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.

Barry Grodenchik, from his childhood in Pomonok Houses public housing to his terms as State Assemblyman and NYC Council Member, maintained a deep connection to the communities he served, particularly the co-op and condo owners of Eastern Queens.

Our conversation weaves through the major housing challenges facing New York's shared residential communities over the past three decades. Grodenchik details how Queens officials worked to save approximately 20,000 housing units during a major co-op crisis in the late 1980s, when buildings converted from rental to co-op status found themselves financially underwater. This required bringing stakeholders together in person—a leadership approach Grodenchik sees diminishing in today's digital-first political environment.

Particularly revealing is Grodenchik's discussion of the Climate Mobilization Act and its impact on co-ops and condos. When meeting with city officials about the legislation's effect on garden apartments, he encountered staff members who had to Google what garden apartments were, despite crafting regulations that would dramatically affect them. This disconnect between policymakers and residents continues to create challenges for shared housing communities across the city.

Beyond policy discussions, Grodenchik shares memorable personal stories, including his friendship with Governor Mario Cuomo and his proudest achievements securing nearly $300 million for schools in his district. Perhaps most telling is his commitment to constituent services at every scale—from major housing initiatives to ensuring a child with special needs could attend the Thanksgiving Day Parade each year.

What resonates most from our conversation is Grodenchik's philosophy that effective governance comes from bringing people together face-to-face and focusing on tangible results over publicity. "There's too many press conferences now," he observes, "and not enough action."

Listen to this episode for an insider's view of how New York's cooperative and condominium landscape has evolved through decades of crisis and change, guided by leaders who understood the profound importance of home.

Ever wondered how a struggling 3,000-unit co-op transforms into a thriving community? Bob Friedrich, President of Glen Oaks Village, takes us behind the scenes of what host Geoffrey Mazel calls "the Glen Oaks miracle."

When Bob purchased his apartment in 1986, he discovered a co-op in crisis – deteriorating buildings, financial mismanagement, and defaulted loans. As a young accountant attending his first annual meeting, he recognized the severity of the situation when the treasurer couldn't answer basic questions about a $15 million loan. That moment launched his journey from concerned shareholder to board member to president, a position he's held since 1997.

The turning point came when Bob negotiated with federal agencies to forgive nearly a million dollars in arrears in exchange for ownership of hundreds of apartments. While some board members wanted to sell these units immediately for quick cash, Bob saw their long-term potential. Today, those apartments are worth approximately $90 million – financial foresight that stabilized Glen Oaks and created lasting prosperity.

Beyond Glen Oaks, Bob founded the President's Co-op and Condo Council, uniting over 100 co-op boards representing 100,000 voters to fight harmful legislation. He details the existential threats facing affordable housing today, from Local Law 97's unfunded mandates that could cost tens of millions to skyrocketing property taxes that have increased 58% since 2019.

What makes this story remarkable isn't just financial turnaround but community transformation. Bob's leadership created a professionally managed co-op with transparent governance, among the lowest maintenance fees in New York, and a vibrant community where families thrive. As he puts it, "Co-ops are affordable housing – where else can you purchase a one-bedroom unit that you own for $250,000?"

Whether you're a co-op resident or simply interested in how communities overcome challenges, this conversation offers invaluable insights on leadership, financial strategy, and preserving affordable homeownership in New York City.