Five major ballot proposals could reshape how New York City plans, builds, and governs itself. Supporters say they’ll cut red tape, accelerate housing production, and modernize city government. Critics argue they’ll weaken community input and centralize decision-making in City Hall.

In this episode, we’re joined by Basha Gerhards, Executive Vice President of Public Policy at REBNY, to unpack how these proposals came about, what they could mean for housing and development, and why they’re sparking debate across the city.

We explore how these charter revisions could alter the balance of power between the Mayor and City Council, change the pace of development, and impact how everyday New Yorkers engage in local democracy.

Election Day is November 4th. Find out where and how to vote at vote.nyc — and don’t forget to flip your ballot to weigh in on the charter revisions.

Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit www.rebny.com

New York’s rent-stabilized housing system covers nearly a third of the city’s apartments and shelters more than 2 million New Yorkers. But rising costs, outdated regulations, and political battles are pushing this system to the brink.

In this episode, we’re joined by Matt Engel, President of Langsam Property Services, to break down what’s really happening behind the scenes.

We explore how 2019 reforms, skyrocketing insurance costs, and proposals for multi-year rent freezes are reshaping the city’s housing landscape, and what’s at stake for both tenants and owners if the system isn’t fixed.

Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit www.rebny.com

Why are so many new buildings in New York City topping out at exactly 99 apartments?

In this bonus episode, we’re bringing you quick insights as REBNY Senior Data and Policy Researcher Henry Perez-Tlatenchi explains the surprising reason behind this trend and what it means for the future of development across the city.

To learn more, read Bloomberg’s full article at bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-09/nyc-apartment-construction-wage-requirement-leads-to-99-unit-buildings

Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit www.rebny.com

New York is getting hotter, wetter, and less predictable. For decades, the city was defined by a continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. But according to the latest U.S. National Climate Assessment, New York has officially shifted to a subtropical climate, marked by more extreme heat, milder winters, and heavier rainfall.

In this episode we’re joined by Rohit Aggarwala, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and the City’s Chief Climate Officer, to unpack what’s behind this transformation.

We explore how much of the shift is driven by global climate change and how rising temperatures are reshaping everything from public health and infrastructure to energy use and urban planning.

Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit www.rebny.com

Have you ever wondered who’s been shaping New York City into one of the world’s leading tech hubs?

In this episode of Real Talk Insiders, Julie Samuels, Founder of Tech:NYC, shares her journey from lawyer to civic tech leader and how she built a career at the intersection of technology, policy, and urban life. Under her leadership, Tech:NYC has become a vital bridge between technology companies and policymakers, helping drive innovation that benefits all New Yorkers. Hear Julie’s insights on the future of the city’s tech sector, her career path, and why advocacy matters now more than ever.

Want to learn more about Tech:NYC? Visit https://technyc.org

Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit https://www.rebny.com/

New York City runs on infrastructure, but some of its most vital systems have long struggled to meet modern demands. In this episode, we're joined by Rick Cotton, Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, to explore two of the most ambitious transit projects in the country: the $19 billion transformation of JFK Airport and the long-overdue redevelopment of the Midtown Bus Terminal.

Together, these projects aim to reshape how over 80 million people move through the city each year. We discuss the challenges of building while staying operational, how lessons from LaGuardia are influencing the approach, and what it means to make long-term investments in the infrastructure New Yorkers use every day.

Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit www.rebny.com

Have you ever wondered who's behind the evolution of New York City's iconic Central Park? Introducing Real Talk Insiders, a new series featuring candid conversations with the leaders reshaping New York City’s built environment and urban experience.

In our first episode, Betsy Smith, President and CEO of the Central Park Conservancy, shares how she's guiding Central Park into the future, from launching the innovative Davis Center to empowering New Yorkers to become active stewards of their beloved green space. Hear Betsy's vision for urban parks, insights on her remarkable career path, and what the future holds for Central Park.

Want to learn more about the Central Park Conservancy? Visit https://www.centralparknyc.org/support

Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit https://www.rebny.com/

New York City has officially gone all-in on composting. As of this year, all residential buildings are required to separate food waste—and for the first time, fines are being issued for those who don’t. It’s a sweeping policy change that raises a fundamental question: how do you get millions of fast-moving New Yorkers to actually change their habits?

Catesby Perrin, Chief Business Officer at Mill, joins us to unpack the new rules and what they mean for residents, property owners, and the planet. Mill’s high-tech kitchen bin offers one innovative solution: it turns food scraps into reusable material, without the smell or mess.

We break down why composting matters, how the system works in NYC, and whether tools like Mill can help residents comply with the law—while also making a real dent in climate impact and waste.

Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit https://www.rebny.com/

Want to try Mill? Get $75 off a bin for your home or workplace with code REALTALK at mill.com/realtalk

Every few years, New Yorkers have the chance to shape the future of their city through local elections, but most don’t. In the 2023 primary, just 7% of registered voters turned out, leaving major decisions in the hands of a small, highly motivated group.

Sally Goldenberg, Senior New York Editor at Politico, joins us to break down what’s at stake in this June’s Democratic primary. From the power of the mayor’s office to City Council dynamics, we explore why local races matter more than many people realize.

We also dig into the key issues — like housing, public safety, education, and transit — that hang in the balance, and how voters can navigate a crowded field to make informed choices.

Check your voter registration status: https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/

Find your polling site: https://findmypollsite.vote.nyc/

Read about the candidates on Politico: https://www.politico.com/news/new-york

Take the "Meet Your Mayor" Quiz: https://projects.thecity.nyc/meet-your-mayor-2025-election-quiz-candidates/

Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit https://www.rebny.com/

Tech is now the fastest-growing industry in New York City, and artificial intelligence is playing a major role in that rise. As AI becomes more embedded in daily life, city and state lawmakers are beginning to draft the rules that will govern how it’s used.

Alex Spyropoulos, Director of Government Relations at Tech:NYC, joins us to unpack the latest AI legislation being discussed in New York. From data privacy and algorithmic bias to transparency and job impacts, we explore how New York is trying to strike a balance between innovation and accountability.

Want to learn more about REBNY? Visit https://www.rebny.com/