Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins delivered his second State of the County Address at the Board of Legislators chamber of the county office building in White Plains on the evening of May 6. He framed the speech against the background of the upcoming 250th anniversary celebration of the U.S.
“As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation, we need to take a moment – not just to celebrate – but to reflect,” Jenkins said. “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.”
Jenkins said that he sees the “state of the county” reflected in the people of Westchester that he meets every day.
“The State of our County is strong. The State of our County is hopeful. And the State of our County is you,” Jenkins said, calling on Westchester residents to move forward together with courage, compassion, and confidence.
Jenkins emphasized that the county is in good financial condition with it earning “AAA” bond ratings from both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.
He justified this year’s property tax increase b y saying it would be 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.”
Jenkins reported that in 2025 overall crime in Westchester was down 17%, violent crime was down 25% and property crime down 15% compared with 2024.
Jenkins highlighted the county’s efforts during 2025 to promote the construction of affordable housing units. Among the developments he highlighted were the conversion of a vacant office building at 41 North Division St. in Peekskill into 22 affordable and supportive housing units and bringing 25 long-vacant units back online as affordable housing in Ossining and the planned building at 632–636 South Broadway in Yonkers that will have 160 new affordable apartments.
Jenkins pointed out that the county has a number of workforce initiatives including Connect Westchester and County-wide job fairs, connecting residents directly to employers. He highlighted programs like the Element 46 Tech Accelerator that are supporting entrepreneurs as they launch and grow in Westchester.
Jenkins said the recycling rate in Westchester exceeds 50%, which is well above the state average.
Jenkins also reaffirmed the county’s position on Indian Point in view of calls from some quarters for the nuclear plant to be reopened, saying, “Restarting the Indian Point Energy Center is not welcome in Westchester County … We do not need it – and we do not want it.”
Jenkins highlighted the plans for Westchester County Airport with improvements in the works for the airport terminal to better meet the needs of travelers. Jenkins emphasized that this effort is focused on modernization, not expansion.
Jenkins mentioned legislation he is pushing that would prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes and vaping devices designed to look like everyday items such as highlighters, pens, USB drives, toys, drink containers and backpacks.
Jenkins reminded everyone that the Dragon Coaster at Playland is being readied to reopen for the coming season after having been closed last summer. “I’ll meet you at the Dragon Coaster,” he said.
