WCA in the News

A joint economic study produced by the Westchester County Association (WCA) and the Regional Plan Association (RPA) says that if Westchester fails to address its growing shortfall in housing it could lose from 8,400 to 12,000 jobs annually, lose from $333 million to $742 million in annual earnings and lose from $32 billion to $57 billion in Gross Domestic Product by 2040.

RYE -- Despite recent growth in housing developments, Westchester still faces a pressing need for more housing. A new study by the Westchester County Association and Regional Plan Association warns that the housing shortfall could lead to job losses — unless municipalities act to promote housing.

The U.S. House of Representatives has advanced a plan to slash about $700 billion from Medicaid over the next ten years. Not only would major cuts to Medicaid harm the health of New Yorkers, but they would also ravage healthcare providers and undermine the state’s economy.

The health care industry is entrenched as a backbone of Westchester's economy. With the rapid expansion of hospitals and health care facilities, thousands of new jobs are expected to be created in the coming years. Health care jobs are generally competitive and well-paying. Yet, many remain unfilled.

In September of 2021, when Hurricane Ida pummeled Westchester County—and Mamaroneck in particular—Michael Murphy doubled down on a plan. The director of business development at Murphy Brothers Contracting saw firsthand (but not for the first time) how Ida’s flooding devastated businesses. Year after year, as storms became more powerful, merchants in the area saw their properties submerged and inventories destroyed with no relief in sight

Medicaid provides healthcare to families with modest incomes, young adults who have aged off their parents’ insurance, people with disabilities and frail elderly individuals in long-term care. It covers your neighbors, your kids, your parents and grandparents. And it is now on the chopping block. The program is administered by the states and jointly funded with the federal government. It is not cheap, costing more than $600 billion a year. That is why it is in Congress’ crosshairs.

VALHALLA – With thousands of job openings in the Hudson Valley, educators and employers are collaborating to train a new generation of phone-centric workers who may lack social skills like making eye contact. The number of private sector jobs in the Hudson Valley grew by 1.9% to 819,000 in January, with the largest gains occurring in education and health services, as well as leisure and hospitality. But many employers are having trouble filling jobs. In fact, across New York state, about 500,000 open positions still need to be filled.

WHITE PLAINS ‒ As lawmakers in Washington consider steep spending cuts, leaders of Lower Hudson hospitals and research institutions warn that potential cuts to Medicaid and research funding could lead to job losses and reduced access to health care services. A shift in federal funding priorities has put the health care industry at risk, officials say.

As a wave of new tariffs hits America’s trading partners, Westchester builders are scrambling to adapt. While it’s too early to gauge the full impact on costs and prices on building materials, those in the Westchester business community expressed concern about rising prices, business stability and housing affordability. Michael Romita, president of Westchester County Association, said development projects are likely to become more expensive to build. As a result, fewer projects will move forward, which could ultimately affect housing affordability.

County Executive Ken Jenkins told a breakfast gathering of the Westchester County Association that the future of the county’s airport and the Westchester County Center will receive priority attention from his administration. Jenkins, who is running in the Feb. 11 special election to determine who will serve out the remainder of now Congressman George Latimer’s term, appeared at a breakfast event that helped launch WCA’s 75th anniversary year. Jenkins is running against Republican Christine Sculti in the special election.

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.

White Plains, New York - (September 22, 2023)…In his keynote address at WCA’s “Toasting to a Healthy Westchester,” Michael J. Dowling, CEO, Northwell Health appealed to 250 key leaders in healthcare and business attending this annual dinner to try to solve what he called the social determinants of health, such as gun violence, poverty, obesity, and drugs and alchohol abuse. “If we don’t solve theses issues, we will never improve the health status of Americans,”he said, citing the pressures facing the industry today.

White Plains, New York -- (June 5, 2023) Close to 200 business, nonprofit, and government leaders attended the WCA’s 2nd Annual Sustainable Business Conference hosted in partnership with Pace University’s Elisabeth Haub School of Law. The event, held June 1 at the law school, focused on new opportunities in sustainable investing and real estate, navigating an evolving regulatory landscape, and the connection between sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion. New this year, a “Sustainability Bootcamp” workshop served as a primer for businesses of all sizes to get started with practical tools to develop a sustainability program.

White Plains, New York - (December 8, 2022) Susan Fox, WCA Board Chair, President & CEO, White Plains Hospital, and Michael N. Romita, President, and CEO of the Westchester County Association (WCA), announced this week that the WCA, the county’s premier business membership organization, will welcome eight new board members representing important industry sectors to bolster the WCA’s economic development and advocacy work.

White Plains, New York - (November 21, 2022)…. Westchester’s professional community packed the Westchester Marriott ballroom on November 17th for the Westchester County Association’s annual leadership dinner to honor Westchester’s most influential leaders and celebrate another year of impactful work by the WCA, the region’s premiere business advocacy and economic development organization.

Westchester County and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) invite you to explore this summer’s ProCourses: online, non-credit, 4 to 8-week courses taught by industry experts who mentor you through projects that provide you with new capabilities, insights, and confidence at work. Use code SUMMER25 upon registration for 25% off.

GF55 Architects' is designing New Stapleton, an upcoming mixed-income residential project on Staten Island’s North Shore. The 500-home development will use sustainable, zero-carbon mass timber construction—making it the largest residential project of its kind in the U.S.

Burke Rehabilitation is expanding its partnership with Archbishop Stepinac High School to deliver comprehensive sports medicine services. Beginning August 1, Burke physicians and certified athletic trainers will support student-athletes across multiple sports, offering expert care and educational programming to promote performance, safety, and wellness on and off the field.

Mercy University has launched a new Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Advanced Certificate Program to meet the growing demand for mental health professionals. Designed for nurses with a master’s degree, the program prepares graduates to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care across diverse healthcare settings, with a focus on underserved and vulnerable populations.

New York Blood Center opened its largest and most advanced donor center at a new 187,000-square-foot Rye campus, marking a major expansion in the region. Launching amid a critical blood shortage, the center brings together blood collections, research and processing under one roof, offering enhanced services to hospitals in the region.

WMCHealth, Westchester County, and the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation are urging families to prioritize swimming safety this summer following an increase in pediatric drowning emergencies. A $400K initiative will fund swimming lessons for underserved children and promote education, supervision, and early prevention as ways to protect young lives.

Burke Rehabilitation recently opened the McCarthy Family Meditation Garden on its White Plains campus, honoring John McCarthy—former Chair of Burke’s Board of Trustees and longtime White Plains resident—for his years of dedicated service. This serene space was designed to provide patients, visitors, and staff with a peaceful place for reflection, restoration, and meditation.

Mercy University has named Lauren de la Cruz as its first Chief Human Resources Officer. A Bronx native and Mercy alum, de la Cruz brings over 20 years of HR leadership experience. Her appointment underscores Mercy’s commitment to building an inclusive, high-performing workplace that supports its mission of access and student success.

Congratulations to James Hernandez and the IFCA Housing Network on joining the Welcome Home Westchester Policy Advisory Committee! Excited to see IFCA working alongside so many dedicated partners to move the housing conversation forward in Westchester County.

Tal Healthcare has been recognized on Forbes’ “America’s Best Recruiting Firms 2025” lists in both the Professional and Executive Search categories. This honor reflects the trust of clients and candidates alike, and our commitment to delivering top-tier healthcare talent—from frontline roles to executive leadership—when the stakes are highest.