WCA in the News

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.

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.

White Plains, N.Y. (February 25, 2022) During the Annual County Executive’s Breakfast hosted by The Westchester County Association (WCA) on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at the Sleepy Hollow Hotel & Conference Center in Tarrytown, New York, County Executive George Latimer and WCA President & CEO Michael N. Romita jointly announced the launch of the Healthcare Talent Pipeline Program (HTPP).

The Westchester County Association (WCA) joined community leaders from Nonprofit Westchester (NPW), the Building and Realty Institute of Westchester and the Mid-Hudson Region (BRI), the Construction Industry Council of Westchester and Hudson Valley (CIC), and the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors (HGAR) to put forth an advocacy letter urging government officials to find statewide solutions to Westchester’s housing crisis.

Yonkers, N.Y. – Today, the Westchester County Association joined community leaders, elected officials, and project partners in a press conference at the Yonkers Public Library to highlight the latest developments since the launch of the Y-Zone (Yonkers Zone), a broadband pilot program funded by US Ignite and Schmidt Futures as part of Project Overcome.

White Plains, N.Y. (December 2, 2021) – The Westchester County Association (WCA) hosted their Annual Fall Leadership Event: Driving Westchester Forward on November 30 at the Westchester Marriot in Tarrytown, New York. With over 400 people in attendance, the evening honored the achievements of organizations Skanska, Westhab, and WMCHealth, as well as outgoing WCA Chairman William P. Harrington Esq., Partner at Bleakley Platt & Schmidt who received the Alfred B. DelBello Visionary Award.

White Plains, N.Y. (September 23, 2021) –The Westchester County Association (WCA) is excited to announce that at today’s meeting of the Board of Directors, Susan Fox, CEO and President of White Plains Hospital, was selected to succeed Bill Harrington as the next Chairperson of the WCA.

White Plains, N.Y. (November 23, 2021) – The Westchester County Association (WCA), and Nonprofit Westchester (NPW), are hosting a free virtual event, An Open Conversation with US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. EST. This event will include an interactive dialogue, discussing the most pressing issues impacting businesses and the Hudson Valley community.

White Plains, N.Y. (October 21, 2021) – Today, the Westchester County Association in partnership with the City of Yonkers, STEM Alliance, Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE), Fordham University, and Westhab launched the much-anticipated Yonkers Zone (Y-Zone). This project is made possible through support from US Ignite, the National Science Foundation (NSF) (Award # CNS-2044448), and Schmidt Futures. By utilizing Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum, the newly deployed, digital opportunity zone provides free internet access to approximately 250 to 400 need-based households in downtown Yonkers.

The Westchester County Association (WCA) is hosting their 2nd Annual Regional Workforce Summit on Friday, April 23, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. EST. Join the WCA and leaders from business, education, government, and nonprofits as they gather to discuss the mega shifts occurring in our region’s talent ecosystem. This event will showcase how businesses are leveraging the “new normal” in training, recruiting, and retention developments of the region’s talent.

The Westchester County Association (WCA) is one of seven lead organizations to have been selected by US Ignite, a national non-profit accelerating the smart city movement, to participate in Project OVERCOME. Project OVERCOME, a $2.7 million effort is designed to expedite the delivery of broadband services to underserved communities across the United States. The U. S. National Science Foundation (NSF) conceived of and is providing $2.25 million in funding for the project, with Schmidt Futures joining as a financial and strategic partner to extend Project OVERCOME’s geographic reach with an additional $450,000. The project explores novel approaches to connectivity in both rural and urban communities with an eye on replicating these efforts on a national scale.

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

Westchester County and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) invite you to explore this summer’s ProCourses: online, non-credit, 4 to 8-week courses taught by industry experts who mentor you through projects that provide you with new capabilities, insights, and confidence at work. Use code SUMMER25 upon registration for 25% off.

GF55 Architects' is designing New Stapleton, an upcoming mixed-income residential project on Staten Island’s North Shore. The 500-home development will use sustainable, zero-carbon mass timber construction—making it the largest residential project of its kind in the U.S.

Burke Rehabilitation is expanding its partnership with Archbishop Stepinac High School to deliver comprehensive sports medicine services. Beginning August 1, Burke physicians and certified athletic trainers will support student-athletes across multiple sports, offering expert care and educational programming to promote performance, safety, and wellness on and off the field.

Mercy University has launched a new Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Advanced Certificate Program to meet the growing demand for mental health professionals. Designed for nurses with a master’s degree, the program prepares graduates to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care across diverse healthcare settings, with a focus on underserved and vulnerable populations.

New York Blood Center opened its largest and most advanced donor center at a new 187,000-square-foot Rye campus, marking a major expansion in the region. Launching amid a critical blood shortage, the center brings together blood collections, research and processing under one roof, offering enhanced services to hospitals in the region.

WMCHealth, Westchester County, and the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation are urging families to prioritize swimming safety this summer following an increase in pediatric drowning emergencies. A $400K initiative will fund swimming lessons for underserved children and promote education, supervision, and early prevention as ways to protect young lives.

Burke Rehabilitation recently opened the McCarthy Family Meditation Garden on its White Plains campus, honoring John McCarthy—former Chair of Burke’s Board of Trustees and longtime White Plains resident—for his years of dedicated service. This serene space was designed to provide patients, visitors, and staff with a peaceful place for reflection, restoration, and meditation.

Mercy University has named Lauren de la Cruz as its first Chief Human Resources Officer. A Bronx native and Mercy alum, de la Cruz brings over 20 years of HR leadership experience. Her appointment underscores Mercy’s commitment to building an inclusive, high-performing workplace that supports its mission of access and student success.

Congratulations to James Hernandez and the IFCA Housing Network on joining the Welcome Home Westchester Policy Advisory Committee! Excited to see IFCA working alongside so many dedicated partners to move the housing conversation forward in Westchester County.

Tal Healthcare has been recognized on Forbes’ “America’s Best Recruiting Firms 2025” lists in both the Professional and Executive Search categories. This honor reflects the trust of clients and candidates alike, and our commitment to delivering top-tier healthcare talent—from frontline roles to executive leadership—when the stakes are highest.