The Westchester County Association (WCA) is the leading economic development and business advocacy organization serving Westchester County and the Region.
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. We 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.
News and Updates
The Harvard Business School defines sustainability in business as doing business without negatively impacting the environment, community or society as a whole. For the Westchester County Association (WCA), sustainability no longer is something its members can afford to keep off their radar screens and deal with only when unavoidable. "Sustainability is now a necessity for well-run organizations," WCA said in announcing its recent WCA Sustainable Business Conference that was held at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University in White Plains.
Members of the public expressed both support and criticism for proposed amendments to White Plains’ zoning ordinance during a public hearing at the White Plains Common Council meeting on June 6.
Michael Romita, President and CEO of the Westchester County Association, voiced his support for the proposed amendments to the ordinance, citing their forward-looking nature.
“It’s well-conceived, and it’s the result of significant study following community outreach and input from environmental and technical experts, including input from NYSERDA,” Romita said. “The ordinance has clear regulations and guidelines and will encourage more of the right kind of development in White Plains.”
It may come as no surprise, but county executives in Westchester and the Hudson Valley have upbeat views of where their counties stand financially, in the recovery from Covid, as hosts to businesses and in helping residents enjoy the highest possible quality of life. The season for messages about the state of the various counties peaked recently with addresses by the county executives in Westchester and Dutchess.
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