This legislation will make available an opt-in tax incentive to incentivize redevelopment of vacant or abandoned one-to-four family homes for use as affordable homeownership or rental housing.
This year’s breakfast featured Kenny Burgos, former New York State Assembly Member and now CEO of the New York Apartment Association, as keynote speaker.
The region’s current month’s supply of inventory stands at 3.9 months—below the 4-to-6-month range typically associated with a balanced market.
This year’s breakfast featured Kenny Burgos, former New York State Assembly Member and now CEO of the New York Apartment Association, as keynote speaker.
Last week, the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors, in partnership with The Queens & Bronx Building Association, hosted its annual Legislative Breakfast, convening elected officials, Realtor leaders, and community partners for a powerful discussion on housing, policy, and the shared priorities shaping our region’s future.
The event served as a platform to reflect on the year’s legislative developments and to look ahead toward 2026 with renewed purpose and clarity. Dr. Jermaine Meadows, HGAR’s Bronx & Manhattan Director of Government Affairs, led the program by presenting HGAR’s 2026 Legislative Priorities, designed to align the organization’s advocacy with the real-world challenges and goals of its members. Drawing on months of listening sessions and policy discussions, Dr. Meadows outlined a forward-leaning agenda centered on housing affordability, co-op transparency, economic growth, and fair housing advancement.
This year’s breakfast featured Kenny Burgos, former New York State Assembly Member and now CEO of the New York Apartment Association, as keynote speaker. Burgos brought a unique perspective from both the public and private sides of the housing industry, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between Realtors, developers and policymakers in tackling the state’s affordability crisis.
The event also drew several distinguished guests, including New York State Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz, New York State Assembly Member Landon Dais and New York City Council Member Kevin Riley, each of whom shared remarks on the importance of continued dialogue between the real estate community and elected officials. Their participation underscored a shared commitment to advancing legislation that supports responsible development, strengthens communities and expands access to homeownership opportunities.
Beyond the policy discussions, HGAR used the occasion to make an exciting announcement—the impending opening of a new Bronx location on East Tremont Avenue—further cementing the organization’s long-term investment in the borough’s growth and its Realtor members. The new office will serve as both a professional resource hub and a community engagement space—expanding HGAR’s footprint and accessibility within the city.
The 2024 Legislative Breakfast reflected HGAR’s evolving role as a regional leader in housing advocacy and as a trusted partner to policymakers. By connecting member concerns directly with decision-makers and announcing tangible investments like the new Bronx office, HGAR continues to demonstrate its capacity to turn insight into action.
As HGAR moves into 2026, the organization remains focused on elevating the Realtor voice, shaping policy outcomes, and building partnerships that make a measurable impact across regions.
About the author: Dr. Jermaine Meadows is the Director of Government Affairs for the Bronx and Manhattan for the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors.
This legislation will make available an opt-in tax incentive to incentivize redevelopment of vacant or abandoned one-to-four family homes for use as affordable homeownership or rental housing.
Come March 2026, the federal government will expect nothing less than full compliance, and the penalties for non-reporting could be severe.
Mayor Patterson-Howard’s vision for Mount Vernon and beyond aligns closely with HGAR’s mission—to advocate for strong, vibrant communities where opportunity and homeownership are within reach for all.
HGAR is collaborating with the Long Island Board of Realtors, the Brooklyn-Queens Board of Realtors, and the Staten Island Board of Realtors, to form one of the largest Realtor coalitions in New York City.
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