James is President of the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), the City’s leading real estate trade association which represents commercial, residential, and institutional property owners, builders, managers, investors, brokers, salespeople, and other corporations and individuals professionally interested in New York City real estate.In this role, James leads REBNY’s efforts in advocacy, policy and planning, government relations and outreach, communications, and brokerage services. In his almost decade of experience at REBNY, he has managed issue-oriented campaigns of vital interest to the real estate and business community in addition to playing a critical role in REBNY’s relations with other business and trade organizations and political and advocacy efforts. REBNY’s efforts have paved the way for the production of more affordable housing, including advocating for the enactment of the Affordable New York Housing Program (formerly known as 421-a); economic development initiatives, such as the Greater East Midtown Rezoning; the Special Garment Center District text amendment; and legislation to address critical issues ranging from sustainability and illegal short-term rentals to landmarking.