NY Build 2025: Where Vision, Innovation, and Equity Converge

This year, I had the opportunity to attend NY Build 2025, and the experience reinforced everything we’re working toward at Mecca Development and Regal.ia—creating a future where real estate development is sustainable, community-driven, and powered by technology.

From the keynote stages to the sustainability and AI tracks, NY Build brought together thought leaders, policy makers, and practitioners who are shaping the future of New York’s built environment. What stood out most were the tangible shifts happening in policy, innovation, and investment strategy—changes that align perfectly with our vision at Mecca and Regal.ia.

Sustainability: From Concept to Implementation

In the Sustainability Track, speakers emphasized not just the “why” of green building, but the “how.” From net-zero housing to passive design strategies, the message was clear: sustainability is no longer optional. What resonated most was the shift toward long-term value—designing not just for LEED certifications, but for community health, climate resilience, and cost savings over time. Another important note was the emphasis on sustainable and equitable development, including the processes for new developments to occur. Discussions about stakeholder engagement, partnering with local non-profits, and bringing in consultants who can mitigate potential voids in your company’s ability to effectively produce substantial benefits to existing communities. Given the current political climate, the conversation about equitable development, the threat to change the language for many companies, and the threat of MWBE’s was an eye-opening conversation. 

At Mecca Development, sustainability and equity has always been more than buzzwords. It’s part of our foundation. We develop with the belief that housing and public infrastructure should not only serve current residents but protect future generations. It was encouraging to see this approach gaining widespread traction.

AI in Construction and Planning: A Tool for Equity

The AI sessions went beyond automation hype—they focused on how AI can be used to increase accuracy in zoning analysis, optimize energy use, and even identify community needs based on demographic data. This is precisely where Regal.ia enters the conversation.

Our platform is built on the belief that technology should make development more efficient, equitable, and accountable. By integrating GIS tools, zoning data, and policy analysis, we’re designing a system that allows developers and community organizations to make smarter, faster, and more equitable decisions.

The takeaway? AI is only as powerful as the values behind it. For us, that means using tech not just to build—but to uplift. It also means establishing robust protocols to validate and verify information to reduce biases, and produce flexible models. 

City of Yes: A Policy Shift Toward Possibility?

One of the most forward-thinking discussions came during the session on the City of Yes, NYC’s proposed zoning reform aimed at removing outdated restrictions to enable more housing, climate-forward buildings, and community resources.

This is a clear step toward the kind of agile, equity-based development we’ve championed at both Mecca and Regal.ia. With smarter zoning and more flexible land-use policies, we can unlock underutilized spaces and reimagine them as affordable housing, co-working spaces, micro-retail, or green infrastructure—all grounded in community input. There is much to say, and learn about the City of Yes, but one thing is for sure--it’s controversial. Depending on where you stand in the stakeholder arena, this initiative could be amazing for you, or it could be quite worrisome. Here at Mecca Development, we are staying involved in shifting policies to ensure we maintain the ability to foresee potential challenges and opportunities.

Final Thoughts: What NY Build Means for Our Work

NY Build 2025 was more than a conference—it was a reaffirmation. At Mecca Development, we’re committed to developing housing that is accessible, sustainable, and community-driven. At Regal.ia, we’re developing the tools to make these projects scalable, measurable, and impactful.

What we saw at NY Build is that the future of development belongs to those who can combine policy literacy, tech fluency, and community engagement. That’s exactly where we’re headed.

If you’re interested in learning more about how we’re transforming vacant properties and untapped parcels into resilient community assets—let’s connect.