Building Congress on the forefront of energy issue.

In January 2001, the New York Building Congress joined with other industry associations, including the Real Estate Board of New York and the Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York to analyze the city's power needs. The report, entitled "Electricity Outlook: A Matter of Urgency," concluded that power plants must be built in the city in order to fuel economic growth, stabilize electricity costs and improve the environment. Furthermore, it encouraged greater use of conservation and alternative technologies to reduce overall energy usage and maximize the amount of power now available to the city.

The report also warned of the potential for short-term electricity shortages and was well received in City Hall and in Albany. With accompanying lobbying efforts by the sponsoring organizations, "Electricity Outlook" helped build support for the installation of small emergency generators last summer and convinced real estate owners and large businesses to enact a series of conservation measures. When energy usage set records last August, those actions were critical in averting a potential power emergency.

In March of this year, the same coalition prepared a follow-up report called "Electricity Outlook: A Call To Action" which demonstrated that, contrary to popular belief, New York's energy supply problems remained despite the World Trade Center attack and the national recession. The report accurately forecasted that power supplies would be barely able to meet demand again this summer and renewed our call for increased generating capacity in the city. It is vital that construction of power plants begin now so that New York's economy can continue to grow without fear of power outages or large spikes in energy prices.

The issue of adequate energy supplies exemplifies one of the core missions of the New York Building Congress - to foster strong coalitions in support of New York City's long-term growth and continued worldwide prominence. By working together with the many notable associations serving the different segments of the design, construction and real estate industry - including the Real Estate Board of New York, the Building Trades Employer's Association, the American Institute of Architects and the New York Association of Consulting Engineers - the Building Congress can provide an important outlet for the industry's collective voice.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, the industry's ability to coalesce and act as a positive force has never been more important. From the rescue, recovery and cleanup efforts to the design process for a new Lower Manhattan, every segment of this industry - skilled labor, engineers, contractors, architects, developers and real estate professionals--has worked side by side, drawing upon various areas of expertise to keep the city on its feet and focused on the future.

While Lower Manhattan's rebirth remains foremost in our minds, there are a wide array of important issues that will significantly impact the building community and the city's economy in coming years. These issues require not only the industry's attention, but also its active involvement.

* Infrastructure Investment - At a time when all levels of government face growing deficits, it becomes increasingly difficult to finance strategic investments in mass transit expansion, affordable housing and public schools. Yet, these needs remain even when budget surpluses do not, and must be addressed.

* Federal Assistance - The actions of legislators in Washington will have a tremendous impact on the city's future. Among the many issues still unresolved are terrorism insurance, full reimbursement for the impacts of the Sept. 11 attack, and reauthorization and reallocation of federal transportation funding.

* Economic Development - Manhattan's West Side, Downtown Brooklyn and Queens West offer great potential for residential, office and commercial development. As the economy rebounds and firms seek to diversify their base of operations, such areas must be made ready to accommodate these demands.

Citywide economic leadership has always been the hallmark of the New York Building Congress, and never has that leadership been more effective than it is today thanks to the continued participation of our diverse membership of leading architects, engineers, contractors, developers and labor unions. Also essential to our organization's success are the prominent industry associations that serve the professionals who build and maintain this great city. It is our partnership with these associations, and our collaborative relationship with government, which forms the bedrock of an increasingly effective and powerful coalition that is helping the city rebuild and remain the world's leading metropolis.