Westchester County Unveils Diverse 2026 Committee Leadership With New Federal-Focused Panel

WHITE PLAINS, NY (January 28, 2026) — The Westchester County Board of Legislators has announced its committee assignments for the 2026 term, highlighted by the creation of a new Intergovernmental Affairs Committee to address federal policy impacts on local government.

Board Chairman Vedat Gashi (D–New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said in a statement, “As we begin 2026, Westchester families are navigating complex challenges. Our legislators bring diverse expertise and deep understanding of local communities to develop practical solutions through our committee system. The newly created Intergovernmental Affairs Committee will provide a dedicated forum to examine how federal actions directly affect state, county, and local government and, ultimately, our residents. There is important work ahead, and the Board is, as always, committed to delivering for the people of Westchester.”

Much of the county legislature’s work occurs in committees, where members review legislation, hear from experts and the public, and shape policy before full board votes.

All committee meetings are open to the public, and sessions for the 2026 term are expected to begin the week of February 2, 2026.

The 2026 committee chairs are:

• Budget and Appropriations: Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels (D–Mount Vernon)
• Legislation: Legislator Colin D. Smith (D–Cortlandt, Peekskill, Yorktown)
• Appointments: Legislator Anant Nambiar (D–Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Rye Neck, Rye, Harrison)
• Health: Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson (D–Elmsford, Greenburgh, Tarrytown, White Plains)
• Infrastructure and Housing: Majority Whip Shanae Williams (D–Yonkers)
• Intergovernmental Affairs: Legislator Emiljana Ulaj (D–Cortlandt, Ossining, Croton, Briarcliff, Buchanan)
• Labor: Legislator Jenn Puja (D–White Plains, Scarsdale, West Harrison)
• Litigation: Legislator David T. Imamura (D–Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Edgemont, Hartsdale, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington)
• Parks and Environment: Legislator Erika L. Pierce (D–Bedford, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers)
• Public Safety and Veterans: Legislator David J. Tubiolo (D–Yonkers, Mount Vernon)
• Seniors and Youth: Legislator José I. Alvarado (D–Yonkers)
• Small Business: Minority Whip James Nolan (R–Yonkers, Eastchester, Bronxville)
• Social Services, Disabilities, and Human Rights: Legislator Nancy E. Barr (D–Harrison, Port Chester, Rye Brook)

A full list of the new committee assignments can be viewed at https://www.westchesterlegislators.com/committees.

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.