New York City Mayor Eric Adams is pushing Albany lawmakers to relax construction bidding rules for infrastructure projects, aiming to reduce costs. Supported by the construction industry, this proposal would allow progressive design-build and construction-manager build methods in more city departments. However, labor unions and some contractors’ groups oppose the idea, raising concerns about reduced oversight. Last year, the state allowed these methods for certain projects like libraries and resiliency efforts, as reported by Crain's New York.
The progressive design-build and CM-build methods bring contractors in earlier, which could reduce cost overruns and shorten procurement times. However, labor unions, such as the AFL-CIO, worry these methods could favor non-union firms and undercut union wages. Liz Garcia, a spokeswoman for the city, stated, "We have a proven track record of using these tools in emergency cases and are seeking authorization for [the] same citywide," according to Crain's New York.
Meanwhile, Albany is facing a debate over the timing of a special election to replace Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik. Politico reports that Democratic lawmakers are secretly discussing delaying the election, which Republican leaders criticize as manipulative. Governor Kathy Hochul has denied any foul play, saying a delay would offer relief to local counties.
This discussion is happening during the Conservative Party Political Action Conference in Albany, where GOP leaders expressed frustration with state budget increases and proposed election law changes by Democrats. Representative Mike Lawler criticized the proposed delay, calling for a Department of Justice RICO investigation into New York State. "Every election law change they have made is not designed to support the people; it’s not designed to increase voter participation; it is not designed to allow for a free and fair election. No, it is designed entirely to silence the voice of the minority," Lawler told reporters, according to Politico.
Governor Hochul remains focused on expanding the construction methods supported by Mayor Adams statewide, though details of the expansion are unclear. The Conservative Party Conference has highlighted Republican criticisms of Hochul’s proposals, focusing on inefficiency and spending concerns, including the costly repair of the Capitol staircase and budget developments, as reported by Politico.
