NYECA Helps Secure PLA for new NYPA Headquarters Construction
Construction of a replacement headquarters for the New York Power Authority has begun with a new Project Labor Agreement in place, thanks to NYECA’s assistance. NYPA is relocating from its present location in White Plains to a new site (also in White Plains) in 2027. However, as time passed, there were concerns the PLA had still not been finalized. So, at the request of IBEW Local 3, NYECA stepped in and helped advocate before NYPA for the final adoption on the PLA between the building trades and Cappelli Enterprises. We are pleased to report that, last month, Cappelli Enterprises signed the PLA. NYECA thanks the developer, the City of White Plains, the Building & Construction Trades of Westchester & Putnam Counties and NYPA for bringing this to a satisfactory conclusion so construction (and therefore contracting opportunities for NYECA members) may begin!
NYECA Watching for the Possibility of Special Session of the Legislature
With the New York State Legislature adjourned, speculation has turned to whether lawmakers could be called back to Albany for a special session. While leadership has not committed to such a return, they have not shut the door entirely either, leaving open the possibility should consensus emerge on pressing issues that cannot wait until January. The decision ultimately rests on whether there is a clear agenda that justifies reconvening, as members are wary of returning without a targeted purpose.
Much of the discussion has centered on measures that advocates argue are time-sensitive, including proposals tied to immigration, tenant protections, and fiscal adjustments. Lawmakers have acknowledged the political urgency behind these debates, but several have stressed that a special session would only make sense if there is agreement on substantive language, not just symbolic gestures. The appetite for a return hinges less on headlines and more on whether a bill meaningfully changes state policy in a way that cannot be delayed.
Behind the scenes, staff are already reviewing potential legislative vehicles that could meet this threshold. Some members have suggested that if a bill demonstrates both legal viability and broad support, momentum could build quickly for an extraordinary session. Others caution that convening the chambers simply to “check a box” risks undermining the credibility of the process. Finally, the governor herself has recently indicated that a special session may not be necessary, as the legislature delegating to her special powers to unilaterally cut the state budget in response to federal spending reductions. So the calculus for a special session is therefore both political and practical, requiring not only an urgent issue, but also the assurance that returning to Albany will produce more than a symbolic outcome.
NYECA Political Analysis: Frontrunner Emerges in NYC Mayoral Race
The NYC mayoral race has maintained a status quo. Zohran Mamdani (D) has continued running a campaign built around social media, youth, and cost of living issues. Meanwhile, neither Andrew Cuomo nor Eric Adams has been able to claim the anti-Mamdani mantle, with Curtis Sliwa (R) and Jim Walden (I) remaining in the periphery. Recent polling shows Mamdani with a commanding plurality in the race, which in theory creates more pressure on other candidates to consolidate. We will continue to watch this important race as it kicks into high gear this fall.
NYECA will continue to carefully monitor this and all New York City races, with an eye toward outreach and relationship building with newly elected officials.
NYECA Priority Bill Status Update
With the legislature in summer recess, there has been no change in status for the priority bills we are working on since last month, but we continue to keep an eye out for the following, and are advocating accordingly:
A.5405 Hunter)/S.5655 Ryan – Compliance with the statutory requirement of a maximum 5% retainage in construction contracts. PRIORITY SUPPORT
A.7235 Bichotte Hermelyn/S.6315 Sanders – Establishes expanded construction mentorship opportunities for small and minority and women-owned business enterprises. NEUTRAL/SUPPORT
A.2747-A Bronson/S.2536-A Jackson – Inclusion of certain off-site custom fabrication as public work for the purposes of payment of prevailing wage. OPPOSE
A.4727 Bronson/S.50 Comrie – Relates to paid family leave benefits NEUTRAL
A.6063 Lunsford/S.4423 Hoylman-Sigal – Provides for the types of damages that may be awarded to the persons for whose benefit an action for wrongful death is brought. OPPOSE
If you have any questions or would like additional information on any New York State or New York City legislative matter, including copies of any legislation or regulations mentioned in this article, please contact Peter Rescigno or NYECA lobbyist Perry Ochacher at (914) 319-9173.