LIBOR Highlights Advocacy Efforts as Long Island Faces Historic Housing Shortage

As Long Island and New York experience record-low housing inventory, Long Island Board of REALTORS® (LIBOR) is amplifying its advocacy efforts at the local, state, and national levels—demonstrating the strength of its partnership with the New York State Association of REALTORS® (NYSAR) and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) to address one of the most urgent challenges facing homeowners and communities today.

Recent headlines underscore the severity of the crisis, with housing inventory across Long Island reaching historic lows. In response, NYSAR issued a statement calling for immediate action, emphasizing that while progress has been made, it is not happening fast enough to meet demand. The organization urged state leaders to accelerate efforts to remove barriers and facilitate increased housing production.

Advocacy in Action: A Unified Voice for Housing Solutions

In alignment with NYSAR, LIBOR is actively supporting a statewide Call for Action tied to Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposal to cut red tape and accelerate housing development. Central to this effort is reforming the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), an outdated law that continues to delay construction, increase costs, and limit the supply of new housing.

With the 2026–2027 state budget under negotiation, REALTORS® across Long Island are being urged to contact their state lawmakers and advocate for SEQRA reforms that will help expand housing opportunities and improve affordability—while maintaining strong environmental protections.

LIBOR’s position is clear: increasing housing supply requires smart, balanced policies that encourage development while maintaining community integrity. LIBOR opposes unnecessary barriers that delay growth, limit opportunity, and restrict housing production, and it advocates for forward‑looking decision‑making that addresses resistance to development, which can delay progress and impede meaningful housing solutions

At the same time, LIBOR supports flexible, market-based solutions—such as incentivizing below-market-rate housing within private developments through tax abatements and reasonable zoning adjustments—while rejecting one-size-fits-all mandates.

Local Impact: Supporting Smart Development

At the local level, LIBOR continues to advocate for projects that align with its pro-housing, pro-community mission. Most recently, LIBOR submitted testimony in support of Melville Crossing, a proposed redevelopment project in the Town of Huntington.

The project would transform a vacant, underutilized industrial site into a vibrant mixed-use community featuring approximately 400 residential units, including a mix of rental apartments and condominiums for purchase, alongside retail and public spaces. The development is designed to increase housing supply without displacing residents or impacting open space, while also generating economic activity and tax revenue for the surrounding community.

In its testimony, LIBOR emphasized that responsible redevelopment projects like Melville Crossing are essential to addressing Long Island’s housing shortage. The plan includes opportunities for first-time homebuyers to build equity through homeownership, as well as designated affordable units to support working families, first responders, and seniors looking to downsize while remaining in the community.

“REALTORS® are independent contractors and small business owners with a vested interest in Long Island’s future,” LIBOR noted in its testimony. “Projects like Melville Crossing represent a responsible path forward—creating housing opportunities for every generation while supporting the long-term economic health of our region.”

 Advocacy Across Every Level of Government

LIBOR’s advocacy extends beyond policy positions to direct engagement with elected officials and decision-makers.

The year kicked off with Real Talk: New Nassau Leaders, LIBOR’s third annual REALTOR®-focused forum featuring first-term Nassau County legislators. Members had a valuable opportunity to connect with these newly elected officials and discuss their goals and plans for the 2026 legislative session.

On March 31, LIBOR hosted a Queens Member Access event with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards at Queens Borough Hall. Members heard firsthand about key housing and development issues impacting Queens—from co-op transparency to expanding pathways to homeownership.

Building on that momentum, LIBOR is expanding its Member Access series to Nassau and Suffolk counties, creating additional opportunities for members to engage directly with Town Supervisors on the housing and development challenges unique to each region.

On April 2, LIBOR welcomed nearly 70 members to its 3rd Annual Congressional Coffee Talk at Clinton G. Martin Park in New Hyde Park. The bipartisan forum featured Congressman Nick LaLota (CD-1) and Congressman Tom Suozzi (CD-3), moderated by Joe Harris, Vice President of Government Advocacy for NAR., with a special welcome from Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena. The lively discussion focused on the real-world challenges homeowners face and the policy solutions needed to address them.

Looking ahead, LIBOR members will be advocating directly with policymakers at every level—meeting with state lawmakers in Albany for NYSAR Lobby Day and traveling to Washington, D.C. in June for NAR Day on the Hill during the Association’s annual REALTOR® Legislative Meetings.

Strength in Partnership

As part of a powerful, unified advocacy network, LIBOR works in close coordination with NYSAR and NAR to ensure REALTORS® have a voice at every level of government. Together, the three organizations form a trilateral partnership dedicated to protecting private property rights, expanding homeownership opportunities, and fostering strong, sustainable communities.

“REALTORS® are uniquely positioned at the intersection of policy and people,” said Shaan Khan, LIBOR President. “Through our work with NYSAR and NAR, we are advocating not only for our members, but for every consumer who deserves access to safe, affordable housing.”

With inventory at historic lows and demand continuing to rise, LIBOR remains committed to advancing solutions that will strengthen Long Island’s housing market, support economic growth, and ensure future generations can live, work, and thrive in the communities they call home.