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.