Westchester County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Westchester County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Plumbing Licensing and 51% Ownership Rule
Master plumbers and union representatives spoke out against recent changes to county plumbing regulations, expressing concern over public health accountability and loss of local control.
Greenburgh and Yonkers Flood Mitigation
A massive $18 million-plus flood mitigation package was approved, funding intermunicipal agreements, bond acts, and stormwater plan amendments across Scarsdale, Mamaroneck, Hastings-on-Hudson, and Peekskill.
Property Tax Exemptions for Veterans and Surviving Spouses
The board enacted multiple county property tax exemptions to provide financial relief to disabled veterans, combat service members, and surviving spouses of police officers and emergency volunteers.
Affordable Housing Development in Yonkers and White Plains
The county is investing millions to acquire properties at 80 Main Street in Ossining and 19 Greenridge Avenue in White Plains to create 31 new affordable rental apartments.
Child Care Funding & Subsidy Enrollment Urgency
Child care advocates urged the county to immediately release available federal CCAP funding to support working families and prevent centers from turning children away.
Eastview Pumping Station Capital Project WD305
Multiple bond acts and budget amendments were passed to upgrade sewer systems, force mains, and wastewater treatment plants across Westchester.
Affordable Homeownership Development in Croton-on-Hudson
The county approved nearly $12 million in bonds, land acquisition, and developer agreements to build 100 new affordable homeownership units at 1-3 Croton Point Avenue. The project transforms an underutilized transit parking lot into sustainable housing within walking distance of the train station and downtown.
Public Safety and Crime Reduction
County officials highlighted a 17 percent overall decline in index crime across Westchester in 2025, alongside state-backed investments in law enforcement technology and new rules equipping officers with EpiPens.
County Financial Standing and Budget
The board approved annual tax distribution tables and tax levies to fund county operations, the MTA share, water districts, refuse disposal, and sanitary sewer districts.
Correctional Facility Chiller Replacement
Legislators approved over $3.5 million in capital funding and bond issuance to replace a failed cooling chiller at the Westchester County Correctional Center.
Addressing Community Anti-Semitism
Public commenters and legislators expressed urgent concerns regarding rising anti-Semitic incidents across Westchester County, calling for enhanced security and action.
Apprenticeship Mandate for County Construction Contracts
The county passed a law requiring contractors and subcontractors on county construction jobs over $250,000 to have New York State-registered apprenticeship programs. Supporters say it creates stable, well-paying local career paths while ensuring high-quality workmanship.
Peekskill Sanitary Sewer District Modification
Several bond acts were approved to fund major upgrades to sanitary sewer districts and water resource recovery facilities across Westchester County.
Playland Infrastructure and Ride Upgrades
The county approved over $36 million in bonds and budget amendments to finalize the breakup with Standard Amusements and cover arbitration and infrastructure costs at Playland.