategy across all five boroughs. These initiatives strengthened collaboration and ensured that our collective voice remains powerful and coordinated.
Education and dialogue were central to our mission this year. The Bronx Forum on Housing Vouchers & the FARE Act brought together more than 90 members to explore critical housing issues, while the Informational Forum on Good Cause Eviction engaged more than 40 members in meaningful discussion on emerging policy trends. These forums, alongside our Annual Legislative Breakfast, fostered direct interaction between members, policymakers, and industry leaders, ensuring that HGAR remains both a thought leader and a bridge to legislative decision-makers.
On the legislative front, HGAR testified in strong support of Intro 1120, advancing much-needed transparency in the co-op purchase process—a continuation of advocacy initiated during 2024’s NYC Lobby Day. We also opposed Intro 902 (COPA), mobilizing members in a coordinated outreach effort to protect property rights. Looking ahead, we developed comprehensive 2026 legislative priorities for New York City and several counties, establishing a clear, forward-looking advocacy agenda.
To keep members informed, HGAR launched a weekly Government Affairs column in Real Estate In-Depth, publishing nearly 25 articles covering elections, policy updates, and industry-impacting developments. The Local Political Coordinator Program also debuted, training more than 25 participants to serve as local advocacy leaders. Across Westchester, Putnam, and Orange County, we hosted multiple Legislative Power Hours, effectively creating mini-Lobby Days that brought members closer to their elected officials and legislative issues.
This year’s accomplishments reflect HGAR’s continued commitment to advocacy, education and engagement. From policy victories to innovative member programs, 2025 has strengthened HGAR’s position as a trusted, influential voice in New York’s real estate community. As we move into 2026, we will continue to advance our mission, empower members and shape policies that protect and grow our industry.
About the author: Dr. Jermaine Meadows is the Director of Government Affairs for the Bronx and Manhattan for the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors.
New York’s DOS licensing rules treat marketing and communications as part of the regulated brokerage business. Telemarketing compliance therefore connects directly to broker supervision obligations.
One of the key pieces of legislation discussed was Intro 1120, sponsored by Councilmember Julie Farías, that would establish clear timelines for cooperative boards to process, review, and issue decisions on co-op purchase applications.
HGAR’s Orange County Day featured a Legislative Power Hour with County Executive Steve Neuhaus, who addressed a packed room with his trademark energy.
New York’s housing ecosystem is at an inflection point. Affordability pressures, development bottlenecks, small-property owner challenges, regulatory changes, and aging housing stock are all converging at the same time.
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