WHITE PLAINS, NY (August 5, 2025) — The Westchester County Board of Legislators approved a $158.8 million budget for SUNY Westchester Community College (WCC) for the 2025–26 fiscal year, marking a more than 10% increase over the previous year’s $144.1 million. The funding aims to enhance student services, academic programs, and campus infrastructure.
The budget allocates $127.5 million for operations and $31.3 million for capital investments, including a $350,000 increase in the County Sponsor Contribution to $26.2 million. Capital funding, up from $21.6 million, will support upgrades in technology and facilities. Operating funds will sustain 571 full-time positions, academic programming, and student services.
“This budget represents our commitment to making quality higher education accessible and affordable for all Westchester residents,” said Board Chairman Vedat Gashi (D-New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown). “It’s a smart investment that meets the college’s critical needs, maximizes value for taxpayers, and fuels opportunity, innovation, and workforce development across the region.”
Funding sources include $51.9 million from student tuition, $30.5 million in state aid, $26.2 million from the County, and $18.9 million from departmental income, chargebacks, fund balance, and investment interest.
Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson (D-Elmsford, Greenburgh, Tarrytown, White Plains), Chair of the Budget & Appropriations Committee, emphasized the budget’s impact.
“This fiscally responsible and forward-looking budget strengthens WCC’s ability to remain one of the most affordable and impactful institutions in our region,” she said.
WCC, a public two-year college, serves 13,000 students annually across 70+ degree and certificate programs. It supports workforce development through partnerships with local businesses and tailored training programs.
“The SUNY WCC community appreciates the support of the County Legislature for the college’s mission of ensuring accessible, high quality, and affordable education,” said Dr. Belinda Miles, WCC President. “By passing this budget, the County affirms its commitment to student success, academic excellence, workforce development, economic mobility, and lifelong learning.”
The fiscal year runs from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.