Long Island Board of REALTORS® Champions Advocacy for Homeownership at Local, State, and National Levels

Long Island Board of REALTORS® (LIBOR) continues to lead the way in advocating for homeownership, housing opportunities, and policies that support the real estate profession. This spring, LIBOR members have actively engaged in a series of powerful advocacy initiatives at the local, state, and federal levels.

On April 23, LIBOR’s Government Affairs team hosted the 2nd Annual Congressional Coffee Talk at Merrick Golf Course. The event welcomed Members of Congress representing Long Island, including Congressman Nick LaLota (CD-1) and Congressman Tom Suozzi (CD-3), along with Joe Harris, Vice President of Government Advocacy for the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Nearly 90 LIBOR members attended the forum, which featured engaging discussions on key federal issues, including the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction, fair housing, and the growing affordability crisis on Long Island.

Just days later, on April 29, LIBOR members traveled to the New York State Capitol in Albany to participate in New York REALTORS® Annual Lobby Day, organized by New York State Association of REALTORS® (NYSAR). LIBOR members joined REALTORS® from across the state in 30 meetings with local Senators and Assembly Members representing Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties.

During these meetings, REALTORS® voiced strong support for initiatives that promote housing access and community development, including a proposed New York State First-Time Homebuyers Program and tax incentives to revitalize vacant properties. They also voiced opposition to proposed expansions of freshwater wetland regulations that could burden property owners and developers.

Most recently, LIBOR Nassau/Suffolk Government Affairs Committee Chair Paige Ryan testified before the Suffolk County Legislature to support a new local housing bill. Introduced by Legislator Rebecca Sanin (D–Huntington Station), the bill would require any new affordable housing developments receiving county workforce housing funds to set aside at least five units, or 10% of the total units, whichever is less, for volunteer firefighters and EMS workers. The bill aims to help local departments retain younger volunteers amid rising housing costs.

“Whether it’s in Washington, Albany, or right here in our communities, LIBOR is proud to represent the voice of REALTORS® and advocate for policies that promote homeownership, protect property rights, and ensure housing remains attainable for all Long Islanders,” said Mark Donnelly, 2025 LIBOR President.

In Queens, LIBOR members have been meeting regularly with New York City Council Members to encourage greater transparency and accountability in cooperative housing practices—an ongoing issue affecting prospective buyers across the borough.

Later this month, LIBOR will continue its advocacy efforts at the national level as members travel to Washington, D.C. for the NAR REALTORS® Legislative Meetings. This annual event unites thousands of REALTORS® from across the country to champion legislation that strengthens the real estate industry and expands access to homeownership.

For more information on LIBOR’s advocacy initiatives, visit www.lirealtor.com/advocacy.