Speeding Up Construction in New York
Governor Hochul’s 'Let Them Build' agenda would make it faster and more affordable to build new housing and other critical infrastructure in New York. It can take more than 50% longer to deliver these projects compared to other states. Environmental reviews take an average of 2.5 years to complete, often adding tens of thousands of dollars to the cost of building new homes in New York.
New, common-sense reforms will streamline approval processes without superseding local zoning and environmental protections. Communities will be able to build homes, child care centers, clean energy, and other critical projects faster and more affordably.
Cutting Red Tape for Localities That Want to Build
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Shorter timelines
Updates to state law will help speed up environmental reviews for eligible housing and critical infrastructure across the state.
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Lower costs
Faster reviews and clearer timelines means localities can get development moving faster, businesses can get workers on the job, and New Yorkers can save money.
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More housing
Delays caused by unnecessary red tape result in fewer new homes and higher housing costs. Building more homes helps make housing more affordable.
Watch: Governor Hochul Outlines Her Let Them Build! Agenda
“For too long, unnecessary red tape has stood in the way of new housing and critical infrastructure. If local leaders want to deliver new investments for their communities, I say ‘Let Them Build.’”
Policy Details
Governor Hochul’s 'Let Them Build' agenda is a series of landmark reforms to speed up housing and infrastructure development and lower costs. It's a combination of common sense changes to New York’s State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and executive actions to expedite critical categories of projects that have been consistently found to not have adverse environmental impacts. Together, these actions will help localities accelerate low-risk development, while prioritizing smarter growth to ensure we continue to protect communities, preserve our environment, and conserve New York’s natural resources.