Real Talk NYC

Midtown South is one of New York City’s most transit-rich and centrally located neighborhoods, yet few people call it home. That’s because outdated zoning laws – some dating back more than half a century – have long prohibited new housing in the area. In this episode we talk with Edith Hsu-Chen, Executive Director of the New York City Department of City Planning, to discuss the Midtown South Mixed...

New York City has an ambitious goal: reaching carbon zero by 2050. But with nearly 70% of the city’s emissions coming from buildings, meeting that goal requires transformative action—and fast. That’s where Local Law 97 comes in. Passed in 2019, LL97 imposes strict energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emission limits on most buildings over 25,000 square feet. Supporters see it as a critical step to...

In December, the New York City Council approved a plan called City of Yes—a sweeping set of reforms designed to modernize the city's zoning laws. In this episode, REBNY’s Senior Vice President of Planning Basha Gerhards helps us unpack what City of Yes means for New York's future. For more information about City of Yes, visit https://www.nyc.gov/site/planning/plans/city-of-yes/city-of-yes-overview...

After many years of debate, the MTA recently voted to approve congestion pricing, which will go into effect on January 5th. In this episode, New York State Budget Director Blake Washington helps us understand how congestion pricing will impact New Yorkers and fund public transit improvements. For more information about congestion pricing, visit https://congestionreliefzone.mta.info/ . Want to lear...

New York is facing twin real-estate crises: a massive amount of empty office space and almost no new housing construction. One solution is turning those empty office buildings into housing. Brian Steinwurtzel, co-CEO and principal of GFP Real Estate, helps us understand the economic, design, zoning, and regulatory challenges involved in executing successful conversions. Want to learn more about RE...

New York is emerging from a high-stakes 2024 election that could redefine the City and state’s priorities on issues ranging from housing to public safety. Jefrey Pollock, Founding Partner and President of Global Strategy Group, helps us unpack the election outcomes and gives us a sense of how they could shape New York’s future. Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit https://www.rebny.com/ .

New York City's Housing Voucher Program is critical in tackling homelessness and boosting housing stability. Christine Quinn, President and CEO of Women in Need (Win), outlines how the program works and what can be done to improve the process and house more New Yorkers. Read the report published by REBNY and Win: https://www.rebny.com/reports/housing-more-new-yorkers/ To learn more about Win and s...

In this episode of Real Talk NYC, we discuss the impact that social media is having on the way residential real estate agents do business. Madison Sutton, a Serhant agent here in New York City tells the story of how she got started on social media, shares her predictions about the future of the business, and gives tips for building a personal brand. Follow Madison on Instagram or TikTok @thenycage...

Introducing Real Talk NYC, a new podcast by The Real Estate Board of New York. Monthly, we’re bringing expert insights to New York City's most pressing questions. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.