2025 NYBC Annual Report

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A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIR AND PRESIDENT & CEO

The future of New York’s construction industry is bright. We are primed to keep building on previous successes – from the implementation of Congestion Pricing to the passage of City of Yes for Housing Opportunity. With innovative projects like the transformative Gateway program, reimagining the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and expanding the Second Avenue subway, the stage is set for growth across the region.

Investing in our industry means investing in New York’s future. When our industry thrives, we see economic prosperity, thousands of good-paying jobs in local communities and the creation of infrastructure that will support New Yorkers for decades to come.
Our members are essential to the growth that we have seen in recent years and anticipate for the coming years. New York would never have transformed into what it is now without you, our members – and you are vital to the building process that will make New York more accessible, equitable and resilient, as it evolves for the future.

For more than a century, the New York Building Congress has been the driving force behind industry growth across the Empire State. Our 500+ members are at the core of our mission. From city centers to neighborhoods, our members are shaping communities for the better – bringing blueprints to life and creating the New York of tomorrow.

As highlighted in this Annual Report, our organization is currently in its strongest position to date. Our advocacy across federal, state and city governments has been more robust than ever before, yielding top policy and budget priorities at all levels.
The Building Congress is proud to continue advocating on behalf of our members and industry, and looks forward to another exciting year ahead. With our government partners, we will continue our efforts to streamline the land use review process, increase as-of-right zoning capacity for building projects, and create incentives for development as the city faces a desperate housing crisis.

But our work is far from over. As national infrastructure funding dwindles, we must continue engaging with elected officials at every level of government to ensure adequate investment in essential projects, from schools and roads to affordable housing and mass transit improvements. We’re committed to bringing lawmakers together to fund another infrastructure plan and build a fairer, more equitable system.

As always, our members have displayed remarkable perseverance over the past year, driving critical infrastructure projects and spurring economic development. We stand behind you every step of the way, ready to support your efforts as we grow and expand our reach.

We are motivated by the progress we’ve made so far and can’t wait to see what the industry’s future holds. Together, we’ll keep working to build a better life for all New Yorkers.

VISION

The New York Building Congress will lead the building industry – and the people who work within it – toward a more equitable, prosperous, and resilient future in New York and beyond.

MISSION STATEMENT

The New York Building Congress provides a unique forum to advance an industry-wide agenda that strengthens New York’s built environment. It does so by facilitating the collaboration of diverse stakeholders and communities, with a focus on economic and infrastructure development, job creation and professional exchange.

On behalf of more than 500 constituent organizations comprising more than 250,000 skilled tradespeople and professionals, the Building Congress supports sound public policy, promotes productive capital spending, encourages public/private partnerships and evaluates the implementation of major government projects.

To foster relationships and cooperation, the Building Congress sponsors consensus-building activities and encourages a free exchange of ideas among leaders of industry associations, businesses and the public sector.

The Building Congress promotes competence and productivity in the workplace, with special emphasis on public service, teamwork and partnership with government. Members are encouraged to conduct business with honesty, integrity, and a spirit of fair competition.

ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES

Advocacy
Civic-Mindedness
Collaboration & Cooperation
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Innovation & Forward-Thinking
Member Support
Sustainability & Resiliency

104 YEARS: BUILDING ON A LEGACY

Our Rich History

In 2021, the New York Building Congress celebrated its Centennial. Over the previous 100 years, the organization grew from 25 members to now representing over 500. The Building Congress has always been the leading voice of the building industry, supporting impactful public policy, encouraging public private partnerships, and promoting an innovative future for New York.

Our Bright Future

Looking to the future, the Building Congress will continue to advocate for our members, our industry, and our city and state. Advocacy is at the core of what we do, and the progress that results from it is why we do it: for our members, our industry, and the residents of New York.

To that end, the Building Congress will continue to address the challenges that face New York now and anticipate those to come. The following goals, straight from our Strategic Blueprint Report, represent the Building Congress’ future commitments, as determined by research and engagement with Building Congress staff and board, leadership, and member organizations. Every goal takes into account the driving force behind all we do: the policy advocacy we as an organization have always undertaken on behalf of our members and our industry:

GOAL 1

Elevate the building industry as a driving force for civic and economic development across New York and the nation.

GOAL 2

Develop future generations of industry leaders who will build an equitable, prosperous, and resilient New York.

GOAL 3

Engage new sectors and firm types in the building industry to leverage the opportunities of the next century.

GOAL 4

Be the stabilizing force for the building industry in turbulent times.

BUILDING CONGRESS BY THE NUMBERS

500+

Member Organizations

250,000+

NYBC Member Professionals and Skilled Tradespeople in the Workforce

8,500+

Projects Across NYS and $535 Billion In Value by NYBC Board Members

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY JOBS IN 2025

583,000+

Total Projected Statewide

250,000+

Total New York City

NYC CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY

$262 BILLION

In NYC Economic Activity 2024-2026

on Government Projects

of NYC Construction Spending on Residential Projects

on Non-Residential Projects

NATIONWIDE HIGHLIGTHS

33,000+

Projects Nationwide

1.8 Trillion

In Value By NYBC Board Members*

$2.2 Trillion

Total annual spending / gross output (2024)

4.5%

Construction industry share of U.S. GDP (2024)

8.2 million

Total construction industry employment (2024)

6.2 million

Total employment in construction-specific occupations (2023)

3.7 million

Number of construction businesses

1.6 million

Total homes built per year (2024)

* PAST 3 YEARS

WHY THE BUILDING CONGRESS?

Help forge a common agenda for New York City’s building industry, working with the overall design, construction, and real estate community.
Participate on committees and task forces and in special events involving industry leaders and public officials of diverse backgrounds and experience.
Support political action on industry-impacting issues, including increased infrastructure investment, streamlined procurement, and major rezonings and other strategic economic development initiatives.
Receive timely communications on member news, networking events, policy and legislative updates, and information on current and future market conditions and emerging trends affecting the industry.
Identify with one of the city’s largest industries and a vital economic engine for growth.

NEW MEMBER BENEFITS

One guest invitation to a Construction Industry Breakfast.
Highlighted listings in the Building Congress Membership Directory, Building Beat, and on buildingcongress.com.
An invitation to Member Appreciation Events.

ANNUAL DUES | MEMBERSHIP LEVELS | MEMBERSHIP LISTING

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EVENTS

The New York Building Congress had a huge year of events in 2024, executing productions of various scale throughout the year.

The 2024 Annual Membership Meeting & Construction Industry Luncheon in January was a pivotal event, bringing together a diverse range of industry professionals, policymakers, and thought leaders. The meeting provided a platform to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year, discuss key challenges facing the industry, and outline a vision for the future. The event also marked the installation of Gregory Kelly as the incoming Chair of the New York Building Congress and Elizabeth Velez as the incoming Chair of the New York Building Foundation. In addition to remarks from New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and a keynote from the Chair of the City Planning Commission, Dan Garodnick, the meeting highlighted the commitment to advancing the industry.

In March, our first Construction Industry Breakfast took place featuring a keynote by MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber, and a panel discussion with Richard Davey, President of New York City Transit, Rob Free, Acting President of the Long Island Rail Road, and Catherine Rinaldi, President of the Metro-North Railroad. The Construction Industry Breakfasts hosted by the New York Building Congress have been a series of informative and engaging events that have brought together industry professionals to discuss key issues and trends.

The 103rd Anniversary Leadership Awards Luncheon was held in May. The event was Co-Chaired by Les Hiscoe, President & CEO of Shawmut Design and Construction, and Jill Lerner, FAIA, Principal, Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, with Mark Gregorio, President of TEI Group serving as Journal Chair. The Luncheon recognized individuals who have made significant contributions to the building and construction industry. Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building & Construction Trades Council, was the Guest of Honor, and the Jack and Lewis Rudin Award for Service to New York City was presented to Kathryn Wylde, President & CEO of Partnership for New York City. Greenpoint Landing received the Building the Future Award.

The Building Congress hosted a Construction Industry Breakfast in July that featured a “Building a City of Yes” panel discussion with Tom Foley, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Design & Construction, Ya-Ting Liu, Chief Public Realm Officer of NYC and Ydanis Rodriguez, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation and was moderated by Building Congress President & CEO, Carlo Scissura.

Members were celebrated in August at an Appreciation Reception that highlighted the benefits of joining the organization and provided a networking opportunity for nearly 200 guests.

Summer came to a close with the Golf and Tennis Outing at Westchester Country Club. The event featured networking, some golf and tennis, a fun charity auction and plenty of food and drinks.

The New York Building Congress hosted over 400 people at its October Construction Industry Breakfast. The event featured opening remarks by First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer, a presentation of the Construction Outlook Report and a Keynote by Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner.

The Building Congress capped off a successful year with its Industry Recognition Gala. The event was Co-Chaired by Laura Bush, Regional Director of NYC Metro at Consigli Construction Co., Inc and Bane Gaiser, U.S. East & LATAM Chief Executive at AECOM. The event honored Cheryl McKissack Daniel, President & CEO of McKissack & McKissack and Edward V. Piccinich, Chief Operating Officer of SL Green Realty Corp. The Building Congress also presented the Building the Future Award to Northwell Health and the George A. Fox Public Service Award to Jonathan Resnick, President of Jack Resnick & Sons. With more than 900 guests in attendance, the Building Congress celebrated the accomplishments of the building industry and prepared for everything that’s ahead in 2025.

ADVOCACY

The New York Building Congress is the leading champion for the building industry, playing a key role in shaping the built environment of our region and beyond. We bring together architects, engineers, contractors, developers, owners, consultants, labor and everyone in between. We navigate challenges and seize opportunities, consistently supporting initiatives to foster growth, drive job creation and create a stronger economy for all New Yorkers.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) will need reauthorization in 2026. Discussions on its scope and scale will begin this year. Our top priority will be to ensure a robust reauthorization of that landmark legislation, and to ensure that the funds already announced are allocated swiftly to projects across America, particularly in the New York region. The BIL was an essential shot in the arm and we as an organization will continue to fight for long-term, recurring commitments to fund vital projects and repairs, stewarded by the expertise of our members, to rebuild our aging infrastructure.

AGENDA

Federal

Ensure the region gets the share it deserves from the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA).
Reauthorize the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law before it expires in 2026.
Kickstart the Federal Infrastructure Bank to guarantee continued investment in nationwide infrastructure. The bank is intended to provide equity investments, direct loans, and loan guarantees for the planning, predevelopment, design, construction, operation, or maintenance of infrastructure projects in the United States.
Streamline Environmental Reviews: Enact reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to expedite reviews for infrastructure projects.
Begin planning and design work on the Army Corps of Engineers’ proposed system of storm surge protections along coastal areas from Upper Manhattan to Jamaica Bay.

State

Fully fund the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s 2025-2029 Capital Plan
Facilitate a smooth implementation of the State’s 485x program and monitor the extent to which it creates housing unit growth. It is clear that the state needed a replacement for the lapse 421A tax abatement to incentivize affordable housing.
Support statewide legislation and citywide rezonings that encourage transit-oriented development.
Improve access to more flexible project delivery methods such as progressive design-build, CM-Build and CM-at-Risk.
Establish a Direct Renewable Energy Fund to shift funding from utility ratepayers to a state-financed renewable fund within the state budget.
Create a streamlined one stop-shop for all M/WBE procurements.

City

Encourage robust capital spending from the $63 billion 2023-2026 capital commitment plan.
Expand mixed-use zoning, including deepening zoning exemptions within special transit land use districts and eliminate parking minimums.
Invest in existing and expanded healthcare and life science infrastructure.
Protect our environment by investing in renewable energy transmission infrastructure upgrades, energy storage systems, and decarbonized steam.
Streamline permit approvals, invoice payments, and change order processes across all citywide procurement agencies.

PRIORITY PROJECTS

Transform Midtown West:
- The Gateway Program
- Penn Station Redevelopment
- New Port Authority Bus Terminal
Replace and Reimagine the BQE
Complete Phases 2 and 3 of the 2nd Ave. Subway
Initiate the Interborough Express (IBX)
Improve MTA Station Accessibility

COMMITTEES & COUNCILS

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ETHICS & RESPONSIBILITY

The New York Building Congress promotes the interests of the greater building community of New York City and its environs through the membership of individuals, companies and organizations, including contractors, architects, engineers, unions, real estate managers, developers, owners and associations. The Building Congress supports the growth and success of the construction industry and the responsible development of the region and strives to maintain and broaden the public’s confidence in the construction industry.

The Building Congress involves a membership dedicated to honesty, integrity, and fair dealing. This Statement of Ethics and Responsibility expresses the particular commitments expected of Building Congress membership. Membership in the Building Congress is voluntary. By accepting membership, a member commits to adhere to the principles set forth in this Statement.

Members shall conduct all their business in an honest and ethical manner, abiding the requirements of laws and regulations.
Members are committed to refraining from any act discreditable to the industry. Consistent with this commitment, members shall not:
- knowingly violate laws and regulations;
- knowingly offer false testimony to any governmental or other regulatory body or official;
- offer or make any payment or gift to a public official, or a person employed by a potential customer or client, with the intent of influencing the recipient’s judgment in connection with an existing or prospective project in which the member is interested;
- accept payment or gifts that are intended to influence their judgment in the case of members serving in a public capacity or representing the interests of their employer;
- knowingly allow unsafe practices that could jeopardize the safety, health and welfare of workers or the public; and
- knowingly allow practices that discriminate against individuals or companies based upon race, gender, age, creed, sexual orientation or national origin.
Members are responsible for adherence to this Statement.
Members should embrace the spirit and letter of the law governing their professional affairs and should promote and serve the public interest in their personal and professional activities.
Organizational members are free to set standards applicable to them.

2025 NYBC Annual Report