WCA in the News

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.

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.

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.

Congratulations to Corine E. Lurry-Mabin, CEO of Andrus; Amie Parikh, CEO of Hudson Valley Care Coalition; Anthony Pili, Chief Innovation Officer of Orange Bank & Trust Company; Marissa Weidner, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer of Webster Bank; Anthony B. Gioffre III, Esq., Managing Partner of Cuddy & Feder LLP; and Reginald L. Jordan, Vice President, Clinical Services at Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital on being recognized at the Westfair Business Journal C-Suite Awards. Your leadership and commitment make a meaningful impact across the region.

The next Westchester County Life Sciences Monthly Networking event will be June 24 in Valhalla and will feature presentations from WMC Health’s Dr. Mitchell Cairo and Matthew Claster, Founder & CEO of Clarapath. All are welcome: founders and employees of life sciences companies, innovators, investors, and those curious about Westchester’s life sciences ecosystem.

Orange Bank & Trust has promoted Joseph A. Ruhl to Senior Executive Vice President. Since joining the Bank in 2015, Ruhl has led deposit growth, strengthened frontline teams, and expanded business development across Westchester and the Northern Hudson Valley, reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to relationship banking and community impact.

United Hebrew Senior Living has opened its new Dialysis Den, becoming the first CMS 5-star rated senior care community in the region to integrate on-site dialysis with skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation. The service eliminates the need for frequent off-site treatments, helping seniors with complex medical needs receive coordinated care in one setting while supporting hospitals, patients, and families alike.

RXR and Korman Communities have secured $269 million in refinancing for Hamilton Green, the 477-unit luxury multifamily development in downtown White Plains. The financing, provided by Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies and Canyon Real Estate Partners, comes as the property nears full lease-up less than a year after opening, underscoring strong demand for transit-oriented housing in Westchester County.

Congratulations to Tracey Guerin, Assistant Project Manager at KINGS, on being recognized by the New York Real Estate Journal as a "2026 One to Watch." Tracey's disciplined approach, attention to detail, and leadership help drive both projects and teams forward. This recognition reflects her dedication, professionalism, and the impact she makes every day

White Plains Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification, the highest level of stroke care accreditation. This milestone reflects rapid growth in its Neurosciences program and leadership from Dr. Rafael A. Ortiz and Dr. Paul Lleva in delivering advanced, 24/7 stroke care.

Congratulations to Skanska on receiving the Project Safety Award at SAFEBUILD 2026 for the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal Port Upgrade. The recognition highlights Skanska’s commitment to safety through planning, risk management, and a strong job site culture.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has appointed Shakeeb Akhter as Chief Digital Officer. Formerly Senior Vice President and Chief Digital and Information Officer at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Akhter will lead MSK’s digital strategy, advancing innovation across clinical care, research, AI, analytics, cybersecurity, and enterprise technology.

This week, New York Blood Center declared a blood emergency as regional blood supplies have dropped to less than a two-day supply ahead of summer trauma season. Give blood: A single donation can save up to three lives. Host a blood drive: If you have space and 30+ willing donors, NYBC will arrange the rest.