A View From the Top: Insights from Kasirer

‘Pothole politics’ was a theme in Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s first 100 days, and affordability drove much of his early agenda.

Mamdani has focused on everyday service delivery—sanitation, street conditions, government responsiveness—and policy proposals such as rent freezes, free buses, and city-run grocery stores; some may be tough to implement, but they are defining the policy debate and shaping expectations on where the City is headed.

Universal childcare has been the headline win so far this year. Mamdani quickly secured over a billion dollars in State support to expand early childhood education, demonstrating strong collaboration between the City and State. 

Mamdani, Menin Demand Action from the State as Budget Process Drags

Mayor Mamdani and New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin announced on April 28 an agreement to extend the City’s budget deadline beyond May 1 to mid-May in hopes the State can conclude its own budget fight.  

The pair have said State contributions to NYC are a key element to helping fill the city’s $5.4 billion budget gap, and they have argued that the City should get even more from Albany, given its contributions to State revenue. 

Albany is still in budget negotiations beyond its own April 1 deadline, but the mayor and council speaker have overcome early tensions between them over ways to fill the city’s budget gap to join forces to pressure the State into action for the good of New York City. 

The New York City Council’s Fast Start to 2026 

City Council Speaker Menin has the legislature off to a fast pace in the new term. The City Council passed 111 bills, introduced more than 1,200 bills and resolutions — the most in history through its first 100 days — and overturned 17 vetoes from former Mayor Eric Adams’ tenure. Their efforts have included measures on public safety, as well as the development of methods to manage protests outside schools and houses of worship, as part of the Council’s Five-Point Plan to Combat Antisemitism, among other initiatives.

Not-for-Profit Sector Priorities

There’s a clear push from city officials to prioritize the nonprofit sector, which would ultimately boost New York City’s economic potential. 

The City Council has increased transparency in the contracting process and moved to make city systems easier for providers to navigate, but the City’s campaign to develop strategies to quickly pay its nonprofit partners continues. On April 9, local officials joined commissioners and officers from city agencies with human service contracts to review 2025 data on nonprofit contract backlogs, budget modification cycle times, and general feedback from the Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services (MONS) Quarterly Provider Sentiment Survey. 

Housing Progress

The outlook for housing development in the city is improving, as NYC strives to satisfy  prodigious demand. In April, the NYC Comptroller's Office reported City Planning data that showed permitted real estate development, newly-constructed housing units and housing units added by net alterations, such as office conversions, reached a 60-year peak in 2025.

Nearly 45,000 new residential units came online in 2025, climbing for the third year in a row — about 6,000 were from office or industrial conversions. New applications for residential permits also increased markedly in 2025, a sign that the city is riding momentum to tackle its housing crisis. 

In The News:

Suri was highlighted once again by The Real Deal as one of New York’s top 100 real estate players.

Speaking to the media, Suri addressed the crisis of unpaid invoices from city government to not-for-profits, and the debate between Albany and City Hall on taxation. 

• The Real Deal: ICYMI: Diving into NY’s top 100 real estate players

• Commercial Observer: New York’s Nonprofit Housing Confronts Maintenance Crisis Amid Slow City Response

• Commercial Observer: In Albany, Taxes and Red Tape Seize Spotlight in Addressing Housing

Kasirer Highlights: 

Nonprofit Thought Leaders Reception with City & State

Kasirer co-hosted an intimate Nonprofit Thought Leaders Reception with City & State in early spring. Suri Kasirer and Speaker Julie Menin delivered opening remarks, as City Council Members and nonprofit leaders came together to discuss the future of not-for-profit organizations in New York City.

ABNY Talks: Reimagining New York City’s Nonprofit Contracting System

The Association for a Better New York organized a spirited panel discussion with city leaders on the complexities of nonprofit contracting, following keynote addresses from Suri Kasirer and Deputy Mayor Dr. Helen Arteaga Landaverde.

2026 Inner Circle Gala

Suri Kasirer attended the annual Inner Circle gala and posed for a photo with Mayor Mamdani. Each year, the organization – led by New York City journalists – puts on a must-see musical political roast.

Commercial Observer — Future of New York

Suri Kasirer joined Dan Berman, Peter Riguardi, and Michael Doty for a lively conversation on what to expect for New York’s economy, specifically commercial real estate, the challenges and opportunities that exist in today’s market, and the competitiveness of alternative markets to New York City. 

Exploring Mayor Mamdani’s First 100 Days with FGS Global

Kasirer LLC joined FGS Global in Washington, D.C. for an intimate discussion with public, private, and nonprofit leaders focused on the New York market. Suri Kasirer and Michael Braun led a conversation on the first 100 days of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration and the evolving relationship between the Federal and City governments.

Client Highlights:

• Worker’s Justice Project: Proud of our partner Worker's Justice Project (WJP) for successfully advancing the City Hall deliverista hub, a first-of-its-kind space that will support thousands of New York City’s essential delivery workers. Check out coverage from The New York Times for a closer look at the project.

• EMU Health: Congratulations to Daniel Lowy for receiving The Corporate Citizen of the Year Award at the NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens inaugural Legacy Gala. Kasirer is proud to support his work and celebrate this outstanding recognition. His leadership and dedication to advancing healthcare at EMU Health have made a lasting impact on the community. 

• New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG): Kasirer is proud to work alongside NYLAG, who recently played a pivotal role in helping make Dylan Lopez Contreras' release possible. Their persistent legal advocacy has never been more critical. Read more from The New York Times. 

• Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW): Our client NEW secured a sizable $650,000 grant from the New York Power Authority to support workforce training in the clean energy sector. This funding will support NEW’s work preparing and placing women in skilled construction, utility, and maintenance careers, creating pathways to economic independence while strengthening the clean energy workforce.

Awards & Accolades: 

Kasirer Named New York City’s #1 lobbying firm

We are proud to share that for the ninth consecutive year, Kasirer LLC has been named New York City’s #1 lobbying firm. This recognition wouldn’t be possible without our trusted clients and partners, our best-in-class team of policy experts and strategists, and the deep relationships we’ve developed across City government. 

2026 New York City Power 100, City & State | Suri Kasirer

Congratulations to Suri Kasirer on being named to City & State’s New York City Power 100 for the fifth consecutive year, and moving up to No. 39 on the list.

From a one-woman operation nearly 30 years ago to a 40-person firm today, this recognition speaks to the growth of Kasirer and the powerhouse team supporting clients day in and day out, helping advance projects and navigate periods of transition across New York City.

Women of Influence, Crain's New York Business | Julie Greenberg

We’re so proud of Julie Greenberg for being named to Crain's New York Business' Women of Influence list. Last year, Julie took on the role of President at Kasirer LLC, after 24 years of dedication to the firm. 

This award reflects the work Julie and our team do every day across New York City, supporting projects, organizations, and institutions navigating an increasingly complex business and policy environment. 

2026 Queens Power 100, City & State | Michael Braun

Congratulations to Michael Braun on being named one of the Queens Power 100! Michael has done impressive work as managing director for Kasirer Strategic Advisors, a new division within the firm stretching beyond government relations into business consulting and strategic advisory services. 

Michael previously served as Kasirer’s chief strategy officer, a role in which he led government and community relations on client projects and oversaw Kasirer’s political analysis. 

2026 Bronx Power 100, City & State | Joshua Cortes

The future of the Bronx is bright! Our very own Joshua Cortes, a Bronx native who has a demonstrable career in public service in New York City, has been named to City & State’s 2026 Bronx Power 100 list. 

Joshua joined the Kasirer team last year, and we couldn’t be prouder of his inclusion, as he carries over 13 years of experience in New York City and State government, including various senior roles in public agencies or in the offices of local Bronx elected officials.

New Additions to the Team:

We’re pleased to announce that Madeleine McGrory has joined the Kasirer team!

As a Vice President on the Real Estate team, Madeleine brings deep knowledge of New York City's land use review process, ULURP zoning regulations, and development approvals, helping clients navigate complex regulatory processes to move projects forward.

Most recently, Madeleine worked as the Director of Land Use for the Manhattan Borough President’s Office, where she worked closely with Kasirer on many projects across Manhattan.

Kasirer proudly announces that Camila Gómez has joined the firm as a Director on the Nonprofits team, supporting organizations in the social service, arts & culture, and health fields in achieving their budgetary, legislative, and advocacy goals.

Camila has extensive experience in government affairs and not-for-profit strategy, and her profound passion for public service has powered her career across elections and campaign management, constituent services, and educational access.

Additional Client Highlights from the Kasirer Nonprofit Team:

Northside Center for Child Development

Kasirer proudly joined our client Northside Center for Child Development in welcoming Council Member and Education Chair Eric Dinowitz for a visit with newly-appointed President Paula Magnus.

Presentation to New 42

Thank you to the New 42 team for inviting us to present to their Youth Corps on civic engagement 101, and why their voice matters in fighting for arts and culture funding. 

Not only does New 42 provide state-of-the-art performing arts programming to NYC schools and run the City's premier performing arts New Victory theater dedicated to children and families, they’re training the new generation of civic-minded leaders in arts administration, advocacy, and production. 

New York Historical

Two of our nonprofit team members, Camila Gómez and Alexa Miller, MPA joined Office of the Manhattan Borough President, Brad Hoylman-Sigal for a tour of the soon-to-be-opened Tang Wing for American Democracy at The New York Historical. Save the date for the official public opening in June, just in time for the United States' 250th anniversary! 

Met Council

Camila Gómez and Alexa Miller, MPA from our nonprofit team joined our client Met Council for its Passover food distribution at Tomchei Shabbos of Queens. 

New York City Center

Bianca J. Almedina and Enzo Manzano had the pleasure of visiting hashtag#client New York City Center with Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal.

City Center CEO Michael Rosenberg led the personalized-tour. Founded by Mayor Fiorello La Guardia as Manhattan’s first performing arts center, City Center’s mission is to make the best in theater, dance, and music accessible to all audiences.

New York Climate Exchange

The New York Climate Exchange’s Second Annual Climate Solutions Summit focused on how data will drive decisions around climate solutions across the world.

Museum of Jewish Heritage

Commemorating the Annual Gathering of Remembrance in observance of Yom HaShoah, the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust hosted a deeply moving event, featuring powerful remarks from civic leaders including Senator Chuck Schumer, Congressman Daniel Goldman, City Council Speaker Julie Menin, Comptroller Mark D. Levine, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and Commissioner Denise M. Miranda, Esq..