Issue Description  

Housing affordability and availability remain significant challenges across New York and throughout the United States. Rising construction costs, limited housing inventory, restrictive zoning regulations, lengthy permitting processes, and infrastructure constraints have made it increasingly difficult to develop new housing and meet the needs of growing communities. Addressing the housing shortage requires a comprehensive approach that encourages responsible development, promotes investment in underutilized areas, and aligns housing growth with existing infrastructure and economic opportunities. A statewide Growth Map could help identify areas best positioned for residential and mixed-use development by considering transportation access, infrastructure capacity, employment centers, and existing community resources. Additionally, Opportunity Zones provide an important mechanism for attracting private investment into economically distressed communities by offering federal tax incentives for qualifying investments. Policymakers should explore opportunities to leverage these tools alongside targeted state and local incentives to encourage housing construction, revitalize communities, and expand access to affordable housing. A coordinated approach to housing development can help ensure that economic growth is distributed across regions while preserving the character and long-term sustainability of local communities.  

Impact on the Building Materials Industry and ABMA Members  

Housing development is a major driver of demand throughout the building materials supply chain. Increased residential construction, rehabilitation, and redevelopment generate business for lumberyards, building material distributors, manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. However, high construction costs, regulatory uncertainty, and delays in the development process can discourage investment and limit the number of projects moving forward. Establishing a coordinated Growth Map and leveraging Opportunity Zones could help direct investment toward communities with the greatest potential for sustainable development, creating additional demand for building materials and supporting local businesses. Policies that streamline permitting, reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers, and incentivize housing construction would help lower development costs, accelerate project timelines, and improve housing affordability for consumers while creating new economic opportunities for ABMA members.