Co-op Champion: Assembly Member Braunstein fights for New York's co-op and condo rights

Ever wondered what it takes to champion cooperative housing rights in the halls of power? Assemblymember Edward Braunstein pulls back the curtain on his remarkable journey from a 29-year-old political newcomer to becoming Albany's go-to authority on co-op and condo legislation.

Growing up in Bayside, Queens, Braunstein never imagined a career in politics until opportunity knocked. His grassroots campaign strategy – knocking on doors for three hours daily and famously walking the decks of neighborhood pool clubs to meet voters – launched a legislative career now spanning over a decade. What makes Braunstein uniquely qualified? He's among the rare few in the legislature who actually lives in a co-op, bringing firsthand experience to every housing bill that crosses his desk.

The conversation weaves through the intricate dance of Albany politics – from budget negotiations that stretch weeks beyond deadlines to the constant vigilance required to prevent co-ops from being inadvertently caught in rental housing regulations. Braunstein shares his proudest achievements, including restructuring tax abatements to benefit middle-class co-op owners and this year's successful modification of the Corporate Transparency Act to protect co-op boards from burdensome disclosure requirements.

Looking ahead, Braunstein outlines his vision for comprehensive property tax reform to address the current system's inequities, where outer borough residents pay significantly higher effective tax rates than wealthier Manhattan property owners. His insider perspective reveals both the challenges and possibilities of creating meaningful change for New York's cooperative communities.

Whether you're a co-op board member, owner, or simply curious about the intersection of housing policy and politics, this conversation offers rare insights into how effective advocacy works and why having knowledgeable champions matters more than ever. Subscribe now to hear more conversations with the thought leaders shaping the future of cooperative housing in New York.