WHITE PLAINS, NY (October 15, 2026) — Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins has proposed a $435.7 million capital budget for 2027, emphasizing housing, health, and infrastructure amidst significant financial pressures.
Jenkins stated, “Difficult financial times do not change our responsibility to the people we serve.” The budget has $224.3 million allocated for general county purposes, $161.4 million for refuse, sewer, and water districts, and $50 million for the airport.
Housing and Infrastructure
The capital budget includes $75 million for affordable housing, with $50 million dedicated to creating over 4,064 affordable housing units. Jenkins emphasized the importance of housing affordability, calling it “one of the greatest challenges facing Westchester families.”
Deputy County Executive Joan McDonald noted the strategic approach to infrastructure needs, highlighting $161.4 million in projects to ensure water and sewer capacity for new housing developments. Director of Operations Emily Saltzman echoed the importance of strategic investments in infrastructure.
Additional Investments
The budget also allocates significant funds to infrastructure improvements, including $12.8 million for parkways, roads, and bridges, and $29.8 million for county buildings and technology. DEF Commissioner Vincent Kopicki stressed the importance of maintaining environmental standards through these projects.
Community revitalization efforts will receive $25 million, including $15 million for the Complete Streets program and $5 million for flood mitigation. Jenkins highlighted the need for proactive investments to reduce flooding risks.
The proposal reserves $69.3 million for parks and recreation improvements, with an emphasis on sustainable infrastructure, such as a $9.27 million solar canopy at Croton Point Park.
The Westchester County Operating Budget is set for release in November. The capital budget is primarily funded through borrowing and grants, facilitating long-term investments.
Westchester Board Receives 2027 Capital Budget Proposal
WHITE PLAINS, NY (October 15, 2026) — The Westchester County Board of Legislators has received the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Budget from County Executive Ken Jenkins. The Board is set to undertake a detailed review of the plan, which focuses on affordable housing, core infrastructure, and health care.
The budget outlines $435.7 million in new appropriations for 2027, including $224.3 million for general County purposes, $161.4 million for refuse, sewer, and water districts, and $50 million for Westchester County Airport.
Chairman Vedat Gashi said, “We look forward to carefully reviewing the proposed 2027 Capital Budget from the County Executive and his team. Capital projects shape the roads, water systems, parks, and housing residents depend on every day.”
The Board’s Budget and Appropriations Committee, chaired by Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels, will scrutinize the plan project by project. “We’ll meet with departments, ask hard questions, and make sure every dollar is tied to a clear need and a realistic timeline,” Woodson-Samuels stated.
Majority Leader Judah Holstein remarked on the importance of responsible investment, emphasizing that the proposed budget reflects a commitment to addressing pressing challenges and building a stronger Westchester.
The Board will also receive the proposed Operating Budget for review in early November, with a comprehensive County Budget to be passed by the end of December 2026.
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools under the direction and editing of Robert Cox.
Have information about this story? Email robertcox@talkofthesound (preferred) or contact via WhatsApp: +353 089 972 0669.