Long Island Association

09/04/2026

A new study from LIA Board Member National Grid finds that strategic investments in transmission infrastructure could save electricity customers up to $15.3 billion while strengthening grid reliability, supporting economic growth, and enhancing national security.

As electricity demand continues to grow, modernizing our energy infrastructure will be critical to powering Long Island’s economic future.

Learn more: National Grid – Powering Growth www.nationalgrid.com/national-grid-ventures/powering-growth

09/02/2026

Raise your hand if Hofstra University is part of your story. 🙋🏻

Whether you graduated from Hofstra, had a parent who did, caught a game at the arena, or just grew up knowing it as a Long Island landmark, this place has touched a lot of lives.

For nearly 90 years, Hofstra has been one of Long Island's most important institutions. And as a proud LIA sustaining member, they have been part of our mission too: supporting advocacy, growth, and the kind of Long Island we all want to live in.

Approaching 100 years of advocacy, we are celebrating the partners who helped make Long Island great.

Tag a fellow Hofstra alum or share your Long Island pride below.

09/01/2026

Small businesses are the heart of Long Island's economy.

Hear from LIA Member and L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grant winner Kathryn Gawrych, CEO of Freeport Ninja Academy, NY and Smithtown Ninja Academy, NY academies, and how the LIA is helping her business continue to grow and serve the community.

As we celebrate the Long Island Association's 100th Anniversary, we are proud to highlight the entrepreneurs and small businesses that make Long Island stronger every day.

Watch Kathryn's story below.

08/31/2026

LIA Acting President & CEO Stacey Sikes joined News 12 Long Island’s Power & Politics to discuss the LIA’s Centennial, 100 years of advocating for Long Island’s business community, and our continued work to strengthen the regional economy.

Thank you to Rich Barrabi and News 12 for highlighting this important milestone.

Watch the interview here: https://longisland.news12.com/power-politics-2026-nys-attorney-general-election-long-island-association-marks-100-year-anniversary

08/28/2026

LIA Acting President & CEO Stacey Sikes spoke with the Long Island Press about the LIA’s work with regional business groups to urge New York State to update the outdated mansion tax threshold to reflect today’s housing market.

Stacey Sikes said government should be trying to make life more affordable, not less by levying taxes on these houses.

“At a time when our region is grappling with severe affordability challenges, it’s time to modernize the mansion tax so it doesn’t further compound the cost of living and make it harder for families to attain the Long Island quality of life,” she said.

Read more:

As the median sales price of Nassau houses approaches $1 million, a coalition of local groups are pushing to modify a so-called New York State “mansion tax”

08/28/2026

LIA Acting President & CEO Stacey Sikes spoke with TV at the groundbreaking of Perry & Main and the importance of expanding housing opportunities across Long Island.

Watch here:

Housing advocates and local officials were set to break ground on Thursday on a building with 52 affordable apartments slated to replace blighted commercial buildings on Port Jefferson's Main Street. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

08/28/2026

Tune in this Sunday at 11:30 a.m. to see LIA Acting President & CEO Stacey Sikes on News 12 Long Island’s Power & Politics with Rich Barrabi!

08/27/2026

Today, LIA Acting President & CEO Stacey Sikes joined Conifer Realty for the groundbreaking of Perry & Main in Port Jefferson.

The transit oriented development will bring 53 new homes to Port Jefferson, including 52 income restricted affordable apartments, while revitalizing a prominent Main Street corridor and helping working families, individuals with disabilities, and our local workforce remain on Long Island.

Thank you to Conifer Realty, Community Development Long Island and the many public and private partners who helped make this project possible, including the Brookhaven IDA LDC, New York State Homes & Community Renewal, Empire State Development, the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, Webster Bank and Regions Bank.

Perry & Main is a great example of how new housing can strengthen our downtowns and help address Long Island’s affordability challenges.

08/26/2026

For 100 years, the LIA has worked alongside business leaders committed to strengthening Long Island’s economy and creating opportunities across our region.

Ed Blaskey, Executive Managing Director at Webster Bank and an LIA Board Member, shares his perspective on the LIA’s impact and the importance of bringing Long Island’s business community together as we celebrate our Centennial and look ahead to the region’s future.

Thank you, Ed and Webster Bank, for your continued leadership, partnership and commitment to Long Island.

08/25/2026

A new report highlights just how difficult it is to live comfortably on Long Island, finding that a family of four needs to earn more than $323,000 in Nassau County and nearly $329,000 in Suffolk County.

“At first glance it could be sticker shock, but it is not surprising to me at all,” LIA Acting President & CEO Stacey Sikes told News 12 Long Island’s Rich Barrabi. “From property taxes, income tax, sales tax, utility costs, housing costs, transportation, childcare, groceries, the list goes on and on.”

Addressing Long Island’s affordability crisis will require action from both the public and private sectors.

Read the full story: https://longisland.news12.com/new-report-shows-what-it-takes-to-live-comfortably-in-new-york-and-on-long-island](https://longisland.news12.com/new-report-shows-what-it-takes-to-live-comfortably-in-new-york-and-on-long-island

For a family of four, the income needed climbs to more than $323,000 in Nassau County and nearly $329,000 in Suffolk County.