WCA in the News

“New York’s housing shortage is decades-long in the making and continues to be a serious impediment to economic growth and community vitality,” said Michael Romita, president and CEO of the WCA. “It is choking off upward mobility for our residents and is hurting our businesses.”

Says Michael Romita, WCA president and CEO, from healthcare workers to staff accountants to the people who make your morning latte, affordable housing “pretty much touches every single industry out there.”

WCA President & CEO Michael N. Romita said: “This is a solid and thoughtful budget. It includes a decrease in property taxes while boosting reserves.”

It was a night to reflect on leadership and legacies as the Westchester County Association held its 72nd annual dinner Nov. 17 in the ballroom of the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown.

Dear County Executive Latimer, Commissioner Drummond, Budget Director Soule, and Chair Borgia: Westchester’s housing shortage is decades-long in the making and continues to be a serious impediment to economic growth and community vitality. It remains a shared challenge for our businesses, nonprofits, workers, residents, and local municipalities.

Long Island and Westchester build housing at some of the lowest rates of any suburban area in the country, fueling high rents and home prices across the region.

The newly passed federal Inflation Reduction Act, a climate, health and tax measure, will bolster New York's efforts to aggressively reduce carbon emissions under the state's own landmark 2019 Climate Act. Some in the business community have been slow to embrace the pathway to a clean-energy economy. They view New York's ambitious road map as impractical, unrealistic and threatening to the state's economic future. However, indictments of the council's work coupled with calls to amend the underlying state statute are shortsighted and misdirected. Either we face the economic realities of climate change and address them head-on or we pay an even greater price in the long run.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic took root in 2020, Bona Fide Masks has provided national distribution of masks direct from manufacturers Powecom, DemeTECH, Chengde and Harley.

The newly passed federal Inflation Reduction Act, also known as the Climate, Health, and Tax Bill, brings an end to decades of national legislative inaction on climate change.

The Harvard Business School defines sustainability in business as doing business without negatively impacting the environment, community or society as a whole. For the Westchester County Association (WCA), sustainability no longer is something its members can afford to keep off their radar screens and deal with only when unavoidable.

(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.