Real Talk NYC | Podcast in RSS.com

Real Talk NYC

di The Real Estate Board of New York

How can NYC turn big events into economic impact?

New York City is having a moment. The Knicks have won the championship. The World Cup is underway. And the country just marked its 250th Anniversary. Through it all, New York is at the center of the action. But how does that energy turn into real economic impact? In this episode, we’re joined by Melissa Pumphrey, Chief Economist at NYC Economic Development Corporation, to break down what this moment means for New York City’s economy, how businesses can make the most of it, and where real estate fits into the bigger picture. Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit https://www.rebny.com/

Is your building ready for Local Law 97?

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 project BE-Ex's Climate Mobilization Act Series BE-Ex's Building Performance Partnership Webinar NYC Accelerator New York City Energy Efficiency Corporation Council of New York Cooperatives & Condominiums Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit https://www.rebny.com/

What are sidewalk sheds and why are they everywhere in New York City?

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.page Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit rebny.com

Will higher taxes save NYC — or hurt it?

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.org Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit rebny.com

Is congestion pricing working?

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/195631 Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit https://www.rebny.com

130 Years of REBNY: How did we get here, and what's next?

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.

How do your packages get to your door?

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

Before you vote: Do you know what's on the back of the ballot?

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

Is NYC’s affordable housing system on the verge of collapse?

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

Weather vs. NYC: are we ready?

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

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