CRBRA Members Advocate for Housing Solutions During Lobby Day 2026

On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, a delegation of CRBRA members traveled to Albany for Lobby Day 2026 to meet with state legislators and staff about the issues impacting housing affordability and residential construction across New York.

We had productive conversations with Assemblymembers Carrie Woerner, Gabriella Romero, and John McDonald, as well as staff for Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara, Assemblymember Phil Steck, Senator Patricia Fahy, and Senator Jake Ashby.

Thank you to the following members for taking time away from their businesses to actively represent CRBRA's 270+ member companies:  Karen Redick, Redbud Development; Frank Barbera, Barbera Homes; Amy Paigo & Aimee Cianfarani, Teakwood Builders; Erik Kohler, Kohler Homes; Gregg Biche, Quality Design & Remodel; Paul Pipino, Pipino Builders; Billy DeOrazio & Steve Niro, Bellevue Builders Supply; Steven Stiansen, TPL Flooring; Joe Decker, Pella by Crawford; Bill Hoblock, Richbell Capital Construction; and Peter Riposa, Capital Region Premier Property Management.

Throughout the day, there was strong acknowledgment of New York’s housing affordability challenges and the need to reduce unnecessary barriers to housing production. Legislators and staff were receptive to the real-world examples our members shared regarding permitting delays, project timelines, and rising construction costs.

Key Topics Discussed

• SEQRA reform to reduce unnecessary delays while maintaining environmental protections
• Clarifying grandfathering provisions related to New York’s All-Electric Building Act through S.685 (Martinez) / A.6327 (Woerner)
• Practical, science-based implementation of freshwater wetlands regulations and General Permit 006
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Several legislators expressed appreciation for the explanation of SEQRA reform proposals and the distinctions between the Governor’s proposal and Senator May’s bill. CRBRA will continue providing legislators and staff with additional information and resources as budget negotiations continue.

We also heard encouraging feedback regarding S.685 (Martinez) / A.6327 (Woerner), with several legislators indicating they would revisit co-sponsorship of the legislation.

We also discussed the status of General Permit 006 and the uncertainty surrounding wetlands implementation. Prior to the court decision annulling the regulations, NYSBA had been working closely with the DEC on updates intended to create a more practical, science-based approach to wetland buffer areas. Several offices indicated they plan to continue discussions with DEC following completion of the state budget.

One theme consistently emerged throughout the day: implementation matters. While many of the policy goals being discussed are well-intentioned, our conversations reinforced the importance of clear guidance, practical timelines, and predictable processes that reflect the real-world realities of residential construction.

Most importantly, Lobby Day gave us another valuable opportunity to position CRBRA and our members as a trusted, knowledgeable resource on residential construction and housing-related issues throughout the Capital Region.

CRBRA remains committed to serving as a trusted resource for policymakers on residential construction, housing affordability, and responsible housing growth throughout the Capital Region.