The Westchester County Association (WCA) is the leading economic development and business advocacy organization serving Westchester County and the region.
NEW: The WCA has launched a series of advocacy and action initiatives designed to drive economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and to foster long-term growth.
The initiatives are outlined in “Towards a Stronger Future”, a newly-released report from the WCA’s Post Pandemic Working Group (PPWG), which is a select committee of business, nonprofit, and education and government leaders who are working collaboratively to support the recovery and long-term prosperity of the region. Read the press release.
WCA Smart Growth Focus Areas
With the passage of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, New York now has one of the strongest climate change laws in the world. In order to meet these ambitious goals and become a leader in
the fight for a clean energy future, professional stakeholders across the political spectrum will need to be proactive.
More than just an immense benefit to the people who live in the Westchester region, proximity to world-class health facilities is a key business and talent driver. Regionally, the healthcare and life science sector contributes over $18 billion in economic impact and employs well over 70,000.
As the economy reopens, Westchester is poised to become an attractive destination for businesses and residents wishing to remain close to New York City but with a less dense urban environment. As the pandemic reshapes the commercial landscape, our region may experience changes in occupancy and use trends in the office, retail, hospitality, research and development, and industrial sectors. We should continue to encourage suburban clusters (comprising attractive office space close to retail and lifestyle amenities) through proper development incentives and zoning modifications.
Regions that focus on talent and workforce development benefit economically. How is the WCA connecting businesses with talent?
Broadband and wireless communications is the means by which we stay connected to our workplaces, schools, healthcare providers, news and entertainment, and each other – as evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic – where real time video platforms became the norm in work from home, remote learning, and telemedicine environments. But the pandemic has also exacerbated the effects of a long-standing digital divide in our region, where, for example, many children are unable to participate in remote learning due to the lack of device ownership and connectivity.
Upcoming Events
Leveraging the “New Normal” in Training, Recruiting and Retention of our Talent
2nd Annual Regional Workforce Summit
Join the WCA as leaders from business, education, government, and nonprofits gather to discuss the mega shifts occurring in our region’s talent ecosystem.
Understanding the Economics & Financial Models for Improved Housing Affordability
Economic Development Begins with Pro-Housing Policy
Leaders from the real estate community discuss the economics and financial models for improved housing affordability in Westchester. This special discussion brought to you by WCA Real Estate & Housing Task Force.
Smarter, Healthier Communities
All Access Healthcare: Healthcare Innovations & Next Gen Connectivity
Technology experts will come together to discuss the future of telehealth in a post-pandemic world, addressing questions and concerns about 5G technology, and the digital infrastructure investments needed for Westchester and our region.
News and Updates
Hundreds of households in downtown Yonkers will soon have access to free or affordable internet due to a grant from U.S. Ignite spearheaded by the Westchester County Association.
The Westchester County Association (WCA) is one of seven lead organizations to have been selected by US Ignite, a national non-profit accelerating the smart city movement, to participate in Project OVERCOME. Project OVERCOME, a $2.7 million effort is designed to expedite the delivery of broadband services to underserved communities across the United States. The U. S. National Science Foundation (NSF) conceived of and is providing $2.25 million in funding for the project, with Schmidt Futures joining as a financial and strategic partner to extend Project OVERCOME’s geographic reach with an additional $450,000. The project explores novel approaches to connectivity in both rural and urban communities with an eye on replicating these efforts on a national scale.
The New Rochelle City Council scrapped a zoning clause originally intended to attract more senior housing to the city. Westchester County Association President and CEO Michael Romita said with the county's population is "greying," municipalities should have a plan to welcome more senior housing communities. You can’t have a healthy and equitable community if older residents are forced to move because they are squeezed out of viable housing options.
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