Steering through static: How public affairs shapes policy during New York’s budget season

We’re all chronically online. The noise is constant – breaking news, alerts, emails, endless scrolling. Think about it: how many tabs do you have open right now, both literally and figuratively?

That same sense of overload exists in Albany amid the 2026 Legislative Session. This is the moment when ideas are introduced, priorities are tested, and the New York State budget takes shape. At The Martin Group, our Public Affairs team is already deep in the work, helping clients navigate this critical window and position their priorities for success at the State Capitol.

Imagine this: your organization runs a program that serves thousands of New Yorkers. It delivers real impact to a large population, but in a crowded budget process, it risks being overlooked. Lawmakers are weighing hundreds of proposals against limited resources and competing demands. You know your issue matters. The challenge is making sure it rises above the noise.

That’s where public affairs comes in.

Effective public affairs turns complex policy goals into clear, compelling stories that resonate with lawmakers and stakeholders. It’s about knowing who to engage, when to engage them, and how to frame an issue so its real-world impact is impossible to ignore. From shaping budget language to preparing talking points and identifying the right moments to act, strategic public affairs ensures priorities don’t get lost in the shuffle.

As the budget process unfolds, the State Capitol is buzzing with press conferences, hearings, and behind-the-scenes conversations. Our team is working alongside clients eager to see their policy goals reflected in the final budget, helping them understand the landscape, anticipate challenges, and seize opportunities as they emerge.

In a legislative session where timing is everything and clarity is power, public affairs provides a roadmap to influence outcomes. At The Martin Group, we’re helping clients cut through the noise in Albany and turn their policy priorities into meaningful progress.