Mayor Brasch Outlines Pro‑Business Vision for White Plains at BCW’s Valley Bank Forum

White Plains Mayor Justin Brasch joined the Business Council of Westchester Valley Bank Leadership Conversations on March 13 to discuss his new administration’s vision for the city.

Brasch, a Democrat, began his conversation with BCW President and CEO Marsha Gordon by drawing a sharp distinction between his approach to governing and what he called the divisive, anti‑business politics he sees emerging in New York City. Brasch described himself as pro‑business, pro‑development, and pro‑police.

“I am a Democrat because I believe that we should be figuring out how to help the most vulnerable in our society. The way we do that is by having the resources,” said Brasch, who formerly served on the Common Council and on the White Plains Youth Bureau. “You can’t do that if you don’t have business, development and money in a city where families can be safe and educate their kids properly.”

Brasch repeatedly contrasted that outlook with the positions of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez. Referencing AOC’s opposition to Amazon’s Queens project, he said he saw not just lost jobs, but lost funding for police officers, youth programs, and green parks.

In contrast, Brasch stressed that White Plains is open for business. He highlighted the planned Galleria redevelopment, which he called the largest project in New York State outside New York City, with an estimated value of $2.5 billion and up to nine towers. The project could create roughly 800 units of workforce‑oriented affordable housing, supported in part by state brownfield credits the city is actively pursuing.

Public safety is a core pillar of his economic agenda. White Plains expands its police force annually and has recorded only one instance of an officer firing a gun in more than 20 years, despite a daytime population approaching a quarter‑million. Brasch highlighted the appointment of Police Commissioner Wayne Hardy, the first Black leader of the department, and emphasized the city’s focus on de‑escalation, community engagement, and transparency.

Gordon underscored the strong alignment between City Hall and the business community.

“We are here to support you. We’re here to support your goals,” she told Brasch. “We appreciate that we are aligned on development and on lifestyle and on community and transportation and health care and education and all that’s important, housing especially.”

Brasch also pointed to the White Plains Youth Bureau’s 68 programs, the innovative Grandpas United mentoring initiative, and his push for an intergenerational community center as examples of how White Plains invests in quality of life to support long‑term growth.

For Westchester employers wary of New York City’s regulatory climate, Brasch delivered a clear message: White Plains offers a collaborative, pro‑growth environment where City Hall views business as a partner in building a stronger community.