HGAR’s Forsberg Named Chair of Bronx Chamber’s Inaugural Real Estate & Housing Policy Council

NEW YORK— The Bronx Chamber of Commerce announced recently the formation of its inaugural Real Estate & Housing Policy Council, an invite-only advisory body comprised of senior industry leaders focused on advancing practical, business-informed housing and development policy in the Bronx.

The council launches at a pivotal moment for the borough’s housing market, as property owners and developers navigate mounting financial pressures on rent-stabilized buildings, rising insurance and operating costs, constrained capital markets, and a slowdown in new housing production across New York City, Bronx Chamber officials stated.

Mackenzie Forsberg, co-founder and chief operating officer of Bronx-based Genesis Realty Group, will serve as chair of the inaugural council.

The founding members of the Real Estate & Housing Policy Council include:

• Kenny Burgos, CEO, New York Apartment Association
• Matt Engel, President, Langsam Property Services Corp.
• Sandra Erickson, President, Sandra Erickson Real Estate
• Mackenzie Forsberg, Co-Founder and COO, Genesis Realty Group
• Joanna Simone, President, Leasing and Property Management Operations, Simone Development
• Kathy Zamachansky, President, KZA Real Estate

“The real estate and housing sector is foundational to the Bronx economy,” said Lisa Sorin, president of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. “By bringing experienced leaders together in a focused and strategic way, we are strengthening our ability to advocate effectively and ensure the borough’s growth is thoughtful, balanced, and sustainable.”

The advisory group brings together executives and operators who collectively oversee thousands of residential units across the Bronx and the broader New York City market, spanning rent-stabilized, affordable and market-rate portfolios. The council will provide real-time industry intelligence to inform the Chamber’s advocacy at the city and state levels and help shape programming focused on housing supply, preservation, regulatory reform, permitting challenges and the commercial leasing environment.

“The Bronx is at a pivotal moment when it comes to housing preservation and production, affordability, and long-term development,” Forsberg said. “This council creates a focused forum for industry leaders to share practical insight and help shape policies that support responsible growth and a stronger borough.”

The council will meet monthly and serve in an advisory capacity to the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. Members will identify priority legislative and regulatory issues impacting the housing and real estate development sectors, support the development of policy briefings and forums, and help strengthen engagement between industry stakeholders and policymakers.

Engel said the group is forming at a critical inflection point for the sector. “Property owners and operators are navigating a complex regulatory environment alongside rising costs and evolving tenant needs,” Engel said. “Having a structured venue to elevate real-world experience and engage constructively on policy is essential.”

Simone added that collaboration between the private sector and government will be central to sustaining growth in The Bronx.

“The Bronx continues to attract investment and opportunity, but sustained growth requires smart policy and open dialogue,” Simone said. “This council allows industry leaders to contribute meaningfully to that conversation.”

Bronx Chamber officials noted that additional industry-focused working groups are expected to be announced later this year.