The Closing: Steven Spinola

From the October issue: Since 1986, Steven Spinola has been the president of the Real Estate Board of New York, a 12,000-member trade association that represents the industry before numerous legislative and regulatory bodies. Earlier this year, REBNY lobbied in Washington for the first-time homebuyer tax credit, and was instrumental in defeating a proposed state tax on capital improvements for property. The organization, which helped push for luxury decontrol of rent-stabilized apartments in the past, this year has lobbied against proposals to extend the reach of rent regulations.