WCA in the News

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The Westchester County Association (WCA), Westchester County, and The STEM Alliance recently 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.

“We are in the midst of a new era, one that promises to redefine how we work, live, and grow,” Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said when opening the conference titled CONVERGE: Hudson Valley Digital Innovation Conference.

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.

The Westchester County Association (WCA), and Nonprofit Westchester (NPW), are hosting a free virtual event, An Open Conversation with U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, on February 26, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. EST. This event will discuss the most pressing issues impacting regional businesses and nonprofits and will include an audience Q&A. Topics that will be addressed in this event include: • COVID relief and the rest of Senator Schumer’s 2021 legislative agenda • Economic development priorities in the lower Hudson Valley • The importance of nonprofits to the regional economy • The challenges of legislating in the current political environment

The Westchester County Association (WCA), in partnership with Westchester County’s Office of Economic Development, is hosting a free virtual webinar, All Access Healthcare: Spotlight on Westchester’s Bioscience Ecosystem, on February 11, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. EST. This event will showcase the growing bioscience ecosystem in the county and highlight why more life science companies are moving to Westchester County. Opening remarks will be made by Westchester County Executive George Latimer.

The Westchester County Association (WCA), Westchester’s leading economic development and business advocacy organization, today announced the appointment of five new members to its board of directors.

Regional experts in real estate and housing will share best practices and offer potential solutions to the lack of affordable and diverse housing stock in the region – where more than 11,000 additional such units are needed -- at the Westchester County Association’s fourth annual Real Estate and Housing Virtual Summit on October 30 at 9:30 a.m. EST.

Dr. Philip Ozuah, president and chief executive officer of Montefiore Medicine, will deliver the keynote address at the Westchester County Association (WCA)’s online 70th Anniversary Leadership Event, which will celebrate business and nonprofit movers and shakers, Congresswoman Nita Lowey, and local healthcare heroes, on November 19 at 4 p.m. EST.

The initiatives are outlined in “Towards a Stronger Future,” a newly-released report from the WCA’s Post Pandemic Working Group (PPWG), which is a select committee of business, nonprofit, and education and government leaders who are working collaboratively to support the recovery and long-term prosperity of the region.  The Towards a Stronger Future report, which is available for download on the WCA’s website, sets forth a clear advocacy and action agenda in those Four Foundational Pillars of Economic Recovery where the WCA is well-positioned through its proven expertise and deep professional network to achieve significant impact: healthcare and bioscience, real estate and housing, digital connectivity, and energy and sustainability.

Optimism for Westchester’s economic future, combined with a sense that the region’s financial recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic will take between one and three years, are among the key findings from a public survey conducted by the Westchester County Association (WCA), the results of which were announced today. The survey also found that healthcare, entrepreneurship, higher education and hospitality are among the most important industry sectors to the region’s economic future, while high taxes, unemployment, broadband/digital technology, and affordable housing are key economic issues moving forward.

The “Business Insights” live video series will feature hosts from the WCA and Westfair Communications interviewing business leaders from throughout the region and discussing topics related to the challenges and opportunities organizations are encountering. Episodes will stream live on the WCA’s Facebook Page, LinkedIn Page, and YouTube Channel, and also on Westfair Communications’ website, Facebook Page, LinkedIn Page, and YouTube Channel, and be available for on-demand viewing.

The “Best Practices for Reopening Westchester” online event series will support the ongoing efforts of the WCA’s Post-Pandemic Working Group (PPWG) to rebuild a stronger and more resilient economy for the region.

The Post-Pandemic Working Group is pursuing a comprehensive and cooperative approach to the region’s economic development challenges that were both created and made more apparent by the coronavirus crisis. It will cultivate and advance a series of legislative, regulatory, and developmental priorities focused not just on getting our economy restarted but also making sure it grows stronger and more resilient for the long term.

Join the Westchester County Office of Economic Development on September 10 at the County Center for a dynamic networking and business development event that will empower small businesses and connect them with vital resources and contracting opportunities. ConXpo offers a valuable platform to learn, connect, and thrive.

Cuddy & Feder LLP proudly announces that several attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™. These honors reflect the firm’s longstanding commitment to excellence across practice areas, reinforcing its reputation as a leading regional law firm.

Westchester County’s Office for People with Disabilities and Office of Economic Development will host the 7th Diverse Abilities Job Fair on October 21 at the County Center. Free to attend, the fair connects employers with hundreds of enthusiastic job seekers of all abilities. Exhibitors should RSVP by October 10. Register here! Questions? Contact Shari Rosen Ascher or call 914-995-2907

Mercy University has named Matt Manfra Vice President for Institutional Advancement, effective August 28, 2025. A higher education advancement leader with 20+ years’ experience in fundraising, alumni engagement, and strategy, Manfra previously served at Georgian Court, George Washington, and Syracuse universities. He will lead Mercy’s fundraising and engagement initiatives.

Northwell has opened a new college-focused behavioral health unit at South Oaks Hospital on Long Island, modeled after the successful “One South” program. Serving undergraduate and graduate students in crisis, the 4,200-square-foot unit offers rapid stabilization, evidence-based treatment, and coordinated follow-up care through Northwell’s Behavioral Health College Partnership with 100+ universities.

Accountants are in demand, and there's a new program preparing the next generation. The online MS in Accounting at SUNY New Paltz welcomes anyone with a bachelor’s degree in business (excluding accounting). The program equips students to qualify for CPA licensure in as little as one year.

Iona University’s on-campus MBA program has once again earned national recognition in The Princeton Review’s “Best Business Schools for 2025.” Known for its personalized attention and career preparation, the LaPenta School of Business continues to grow its reputation as a premier destination for future business leaders. Two new MBA concentrations, HealthCare Management and Human Resource Management, have recently been launched to meet rising demand.

Blythedale Children’s Hospital has appointed Dr. Nathaniel Beers as its next President and CEO, succeeding Larry Levine, who is retiring after 26 years. A respected pediatrician and healthcare executive, Dr. Beers will begin November 17. His leadership background includes roles at Children’s National Hospital and the Washington D.C. Department of Health.

Open Door Family Medical Center is now Open Door Care Network, reflecting its expanded services and regional reach. The rebrand coincides with the organization's 50th anniversary and the opening of a new state-of-the-art facility at 2 Church Street in Ossining, enhancing access to integrated medical and behavioral health care

Newmark welcomes back industry veteran Brian Carcaterra as Executive Managing Director in the Stamford office. With over 20 years of brokerage and ownership experience, he will focus on office tenant and landlord representation in Fairfield and Westchester counties, bringing trusted expertise, strategic insight, and a collaborative approach to today’s evolving office market.