by: Bria Donohue
Earlier this week, AIA New York rallied in support of the State Environment Quality Review Act (SEQRA) reforms in Governor Hochul’s Let Them Build Agenda, standing alongside Governor Hochul, Mayor Mamdani, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, and members of the Unlock New York’s Future Coalition.
As part of Governor Hochul’s Fiscal Year 2027 Executive Budget Proposal, reforms to modernize SEQRA were included with the aim of cutting red tape and reducing administrative burdens while making it easier to strengthen environmental initiatives and build critical projects, lowering the cost of housing and utilities. “For far too long needless, outdated red tape has stood in the way of the housing and infrastructure that New Yorkers need to address the housing crisis and make life more affordable in communities across our state,” Governor Hochul said. “New York is a place defined by our boundless ambition—we are a state that builds. It is time that we cut the red tape that too often slows down projects and let communities build, so we can offer all New Yorkers the more affordable and livable state that they deserve and attract new residents who want to call New York home.”
AIANY is a strong supporter of efforts at the city and state level to reform processes to expedite housing development, reduce costs, and enable projects to pencil out. Learn more about the Let Them Build Agenda here and watch the video of the rally on February 10, 2026.