Big Ideas for Long Island’s Economic Future

Long Island’s economic future will not be determined by any single project or policy. It will be shaped by the ability of leaders across the region — in business, government, and community organizations — to work together to advance bold ideas that strengthen our economy and expand opportunity. That spirit of collaboration was on full display last week when HIA-LI hosted its Economic Development Task Force dinner at Mama Lombardi’s in Holbrook.

Co-hosted by Strata Alliance — founded by HIA-LI Board Member Joe Campolo, Chair of HIA-LI’s Economic Development Task Force and Managing Partner of the Ronkonkoma-based law firm Campolo, Middleton & McCormick — the event brought together about 50 regional leaders, including roughly a dozen elected officials. The evening began with networking before transitioning to a dinner and discussion focused on Long Island’s economic opportunities and the work still ahead to fully realize the region’s potential.

One topic that consistently underscores Long Island’s economic strength is the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge.

The park — the second largest industrial park in the United States after Silicon Valley — is something of a hidden gem in the regional economy. It represents one of Long Island’s most important employment centers and a powerful driver of economic activity, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic output.

But the park’s true significance lies in the collaborative effort that continues to shape its future. Government leaders, economic development organizations, businesses, and community partners have worked together to position the park for continued growth and revitalization.

Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim spoke about the town’s leadership in advancing the overlay district that allows for thoughtful redevelopment within the Innovation Park. The initiative is designed to support a more modern economic environment that could eventually include mixed-use development and a live-work-play atmosphere in appropriate areas. Wehrheim also noted that there are currently no hotels in the Town of Smithtown — a gap that has implications for tourism and business activity as Long Island continues to grow. He also discussed redevelopment efforts underway in Kings Park and the importance of strategic planning to help communities evolve and thrive.

Infrastructure investment emerged as another key theme of the evening.

Robert Calarco, Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs in the office of Governor Kathy Hochul, emphasized the governor’s strong commitment to Long Island and the team she has assembled to support the region’s economic development priorities. A major focus of that effort is investment in infrastructure, particularly sewer systems, which are often essential to unlocking new housing and economic development opportunities.

Without that infrastructure, growth can be constrained. With it, communities gain the ability to revitalize underutilized properties, attract new businesses, and support sustainable development.

The Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency also plays a key role in helping make those opportunities possible. Kelly Murphy, the agency’s Executive Director and CEO, spoke about the IDA’s ongoing work to support business growth and job creation throughout Suffolk County. Through financial assistance programs and strategic partnerships, the agency has helped facilitate hundreds of millions of dollars in private investment while supporting thousands of jobs for Long Island residents.

Regional tourism and economic opportunity were also part of the discussion.

Mitch Pally, Interim President and CEO of Discover Long Island, made a compelling case for the development of a convention center on Long Island. Despite having a population far larger than many cities across the country, the region lacks a facility capable of hosting major conventions and large-scale events.

Pally pointed out that New York State cities with smaller populations than Long Island — including Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo — all have convention centers capable of hosting conferences and large gatherings that generate significant economic activity. Without a similar facility, Long Island is missing opportunities to attract major events and the economic benefits that come with them.

He suggested that Ronkonkoma could be an ideal location for such a facility. The community has rapidly emerged as a transportation hub, anchored by Long Island MacArthur Airport, the Ronkonkoma Long Island Rail Road station, and major transit-oriented redevelopment. Projects such as Station Yards demonstrate how thoughtful planning and investment can transform communities.

That spirit of bold thinking is not new to Long Island.

Longtime Village of Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri, who was present at Thursday night’s dinner, is widely credited with leading one of Long Island’s most successful downtown revitalization efforts. When Patchogue faced empty storefronts and declining activity years ago, Pontieri and his team took bold steps to reimagine the village’s future. Through transit-oriented development, new housing, and a focus on creating a vibrant, walkable downtown near the Patchogue Long Island Rail Road station, the community was transformed into one of the region’s most dynamic destinations. Today, Patchogue is often cited as a model for other Long Island communities seeking to revitalize their downtowns and attract new investment.

At HIA-LI, fostering those partnerships has long been central to our mission. Through the Economic Development Task Force and our many initiatives across the region, we continue to bring together leaders who are committed to strengthening Long Island’s economy. The ideas discussed last week reinforce an important truth: Long Island’s future will be shaped not only by bold vision, but by continued collaboration among business, government, and community leaders. HIA-LI will remain a convener for those conversations and a catalyst for the partnerships that move our region forward.

Growth, Grit, and the Policy Path Forward

If this year’s HIA-LI Economic Summit made one thing clear, it is this: Long Island’s business community is not waiting for permission to grow.

Before some 250 business leaders gathered to “Survey the Pulse of Long Island,” the energy in the room was unmistakable. There was discipline. There was realism. And above all, there was readiness.

The data from our 2026 Business Climate Survey, conducted in partnership with Citrin Cooperman and Adelphi University, tells that story clearly. Fifty-eight percent of respondents plan to expand in 2026. More than two-thirds anticipate growth over the next five years. Nearly half are planning capital improvements this year alone.

Those are not defensive numbers. They are forward-looking numbers.

They reflect confidence in Long Island’s economic foundation and belief in what comes next. When challenged, this region does not retreat. It recalibrates and moves forward.

I remain deeply grateful to our survey partners. Citrin Cooperman’s analytical leadership and Adelphi University’s academic collaboration ensure that our conversations are grounded in measurable reality. We are not speculating about the pulse of Long Island. We are measuring it.

CAUTIOUS DOES NOT MEAN WEAK

While 45 percent of respondents forecast revenue growth in 2026, the tone of the morning was less about exuberance and more about intentional positioning. Under the thoughtful moderation of John Fitzgerald, Partner at Citrin Cooperman, the discussion underscored a critical distinction: prudence is not pessimism.

What I heard was strategy.

Balance sheets are strong. Liquidity remains healthy. Investment in artificial intelligence is accelerating. Companies are strengthening operations and planning for sustainable expansion. That is not hesitation. That is resilience with purpose.

PUBLIC INVESTMENT MUST UNLOCK PRIVATE MOMENTUM

Governor Kathy Hochul’s Long Island Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs, Rob Calarco, outlined the governor’s priorities, including middle-class tax relief, child care expansion, insurance reform and significant economic development commitments.

Most notable for our region was the emphasis on sustained investment in water infrastructure, including sewer and clean water projects designed to unlock housing development.

Infrastructure policy does not always capture headlines, but it determines whether growth is possible. Without sewer capacity and clean water systems, housing approvals stall. Without housing, workforce retention suffers. Without workforce stability, business expansion slows.

Water infrastructure is not abstract policy. It is the lever that enables economic mobility and regional competitiveness.

The encouraging signal is this: public investment is aligning around affordability and growth. The responsibility now is execution.

HOUSING IS THE MULTIPLIER

If one issue connected nearly every industry represented on the panel, it was housing.

The message was consistent across sectors. Without attainable housing, attracting young professionals becomes more difficult. Retaining families becomes harder. Scaling employers becomes constrained.

James Coughlan, Executive Vice President and Partner of TRITEC Real Estate, reinforced this point clearly. Housing production is not simply a development conversation. It is a competitiveness strategy.

Our survey confirms that business leaders understand this reality. Forty percent identified housing affordability as the most important area for government investment to facilitate growth.

Housing is not a siloed policy conversation. It is an economic multiplier. When supply expands and approvals move predictably, the ripple effects touch healthcare staffing, education, small business growth and long-term investment.

WORKFORCE STRATEGY MUST BE INTENTIONAL

Housing alone will not solve our workforce challenges. Talent pipelines must be built deliberately and sustained over time.

Throughout the discussion, the need for earlier engagement between industry and education surfaced repeatedly. Rich Humann, President and CEO of H2M Architects + Engineers and HIA-LI Board Member, emphasized that waiting until college to expose students to career pathways is too late. If we want engineers, designers, project managers and skilled trades professionals to remain on Long Island, those pathways must begin in K–12 classrooms.

That philosophy aligns directly with the work of HIA-LI’s Workforce Development Task Force, co-chaired by Humann and Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Edward Bonahue. Identifying labor shortages is not enough. Structured, visible and accessible pipelines must follow.

In healthcare, the urgency is even more pronounced. Christopher Nelson, President of St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, described rising demand for services colliding with workforce shortages and reimbursement pressures. We are training talented clinicians here. Policy and affordability must make it possible for them to build their careers here as well.

Higher education is navigating its own structural shifts. Dr. Christopher Storm, Interim President of Adelphi University, pointed to demographic headwinds and federal aid changes reshaping enrollment patterns. At the same time, institutions like Adelphi remain foundational to Long Island’s economic vitality. They produce first-generation graduates, train nurses and teachers, and prepare students for a workforce increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

From the financial perspective, the fundamentals remain strong. Kevin Santacroce, Chief Banking Officer of ConnectOne Bank and HIA-LI Board Member, reinforced that Long Island businesses are disciplined, well-capitalized and positioned for expansion. Entrepreneurial energy is intact. What business leaders need is predictability in the policy environment.

And any workforce strategy must remain grounded in household realities. Rick Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of the Suffolk Y JCC, reminded us that rising food pantry usage and cautious donor behavior reflect ongoing financial pressure on families. Economic expansion must translate into community stability.

Workforce strategy, in other words, is the connective tissue between housing, education, healthcare and business growth.

INNOVATION WITH RESPONSIBILITY

Nearly 60 percent of survey respondents believe artificial intelligence will positively impact their operations this year, and more than half have already invested in AI tools.

The discussion reflected maturity rather than hype. Leaders are embracing efficiency gains while recognizing that cybersecurity vigilance and governance must accompany innovation. Technology can amplify productivity, but it cannot replace thoughtful leadership or sound policy frameworks.

WHAT THIS MOMENT REQUIRES

After listening carefully to every perspective in the room, my conclusion is clear.

Long Island is aligned.

Businesses are prepared to expand. Infrastructure investment is underway. Educational institutions are adapting. Financial institutions are stable. The entrepreneurial spirit remains intact.

We know the pressure points. Housing approvals must move faster. Workforce pipelines must strengthen. Regulatory frameworks must facilitate development rather than delay it. Infrastructure investment must translate into tangible progress.

Long Island has always thrived when public and private leadership move in the same direction. That alignment was palpable at this year’s Summit.

The pulse of Long Island is strong. The foundation is in place. With focused policy action and continued collaboration, we have the opportunity to convert readiness into sustained, confident growth.

Because strong policy begins with strong data, I encourage you to explore the full findings in our 2026 Business Climate Survey.

To read the full Business Climate Survey, click here.

Long Island’s Economic Landscape: Insights from HIA-LI’s 31st Annual Economic Summit

John Fitzgerald, Partner at Citrin Cooperman, reviewed the survey results and served as moderator of the panel.

Last week, over 200 business leaders gathered at HIA-LI’s 31st Annual Economic Summit to discuss the findings of our latest Economic Survey, conducted in collaboration with Citrin Cooperman and Adelphi University. This event is one of the most valuable touchpoints for our business community, providing data-driven insights that help shape strategic decisions for the year ahead.

Optimism and Challenge: Long Island’s Economic Climate

The 2025 HIA-LI Economic Survey revealed a complex economic picture—one of optimism, growth, and persistent challenges. Among the key takeaways:

  • 54 percent of business leaders believe Long Island’s economy is growing.
  • 70 percent of businesses met or exceeded their 2024 profitability goals.
  • 42 percent of businesses plan to expand their footprint on Long Island.
  • However, 71 percent of respondents cited retention of young professionals as a major concern.
  • High taxes and inflation remain top issues affecting profitability.

These findings reinforce what we see daily at HIA-LI: businesses are resilient and committed to Long Island, yet they face systemic hurdles that require strategic solutions and collaboration.

Infrastructure: A Game Changer for Economic Growth

One of the most exciting discussions of the summit centered on infrastructure investments, particularly the $150 million state investment in MacArthur Airport, announced last week by Governor Kathy Hochul. This initiative, championed by Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter, will create a direct rail connection to the Long Island Rail Road, making regional travel and business operations more efficient.

Christine Flaherty, Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development and Facilities at Catholic Health, highlighted the critical role of healthcare infrastructure in supporting Long Island’s economic vitality. With Catholic Health’s continued investment in ambulatory care centers and telehealth services, the region is strengthening its healthcare ecosystem, which directly impacts business productivity and workforce retention.

Meanwhile, Rich Humann, President & CEO of H2M Architects + Engineers, emphasized how modernizing Long Island’s infrastructure through smart technology and digital transformation will be a catalyst for economic stability and business growth.

Workforce and Housing: The Retention Crisis

The top challenge facing Long Island businesses continues to be talent retention and workforce development. The survey found that 46 percent of business leaders report increasing difficulty in hiring quality candidates—nearly triple the percentage from two years ago.

The lack of affordable housing compounds this issue. John Finn, Director of Leasing and Acquisitions at Damianos Realty Group, stressed that housing affordability is at a crisis level, with local governments needing to rezone and expand housing options to keep young professionals on Long Island.

Meanwhile, Diane Manders, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Long Island, highlighted that applications for affordable homeownership have skyrocketed by 600 percent in the past five years, signaling an urgent demand for solutions.

The Role of Finance: Navigating Inflation and Growth

Despite the positive business outlook, inflation and rising interest rates remain significant concerns. Brian Teplitz, Chief Credit Officer at Dime Bank, pointed out that while business lending remains competitive, borrowing costs are rising, and companies must adapt their financial strategies accordingly.

Yet, businesses are determined to grow. Many survey respondents indicated plans for capital improvements in 2025, with technology investments being a top priority. This reinforces the need for public-private collaboration to create policies that support business expansion while mitigating financial risks.

Bridging Business, Government, and Education

The panel discussion, moderated by John Fitzgerald, Partner at Citrin Cooperman, was dynamic and solutions-driven. It became clear that businesses, government leaders, and educational institutions must align efforts to address these challenges.

At HIA-LI, we continue to advocate for:

  • Workforce development initiatives that build talent pipelines.
  • Infrastructure expansion to enhance economic opportunities.
  • Policies that make Long Island a competitive place to live and work.

Looking Ahead: Solutions, Not Just Data

The 31st Annual Economic Summit was more than just a snapshot of Long Island’s economy—it was a call to action. We have the resources, talent, and expertise to tackle these challenges, but collaboration is key.

To every business leader, policymaker, and stakeholder who participated: thank you. Your engagement fuels the work we do. As we move forward, HIA-LI remains committed to driving solutions that ensure Long Island’s economic future is strong, sustainable, and forward-thinking.

Let’s continue the conversation. If you’re not yet involved, now is the time. Join us in shaping the future of Long Island.

To view the full Economic Survey, click here.

The Pulse of Progress: Exploring the Transformative Impact of the LI-IPH on Long Island’s Economy

As the President and CEO of HIA-LI, I am proud that HIA-LI continues to serve as the steward and advocate for the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge (LI-IPH).

One important recommendation that came out of the LI-IPH’s April 2019 Sustainability Study was that we should take a serious look at integrating workforce housing into the Park. It’s a concept in keeping with the “live-work-play” model that has worked so successfully in other Long Island communities such as Patchogue, Ronkonkoma, Farmingdale, and Bay Shore.

To that end, we teamed up with the Long Island Builders Institute (LIBI) and convened a March 28 meeting of residential developers to discuss opportunities in the Park. Joining me at the roundtable discussion was Michael Florio, LIBI’s CEO; Joe Campolo, Managing Partner at Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP, an HIA-LI Board Member, and Chair of our Economic Development Task Force; Peter Hans, the Town of Smithtown Planning Director; and Cara Longworth, Vice President and Long Island Regional Director of Empire State Development.

Cara Longworth discussed the Long Island Investment Fund (LIIF), which focuses on large-scale, transformative projects that will have lasting impacts on the bi-county region. Eligibility for the fund was expanded last year to include infrastructure for transformative multi-family housing development projects to support regional industry growth.

She added that municipalities that achieve the State’s “Pro-Housing Communities” designation – because of their hard work to address the housing crisis – will receive priority in their applications for funding streams like LIIF.

Peter Hans spoke about zoning issues, specifically the town’s overlay district – approved in 2019 – which now permits residential development on certain parcels in the LI-IPH depending on size and location. Right now, Peter said there are 13 parcels eligible for mixed use/residential development.

The dialogue continued on April 16 when we welcomed a distinguished panel to discuss the immense opportunities at the LI-IPH. This event – titled “Why Do Business in the Largest Innovation Park in the Northeast” – was held at the Suffolk Y Jewish Community Center in Commack. It underscored our collective commitment to fostering economic growth and innovation at the LI-IPH.

The numbers are worth repeating: LI-IPH houses 1,350 companies who employ 55,000 workers and generate $13 billion in economic output. In short, one in 20 jobs on Long Island are dependent on the fiscal vitality of the LI-IPH. That’s impressive.

The morning began with inspiring opening remarks from Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine; Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter; and Smithtown Councilman Tom Lohmann, the town board’s liaison to the LI-IPH. Their insights set the stage for a robust dialogue on the strategic advantages of doing business in the Park.

Moderated by Joe Campolo, the subsequent panel discussion featured key stakeholders including Kelly Murphy, Executive Director and CEO of the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (IDA); Mike Narula, CEO of Orbic, a firm new to LI-IPH that will be bringing a thousand new jobs from India; alongside Angie Carpenter and Tom Lohmann. Each panelist provided a unique perspective on the evolution and future of the LI-IPH.

Our panelists shared exciting developments within LI-IPH, including the sale of a $21 million vacant data center to Links Logistics, the transformation of a $5.3 million deal into a new headquarters for E+M Logistics, and a $44 million investment by Venture One Acquisition to create new industrial space. These investments not only demonstrate the economic vitality of LI-IPH but also highlight our adaptability and forward-thinking approach to growing our infrastructure and meeting the business needs of park tenants as well as the Long Island region.

Joe Campolo’s presentation focused on the transformation of LI-IPH from a traditional industrial park to a thriving innovation hub. He outlined the concept of an “Edge City,” which integrates business, entertainment, and living spaces, allowing for a dynamic community where individuals can live, work, and thrive without long commutes. This concept has turned LI-IPH into a model for modern economic development.

The Suffolk County IDA has been instrumental in supporting this transformation. Kelly Murphy noted that over the past six years, the IDA has facilitated significant investments that have led to job creation and retention, enhancing the economic fabric of Suffolk County.

Over the past three years alone, the Suffolk IDA has provided support to 21 projects in the LI-IPH, with a total private capital investment of more than $527 million, a total of nearly 5,000 jobs created or retained, with an annual payroll in excess of $350 million.

The Suffolk IDA’s efforts underscore the powerful impact of strategic governmental partnerships in regional economic development.

Council Lohmann spoke about a recent HIA-LI/Town of Smithtown partnership that saw the installation of over 400 sponsored flags throughout the LI-IPH, a visual representation of our pride and collective identity as a major economic engine. This branding effort – combined with new entryway signage thanks to the town – helps solidify the park’s presence in the community and beyond, reinforcing our role as a key player in Long Island’s economic landscape.

Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead

As we look to the future, LI-IPH continues to be a beacon of innovation and economic prowess. Our ongoing initiatives, such as the development of workforce housing and infrastructure improvements, are poised to enhance our competitiveness and attractiveness to businesses and professionals alike. The discussions held during these two events are a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives our success.

We are grateful to all attendees, panelists, and partners who contributed to this enriching discussion. Together, we are setting the stage for continued prosperity and improvement at the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge.

For more information about the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge, go to www.li-iph.org. For information about HIA-LI and our initiatives, please visit www.hia-li.org. Let’s continue to innovate and grow together, building a thriving economic future for Long Island.

Navigating the Future: Insights from the 30th Annual Long Island Economic Summit

Pictured: A view from the dais at the February 15, 2024 30th Annual HIA-LI Long Island Economic Summit.

The 30th Annual Long Island Economic Summit, held on February 15, 2024, began with a clear message: Long Island “is a good place to do business.”

This year’s summit, drawing on the findings of the 2024 Long Island Economic Survey conducted by Adelphi University and Citrin Cooperman, brought to light the resilience and adaptability of our local business community. Business leaders across both counties – who were surveyed between November 1, 2023, and January 15, 2024 – made it quite evident that despite some hurdles, there’s a strong sense of optimism about doing business here. The event served not only as a platform for analysis and discussion but also as a beacon of positive expectations for the region’s economic landscape.

I’d like to summarize the findings and share some of the analysis from the summit’s distinguished panelists.

Survey Highlights

  • Taxes, retention of young talent, and inflation are a major concern for most businesses.
  • Long Island businesses seem hesitant to explore the benefits of AI compared to the rest of the country.
  • Supply chain issues, though not as extreme as years past, continue to linger.
  • Compensation, human resource issues, and workforce development remain a high concern.
  • Confidence in government’s role continues to deteriorate, however Long Island continues to be perceived as a good place to do business.

The Role of AI

Panel moderator John Fitzgerald, Managing Partner at Citrin Cooperman, noted the mixed feelings surrounding AI, pointing out that “Long Island businesses seem hesitant to fully explore the benefits of AI compared to the rest of the country.” This underscores a crucial area for potential growth and innovation.

To help meet that need, HIA-LI will be partnering with the LIA in an April 3 Long Island Artificial Intelligence Conference. The goal of the conference is to bring businesses, entrepreneurs, academia, not-for-profit organizations, and government officials together to discuss how our region can play a leading role in the development and implementation of AI technologies.

For more information, go to www.LI-AI.eventbrite.com.

Government Support

Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein, VP and Chief Public and Community Health Officer at Catholic Health, stressed the importance of government support, especially when it comes to healthcare reimbursements. “We need more help in terms of increased Medicaid and Medicare revenue,” he said. “Nobody would go into one of your businesses and say I want services, but I’m only going to pay you 60 percent.”

Food Insecurity

Paule Pachter, President and CEO of Long Island Cares, and an HIA-LI board member, emphasized the critical challenge of food insecurity on Long Island, stating, “A family of four who’s earning $60,000 or $70,000 a year are finding themselves going to food pantries or going to food banks to ask for some assistance. They don’t need everything. But they need some things in order to stretch their budget.”

Economic Outlook

Jeffrey Barber, Executive Vice President of Dime Community Bank, provided an insightful perspective on the economic outlook, highlighting the financial landscape’s strengths and potential growth areas. He noted, “There’s a tremendous amount of liquidity in the market. Many companies sat on those funds during COVID and didn’t know where things were headed.” He added some good news, “They’re now at a point where they’re comfortable spending and creating jobs.”

Talent Retention

Rich Humann, President and CEO of H2M architects + engineers, and an HIA-LI board member, discussed the ongoing challenge of retaining young professionals, underscoring the importance of creating connections, opportunities, and a compelling work environment to encourage talent to stay on Long Island. “Our responsibility as business owners is to provide the kind of environment and opportunity that would keep people with companies like ours.”

Higher Education

MaryAnne Hyland, Dean of the School of Business at Adelphi University, added to the discussion on talent retention by emphasizing the need for higher education institutions to adapt and innovate in preparing the workforce. “We need to make sure that we are providing students with programs that provide cutting-edge knowledge and skills that focus on the demands of the workforce of today and tomorrow,” she stated, highlighting the critical role of education in workforce development.

Moving Forward: A Collaborative Vision for Growth

The 2024 Economic Survey, coupled with the insights from the Economic Summit, paints a picture of a region at the threshold of significant growth, buoyed by optimism, yet mindful of the hurdles that lie ahead. The collective wisdom of the panelists, alongside the statistical data, underscores the need for collaborative efforts in innovation, government support, and talent retention strategies.

As we look to the future, the path for Long Island is clear: leveraging the insights and optimism shared at the summit to foster an environment where businesses and communities can thrive. With a commitment to addressing the highlighted challenges head-on, Long Island is poised to navigate its economic journey with resilience and vision.

You can read the full 2024 Long Island Economic Survey here.