The Long Island Association lists expanding options for affordable housing and affordable childcare along with opposing costly new mandates on businesses among its top policy priorities for 2024.
With this year’s list of priorities, the region’s leading non-profit business organization since 1926 advocates to amplify the voice of the business community while spurring economic growth.
The announcement of the list comes at a time when the LIA cautions that “regional affordability is truly at a breaking point.” Long Islanders currently spend $700,000 on average to buy a home, shell out thousands of dollars on childcare and pay among the highest property taxes in the nation, according to the LIA.
The LIA policy priorities focus on addressing the crisis of affordability, targeting the cost of doing business and generating an economic return.
To boost economic activity the LIA is urging support for the Sands New York project at the Nassau Hub, the Midway Crossing at the Ronkonkoma Hub and the modernization of Belmont Park. This is to “support business expansion and transformative economic development projects that expand the tax base”, the LIA said.
The organization is also in favor of moving forward with offshore wind and renewable energy projects “that will create jobs and decarbonize our energy mix,” the LIA said. These projects include Sunrise Wind, Empire Wind, Beacon Wind and emerging projects in the New York Bight.
The LIA is fighting for the creation of more available, affordable homes for the region’s younger and older populations. This advocacy includes “providing incentives to municipalities, residents and developers and streamlining the environmental and permitting process for builders.” Its agenda also includes efforts to “expand public-private partnerships to support workforce housing and offer employers a resource to attract and retain talent.”
Additionally, the LIA seeks to continue to maintain a safe environment for businesses by supporting law enforcement and stronger gun laws as well as addressing human trafficking, drug abuse, hate crimes, gangs, and cyber threats.
Ultimately, the LIA is advocating for programs that help boost infrastructure and economic growth, resulting in a more diverse workforce. The association is also emphasizing support for colleges and universities along with a plan to reinforce aid to the region’s nonprofits that address food insecurity, mental health issues and more.
The full list of priorities can be viewed on the LIA website: httpse://longislandassociation.org