WCA in the News

When she announced in January a plan to kick off a building boom of housing across New York — 800,000 units in the next decade, even if it means going over the heads of reluctant zoning boards — Gov. Kathy Hochul had more than a few people wondering: What is she thinking?

“Our local communities have to understand that in many cases there’s a NIMBYism that’s a tremendous barrier to get the housing that we need,” Romita said. “We need to find the ways to break the logjams. But where the governor’s proposal starts out, it’s not the zombie apocalypse that a lot of people make it out to be. It’s not telling local communities what to do; it’s telling them to please do something.”

On Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023, the Westchester County Office of Economic Development (OED) and the Westchester County Association (WCA) hosted All Access Healthcare: Regional Life Sciences Outlook. Approximately 100 people attended the in-person panel presentation, which was held at the Auditorium at 360 Hamilton Avenue in White Plains.

“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.

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.