Across the Association November/December 2025

KEY POLICY UPDATES

By Conor Gillis Government Affairs Rep, NYSAR

Dorcey Applyrs Elected Mayor of the City of Albany Dorcey Applyrs, Albany’s current Chief City Auditor, was elected Mayor of New York’s capital city. Applyrs becomes the first African-American woman to serve as Mayor of the City, and succeeds Kathy Sheehan, who chose not to seek re-election.  Applyrs, a Democrat, bested Republican Rocco Pezzulo in the general election.

Governor Vetoes Bill That Would Have Increased Experience Requirements to Obtain a Broker’s License

On October 9, Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed NYSARsupported legislation (S.5426/A.7691) that would have increased the number of years of experience required to obtain a real estate broker’s license from two years to five years. REALTOR® support for this legislation came at the direction of NYSAR’s Education Management Committee and Legislative Steering Committee to help ensure consumers receive higher-quality services throughout the transaction when buying and selling real property. NYSAR will review the governor’s veto message and discuss next steps with sponsors of the legislation while continuing to advocate for the issue of increasing broker experience in the coming year.

Gov.

Hochul

Reviewing Options to Modify CLCPA Following Court Ruling

On October 24, an Albany Supreme Court judge ruled that the state DEC must issue rules setting a declining cap on greenhouse gas emissions by February 6, 2026, in accordance with the state’s 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Recent reports highlighting concerns over energy affordability and reliability, however, are running in conflict with the recent court decision. Governor Hochul expressed disagreement with the court’s ruling, stating that New York may appeal the decision while she explores the possibility of working with the Legislature to modify the CLCPA.

New York Pauses All-Electric Buildings Law Pending Federal Appeal

New York has agreed to delay implementation of the All-Electric Buildings Act, a key part of the state’s climate strategy, pending the outcome of an appeal in federal court. The law, originally set to take effect in January 2025 for new buildings under seven stories, would prohibit natural gas and heating oil systems in most new construction, with broader rules following in 2029.

The delay comes after a coalition of builders, labor unions, and fossil-fuel industry groups appealed a July ruling that upheld the law. They argue that the measure conflicts with federal energy policy and would increase construction costs, worsen the housing shortage, and strain the state’s electric grid. Supporters counter that the law is essential to reducing emissions and meeting New York’s climate goals.

Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration said the postponement would reduce uncertainty during litigation, though environmental advocates accused the state of quietly backing away from the mandate. Lawmakers remain divided: upstate Democrats and Republicans have raised affordability and grid reliability concerns, while progressives argue the state must move forward on electrification to combat climate change.

The case now awaits review by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, with filings due by late December.

Barbara Walton Named 2025 GCAR Good Neighbor Award Winner

Honoring

a

REALTOR®

whose decades of service and leadership have strengthened her community.

For her decades of service, leadership, and dedication to improving the lives of others, Barbara Walton has been named the 2025 GCAR Good Neighbor Award Winner.

For more than 38 years, Barbara has been a trusted name in Capital Region real estate and a stead-fast friend to her community. A licensed real estate broker and respected industry leader, she has built her career on professionalism, ethics, and compassion, values that extend far beyond her work in real estate.

Barbara has helped countless families achieve their dreams of homeownership through her deep market knowledge and genuine care for clients. She currently serves with Staged Nest Real Estate and was formerly broker/owner of Walton Realty Group in Latham. Her dedication to excellence has earned multiple professional designations, including GRI, SRES, CNE, CBR, and GREEN, and she has served on numerous committees for the Greater Capital Association of REALTORS®, helping uphold the highest standards of the profession.

Yet, it is Barbara’s commitment to her community that truly defines her. She has devoted years of service to the Jewish Community Center of Schenectady, serving as Trustee and Past President of the Board of Directors. She is also a dedicated volunteer with the City Mission of Schenectady, helping provide meals, shelter, and hope to those in need. Her leadership extends further through the Environmental Clearinghouse of Schenectady, where she served as Vice President of Programming, promoting environmental awareness and education.

Barbara’s contributions have been widely recognized, including the B’nai B’rith Community Service Award, the Distinguished Service Award from Congregation Gates of Heaven, and the Menches & Mimosas Community Service Award, all reflecting her lasting impact on the Capital Region.

Colleagues describe Barbara as generous, steady, and inspiring, someone who leads quietly but powerfully, bringing people together to make her community stronger. Her belief that “strong communities start with caring neighbors” is evident in everything she does.

Christine Serafini Named 2025 REALTOR® of the Year

GCAR honors a real estate leader whose professionalism, generosity, and heart set her apart.

Each year, the Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® recognizes one member whose commitment to excellence, integrity, and service exemplifies the highest ideals of our profession. The 2025 REALTOR® of the Year is Christine Serafini of Miranda Real Estate Group, a trusted name in Capital Region real estate and an inspiring force in her community.

For more than two decades, Christine has guided buyers, sellers, and investors with expertise, compassion, and a tireless work ethic. Her record speaks volumes, nearly 800 successful transactions and close to $200 million in sales, consistently placing her among the top REALTORS® in the Capital District.

But statistics tell only part of her story. Christine is known for her drive to grow and to help others grow alongside her. A lifelong learner, she invests in masterminds, coaching, and professional development,

then shares what she learns to lift others up. Through the Miranda Real Estate 21-Day Fix Program and hands-on shadowing opportunities, she’s helped countless agents build skills, confidence, and momentum in their careers.

A proud Schenectady native, Christine leads with heart and a spirit of generosity. Her initiative, “Schenectady Saves With Serafini,” celebrates and supports local businesses, while her volunteer work with Miranda Charity, Corp. has raised vital funds for the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region.

Christine Serafini’s leadership, integrity, and compassion embody what it means to be a REALTOR®. GCAR is proud to recognize her outstanding contributions as the 2025 REALTOR® of the Year.