2026 State Legislators Retreat

With billions in public funding at stake, New York State’s budget shapes businesses, communities, infrastructure, and essential services. This discussion will explore Albany’s budget process, key priorities, timelines, and opportunities for government, businesses, nonprofits, and advocates to influence funding decisions across infrastructure, economic development, workforce, healthcare, housing, and more.

Panelists will explore policies, investments, and partnerships to improve housing affordability across New York City and State. Topics include expanding housing supply, accelerating development, repurposing underused properties, strengthening tenant protections, and navigating zoning and land-use policies. Leaders will discuss how government, developers, nonprofits, employers, and communities can work together to create more housing and make New York more affordable.

New York’s economic future depends on innovation, investment, and a skilled workforce. Join city and state leaders and private-sector executives to discuss policies, funding, and partnerships that attract investment, support businesses, prepare workers for emerging industries, and strengthen local economies. Topics include workforce development, technology, economic incentives, and public-private partnerships.

Infrastructure is vital to New York’s economy, requiring collaboration between government and the private sector. Join NYC and NYS leaders and industry experts to explore how public-private partnerships, private investment, and government funding advance projects in transit, energy, technology, and climate resilience—and deliver the critical infrastructure New York needs for the future.

Healthcare remains one of the largest and most complex items in the New York State budget, driving intense policy debate in Albany each legislative session. Panelists will discuss the policy trade-offs behind Medicaid funding, safety-net hospital support, workforce shortages, and expanding care access, offering clear insights into how state legislative choices directly impact providers, patients, and local health systems.

Public education represents one of the largest allocations in the NY City & state budgets, driving continuous legislative debate over equity, standards, and school safety. In this session, we examine how Albany balances statewide mandates with the diverse needs of local school districts. Panelists will address crucial issues surrounding Foundation Aid adjustments, literacy curriculum mandates, behavioral health supports, and state policy responses to cell phones in schools.