WCA in the News

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.

After seven years as second fiddle, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins now leads the band. The business community had a glimpse of what’s to come the morning of Thursday, Jan. 23, when Jenkins held what was billed as a “fireside chat” with Westchester County Association President Michael Romita at the Pelham Country Club. The talk came as the Jenkins administration faced its first crisis: the decision of Standard Amusements to terminate its 30-year management agreement to run Playland amusement park after only three years. Among other issues on Jenkins' mind: the future of Westchester County Center; the bogged-down Westchester County Airport master plan; and the rise in county property taxes in its special districts.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins speaks at the Westchester County Association's annual business breakfast at Pelham Country Club Jan. 23, 2025.

Westchester County crossed a milestone when the last census in 2020 revealed there are now more than one million people living here. So, with more folks competing for a housing stock that hasn’t kept pace, the result is predictable. “It’s Economics 101,” Tim Foley of the Building & Realty Institute told a gathering of more than 75 at the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber breakfast on Jan. 9 “If the supply is inadequate, the prices go sky high. In addition, with the migration up from New York City during Covid, the housing inventory shrunk and the prices went bananas.”

The U.S. healthcare system is facing a dual crisis: a critical shortage of nurses and an even more severe shortage of nursing faculty. This interconnected challenge creates a dangerous threat to the system’s capacity to meet current and future healthcare needs, with dire consequences for patient care quality.

An estimated 400 business, nonprofit and community leaders were on hand November 20th when The Westchester County Association honored four Westchester leaders at its Annual Leadership Event, “Impact in Action.” The event took place at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle.

(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.

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.

The AI in Business Certificate Program is designed to equip business leaders and professionals with strategic, ethical AI skills and knowledge to drive performance, innovation, efficiency, and data-driven decision making. Applicable across industries, the program emphasizes hands-on learning, practical applications, and industry engagement.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Westchester County are bringing together employers, RPI alumni, students, parents, and Westchester residents for an educational summit on November 24. If you're hiring, seeking internships/career opportunities, or exploring professional development, join us for lunch, a career fair, and networking.

White Plains Hospital Physicians Associates Center is officially open. The 70,000–square-foot facility in Scarsdale provides a comprehensive team approach to care and patient access to more than 40 physician experts across 20 different medical specialties, including advanced imaging and diagnostic testing.

Pace University hosted its inaugural Actionable AI Conference, featuring Google Cloud’s Charles Elliot, who urged attendees to “be curious” and embrace evolving technologies. Nearly 200 students, faculty, and business leaders explored practical, ethical AI applications shaping education, workforce development, and innovation, solidifying Pace’s role as a leader in responsible AI adoption.

Nearly half of City & State’s 100 regional power players come from WCA member organizations: 46 leaders shaping policy, driving economic growth, and strengthening communities across the region. Congratulations to all on this well-deserved recognition!

Cuddy & Feder Partner Kristen Motel, Chair of the Cannabis Law group, has been recognized in the Global Top 200 Cannabis Lawyers 2025–2026 by Cannabis Law Report. Selected through client and peer surveys, Kristen advises operators, investors, and entrepreneurs on cannabis licensing, zoning, and approvals, and is a recognized industry leader.

Northwell Health has opened Northwell Health Physician Partners Otolaryngology at 244 Westchester Ave. in White Plains, a new 3,000-square-foot facility designed to meet rising demand for adult and pediatric ENT services. The $2 million center offers comprehensive ear, nose, and throat care.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced up to $100 million funding for Westchester Medical Center to support the full integration of Bon Secours Charity Health System of the Hudson Valley into the WMCHealth network, streamlining operations across the system to enhance quality of care.

At Mercy University, students have opportunities to learn outside of the classroom. Through internships, co-ops, clinical rotations, service learning, volunteer work, and student teaching, Mercy ensures every student can gain hands-on experience in the field.

After nearly 50 years of extraordinary leadership, Rita Mabli will transition from her role as President/CEO of United Hebrew to Senior Advisor. Mark Sanchez, current Administrator and COO of United Hebrew's nursing home, will become President/CEO, effective January 5, 2026.