Hochul Unveils 'Let Them Build' Plan to Accelerate Housing and Projects

Governor's proposal aims to streamline environmental reviews and cut red tape to speed up development across New York state.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a new 'Let Them Build' agenda designed to accelerate housing and infrastructure projects statewide by reforming the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and cutting what her administration calls unnecessary bureaucratic delays. The plan has gained support from major local government groups as well as New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, with the goal of making it faster and easier to build needed housing and public works while still maintaining environmental safeguards.

Why it matters

New York has long faced challenges with slow and complex development approval processes that can significantly increase project costs and timelines. Hochul's 'Let Them Build' plan aims to address this issue by streamlining reviews and cutting red tape, which supporters say will help address the state's housing crisis and make critical infrastructure upgrades more feasible for local communities.

The details

Hochul's proposal would exempt certain types of housing projects from additional SEQRA review if they are found to have no significant environmental impact, while still requiring compliance with other state rules. It would also fast-track approval for infrastructure projects like clean water, green stormwater, parks, and child care centers located in previously disturbed areas. The plan includes broader process reforms like establishing review timelines, modernizing permitting, and creating a 'permitting academy' to support local governments.

  • Governor Hochul announced the 'Let Them Build' plan as part of her 2026 State of the State agenda.
  • The FY27 Executive Budget would complete the state's five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

The players

Governor Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York who is pushing the 'Let Them Build' agenda to reform development approval processes across the state.

Zohran Mamdani

The Mayor of New York City, who has expressed support for Hochul's 'Let Them Build' plan.

New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC)

A major local government group that has backed Hochul's proposal.

New York State Association of Towns (NYAOT)

A major local government group that has backed Hochul's proposal.

New York State Conference of Mayors (NYCOM)

A major local government group that has backed Hochul's proposal.

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What they’re saying

“For far too long needless, outdated red tape has stood in the way of the housing and infrastructure that New Yorkers need to address the housing crisis and make life more affordable in communities across our state. New York is a place defined by our boundless ambition — we are a state that builds. It is time that we cut the red tape that too often slows down projects and let communities build, so we can offer all New Yorkers the more affordable and livable state that they deserve and attract new residents who want to call New York home.”

— Governor Kathy Hochul (cbs6albany.com)

What’s next

The governor's office says the FY27 Executive Budget would complete the state's five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including supportive housing and home electrification initiatives.

The takeaway

Hochul's 'Let Them Build' plan represents a concerted effort to address long-standing development challenges in New York by streamlining environmental reviews and cutting bureaucratic red tape. If successful, the reforms could help accelerate the construction of much-needed housing and critical infrastructure projects across the state, making communities more affordable and livable.