New York’s real estate developers increasingly rely on lobbying firms to work through the political scene, as politics now plays a significant role in shaping land use policies, zoning changes, and tax incentives. The Real Deal has ranked the top lobbying firms influencing real estate projects in the city and state, based on legislative activity between January 1, 2024, and June 30, 2026.
Firms like Kasirer, Bolton-St. Johns, and Greenberg Traurig have helped major projects, from Gotham’s Monitor Point to Cirrus and LCOR’s Pacific Park, pencil out. These lobbyists help translate developers’ interests to lawmakers, shaping the long legislative process that allows new developments to move forward.
Top Lobbying Firms Capitalize on Pro-Housing Platforms
Kasirer, which tops the ranking with over $38 million in lobbying compensation related to real estate, has helped deliver projects like the OneLIC Neighborhood Plan, slated to provide nearly 15,000 new units. The firm also played a key role in the controversial Monitor Point project, where developer Gotham increased the share of affordable units to 50%, or 662 units.
According to Eldad Gothelf, senior vice president for real estate at Kasirer, the current political climate is favorable for the industry, as many lawmakers prioritize housing. New York City’s government has set ambitious housing production targets, and recent charter reforms have streamlined the land use review process.
Law firms with government relations practices, such as Akerman, Fried Frank, and Greenberg Traurig, hope to be their clients’ go-to for legal and legislative concerns. Fried Frank, which earned over $8 million in compensation, has lobbied for Steve Cohen’s New Green Willetts LLC, seeking land use approvals for the Metropolitan Park casino project near Citi Field.
Handling Complex Zoning and Tax Issues
Greenberg Traurig, which has brought in more than $6 million in compensation, assists the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) with state-level advocacy and represents members on individual developments. The firm helped Two Trees secure a grandfathered piece of legislation for the River Ring project in Brooklyn, which faced zoning and tax complications, including the untimely expiration of the 421a tax incentive.
The project will ultimately benefit from an extension to 421a under a budget housing bill approved by Gov. Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers in May. Samir NeJame, chair of Greenberg Traurig’s New York State Government Law & Policy Practice, noted that the firm has worked effectively with left-leaning lawmakers, including Senators Gonzalez and Salazar, who championed the River Ring project.
Major Projects Move Forward Amid Political Shifts
In Brooklyn, Gotham has won final approval for its waterfront apartment towers, despite years of opposition over affordability concerns. The project, which includes 662 affordable units, has been hailed as a victory for both the developer and local lawmakers.
