Jenkins Reaffirms Vital Partnership with Business Council of Westchester

On Wednesday Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins met with the BCW’s Board of Directors and he underscored the indispensable role the organization plays in the region’s economic health.

Addressing a room of key business leaders and stakeholders, Jenkins emphasized that the BCW is not merely an advocate for industry but a vital partner in the administration’s ongoing efforts to drive economic development and navigate the complex challenges facing the county.

Jenkins highlighted the seamless constructive collaboration between his economic development team—led by Joan McDonald and Bridget Gibbons—and the BCW. He noted that many of the hurdles facing local businesses are not always direct county issues, such as health department regulations, but often involve navigating a combination of local municipal barriers and administrative roadblocks.

“We know that with the partnership we have with the Business Council of Westchester, we can only be more successful moving forward,” Jenkins stated.

Jenkins also noted transitions on his team. McDonald will serve as deputy county executive, and Emily Saltzman will be the director of operations. Current Deputy County Executive Richard Wishnie will retire at the end of January.

He praised the BCW for providing the necessary platform and process for the business community to navigate upcoming shifts in the economic landscape, from the $2.5 billion county budget to the redevelopment of major sites like the former Galleria mall in White Plains.

A sizable portion of the dialogue focused on the county’s transition to a sustainable future. Jenkins acknowledged the critical work of the  BCW’s Clean Energy Action Coalition, which now includes over 120 BCW members. This coalition is instrumental in building the renewable energy infrastructure required to meet future demands.

The county executive addressed the friction points in this transition, particularly the moratoriums and bans some municipalities have placed on solar and battery storage technology. Jenkins advocated for a pilot-program approach to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of these systems, noting:

• Modernization: Safety training and technology for battery storage have improved significantly.
• Infrastructure: Battery storage is essential for maintaining power during storms and grid fluctuations.
• Legislation: The county is working on legislation to address building codes and fire safety to ease local anxieties.

Beyond energy and business, Jenkins reaffirmed his commitment to fair and affordable housing. He noted that the partnership with the BCW is essential in overcoming roadblocks to construction, citing examples where long-term legal battles over developments ended in community-wide acceptance post-construction.

Jenkins concluded by reminding the board that the administration’s mission is to provide a safety net for those in need while simultaneously investing in the business partners who make those services possible. By working together, the county and the BCW aim to ensure Westchester remains a premier destination for business and a supportive home for its residents.