WHITE PLAINS, NY (April 24, 2025) — Westchester County Executive Kenneth W. Jenkins delivered his first 2025 State of the County address, emphasizing progress, stability, and a commitment to evolving the county while remaining anchored in its core values.
Speaking in the Board of Legislators Chambers on April 23, Jenkins opened with a quote from Westchester Poet Laureate Phylisha Villanueva: “This is legacy covered by ancestral winds, a generational ebb and flow continuously rising like rain returning to the sky.” He rejected the idea of history repeating itself, stating, “Not here. Not now. Not in Westchester County. Because it is what we choose to do in each moment that defines us.”
Jenkins highlighted his administration’s achievements in its first 100-plus days. He noted securing a local public hearing and signing legislation to oppose Con Edison’s proposed rate hikes. He also condemned the Trump administration’s closure of the White Plains Social Security Hearing Office, vowing to fight for local access and equity. Jenkins pointed out that Westchester holds a AAA bond rating from S&P and Fitch, with a positive outlook from Moody’s, reflecting sound budgeting and economic planning.
A key announcement was a partnership with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) to bring engineering education to the region. Jenkins described it as “a multi-year commitment to creating new opportunities for our local talent pool—especially young people and working professionals—to access cutting-edge STEM education, meet the demands of today’s workforce, and fuel the growth of our economy.”
The county is investing in housing and infrastructure, including a $10 million land acquisition for affordable homeownership in White Plains, $7 million for Public Housing Authorities, and a new HomeSeeker web platform. Additionally, $90 million in ARPA funds are supporting 2,000 new affordable housing units, and a $15 million Complete Streets Program is aiding municipal roadway improvements.
On public safety, Jenkins reported a decline in violent crime, the return of civil service exams for police, and efforts to diversify law enforcement. A new task force is addressing gun violence with a data-driven approach, and the Free Client Phone Access Program at the County Jail ensures free legal phone access for inmates. The Probation Department returned over $266,000 in restitution to 163 victims last year.
Mental health initiatives include the groundbreaking of the Mental Health Safety Net Clinic in White Plains, which is licensed and slated to open this summer. Environmental efforts involve a Waste Reduction Study by the Westchester County Department of Environmental Facilities, earning over $212,000 through NYISO and ConEdison Demand Response programs. Additionally, 25 new EV chargers were installed at the County Center’s South Lot, offering free charging for up to 50 vehicles.
Jenkins announced that in early May, the county will issue a Request for Proposals to modernize the Westchester County Airport terminal, focusing on improving the traveler experience. He clarified, “This is not an expansion project,” and added, “This is an exciting step forward. To offer a seat, a cup of coffee, and a bathroom—we are putting people first.”
He also reaffirmed his commitment to reopening Playland for the 2025 season, despite legal challenges with Standard Amusements from a prior administration’s contract. Jenkins closed by reflecting on shared values, stating, “The State of our County—our Westchester County—is anchored in who we are, yet evolving in who we become. We’re not repeating history—we’re making it.” He ended with Villanueva’s words: “Hope for us is a deep current. Leadership that sounds like care and feels like courage.”
Watch the State of the County Address:
