Real Talk NYC

Local Law 97 is quickly becoming one of the biggest challenges facing New York City buildings — especially co-ops and condos.Designed to cut carbon emissions, the law sets strict limits for large buildings, with steep penalties for those that don’t comply. It’s a major step toward the city’s climate goals, but for co-ops, the path forward is far from straightforward.So what does compliance actually look like?In this episode, we’re joined by Richard Yancey, CEO of the Building Energy Exchange, to break down what Local Law 97 means for co-ops and what comes next for buildings across New York City.Resources discussed in the episode:BE-Ex's Cutting Carbon in Co-ops & Condos projectBE-Ex's Climate Mobilization Act SeriesBE-Ex's Building Performance Partnership WebinarNYC AcceleratorNew York City Energy Efficiency CorporationCouncil of New York Cooperatives & CondominiumsWant to learn more about REBNY? Visit https://www.rebny.com/

Creating access to opportunity in New York City takes more than policy — it takes people willing to meet students where they are and help them move forward. That’s the work Dr. Suzanne Jones has dedicated her career to.In our latest episode of Real Talk Insiders, Dr. Jones shares how she’s expanding inclusion, accessibility, and career readiness. Through programs like the Summer Youth Employment Program and partnerships with REBNY, her work helps students build confidence, navigate academic and professional paths, and access opportunities in the real estate industry that have traditionally been harder to reach.In recognition of Neurodiversity Awareness Month, this conversation explores what real support looks like and how we can create opportunity across the industry for every kind of learner.Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit www.rebny.com.

Sidewalk sheds are everywhere in New York City — lining blocks, darkening storefronts, and often staying up for years.Originally designed to protect pedestrians from falling debris, many of these structures stem from Local Law 11, the city’s facade inspection requirement for taller buildings. The law was created to improve safety, but critics say it has also led to thousands of long-term sheds and costly, complex repairs.So how did we get here? Are sidewalk sheds actually making the city safer? And is there a better way?In this episode, we’re joined by Ahmed Tigani, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Buildings, to break down how the system works today and what potential reforms could mean for the future of New York City’s streets.To learn more about Local Law 11 and read the report, visit https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/safety/facade-local-law.pageWant to learn more about REBNY? Visit rebny.com

New York City is already one of the most expensive places in the country to live — and to do business.It has some of the highest taxes in the nation and one of the highest levels of government spending. Now, just weeks into his term, Mayor Mamdani has announced a $12 billion budget gap and renewed calls to raise taxes on wealthy individuals and corporations.Supporters say higher taxes are needed to protect essential services. Critics warn they could drive away jobs and investment. So what do the numbers actually show?In this episode, we’re joined by Andrew Rein, President of the Citizens Budget Commission, to break down where the City’s finances stand and what raising taxes could mean for New York’s future.To learn more about the Citizens Budget Commission and read their reports, visit cbcny.orgWant to learn more about REBNY? Visit rebny.com

One year ago, New York City launched congestion pricing: one of the most ambitious and controversial transportation policies in its history.Supporters said it would reduce traffic, speed up buses, improve air quality, and fund critical transit upgrades. Critics warned of economic fallout, traffic spillover, and unfair impacts. Now, a year in, we have data.In this episode, we’re joined by John McCarthy, Chief of Policy and External Relations at the MTA, to walk through what congestion pricing has changed, what’s still being evaluated, and what the future of the program could look like for New York City.Learn more about congestion pricing at https://congestionreliefzone.mta.info/See the MTA's first evaluation report at https://www.mta.info/document/195631Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit https://www.rebny.com

Since its founding in 1896, the Real Estate Board of New York has played a pivotal role in shaping the city through cycles of growth, challenge, and reinvention. Many of today’s policies and planning decisions can be traced back to that long history of advocacy.In this episode, we’re joined by Steven Spinola, REBNY’s longest-serving President, and Jim Whelan, REBNY’s current President, to reflect on the organization’s most defining moments and what they reveal about the future of New York City. To learn more about REBNY, visit rebny.com.

Every day, more than two million packages move through New York City. And behind each delivery is a complex system of trucks, warehouses, and last-minute logistics most of us never see. As we head into the holiday season, that system is under even more strain. In this episode, we’re joined by Zach McHugh of Sitex Group, a leader in industrial and logistics real estate that keeps New York’s supply chain moving. We explore how the city is tackling this issue and why some of the proposed solutions may exacerbate the very congestion and safety issues they are meant to solve.Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit www.rebny.com

Five major ballot proposals could reshape how New York City plans, builds, and governs itself. Supporters say they’ll cut red tape, accelerate housing production, and modernize city government. Critics argue they’ll weaken community input and centralize decision-making in City Hall.In this episode, we’re joined by Basha Gerhards, Executive Vice President of Public Policy at REBNY, to unpack how these proposals came about, what they could mean for housing and development, and why they’re sparking debate across the city.We explore how these charter revisions could alter the balance of power between the Mayor and City Council, change the pace of development, and impact how everyday New Yorkers engage in local democracy.Election Day is November 4th. Find out where and how to vote at vote.nyc — and don’t forget to flip your ballot to weigh in on the charter revisions.Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit www.rebny.com

New York’s rent-stabilized housing system covers nearly a third of the city’s apartments and shelters more than 2 million New Yorkers. But rising costs, outdated regulations, and political battles are pushing this system to the brink.In this episode, we’re joined by Matt Engel, President of Langsam Property Services, to break down what’s really happening behind the scenes.We explore how 2019 reforms, skyrocketing insurance costs, and proposals for multi-year rent freezes are reshaping the city’s housing landscape, and what’s at stake for both tenants and owners if the system isn’t fixed.Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit www.rebny.com

Why are so many new buildings in New York City topping out at exactly 99 apartments? In this bonus episode, we’re bringing you quick insights as REBNY Senior Data and Policy Researcher Henry Perez-Tlatenchi explains the surprising reason behind this trend and what it means for the future of development across the city.To learn more, read Bloomberg’s full article at bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-09/nyc-apartment-construction-wage-requirement-leads-to-99-unit-buildingsWant to learn more about REBNY? Visit www.rebny.com

New York is getting hotter, wetter, and less predictable. For decades, the city was defined by a continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. But according to the latest U.S. National Climate Assessment, New York has officially shifted to a subtropical climate, marked by more extreme heat, milder winters, and heavier rainfall.In this episode we’re joined by Rohit Aggarwala, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and the City’s Chief Climate Officer, to unpack what’s behind this transformation.We explore how much of the shift is driven by global climate change and how rising temperatures are reshaping everything from public health and infrastructure to energy use and urban planning.Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit www.rebny.com

Have you ever wondered who’s been shaping New York City into one of the world’s leading tech hubs?In this episode of Real Talk Insiders, Julie Samuels, Founder of Tech:NYC, shares her journey from lawyer to civic tech leader and how she built a career at the intersection of technology, policy, and urban life. Under her leadership, Tech:NYC has become a vital bridge between technology companies and policymakers, helping drive innovation that benefits all New Yorkers. Hear Julie’s insights on the future of the city’s tech sector, her career path, and why advocacy matters now more than ever.Want to learn more about Tech:NYC? Visit https://technyc.orgWant to learn more about REBNY? Visit https://www.rebny.com/

New York City runs on infrastructure, but some of its most vital systems have long struggled to meet modern demands. In this episode, we're joined by Rick Cotton, Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, to explore two of the most ambitious transit projects in the country: the $19 billion transformation of JFK Airport and the long-overdue redevelopment of the Midtown Bus Terminal.Together, these projects aim to reshape how over 80 million people move through the city each year. We discuss the challenges of building while staying operational, how lessons from LaGuardia are influencing the approach, and what it means to make long-term investments in the infrastructure New Yorkers use every day.Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit www.rebny.com

Have you ever wondered who's behind the evolution of New York City's iconic Central Park? Introducing Real Talk Insiders, a new series featuring candid conversations with the leaders reshaping New York City’s built environment and urban experience. In our first episode, Betsy Smith, President and CEO of the Central Park Conservancy, shares how she's guiding Central Park into the future, from launching the innovative Davis Center to empowering New Yorkers to become active stewards of their beloved green space. Hear Betsy's vision for urban parks, insights on her remarkable career path, and what the future holds for Central Park. Want to learn more about the Central Park Conservancy? Visit https://www.centralparknyc.org/supportWant to learn more about REBNY? Visit https://www.rebny.com/

New York City has officially gone all-in on composting. As of this year, all residential buildings are required to separate food waste—and for the first time, fines are being issued for those who don’t. It’s a sweeping policy change that raises a fundamental question: how do you get millions of fast-moving New Yorkers to actually change their habits?Catesby Perrin, Chief Business Officer at Mill, joins us to unpack the new rules and what they mean for residents, property owners, and the planet. Mill’s high-tech kitchen bin offers one innovative solution: it turns food scraps into reusable material, without the smell or mess.We break down why composting matters, how the system works in NYC, and whether tools like Mill can help residents comply with the law—while also making a real dent in climate impact and waste.Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit https://www.rebny.com/Want to try Mill? Get $75 off a bin for your home or workplace with code REALTALK at mill.com/realtalk

Every few years, New Yorkers have the chance to shape the future of their city through local elections, but most don’t. In the 2023 primary, just 7% of registered voters turned out, leaving major decisions in the hands of a small, highly motivated group.Sally Goldenberg, Senior New York Editor at Politico, joins us to break down what’s at stake in this June’s Democratic primary. From the power of the mayor’s office to City Council dynamics, we explore why local races matter more than many people realize.We also dig into the key issues — like housing, public safety, education, and transit — that hang in the balance, and how voters can navigate a crowded field to make informed choices.Check your voter registration status: https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/Find your polling site: https://findmypollsite.vote.nyc/Read about the candidates on Politico: https://www.politico.com/news/new-yorkTake the "Meet Your Mayor" Quiz: https://projects.thecity.nyc/meet-your-mayor-2025-election-quiz-candidates/Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit https://www.rebny.com/

Tech is now the fastest-growing industry in New York City, and artificial intelligence is playing a major role in that rise. As AI becomes more embedded in daily life, city and state lawmakers are beginning to draft the rules that will govern how it’s used.Alex Spyropoulos, Director of Government Relations at Tech:NYC, joins us to unpack the latest AI legislation being discussed in New York. From data privacy and algorithmic bias to transparency and job impacts, we explore how New York is trying to strike a balance between innovation and accountability.Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit https://www.rebny.com/

In recognition of National Fair Housing Month, we’re taking a closer look at the fight for housing equity and what still stands in the way.April DeSimone, founder of Publis, joins us to explore how the design of our cities impacts justice and opportunity. From her upbringing in the Bronx to her work at the intersection of policy and the built environment, April unpacks how systemic inequality is shaped and how we can begin to repair it.Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit https://www.rebny.com/

Sixty years after the NYC Landmarks Law was passed, we’re taking a closer look at how landmark status is decided – and why it matters.Meenakshi Srinivasan, former Chair and Commissioner of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, joins us to explain how buildings earn protection, who makes the call, and how preservation fits into a city that’s always changing. From iconic facades to hidden gems, we explore what it really means to preserve New York’s past for its future.Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit https://www.rebny.com/

Midtown South is one of New York City’s most transit-rich and centrally located neighborhoods, yet few people call it home. That’s because outdated zoning laws – some dating back more than half a century – have long prohibited new housing in the area.In this episode we talk with Edith Hsu-Chen, Executive Director of the New York City Department of City Planning, to discuss the Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan (MSMX) – a proposal to transform 42 blocks of Midtown South into a vibrant, 24/7 neighborhood where people can live, work, and thrive.To learn more about MSMX, visit https://www.midtownsouthplan.nyc/Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit https://www.rebny.com/

New York City has an ambitious goal: reaching carbon zero by 2050. But with nearly 70% of the city’s emissions coming from buildings, meeting that goal requires transformative action—and fast.That’s where Local Law 97 comes in. Passed in 2019, LL97 imposes strict energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emission limits on most buildings over 25,000 square feet. Supporters see it as a critical step toward the city’s climate goals, but the law has sparked questions about feasibility, fairness, and enforcement, as well as pushback from property owners.In this episode we’re joined by JP Flaherty, who leads sustainability strategy at Tishman Speyer. JP will help us unpack what Local Law 97 means for the future of New York City and whether it can deliver on the promise of a carbon-zero future.Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit https://www.rebny.com/

In December, the New York City Council approved a plan called City of Yes—a sweeping set of reforms designed to modernize the city's zoning laws. In this episode, REBNY’s Senior Vice President of Planning Basha Gerhards helps us unpack what City of Yes means for New York's future.For more information about City of Yes, visit https://www.nyc.gov/site/planning/plans/city-of-yes/city-of-yes-overview.pageWant to learn more about REBNY? Visit https://www.rebny.com/

After many years of debate, the MTA recently voted to approve congestion pricing, which will go into effect on January 5th. In this episode, New York State Budget Director Blake Washington helps us understand how congestion pricing will impact New Yorkers and fund public transit improvements.For more information about congestion pricing, visit https://congestionreliefzone.mta.info/.Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit https://www.rebny.com/.

New York is facing twin real-estate crises: a massive amount of empty office space and almost no new housing construction. One solution is turning those empty office buildings into housing. Brian Steinwurtzel, co-CEO and principal of GFP Real Estate, helps us understand the economic, design, zoning, and regulatory challenges involved in executing successful conversions.Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit https://www.rebny.com/.

New York is emerging from a high-stakes 2024 election that could redefine the City and state’s priorities on issues ranging from housing to public safety. Jefrey Pollock, Founding Partner and President of Global Strategy Group, helps us unpack the election outcomes and gives us a sense of how they could shape New York’s future.Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit https://www.rebny.com/.

New York City's Housing Voucher Program is critical in tackling homelessness and boosting housing stability. Christine Quinn, President and CEO of Women in Need (Win), outlines how the program works and what can be done to improve the process and house more New Yorkers.Read the report published by REBNY and Win: https://www.rebny.com/reports/housing-more-new-yorkers/To learn more about Win and support their work, visit https://winnyc.org/.Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit https://www.rebny.com/.

In this episode of Real Talk NYC, we discuss the impact that social media is having on the way residential real estate agents do business. Madison Sutton, a Serhant agent here in New York City tells the story of how she got started on social media, shares her predictions about the future of the business, and gives tips for building a personal brand.Follow Madison on Instagram or TikTok @thenycagent.Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit https://www.rebny.com/.

Introducing Real Talk NYC, a new podcast by The Real Estate Board of New York. Monthly, we’re bringing expert insights to New York City's most pressing questions. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.