Jenkins Delivers 2026 State of the County Address

WHITE PLAINS – Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins delivered his second State of the County Address, outlining a year of measurable progress, continued investment and a people-first approach to governing – centered on affordability, public safety, mental health, housing and economic growth.

Speaking before the Westchester County Board of Legislators, led by Chairman Vedat Gashi, Jenkins framed his address around the voices and experiences of residents across the County.

In the opening of this speech, Jenkins said, “The State of our County isn’t something I read on a page—it’s something I see in the people I meet every single day. Because when you meet the people of Westchester, you understand the state of this County.”

Strong Fiscal Foundation
The County Executive started off the State of the County address highlighting the County’s finances. Westchester County once again earned the highest possible “AAA” bond ratings from both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings, reflecting strong financial management, healthy reserves and long-term fiscal stability.

Additionally, Jenkins addressed the tax increase head-on. He said, “I made a promise to you that I would always lead with honesty and with reality, not politics. And the truth is this: it would be irresponsible—truly irresponsible—for me to hold the line or cut taxes while the needs of our residents are growing every single day.”

Jenkins pointed out that the average annual impact of the tax increase is $60 a year adding, “it was the right thing to do and I appreciate you all supporting this decision.”

Public Safety Progress
Another pillar of the speech was continued strides in public safety. The County reported significant declines in crime across all seven-index categories in 2025 compared to 2024:
• Overall crime down 17%
• Violent crime down 25%
• Property crime down 15%

In 2025, compared to 2024, crime is down across the board. All of the seven major index crime categories saw a decline — from violent crimes like murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault, to property crimes including burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft.

Additionally, Mount Vernon was one of five police departments in New York State to report zero shooting incidents from January through March 2026.

Jenkins thanked Governor Kathy Hochul for her support, as well as the Westchester County Department of Public Safety and all the local municipal departments.

Addressing Housing Affordability
Jenkins highlighted the County’s efforts to approve funding for projects that will create and preserve hundreds of homes across Westchester. These efforts include supportive housing for young people aging out of foster care, expanded opportunities for first-time homebuyers, and the development of safe, modern apartments for families and seniors.
Mental Health and Human Services

Also highlighted was the County’s continued prioritization of care for residents facing some of life’s most difficult challenges – those who are struggling, vulnerable, or seeking a second chance. During the speech, one such initiative highlighted was the County’s Lives Forward Program, a partnership between the Department of Community Mental Health and the Department of Correction. The Program provides training for justice-involved individuals living with mental health and substance use challenges, preparing them to become dual-certified peer counselors. Since its launch, multiple cohorts have graduated, with participants moving into meaningful roles supporting others on their path to recovery.

Jenkins said, “Government is measured by whether we are willing to help people rebuild their lives. This is what progress looks like.”

Economic Growth and Workforce Development
Underscored was also the County’s commitment to small businesses. Over the past five years, the County’s MWBE initiatives have facilitated more than $250 million in contracts, expanding opportunity across Westchester.

The County is investing in its workforce through initiatives like Connect Westchester and County-wide job fairs, connecting residents directly to employers. Programs like the Element 46 Tech Accelerator are supporting entrepreneurs as they launch and grow in Westchester.

Westchester also secured an approximately $820,000, three-year grant from The Taft Foundation to launch the Partnership for Inclusive Internships Program with The Arc Westchester Foundation and AHRC New York City, expanding opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

The County continues to strengthen its partnership with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), building a direct pipeline from education to employment in high-growth fields like engineering, AI and quantum computing. A new degree completion program with RPI and SUNY Westchester Community College allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree without ever leaving Westchester.

Jenkins said, “Let me be clear – while we are proud to partner with globally respected institutions like RPI, we are equally proud that we already have outstanding colleges and universities right here in Westchester that are shaping futures every single day. Institutions like Pace University, Mercy University, Iona University, Sarah Lawrence College, Purchase College and SUNY Westchester Community College are producing talent, driving innovation, and opening doors of opportunity for students across our County. Westchester is not waiting for the future to arrive – we are educating it right now.”

Welcoming the Lenape People
During the speech, Jenkins also announced that the Lenape Nation will be housed at the Ward House in Tuckahoe. While the newly purchased property still needs to undergo considerable renovation, Jenkins says it only makes sense to have the original occupants of the land return.

Jenkins said, “But also, as we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation, we need to take a moment – not just to celebrate – but to reflect. Because our story as a country didn’t begin 250 years ago. It began long before that – with the people who first called this land home, long before the clock on those 250 years ever started.”

And it’s in that spirit of reflection and recognition that, earlier this year, Westchester County took an important step forward by purchasing the historic Ward House in Tuckahoe. On March 16, 1777, a violent clash between Patriots and Loyalists left Captain Samuel Crawford mortally wounded next to the home. His body was never returned, taken to a British prison, but his legacy endures.

Jenkins said, “While that is an important part of our history, the land, and who lived on that land is also an important part of our history. And now, Westchester County is taking a step to help the Lenape people return home to Westchester County.”

Transportation and Innovation
Emphasizing that we now “live on our phones,” Jenkins applauded the advancements with contactless OMNY payments on Bee-Line buses, along with solar-powered bus stop lighting and a $3 million dollar zero-emission micro transit pilot.

Jenkins also highlighted the County’s work at Westchester County Airport (HPN), moving forward with long-overdue improvements to its airport terminal to better meet the needs of travelers. The current terminal no longer meets basic expectations, and the County is addressing these challenges directly. To lead the project, the County selected HNTB, a nationally recognized leader in airport planning and design, while maintaining full County ownership and operational control. Jenkins emphasized that this effort is focused on modernization—not expansion.

Closing Message
Jenkins closed his address by returning to the central theme of his administration.

He said, “If anyone asks what is the State of our County—tell them it is not found in a report, a spreadsheet or a speech… The State of our County is our people… your struggles, your resilience, your hopes—and your voices.

“The State of our County is strong. The State of our County is hopeful. And the State of our County is you.”

He called on residents to move forward together—with courage, with compassion, and with confidence in what can be built side by side.