IREM NYC launches “Behind the Walls”: A hands-on educational series for property managers

New York, NY In New York City real estate, operational excellence doesn’t happen in theory — it happens in the boiler room, inside the cooling tower, above the ceiling, and behind the walls.

To meet the growing complexity of building systems and regulatory compliance, IREM NYC is launching a new on-site educational initiative designed specifically for property management professionals: Behind the Walls.

This monthly series moves education out of the classroom and into active buildings, offering hands-on exposure to the critical systems that keep properties safe, compliant, and financially sound. Each session focuses on a core component of building operations, led by experienced industry experts and hosted on-site to provide practical, real-world insight.

A Response to a Changing Regulatory Landscape

New York City property managers are navigating increasingly technical responsibilities. From emissions caps and energy benchmarking requirements to façade safety mandates and fire code compliance, today’s managers must understand not only what to file — but how the underlying systems function.

Behind the Walls was developed to close that gap.

“Property managers today are expected to operate at a highly strategic level while also understanding extremely technical building systems,” said Jessica Tusing, CPM, president of IREM NYC. “Behind the Walls gives our members the opportunity to physically step into those systems, ask questions, and build the kind of operational fluency that reduces risk and elevates performance.”

Monthly Deep Dives Into Critical Systems

Each month, participants will explore a different operational focus area, including:

• Cooling towers and Legionella compliance

• FDNY systems and inspection readiness

• Boilers and emissions requirements

• Building envelope and façade safety (FISP)

• Garage operations and ventilation

• Emergency preparedness and business continuity

• Elevators and testing cycles

• Energy management and Local Law 97 compliance

• Plumbing systems and backflow prevention

• Violation management (DOB, HPD, FDNY)

• Cleaning standards and vendor oversight

By hosting sessions within operating buildings, attendees gain direct exposure to equipment, documentation processes, inspection protocols, and preventative maintenance strategies.

Reducing Risk Through Operational Knowledge

For ownership groups and asset managers, the benefits are tangible. A property manager who understands how systems function — and where vulnerabilities lie — is better equipped to anticipate capital needs, oversee vendors effectively, and respond confidently during agency inspections.

“New York is one of the most complex real estate environments in the country,” Tusing said. “The more informed our managers are about the systems they oversee, the better positioned they are to protect asset value and support ownership objectives.”

Elevating the Profession

Behind the Walls reflects IREM NYC’s continued commitment to professional development in a market where expectations continue to rise. As sustainability mandates tighten and infrastructure ages, operational literacy is no longer optional — it is essential.

By bringing managers directly into the mechanical and compliance realities of their buildings, IREM NYC is strengthening the industry from the inside out.

In a city built on density, infrastructure, and regulation, what happens behind the walls matters. Through this new initiative, IREM NYC is ensuring property managers are prepared to manage it.

The program’s first topic is cooling towers presented by IREM NYC industry partner ALC Environmental on Wednesday, March 25^th at 4:00. NYC location to be determined. While this program is offered at no charge to property managers only, advance registration is required as space is limited. 

Please contact [email protected].