This week, the Business Council of Westchester (BCW) released its 2025 Legislative Agenda, outlining key priorities for federal, state, and local lawmakers to foster a thriving business environment. Building upon its commitment to sustainable economic growth, the BCW’s agenda emphasizes targeted support for critical initiatives, including a full-gaming license for Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts, unemployment insurance reform, responsible regulation, and securing Westchester’s energy future. “Our 2025 Legislative Agenda reflects the BCW’s unwavering advocacy for policies that empower businesses, stimulate job creation, and ensure the long-term prosperity of Westchester County,” said John Ravitz, Executive Vice President and COO of […]

Residents at the Palisade Towers housing complex in Yonkers who have been without gas service will be able to use a new electric shuttle to do their laundry starting this week, thanks to a partnership that is bringing innovative businesses to Westchester. Circuit, a leading provider of EV mobility solutions, is running the free shuttle thanks to a partnership with the Business Council of Westchester. The 100 % electric shuttle, which can be ordered through an app, will transport residents to other housing authority sites where they can do their laundry. Because of the gas outage, more than 1,000 residents […]

Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress (Pattern) and the New York City Department of Department of City Planning (DCP) today announced a new partnership to explore regional connections between New York City and the Hudson Valley on economic development, tourism, agriculture, and other key issues. The partnership will include biannual meetings between Pattern for Progress and New York City officials, including discussions of how to build on the robust economic ties and transit connections between the regions and how to support jobs in life science, tech, food, and film production, among other industries. The partnership was announced on Tuesday at a […]

A broad coalition of New York legislators, business leaders, labor organizations, and advocacy groups are urging Governor Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders to include a $100 million “Ready to Work” investment for in the 2025-26 state budget. The Ready to Work Initiative aims to address New York’s severe labor shortage by/investing in job training, workforce development, and essential supportive services, including childcare, transportation, and language assistance. This critical funding will connect businesses with underutilized workers and help fill the state’s 500,000 open jobs, boosting local economies and strengthening key industries such as healthcare, construction, and hospitality. “New York works best when […]

Long-time BCW Members John and Brenda Fareri, whose support for the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) has been instrumental in the growth of the Network, have pledged a $5 million gift to support the construction of Westchester Medical Center’s newest patient tower. In recognition of their support, the building (formerly referred to as the Critical Care Tower) will now be known as the Brenda Fareri Pavilion. In a ceremony held Wednesday at BCW Member Westchester Medical Center, John and Brenda Fareri were recognized for their generosity by Network leadership, including WMCHealth’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, David Lubarsky, […]

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) recently hosted the fifth in a series of Open Houses on the 2025–2029 Capital Plan at the White Plains Public Library.  The Open House, which was held on February 20, featured a presentation and conversation with MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer, Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, and Assembly Member MaryJane Shimsky. The panel discussion, which was moderated by the Business Council of Westchester Executive Vice President John Ravitz, covered details of the $68.4 billion Capital Plan and the investments it makes in Metro-North Railroad, and what that means […]