Co-ops remain one of the last realistic ways to buy a home in New York City. The challenge is that many of the people shaping housing policy don’t fully understand how co-op living actually works. In this episode, we sit down with Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky to talk about that disconnect, and why it often leaves co-op and condo communities playing defense, even though they represent one of the most accessible paths to home ownership in the city.

We start with her background, from teaching and early campaign work to her election to the State Senate in 1999, where she became the first woman from Queens to hold that seat. From there, the conversation shifts to how Albany has evolved over the years, including the role technology now plays in both governing and campaigning. We also touch on how artificial intelligence is starting to show up in policy discussions, from regulating synthetic media to initiatives like the Empire AI project at SUNY Buffalo.

From there, we get into the issues that directly affect co-op and condo residents: property taxes, the pressure around Local Law 97, and what proposed changes to the J-51 tax abatement could mean for building repairs and long-term planning. We also talk through ongoing concerns about co-ops being swept into tenant-focused legislation, and what’s being done to keep that distinction clear. The conversation wraps with a look at ground lease reform and why it matters for financing and long-term stability.

If you’re a shareholder, board member, property manager, or just someone trying to make sense of housing policy in New York, this episode helps connect what’s happening in Albany to what shows up in your monthly costs. If you find it useful, consider subscribing, sharing it with someone in your building, or leaving a review so others can find the show.