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. The Alliance will bring together business, government, higher education, and civic leaders around a shared approach to strengthening the county’s long-term economic competitiveness.

“Westchester is operating in a faster, more competitive, and more complex economic environment,” said Michael N. Romita, President and CEO of the WCA. “In partnership with County Government, we will focus on where we are today and where we are headed.  Blueprint ’26 is the first step—looking at where we stand, where we have real competitive advantage, and establishing a foundation for decisions that shape long-term growth.”

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “A strong economy doesn’t happen by accident. This initiative brings together the data, the expertise, and the partnerships needed to make informed decisions about Westchester’s future. Working with the WCA and leaders across sectors, we’re focused on positioning the county to compete, innovate, and succeed.”

As part of the launch, the WCA also announced Blueprint ’26, a data-driven process that will culminate in the Alliance’s first major deliverable. The report will establish a clear baseline on Westchester’s economic position and help inform the direction of future strategy and implementation.

Blueprint ’26 will connect data, decision-makers, and partners around key economic priorities, providing a durable structure for countywide discussion and decision-making. Led by the WCA in partnership with Westchester County, the project builds on the WCA’s role as the county’s leading business membership organization and a long-standing convener across sectors.

How the Westchester Economic Alliance Will Shape Economic Development

In its first phase, the Alliance will focus on building a common understanding of Westchester’s economic composition and the key sectors that drive the local economy. Through research, stakeholder engagement, and data analysis, Blueprint ’26 will:

  • Clarify Westchester’s competitive position and core economic strengths
  • Identify priority industries tied to the county’s workforce, infrastructure, and assets
  • Explore the implications of targeted investment—and the risks of inaction
In the coming weeks, the WCA will convene a cross-sector steering committee, chaired by WCA Board Chair Chris Fisher and County Director of Operations Joan McDonald, and drawing from its board, members, and regional partners. Representing business, government, higher education, and civic leadership, the committee will guide the Blueprint ’26 process and help ensure the report reflects real market conditions and countywide priorities.

WCA Board Chair Chris Fisher framed the effort as an evolutionary approach to economic development in a rapidly changing business landscape.

“Westchester has extraordinary talent and assets—but we don’t win by relying on yesterday’s playbook,” Fisher said. “This Alliance led by the County and WCA mobilizes our strengths deliberately, with business, government, and community leaders aligned from the start. Blueprint ’26 will establish the benchmarks and actions critical for economic growth in a rapid and transformative time of change.”

Joan McDonald noted: “I look forward to representing Westchester County and co-chairing the Westchester Economic Alliance with Chris Fisher.  As the world economy changes, it is important that we take stock of where we are, the many initiatives we have put in place and evaluate different ways we can remain competitive as the economic engine we are today.”

Blueprint ’26 will be developed over the coming months, with findings and recommendations released later this year. Following the report’s completion, the Westchester Economic Alliance will work with partners to apply its findings through a practical roadmap to guide strategy, planning efforts, and investment decisions countywide.

Economic Outlook: Challenges and Trends in 2026

The announcement was made at the WCA’s Annual Business Breakfast, held this morning at the New York Athletic Club–Travers Island, which brought together more than 200 leaders across Westchester. The program featured a fireside conversation between Romita and Jenkins focused on the state of Westchester County, near-term economic conditions, and strategic areas for continued growth and innovation.

During the conversation, Jenkins spoke candidly about the county’s current challenges and the importance of maintaining momentum despite uncertainty.

“The issue for all of us is how we navigate where we are and ensure we’re protecting Westchester,” Jenkins said. “We want to continue to move forward from an economic development perspective—making sure families want to live here, businesses want to grow here, and people want to visit Westchester.”

The program also included a regional economic outlook panel with market intelligence presented by Michael P. Goldrick, President & CEO, PCSB Bank (a division of Beacon Bank & Trust); Jason Soto, Chief Credit Officer, Webster Bank; and Joseph A. Ruhl, Westchester Regional President, Orange Bank & Trust Company.

The discussion examined how shifting federal policy and market volatility are influencing businesses across the region, with panelists noting that uncertainty itself is often as challenging as specific policy changes. Speakers described a lending environment that remains active but selective, shaped by uneven conditions across sectors and differing approaches to commercial real estate, while underscoring the growing importance of cybersecurity and fraud prevention. Despite continued inflation and labor market concerns, panelists pointed to underlying economic resilience and offered a measured view of recession risk.

“There’s a lot of uncertainty in the environment, but lending remains active,” noted Goldrick. “We’re still seeing development across the county, and while conditions are more disciplined, there continues to be opportunity in the market.”

About the Westchester County Association 

The Westchester County Association is the most influential professional membership organization in Westchester and the surrounding region. We unite professional leaders to advance issues and lead initiatives that strengthen our regional economy.  Our mission is to drive Westchester’s economic vitality, stimulate new business development and job creation, and provide our members with the resources and talent they need to grow. For more information about the Westchester County Association, visit www.westchester.org.