Westchester Legislators Scrutinize $604.8 Million Capital Budget Pitch
WHITE PLAINS, NY (October 15, 2025) — Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins released his proposed 2026 Capital Budget on Wednesday, emphasizing fiscal discipline amid rising costs, uncertain federal aid and increasing community needs across New York State counties.
“This year’s capital budget had to strike a careful balance with fiscal discipline on one hand and smart targeted investment on the other,” Jenkins said during a news conference. “As I’ve said so many times before, this is not a year for wish lists, it’s a year for wisdom.”
The plan prioritizes affordable housing, infrastructure upgrades, environmental resilience and sustainability, while executing already-approved projects, bundling initiatives to cut costs and closing more than 120 projects to free up $13 million for future needs. It avoids new wish-list items, focusing instead on “doing more with less” to protect safety and strengthen systems.
On affordable housing — a top priority — the budget adds $25 million each to the Housing Implementation Fund and New Homes Land Acquisition Program, pushing total investments toward nearly $500 million through 2030. Since 2019, county funds have created or preserved 3,383 affordable homes, supporting families, seniors and disabled residents while generating construction jobs.
It also allocates $25 million for a new “Flex Fund II,” building on a $90 million American Rescue Plan Act fund created last year to advance affordable housing without the prior federal restrictions.
“This plan adds another $25 million each to our housing implementation fund and new homes land acquisition program, bringing nearly 500 million in total housing investment through 2030,” Jenkins said. “These projects help families stay where they grew up, allow seniors and disabled residents to remain in their communities, and create construction jobs that strengthen our economy.”
Department of Planning Commissioner Blanca Lopez praised the focus, saying, “The County Executive’s commitment to affordable housing, both rental and homeownership, is commendable let alone during such fiscally challenging times. … These opportunities translate into letting our residents improve their lives and that of their children, to live where they grew up and to not be priced out of their communities.”
In transportation and sustainability, the budget includes $122.5 million to replace 94 aging hybrid buses for cleaner air and reliable service. It also directs $50 million — $35 million in county funds plus $15 million in local matches — to add 650 electric vehicle chargers at 77 sites.
The $15 million Complete Streets Municipal Assistance Program, launched in 2025, continues to aid municipalities in designing safer, more accessible roads, with bonds slated for early 2026 issuance. The program drew 27 applications after its June kickoff.
Director of Energy Conservation and Sustainability Pete McCartt said, “The electrification of our transit fleet and assisting our municipalities and residents to transition to electric vehicles is integral to reducing our carbon footprint and making our air cleaner for everyone.”
Department of Public Works and Transportation Commissioner Hugh Greechan added, “This budget proposal provides results that will be seen and felt in every corner of the County, creating jobs and supporting the local economy along the way.”
Environmental infrastructure gets $150 million for electrical upgrades at the Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment Facility and $35 million for solids handling improvements to combat flooding. Flood mitigation funding totals $9 million, including $4 million for the Lake Isle Dam in Eastchester. Another $21 million from the New York State Environmental Bond Act supports storm protection and bridge replacements in Rye Brook and Rye — the first three projects announced under that act.
“Investing in resilient infrastructure today means protecting our communities tomorrow,” Lopez said. “These projects will help safeguard our neighborhoods, strengthen our local infrastructure, and ensure Westchester is prepared for the challenges of a changing climate.”
Modernizing county facilities includes a $133.5 million Fleet and Road Maintenance Facility to consolidate operations from Valhalla and White Plains campuses, with $4.3 million already appropriated for planning. Projects are being bundled by type and location to reduce administrative costs and speed delivery, in partnership with Board of Legislators Budget and Appropriations Chair Juel Williams Johnson.
“These aren’t flashy projects, and that is the point,” Jenkins said. “They represent safety, stability, and smart governance. Every dollar is working harder.”
The budget arrives amid steep cost pressures: Healthcare expenses are up 8%, exceeding projections by $15 million, with $14 million spent on catastrophic cases like premature births in 2024 alone. Daycare enrollment is rising as federal funding declines, early intervention and mental health services see record use, and housing costs climb — prompting $8 million for the Office of Housing Counsel to prevent evictions and shelter overcrowding.
Westchester faces potential losses of up to $700 million in state and federal aid, including $6 million in SNAP funding cuts starting in 2027 that could strain homeless services.
To counter the shortfall, the county has reduced Department of Corrections overtime by $4 million, imposed a hiring freeze on non-essential health and safety positions across the executive branch, Board of Legislators, District Attorney’s Office and County Clerk, and pursued state and federal partnerships to lower local shares.
Reserve funds remain untouched. “Reserves are not a piggy bank,” Jenkins said. “After the Astorino administration, there was zero in our reserves and we’re not going to let that happen again.”
Deputy County Executive Richard Wishnie said, “Sound governance means looking beyond today’s numbers and planning for tomorrow’s needs. This Capital Budget does exactly that — it ensures we meet our current obligations while preparing for the future with foresight and responsibility.”
County Director of Operations Joan McDonald noted, “The Westchester County 2026 Capital Budget is a recognition that even with an uncertain fiscal climate, we must continue to invest in health and safety initiatives and critical infrastructure.”
County Budget Director Lawrence Soule added, “The 2026 Capital Budget has been developed with a strong commitment to fiscal discipline and strategic investment. … By managing debt prudently and maintaining sound financial practices, we remain dedicated to preserving the County’s excellent bond rating and ensuring its long-term fiscal stability.”
Board of Legislators Chairman Vadim Gashi called the budget “a reflection of our values,” praising the executive team and noting upcoming department-by-department reviews. Williams Johnson echoed the seriousness, saying, “We go line by line and we always have our eye on the long-term stability, the infrastructure and what’s best for all of the residents of our wonderful county.”
The capital budget now moves to the Board of Legislators for review, with hearings scheduled through December. The proposed operating budget is due November 10. Meetings can be viewed at westchesterlegislators.com.
Watch the News Conference here.
Westchester Legislators Scrutinize $604.8 Million Capital Budget Pitch
The Westchester County Board of Legislators received the proposed 2026 Capital Budget for consideration from Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins. The Board will now begin a diligent review of the 2026 plan, which includes investments in affordable housing, core County infrastructure, transportation systems, and environmental sustainability.
This budget proposal requests $604.8 million in new appropriations on an all-funds basis for 2026 including $280.5 million for general County purposes and $266.9 million for refuse, sewer and water districts.
Board Chairman Vedat Gashi (D- New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said, “We look forward to carefully reviewing the proposed 2026 Capital Budget from County Executive Ken Jenkins. Our responsibility is to ensure every dollar delivers real value for the people of Westchester. The Board is committed to fiscal responsibility — using taxpayer money wisely through smart investments that strengthen our communities. We invite residents to share their priorities by visiting our website and speaking at upcoming public input sessions.”
Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson (D- Elmsford, Greenburgh, Tarrytown, White Plains), Chair of the Board’s Budget and Appropriations Committee, said, “With County Executive Ken Jenkins’ proposed 2026 Capital Budget now in hand, my colleagues and I will review every department’s request line-by-line with transparency, evidence, and common sense. In times marked by federal cuts and considerably lower sales-tax revenues, we will be diligent and mindful—prioritizing projects that keep families safe, protect our infrastructure, and deliver real value for every taxpayer dollar. We’ll ask tough questions about timing, debt, and deliverability. Our goal is a responsible capital plan that safeguards essentials today—water, roads, parks, housing, and flood mitigation—while investing wisely in the Westchester our children deserve.”
Majority Leader David T. Imamura (D- Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Edgemont, Hartsdale, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington) said, “As Majority Leader, I look forward to reviewing the proposed Capital Budget. It is vital that the Board ensures the County continues its commitment to infrastructure, flood mitigation, and affordable housing among the many other items in the Capital Budget.”
The Board of Legislators will also receive the proposed Operating Budget for review from the County Executive, and is charged with passing the comprehensive County Budget by the end of December 2025.
For additional details, please refer to the Board’s website.
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.
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