Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins Releases Proposed 2027 Capital Budget
WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS PROPOSES $435.7 MILLION CAPITAL BUDGET FOCUSED ON HOUSING, HEALTH AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Amid Significant Financial Pressures, Jenkins Prioritizes Essential Investments to Protect Public Health, Strengthen Safety and
Meet the Long-Term Needs of Westchester Residents
Watch the News Conference Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIK8VYky6nk
At a time when Westchester County is facing significant financial pressures, County Executive Ken Jenkins is reaffirming his Administration’s commitment to protecting the health, safety and well-being of residents through his proposed 2027 Capital Budget. The budget focusses on three fundamental priorities: housing, health and infrastructure.
Jenkins said: “Difficult financial times do not change our responsibility to the people we serve. We still have an obligation to protect their health, safeguard their safety and maintain the infrastructure they rely on every day. These are not luxuries. These are essential investments in the future of Westchester County.”
The proposed Capital Budget provides $435.7 million in new appropriations, allocated as follows:
- $224.3 million for general County purposes
- $161.4 million for Refuse, Sewer, and Water Districts
- $50 million for the Airport
Westchester Deputy County Executive Joan McDonald said: “Under the leadership of County Executive Ken Jenkins, the County 2027 proposed Capital Budget has been developed to address the infrastructure needs of the County in a strategic way. The Capital Budget has a focus on housing and community investment. The planning and management of the capital program has improved over the last two years to insure that projects are managed with strong oversight. Advancing $161.4 million in projects for our various districts will insure that we have sufficient water and sewer capacity to accommodate the additional housing developments that are in the pipeline. It is a budget we can be proud of.”
Westchester County Director of Operations Emily Saltzman said: “We are facing significant financial challenges, but our responsibility to the people of Westchester County does not change. This Capital Budget reflects a thoughtful, disciplined approach to investing in the infrastructure and essential services our residents depend on every day. We are making strategic investments that address immediate needs while planning for the County’s long-term future.”
Westchester Budget Director Larry Soule said: "In developing this Capital Budget, our primary focus is maintaining a state of good repair for County assets, while investing in health, safety, housing and resiliency. By balancing infrastructure upkeep with these critical community needs, we are ensuring the efficient and fiscally responsible use of taxpayer dollars."
Housing
The 2027 Capital Budget invests $75 million in affordable housing, including $50 million for programs that have helped create more than 4,064 affordable housing units across Westchester, and $25 million to help close funding gaps in affordable housing developments. These investments will expand housing opportunities and help more residents find safe, affordable places to call home. The 2027 Capital Budget carries forward$10 million for the LTAP (Landlord Tenant Assistance Program) to make continued investments in the preservation of existing affordable rental units in the County.
Jenkins said: “Housing affordability is one of the greatest challenges facing Westchester families. People who work here, raise their families here and contribute to our communities should have the opportunity to afford to live here. This $75 million commitment is about creating opportunities, strengthening our communities and making sure Westchester remains a place where people of all incomes and generations can build a future.”
Westchester County Planning Commissioner Blanca Lopez said: “The $75 million in the 2027 Capital Budget for affordable housing demonstrates this administration’s continued commitment to developing and preserving affordable homes. Keeping housing supply and affordability at the forefront of County needs is important to moving this County forward.”
Infrastructure Improvements
Maintaining and modernizing the County’s infrastructure is essential to reliable public services. The budget provides:
- $12.8 million for parkways, roads and bridges
- $161.4 million for refuse, sewer, and water systems
- $12.4 million for the Bee-Line Bus System
- $50 million for the Airport (paid for out of the Airport Special Revenue Fund)
- $29.8 million for County buildings and technology.
These allocations support the upkeep and long-term performance of the facilities and systems residents depend on.
DEF Commissioner Vincent Kopicki said: “Maintaining and improving the Refuse, Sewer and Water infrastructure protects the health, safety and well-being of our Westchester residents. The capital projects managed by Westchester’s Department of Environmental Facilities continue allow us to operate to the highest environmental standards.”
DEF First Deputy Commissioner Lou Vetrone said: “These capital investments in the Refuse, Sewer and Water Districts ensure the County’s ability to seamlessly supply these essential, vital services to our residents without disruption, while protecting both our residents’ health and the environment.”
Office of Energy Conservation and Sustainability Director Peter McCartt said: As we do our part to mitigate climate change and protect our natural resources, wehave to adapt and build in modern technologies. These investments are needed to build resilience during these times of rising seas, and more frequent and devasting natural disasters.
Community Revitalization and Sustainability
The 2027 Capital Budget also invests $25 million in stronger, safer and more resilient communities, including:
- $15 million for Complete Streets to improve roadway safety and accessibility.
- $5 million for the continuation of the DIG (downtown Improvement Grants) program to support local economic development. This program is a partnership between local municipalities and local Chambers of Commerce
- $5 million for flood mitigation to protect communities and reduce flood risks.This builds on the County’s substantial ongoing investment in flood prevention and resiliency which currently tops $100 million dollars over past budgets.
Jenkins said: “Flooding is not just an infrastructure issue; it is a major public safety concern. We have seen firsthand how devastating flooding can be for our communities, damaging homes, closing roads, disrupting businesses and putting lives at risk. As severe weather events become more frequent, we have a responsibility to make investments that better protect our residents and strengthen our infrastructure. This additional $5 million for flood mitigation is about being proactive, reducing risks and making sure our communities are better prepared for the next storm.”
Lopez said: “The $15 million allocation to the Complete Streets Program reflects the County’s investment to working with local municipalities to design and build roadways that are safe and convenient to users of all ages and abilities.”
Parks, Recreation and Conservation
The proposed budget includes $69.3 million for improvements to these spaces and amenities throughout the County. To further our investment in sustainable infrastructure, $9.27 million is added for a solar canopy at the Croton Point Park parking lot to meet existing and anticipated electrical demand and provide electric vehicle-charging capability at the park.
Saltzman said: “Westchester County’s spectacular parks, open spaces and waterfronts are enjoyed by our residents throughout the year. Continued investments ensures these treasured resources remain updated and available to all to enjoy.”
Westchester County Parks Acting Commissioner William Bland said: “Providing high-quality spaces for residents to enjoy is one of our top priorities. These investments will help us maintain and improve the parks and amenities our communities rely on while advancing more sustainable infrastructure.”
The Westchester County Operating Budget is set to be released at the beginning of November, as mandated by the County Charter. The Capital Budget is funded primarily through borrowing, along with state and federal grants, allowing the County to invest in long-term infrastructure and community improvements. Unlike the Operating Budget these costs are spread over time.
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