Westchester County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Westchester County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Senior Citizen Real Property Tax Exemption Expansion
The board updated tax exemption thresholds to provide greater relief for low-income seniors on fixed incomes, helping them stay in their homes as costs rise.
Playland Parking Lot Drainage and Historic Restoration
Lawmakers approved an additional $14 million, bringing total funding to $21 million, to fix parking lot drainage and restore a historic bus canopy structure at Playland.
Woodfield Cottage Youth Detention County Operation
The county amended its pay plan to establish direct county staffing positions as it takes over the operation of Woodfield Cottage youth detention facility from outside providers.
General Election Preparation and Voter Outreach
Election commissioners updated the board on voter registration deadlines, early voting schedules, and mail-in ballot rules to ensure residents are prepared for the November election. Officials also discussed efforts to combat misinformation and provide reliable guidance to voters.
Polling Place Security and Election Integrity
Legislators and election commissioners discussed measures to prevent voter intimidation, manage challenges at polling locations, and coordinate with law enforcement. The League of Women Voters also highlighted their election protection and monitoring efforts.
Probation Department Retirement Benefits
Probation officers and union representatives urged the board to support a 25-year early retirement option for county probation officers to match other law enforcement personnel.
Oasis Emergency Overnight Shelter Land Acquisition and Improvements
The county approved acquiring the Oasis Center in New Rochelle and authorized $11.1 million in bonds to comprehensively renovate the Sound Shore region's sole emergency overnight shelter.
Westchester Community College 2026-2027 Budget and Tuition
The county approved the community college's budget, which includes operating and capital funding alongside a modest tuition increase to maintain educational quality.
Probation Violation Court Proceedings
The county repealed an authorization allowing the county attorney to handle probation violation cases in court, raising questions about who will prosecute these cases next.
Radio System Replacement Capital Project
The county approved a $32 million bond act to replace its public safety radio system, including infrastructure at the Blue Mountain Reservation.
White Plains Galleria Redevelopment & SEQR Concerns
Residents expressed frustration over a lack of public participation in the White Plains Galleria redevelopment and recent changes to the state environmental quality review act.
Complete Streets Municipal Assistance Program
Legislators authorized funding, bond acts, and inter-municipal agreements to support pedestrian, sidewalk, and bike lane improvements across 11 municipalities.
Graphic Firearm Safety Warnings Law
Westchester County passed a new law requiring dealers to display graphic warning signs about the risks of firearm ownership, joining a small group of municipalities nationwide to take this step.
County Public Works Investment Act Expansion
Westchester is pushing for state approval to expand design-build contracting authority, which helps county infrastructure projects move faster and cuts down on wasteful delays.
Infrastructure Rehabilitation for Bridges, Dams, and Park Facilities
The Board approved multiple bond acts and intermunicipal agreements to fund bridge reconstruction, flood mitigation, and airport facility upgrades.
Prevailing Wage Requirements for County Leases
The Board passed a new law ensuring construction workers on long-term county-leased properties are paid prevailing wages, closing a loophole in county contracts.
Affordable Housing Development at 50 White Street, Tarrytown
The board approved a $5.08 million bond act and intermunicipal agreements to support building 90 new affordable rental units in Tarrytown.
County Transit Fleet Electrification and Bus Replacement
The board authorized significant bond adjustments and capital budget amendments to replace aging diesel buses with hybrid and electric models.
Senior Nutrition Program Funding Increase
The board increased funding for senior meal and nutrition programs by over $710,000.
Deputy County Executive Appointment
Joan McDonald was appointed as the county's new Deputy County Executive, making history as the first woman to hold the position.
Child Victims Act and Employment Lawsuit Settlements
The board approved multiple lawsuit settlements totaling over $2 million, including Child Victims Act claims and an employment discrimination case.
Board Leadership and Organizational Setup
The county board established its administrative operations for the year by empowering the chair to handle personnel matters and selecting official newspapers for public notices.
Paid Leave Policy
Westchester County just rolled out a new rule forcing local bosses to offer paid time off specifically for victims of domestic violence. If you run a business here, you've gotta update your leave policies pronto to keep folks safe and stay compliant.