Hochul and Mamdani Push for Faster, Cheaper Construction in New York

Governor and New York City Mayor support reforms to environmental review law to boost housing and infrastructure development.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Governor Kathy Hochul is working with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to reform the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) in order to speed up and reduce the costs of construction projects across the state. The current regulatory red tape is estimated to add up to $82,000 per housing unit in New York City. Mamdani has voiced support for Hochul's 'Let Them Build' push, despite opposition from some on the left to deregulation. The editorial board argues that these reforms should be expanded to benefit all builders, not just those focused on affordable housing, as a boost to the statewide economy.

Why it matters

New York's lengthy environmental review process and regulatory hurdles have significantly driven up the costs and timelines for construction projects, hampering housing development and infrastructure improvements. Reforms to streamline this process could make building more affordable and accessible, benefiting both developers and residents.

The details

Governor Hochul is proposing changes to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) to allow for faster and cheaper construction in New York. This comes with the support of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has pushed for more 'affordability' in housing. The current regulatory environment is estimated to add up to $82,000 per housing unit in New York City due to delays. While some on the political left oppose deregulation, Mamdani has voiced support for Hochul's 'Let Them Build' initiative. The editorial board argues these reforms should be expanded beyond just affordable housing projects to benefit all builders and boost the state's economy.

  • Governor Hochul is currently pushing for SEQRA reforms.
  • Mayor Mamdani has recently voiced support for Hochul's 'Let Them Build' initiative.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The current Governor of New York, who is proposing reforms to the state's environmental review law to speed up construction.

Zohran Mamdani

The Mayor of New York City, who has voiced support for Governor Hochul's push to reform SEQRA in order to boost affordable housing development.

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What they’re saying

“Seizing on Mamdani's push for 'affordability' and less-expensive housing, Hochul is offering a new 'Let Them Build' push to reform the State Environmental Quality Review Act, or SEQRA, to allow for faster, and therefore cheaper, construction.”

— Post Editorial Board (nypost.com)

“To his credit, Mamdani (along with the state Association of Counties, Association of Towns and Conference of Mayors) came out in support for Hochul's push — even though 'deregulation' is anathema to so much of the left.”

— Post Editorial Board (nypost.com)

What’s next

Governor Hochul is expected to formally propose changes to SEQRA in the coming weeks, with the goal of getting the reforms passed by the state legislature.

The takeaway

Reforming New York's burdensome environmental review process could unlock significant cost savings and faster timelines for construction projects, benefiting both developers and residents in need of more affordable housing and improved infrastructure. By working across party lines, Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani have an opportunity to enact meaningful regulatory relief that boosts the state's economy.