WCA in the News

WHITE PLAINS — Housing affordability remains a top priority for state lawmakers in the Lower Hudson Valley as they weigh Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed budget. The Democratic governor's plan focuses on boosting housing supply through investments in affordable housing developments, supportive housing and manufactured homes, as well as reforms to the state’s environmental review process.

Some Hudson Valley officials and business community leaders are reacting positively to an initiative announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul to make reforms to the environmental review process under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).

At the Westchester County Association’s  (WCA) Annual Business Breakfast held Jan. 22 at the New York Athletic Club in Pelham Manor formation of the Westchester Economic Alliance was announced.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins has outlined his priorities for 2026 after the county passed a challenging budget that eliminated more than 100 positions and raised taxes for the first time in seven years.

The New York State Environmental Quality Review Act — SEQRA — just turned 50. And it’s not aging well. As the state remains mired in a serious housing crisis, SEQRA is a primary culprit.

Welcome Home Westchester (WHW), a multi-stakeholder pro-housing advocacy effort, announced the release of its Housing Policy Scorecards for all 43 cities, towns, and villages in the county at Pelham Village Hall on Friday, December 12.

As the newly elected Westchester County Executive Kenneth B. Jenkins began to speak at the Westchester County Association’s “Impact in Action” annual leadership event – held Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle – WCA President and CEO Michael R. Romita handed him a note.

The Westchester County Board of Legislators celebrated Italian American Heritage Month on Monday night with a ceremony recognizing two exceptional honorees: Michael N. Romita, President and CEO of Westchester County Association, champion for Westchester’s economic development and environmental sustainability and Paula Miritello, founder and director of My Brother Vinny, a nonprofit organization that provides furnishings for formerly homeless U.S. veterans.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during an appearance at the Westchester County Association’s (WCA) Toasting to a Healthy Westchester event at Tappan Hill in Tarrytown called on health care providers to do more with artificial intelligence.

Want to grow your career or your presence in the industry? These business associations and job and apprenticeship banks are here to help.

Pelham, NY — January 22, 2026 — The Westchester County Association (WCA) today announced the formation of the Westchester Economic Alliance, a new, joint countywide economic development initiative launched in partnership with Westchester County Government.

(November 20, 2025 – New Rochelle, NY) — More than 450 business, nonprofit, and government leaders gathered at Glen Island Harbour Club on November 19 for the Westchester County Association’s (WCA) “Impact in Action” Annual Leadership Event—the capstone celebration of the organization’s 75th anniversary.

(October 13, 2025) … Westchester County leaders, healthcare executives, and policymakers gathered at the Westchester County Association’s (WCA) annual Toasting to a Healthy Westchester: An Evening to Celebrate WCA’s Legacy of Healthcare Advocacy & Initiatives.

Westchester County, NY — [July 24, 2025] — The Westchester County Association (WCA), Westchester County, and The STEM Alliance today hosted the second annual CONVERGE: Hudson Valley Digital Innovation Conference, bringing together business, government, nonprofit, and education leaders to explore how artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and digital inclusion can power the region’s economy and create a more equitable, resilient future.

WHITE PLAINS, NY (May 22, 2025) — As cranes rise and hospital campuses expand across Westchester County, new findings unveiled at the Westchester County Association’s (WCA) Annual Real Estate Summit reveal a critical imbalance—Westchester’s housing supply is not keeping up, and the cost of inaction could reach tens of billions of dollars.

White Plains, NY (January 23, 2025) — The Westchester County Association (WCA) launched its 75th anniversary year with newly appointed County Executive Ken Jenkins’ first address to the Westchester business community, where he outlined his vision for the county’s growth and vitality – subjects that drive WCA’s mission.

(November 21, 2024) …. Four exceptional Westchester leaders, cited for their outstanding contributions to Westchester’s robust economy, benefiting its people and businesses, were honored at the Westchester County Association’s (WCA) Annual Leadership Event, “Impact in Action,” held on November 20th at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle.

White Plains, New York - (November 10, 2023)….Over 450 members of Westchester’s professional community packed the Westchester Marriott ballroom on November 9th for the Westchester County Association’s 73rd annual leadership event.

White Plains (October 12, 2023) More than 300 job seekers lined up to meet with over 40 employers and resource providers at a regional career fair October 12 at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.

Connect Westchester is Westchester County’s Office of Economic Development’s new initiative to bridge the digital divide through providing essential digital resources, education and affordable internet access to low-income residents.

This spring, the college is launching two new community-focused learning initiatives aimed at meeting the growing demand for intellectually rigorous, flexible education: Extension Courses and the Signature Learning Community for adults 55 and older.

Hudson Valley Care Coalition (HVCC) is partnering with WMCHealth to embed food, housing and transportation screenings into hospital, ER and outpatient care. The initiative is expected to reach an additional 80,000 Medicaid patients this year, addressing social needs that drive up to 80% of health outcomes.

RPI continues to offer opportunities for working professionals interested in advancing their education through project-based, online graduate programs, including courses, certificates, and degree options in engineering, analytics, leadership, and technical change management.

Dr. Kartik Prabhakaran, M.D., M.H.S., FACS has been appointed Chair of the Department of Surgery at Westchester Medical Center and The Felicien M. Steichen, M.D., Chair of Surgery at New York Medical College. A nationally recognized trauma surgeon, he will oversee clinical and academic programs across the health system, advancing surgical excellence and strengthening the pipeline of future surgical leaders in the region.

New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins secured $2.175 million for capital and technology upgrades at Pace University’s Center of Excellence in Healthcare Simulation. The investment will expand hands-on training capacity, helping Pace graduates and place more practice-ready nurses and clinicians across the Hudson Valley.

Summit Health’s Senior Recruiter, Torey Neil, shares insights on Westchester’s competitive job market, emphasizing the growing importance of soft skills, adaptability, and authenticity in healthcare hiring. This 914INC. feature highlights Summit Health’s holistic approach to talent acquisition and commitment to exceptional patient care.

Join ArtsWestchester on March 13 at Brae Burn Country Club for the organization's annual Arts Award Luncheon celebrating the power of the arts in Westchester. More than 300 artists, leaders, patrons, and officials will gather to honor this year’s award recipients.

Margaretville Hospital, part of Westchester Medical Center Health Network, received a $200,000 grant from Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to complete construction of an on-campus helipad. The project, expected to finish this year, will expand emergency access and improve patient outcomes across Delaware County.

In recognition of National Blood Donor Month, donors shared why they give — filling NYBC walls with powerful reminders of compassion and community. Each message reflects lives touched and families helped. Thank you to everyone who shared their “why” and rolled up their sleeve to save lives.

Webster Financial Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Banco Santander, S.A. in a $12.3 billion transaction. The combination will create a top ten retail and commercial bank nationwide and a top five bank by deposits in the Northeast, strengthening scale, capabilities and regional presence.