County of Suffolk

Progress Through Partnership: Key Takeaways from HIA-LI’s Annual Meeting

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Pictured: Congressman Nick LaLota provided opening remarks at HIA-LI’s 48th Annual Meeting on January 16, 2026.

Each year, HIA-LI’s Annual Meeting and Legislative Forum offers an important opportunity to step back from the day-to-day pressures facing employers and policymakers alike and take a clear-eyed look at where Long Island is headed. This year’s event, which attracted nearly 400 attendees, reinforced something many of us already know: the challenges confronting our region are complex, interconnected, and impossible to solve in isolation, but progress is absolutely achievable when we work together.

What stood out most this year was not simply the range of issues discussed — affordability, housing, infrastructure, transportation, energy, workforce development, and solid waste — but the strong sense of alignment across levels of government and across party lines. Again and again, speakers returned to a shared conclusion: Long Island’s future depends on collaboration, pragmatism, and a willingness to row in the same direction.

A SHARED VIEW FROM WASHINGTON AND ALBANY

Congressman Nick LaLota opened the program by grounding the conversation in the real-world pressures facing Long Island families and employers. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that federal policy recognizes the high cost of living in our region and delivers tangible relief for both households and small businesses. Just as important, he underscored that economic vitality begins locally — with the business owners and employers who create jobs, support families, and keep Long Island competitive.

Although she was unable to join us in person, Governor Kathy Hochul shared a video message with our members, continuing a dialogue she has maintained with HIA-LI over the years. In her remarks, the Governor reinforced Long Island’s role as a critical driver of New York State’s economy and highlighted the state’s continued commitment to investing in infrastructure, transportation, water and sewer systems, manufacturing, and innovation. Her message emphasized that strategic public investment, aligned with private-sector growth, is essential to keeping Long Island competitive and economically strong.

From the state legislative perspective, New York State Senator Monica Martinez framed affordability not as a single policy challenge, but as a balance of education, workforce readiness, infrastructure, and attainable housing. Drawing on her background in education, she spoke about the importance of creating strong pipelines between schools, training programs, and Long Island employers, recognizing that a thriving regional economy depends on preparing people for careers that allow them to live and work here long term. She also reinforced the need for state investment to reflect the contributions Long Island makes to New York’s overall economy.

COUNTY AND LOCAL LEADERSHIP: PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS, REAL CONSEQUENCES

At the county level, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine offered a candid assessment of the structural challenges Long Island must confront head-on. Transportation, energy capacity, sewer infrastructure, and solid waste management are not abstract policy discussions. They are foundational to economic growth, housing production, and quality of life. His message was clear: without coordinated regional planning and sustained investment, these issues will limit Long Island’s future. With collaboration and forward-looking leadership, they can instead become opportunities.

Presiding Officer Anthony Piccirillo echoed the importance of fiscal responsibility and long-term planning, particularly as Suffolk County works to maintain public safety while addressing affordability pressures. He emphasized the value of bipartisan cooperation within county government and the need to focus on practical solutions that improve daily life for residents and businesses alike. Stability, transparency, and shared responsibility were central themes in his remarks.

From the municipal perspective, Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim highlighted how thoughtful local planning can support both economic development and housing balance. By investing in business districts, infrastructure, and a mix of housing options — including opportunities for homeownership — municipalities can strengthen communities while supporting workforce retention. His comments reinforced that local success stories are strongest when they align with broader county and state priorities.

THE COMMON THREAD: REGIONAL COLLABORATION OVER POLITICS

Across all of these perspectives, a clear common thread emerged. No single level of government can solve these challenges alone. Housing requires infrastructure. Infrastructure requires funding and coordination. Workforce development depends on education, transportation, and employer engagement. Affordability is shaped by all of it.

As HIA-LI Board Member Joe Campolo, Managing Partner at Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP, guided the discussion, it became clear that the most productive moments were those centered on outcomes rather than ideology. That spirit of cooperation reflects the path forward for Long Island: collaborative, pragmatic, and focused on results.

LOOKING AHEAD: NEW LEADERS, SHARED PURPOSE

As we begin a new year, this spirit of partnership also extends to HIA-LI’s leadership. We are proud to welcome five new members to our Board of Directors, whose experience reflects the depth and diversity of Long Island’s economy:

Each brings valuable insight from higher education, technology, finance, nonprofit leadership, and strategic business development. Their perspectives will help guide HIA-LI’s advocacy and programming as we continue addressing the evolving needs of employers and communities across the region.

MOVING FORWARD: TOGETHER

HIA-LI remains focused on convening leaders, elevating business’ voice, and advancing solutions that strengthen Long Island’s economic foundation. The conversations at this year’s Annual Meeting reinforced something I believe deeply: when business, government, and community stakeholders work together with a shared commitment to problem-solving, Long Island is well positioned to move forward . . . together.

Fueling Long Island’s Future: A Blueprint for Smart, Sustainable Growth

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Photo caption: I was joined by (from left) Joe Campolo, Managing Partner, Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP and HIA-LI Board Member; HIA-LI Board Chair, Standard Advisors Group CEO, and Babylon Town Councilman, Anthony Manetta; Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter; Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim; Suffolk County IIDA Executive Director and CEO Kelly Murphy; and, TRITEC Real Estate Company Executive VP and Partner Jimmy Coughlan.

At HIA-LI’s recent Economic Development Symposium, we welcomed a room full of business leaders, public officials, and visionaries who share a common belief: that Long Island’s economic future can—and must—be shaped intentionally, inclusively, and strategically.

The forum underscored what we already know to be true: sustainable economic growth doesn’t happen by chance. It’s built on a foundation of smart investments, bold leadership, and the willingness to rethink the systems we’ve inherited.

Building Livable Communities Through Collaboration

One consistent theme that emerged was the critical importance of collaboration between government and the private sector. Angie Carpenter, Supervisor of the Town of Islip, made it clear that responsible economic development must go hand-in-hand with quality-of-life investments. Her town is not only reimagining downtown Central Islip through a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative but also leveraging the economic power of MacArthur Airport to create jobs and attract investment. With five airlines and 18 non-stop destinations—including new service from JetBlue and Avelo—Islip is proving that modern infrastructure is essential to regional vitality.

Economic Development with a Human Face

At the Suffolk County IDA, Kelly Murphy is driving investment that is both data-informed and community-centered. Her team helped generate over $214 million in payroll last year, through projects that didn’t just create jobs—they created careers. The IDA’s focus on “Long Island First” encourages companies to hire locally and reinvest in the region, from expanding manufacturers at the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge to family-owned businesses like Casanova Meats. These aren’t abstract numbers; they’re direct investments in families, futures, and neighborhoods.

That focus on workforce development is aligned with the region’s recent progress. According to data recently announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, Long Island added 91,000 non-farm jobs between 2020 and 2024—an impressive 7.1% increase. Healthcare led the way with more than 24,000 new positions, while construction rose 10%, creating over 8,000 jobs. Even more encouraging: unemployment dropped from 4.5% to 3.8%, a signal that targeted investments are paying off across the board.

Solving the Housing Crisis: A Prerequisite for Economic Growth

No conversation about Long Island’s future can avoid the issue of housing. Jimmy Coughlan, Executive Vice President at TRITEC Real Estate, laid out the stark reality: of counties in the U.S. with a population of at least 1.5 million, Suffolk County is the second largest by area and by population, but dead last nationwide in new housing starts. Nassau County, right next door, doesn’t fare much better. Both counties lag behind high-growth regions like Charlotte, Nashville, and Raleigh—places that have embraced new development to attract and retain talent.

The consequences here are clear: young professionals are being priced out, businesses can’t attract the workforce they need, and our region’s growth potential is being constrained. The housing market, like any market, is a function of supply and demand—and on Long Island, we’re simply not producing enough supply.

But Coughlan didn’t come with just problems—he brought solutions. Smart growth. Transit-oriented development. Streamlined approvals. Flexible affordability mandates that make projects financially viable. TRITEC’s work in Bay Shore and Ronkonkoma proves that when developers and local governments work together, vibrant communities follow.

A Model for Regional Growth: The Long Island Innovation Park

In the Town of Smithtown, Supervisor Ed Wehrheim has made the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge a centerpiece of his economic development agenda. The park now supports over 55,000 jobs, contributes $13 billion in economic output, and houses leading companies in sectors like aerospace, biopharma, IT, and advanced manufacturing.

Wehrheim’s vision for a “live, work, play” district—with mixed-use zoning, modern infrastructure, and expanded sewer capacity—is already attracting the younger workforce Long Island needs to stay competitive. His town’s track record—AAA bond rating, zero fiscal stress, thriving downtowns—is a model for how proactive leadership fuels prosperity.

A Call to Action

At HIA-LI, we believe in the power of partnerships. What we heard at this year’s Economic Development Symposium wasn’t just a list of projects or statistics—it was a blueprint for how to move forward as a region. It starts with embracing innovation, investing in infrastructure, building housing for every generation, and supporting the businesses that power our economy.

Long Island’s future isn’t written yet. But with bold thinking and shared purpose, we’re well on our way to building it—together.

Infrastructure, Housing, and Sustainability: The Roadmap from HIA-LI’s Annual Meeting

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More than 400 business, government, and non-profit leaders attended HIA-LI’s 47th Annual Meeting and Legislative Program.

On January 17, 2025, HIA-LI hosted its 47th Annual Meeting and Legislative Program, bringing together over 400 business leaders, elected officials, and dignitaries to discuss pressing issues and opportunities for Long Island’s economic growth. As I stood before this incredible audience, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of pride in how far we’ve come as a community and how determined we are to overcome the challenges ahead.

The event underscored the vital role HIA-LI plays in advocating for our members, connecting stakeholders, and driving meaningful action for the region. With leaders like Congressman Nick LaLota, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Suffolk County Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey, Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter, and Huntington Town Supervisor Ed Smyth contributing to the dialogue, we demonstrated that collaboration between government and business is the foundation for Long Island’s prosperity.

The discussion was expertly guided by Joe Campolo, Managing Partner at Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP, an HIA-LI board member, and Chair of our Long Island Economic Development Task Force. Joe’s skillful moderation ensured that key issues were explored in depth while keeping the conversation engaging and solution-focused.

Building a Business-Friendly Environment

The theme that resonated throughout the meeting was the critical need to create a more business-friendly Long Island. Congressman LaLota addressed the ongoing efforts to increase the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap, emphasizing how this federal tax relief is essential for sustaining businesses and families in one of the most highly taxed regions in the nation.

At the local level, County Executive Romaine highlighted Suffolk County’s focus on infrastructure investments, including sewer expansion—a linchpin for economic development. Supervisors Carpenter and Smyth echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of keeping businesses here and enabling growth through infrastructure support. Presiding Officer McCaffrey added his perspective on the importance of workforce development programs to ensure Long Island remains competitive. The unified message was clear: Long Island must continue to fight for its fair share of federal and state funding to maintain its position as an economic engine.

Infrastructure as the Cornerstone of Progress

One of the key takeaways from the meeting was the critical importance of infrastructure development, especially in areas like sewer systems, transportation, and clean water initiatives. As the second-largest industrial park in the nation, the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge (LI-IPH) is a cornerstone of our regional economy, contributing over $13 billion annually. Yet, the lack of adequate sewer systems throughout the bi-county region remains a significant barrier to attracting new businesses and housing opportunities.

The urgency of addressing this was underscored by multiple leaders. Supervisor Smyth reminded us that “sewers are everything,” illustrating the environmental and economic consequences of outdated systems. Both Romaine and Carpenter stressed the need for careful, long-term planning to ensure that infrastructure projects like sewers, roadways, and renewable energy initiatives align with Long Island’s growth trajectory. These investments are not just critical for businesses but for the overall quality of life for residents.

Housing: A Challenge and an Opportunity

Housing emerged as another pivotal issue—one directly tied to workforce retention and economic vitality. The consensus was clear: Long Island needs more affordable housing to prevent the exodus of young professionals and families. In Islip, projects like TRITECH’s Shoregate in Bay Shore and the proposed housing at Pilgrim State exemplify how transit-oriented development can revitalize communities and create sustainable growth.

However, as Supervisor Carpenter pointed out, housing projects cannot succeed without the infrastructure to support them. Presiding Officer McCaffrey highlighted the need to balance housing development with the preservation of Long Island’s unique suburban character, ensuring that growth is sustainable and community focused. The call to action for state and federal partners was loud and clear—Long Island needs the resources to build not just homes but the roads, sewers, and public transit that make those homes viable.

Sustainability: A Forward-Thinking Priority

Environmental sustainability was another key focus. With Long Island’s unique position as a sole-source aquifer region, preserving water quality and managing waste are non-negotiable priorities. As landfill closures like Brookhaven’s loom, waste management has become a critical issue requiring regional solutions. Romaine, Carpenter, and Smyth emphasized the importance of recycling innovation and leveraging state resources to address these challenges.

HIA-LI is proud to support initiatives like the Suffolk County solar program and workforce development programs that integrate sustainability into our economic goals. These efforts align with our broader mission to ensure that Long Island’s growth is both responsible and forward-looking.

The Path Ahead: Action and Advocacy

As we move into 2025, our focus at HIA-LI is clear: continue building partnerships, amplifying the voice of Long Island businesses, and driving solutions for critical issues like infrastructure, housing, and sustainability. We are not just advocating for change—we are actively working with government and private sector leaders to implement it.

This year, we’ll host programs like the Workforce Development Summit and the Women’s Leadership Conference, fostering opportunities for innovation and collaboration. We’re also committed to expanding our footprint, with a 15 percent membership increase in 2024 already strengthening our collective voice.

To every business owner, elected official, and community leader who attended the meeting: thank you for being part of the conversation. Your engagement is what makes our work possible. Together, we can make 2025 a banner year for Long Island, one that sets the standard for economic resilience and community growth.

Let’s keep the momentum going. If you’re not already involved, I encourage you to join us. Let’s advocate louder, collaborate stronger, and ensure that Long Island’s best days are ahead.