Downtown Brooklyn Partnership hosted its 2026 Legislative Breakfast on May 18, bringing together elected officials, civic leaders, and community stakeholders to discuss priorities shaping the future of Downtown Brooklyn.
The event provided an opportunity for attendees to engage with local leaders about key issues such as housing, economic development, public space, infrastructure, small business support, and quality of life. Held at the new residential development at 567 Fulton St., the morning included networking sessions and opening remarks from Regina Myer, President of Downtown Brooklyn Partnership; Ben Gray, Partner at Apollo Global Management; and Aram Marcelle from event sponsor Con Edison.
A panel discussion moderated by Myer featured Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, State Senator Andrew Gounardes, Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Kim Council, and Councilmember Lincoln Restler. The conversation addressed challenges related to the delayed state budget. Senator Gounardes said it was “mind boggling” that budget negotiations can involve everything except actual numbers. He highlighted ongoing talks about a comprehensive framework to protect people from ICE: “because we don’t want to see what has happened in Chicago and Minneapolis to happen here.” Simon agreed that with five weeks left before the legislative session ends they are trying to get through as many things as possible to wrap everything up. She also noted that rolling back climate law contributed to delays.
Restler discussed Downtown Brooklyn’s higher educational institutions as valuable assets for entrepreneurship. He said the city has started conversations with NYU about incubator spaces for engineering students: “where we can create jobs and more opportunity in the neighborhood.” Restler also commented on office vacancy rates and attracting larger companies: “We should have more anchor tenants that are taking up lots of space in the hubs of Downtown Brooklyn,” he said. “It’s an incredibly easy place to get to. Every train line comes here, every bus line comes here.”
Housing was another major topic during the breakfast. Simon raised concerns about creating workforce housing at Atlantic Yards/Pacific Park while ensuring affordability and careful vetting due to required state funding. She also mentioned significant investment needs in public areas surrounding Site 5 (Flatbush and Atlantic).
Throughout the discussion panelists emphasized collaboration between government agencies, community organizations, and private sector partners as essential for supporting a thriving downtown center.
The program concluded with further networking opportunities among attendees and panelists over food and conversation. Organizers described this annual event as important for aligning priorities across sectors as Downtown Brooklyn continues its evolution.
