WCA in the News

Infrastructure can cut both ways for housing developments in Westchester County. Developers say strong transit access and other public infrastructure can help attract residents and spur foot traffic, but some also view municipal requirements to build supporting infrastructure as a burden on new housing projects.

More than two dozen elected officials from cities, towns and villages in Westchester County joined the Welcome Home Westchester campaign (WHW) for a “Housing 101” training on Monday, April 20.

More than two dozen elected officials from cities, towns and villages in Westchester County joined the Welcome Home Westchester campaign (WHW) for a “Housing 101” training on Monday, April 20.

More than two dozen elected officials from cities, towns and villages in Westchester County participated in a Welcome Home Westchester training session on housing held at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University in White Plains. Welcome Home Westchester is a group that was formed to explore the housing shortage in Westchester and develop ways to do something about it.

There’s a remarkable transformation happening all around us, thanks to smart developers who see the win-win scenario in turning empty lots, old buildings, and unused industrial sites into versatile mixed-use developments. Properties that were once underutilized or abandoned are getting readied for their close-ups. Welcome to the new neighborhoods.

When New York enacted the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019, CLCPA or Climate Act for short, it set some of the most ambitious climate goals in the country. The law codified both short and long-term targets for reducing statewide greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy.

WHITE PLAINS — Housing affordability remains a top priority for state lawmakers in the Lower Hudson Valley as they weigh Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed budget. The Democratic governor's plan focuses on boosting housing supply through investments in affordable housing developments, supportive housing and manufactured homes, as well as reforms to the state’s environmental review process.

Some Hudson Valley officials and business community leaders are reacting positively to an initiative announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul to make reforms to the environmental review process under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).

At the Westchester County Association’s  (WCA) Annual Business Breakfast held Jan. 22 at the New York Athletic Club in Pelham Manor formation of the Westchester Economic Alliance was announced.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins has outlined his priorities for 2026 after the county passed a challenging budget that eliminated more than 100 positions and raised taxes for the first time in seven years.

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.

We await the findings of the Medicaid Redesign Team and we are dedicated to working with our State representatives to ensure that the team’s recommendations do not unduly burden Westchester’s health systems or place patients and others in need at unnecessary risk.

William P. Harrington, Jr., Chairman of the Westchester County Association (WCA), announced today that Michael N. Romita will become the next President & CEO of the WCA, the County’s leading economic development and business advocacy organization, effective March 1, 2020.

The Westchester County Association (WCA) – Westchester’s leading economic development and business advocacy organization – today announced the appointment of twelve new members to its board of directors, a new vice chair of its board of directors, and three board members to its executive committee.

Nationally-renowned experts and local stakeholders will convene to discuss innovative solutions to the region’s employer recruitment and retention challenges at the Westchester County Association’s (WCA) first-ever Regional Workforce Development Summit, to be held at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown, NY, on Thursday, January 16th at 8 a.m.

William P. Harrington, Chairman of the Westchester County Association (WCA), announced today that John E. Ritacco, a financial services executive who was the former President and CEO of CMS Bancorp Inc., a publicly traded financial institution, will be appointed as Interim President/CEO of the WCA, effective January 1, 2020, as the search for a new leader progresses. Ritacco will remain in the position until a successor to William M.  Mooney, Jr., the current President and CEO, is found.

County’s leading business advocacy association embarks on a vigorous process to find its new leader as economic activity burgeons in the region.

Westchester County Association hosts annual wine pairing dinner to support healthcare advocacy initiatives

Do you know an innovative, Westchester-based tech venture? Westchester County’s Element 46 Tech Accelerator by QUAY Acceleration is accepting applications for its Fall 2026 cohort. The competitive entry accelerator program features a powerful curriculum, connections to entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and full-time support from the Element 46 staff.

EW Howell Construction Group has promoted Matt Sturm to Director of Estimating as part of the company’s continued growth. Sturm, who joined the firm in 2016, will lead the estimating team and oversee best practices, project review, and estimating operations.

Access: Supports for Living has been awarded $1.4 million by New York State to establish a new Clubhouse in Westchester County, expanding community-based mental health services. The organization also promoted Ryan Hirt to Development & Advancement Director, overseeing fundraising, partnerships, and advancement efforts supporting its mission, including championing the work of The Guidance Center of Westchester.

Brian Harper has been promoted to Director, Community & Stakeholder Relations at New York Blood Center Enterprises. Previously serving as Associate Director, Harper brings extensive experience in partnerships, community engagement, and communications to advance NYBCe’s mission and strengthen community relationships.

New York Medical College has appointed Brian J. Nickerson, Ph.D., J.D., M.P.A., FACHE, as dean of its School of Health Sciences and Practice. Dr. Nickerson brings more than 25 years of experience in health sciences education, program growth, accreditation, and workforce development.

Congratulations to our WCA members named among 914Inc.’s Westchester’s Top CEOs and Business Leaders in 2026. Honorees include Christopher Hillyer of New York Blood Center Enterprises, Craig Ruoff of Colliers, Horace Anderson Jr. of Pace University, Mark Stagg of Stagg Group, Matt Rand of Howard Hanna | Rand Realty, Michael Spicer of Saint Joseph’s Medical Center, Ronald Rosado Abad of Community Housing Innovations, and Scott Edelman of Burke Rehabilitation.

Sarah Lawrence College’s Board of Trustees has voted to reappoint Cristle Collins Judd to a third term as the College’s President. Throughout her first two terms, she focused on long-term planning and developing the resources necessary to ensure Sarah Lawrence thrives in its second century.

United Hebrew has again earned the CMS Overall 5-Star Quality Rating for its skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation program, recognizing excellence in resident care, staffing, health inspections, and quality outcomes. The honor adds to recent national recognition from U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek.

Cuddy + Feder Partner and Land Use Practice Group Chair Lucia Chiocchio has been appointed Secretary of the ArtsWestchester Board of Directors. Her appointment recognizes her leadership and ongoing commitment to advancing the arts and strengthening the Westchester community.

Congratulations to the WCA member leaders recognized by Becker's Hospital Review in its 2026 "180 Hospital and Health System CFOs to Know" list. This national recognition highlights their exceptional financial leadership and commitment to advancing healthcare excellence.