Principal Jon Weiss to Lead LIBI, Unifying Labor and Development
B2K Development is proud to announce that Principal and President of Construction, Jon Weiss, has been officially inducted as the new president of the Long Island Builders Institute (LIBI). This appointment marks a significant moment for the region’s construction and development industry, signaling a new era of unified leadership focused on driving economic growth and creating essential housing for Long Island families.
LIBI Induction Ceremony Highlights
The induction ceremony was held January 7th at the Heritage Club in Bethpage and brought together a formidable coalition of industry leaders, labor partners and elected officials. The event underscored a pivotal shift in strategy for addressing Long Island’s most pressing challenges. With a clear vision for the future, the new leadership at LIBI is prepared to advocate for policies that support sustainable development, create stable jobs, and ensure the region’s long-term prosperity.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico served as featured speakers, underscoring the importance of housing production, job creation, and economic growth to Long Island’s future.
A Unified Voice for a Stronger Long Island
In his remarks, Jon Weiss outlined a decisive agenda for 2026, emphasizing an unprecedented alignment between developers and organized labor. This partnership is build on a foundation of shared goals and a collective commitment to Long Island’s future.
“Developers and labor are no longer parallel interests — we are aligned interests,” Weiss stated. “We share the same goals: jobs that stay on Long Island, projects that move from paper to construction, and housing that working families can actually afford.”
This strategic alliance is designed to create a powerful, single voice advocating for sensible growth. The presence of Matthew Aracich, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, alongside Michael Florio, CEO of LIBI, at the event symbolized this powerful new coalition. This collaboration between key industry figures represents a united front dedicated to advancing shared economic priorities, a unified approach which has already yielded tangible results.
Recent advocacy efforts have led to significant victories, including protecting balanced growth in key municipalities and blocking state-level mandates that promised to drive up construction costs. These successes demonstrate the effectiveness of a coordinated and strategic approach to policymaking. As Weiss stated, “These wins show that when we are organized and strategic, we can change outcomes.”
Championing Economic Growth and Housing Production
The core of the new agenda is an unwavering focus on results.
In his speech, Weiss made it clear that the political calculus has changed. “Opposing reasonable development is no longer a low-risk position,” he intoned, reinforcing the message that the industry will be an influential force in public discourse. This proactive stance is essential for overcoming long-standing barriers to development and modernizing how the industry advocates for itself.
The focus on results-driven action was echoed by LIBI CEO Mike Florio. “This leadership group understands what this moment requires,” Florio said. “They are focused on results — producing housing, protecting jobs, and modernizing how our industry advocates for itself. LIBI is fully aligned behind this team and committed to building the coalition and political strength necessary to deliver real progress for Long Island.
A Forwarding-Thinking, Future-Facing Industry
Beyond political advocacy, a key priority is to strengthen the industry from within. For B2K Development and its partners at LIBI, this means producing the housing Long Island needs and protecting the jobs that supports its communities. The new leadership team at LIBI is committed to expanding LIBI’s base to ensure a durable and effective political voice as a means of asserting leadership in crucial moments. “To stay strong,” Weiss explained, “we must grow broader, younger, and more engaged. That means attracting emerging builders, developers, and industry professionals, engaging members earlier in their careers, and presenting LIBI as modern, proactive and future-facing.”
This forward-thinking strategy aligns perfectly with the values that have driven B2K Development for over two decades. As a fully integrated real estate company with divisions in Development, Construction, Senior Living, and Property Management, B2K has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation, quality, and long-term vision.
Long Island’s New Chapter
The induction of Jon Weiss as LIBI President is more than a leadership change; it is the beginning of a new chapter for Long Island. With a unified front, a clear agenda, and a commitment to assertive leadership, the building and development community is poised to make significant strides in addressing the region’s housing and economic challenges.
B2K Development is honored to be at the forefront of this pivotal movement. We are confident that under this new direction, the industry will build a more prosperous and sustainable future for all Long Islanders. The year ahead will be defined by unity, growth, and a relentless focus on delivering the projects that will keep Long Island strong.