Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that $200 million in funding is available through the State’s two signature downtown revitalization and economic development programs—$100 million each for Round 9 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and Round 4 of the NY Forward program, which focuses on revitalizing smaller and rural downtowns. Together, the two programs have awarded $1.2 billion in funding to 151 communities across every region of the state. “The dedicated work of the Regional Economic Development Councils, focused on encouraging public-private partnerships, has had a transformational impact across New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “The regionally designed plans will support the […]

The Business Council of Westchester has joined with nearly 50 business and civic organizations to announce the formation of the Build More New York coalition to support jobs, construction and development across the state by reforming the outdated Scaffold Law. Build More New York is rallying around Rep. Nick Langworthy’s Infrastructure Expansion Act, which will preempt the Scaffold Law for federally funded projects and promote the development of critical infrastructure such as housing, roads, bridges, tunnels and schools that support jobs and New York’s economy. “As the largest business membership organization in Westchester County, the Business Council of Westchester (BCW), […]

Texas offers New York valuable lessons on strengthening its energy grid with solar and battery storage, a key goal of the Business Council of Westchester’s Clean Energy Action Coalition. Despite record-breaking heat and increasing demand, these renewable resources are proving to be reliable and affordable solutions for the Lone Star State. Read more…

Awarding Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts a full-scale commercial license has been a top legislative priority of the Business Council of Westchester (BCW) for the last several years. New York State will award the 3 remaining commercial casino licenses by December 31st, and the field is highly competitive. What was once seen as a natural progression for Empire City is now a long shot. We need to engage right now or the significant revenues expected from this company will be lost and taxpayers and business owners will be left to fill the revenue gap. Right now, local Community Advisory […]

BCW Member Iona University proudly celebrated its newly renovated dining hall and student union with a ribbon cutting ceremony held Wednesday, marking a major milestone in its ongoing commitment to elevating the student experience. The 20,000-square-foot, two-story transformation of the LaPenta Student Union reflects a vibrant vision of campus life, one that fosters connection, curiosity and community. “We are excited to provide our students with this state-of-the-art dining facility at the center of campus,” said Seamus Carey, Ph.D., president of Iona University. “In addition to being aesthetically beautiful, it will facilitate cordial interactions among students, which will deepen the sense […]

Congratulations to BCW Member Lightbridge Academy child-care center franchise that recently celebrated the grand opening of its newest location at 26 Legion Drive in Valhalla. The center is the newest of the more than 160 that the company operates or are in development. The franchisees are Vivian and Mark Mathias, who already own a Scarsdale location. Lightbridge Academy of Valhalla provides exceptional early childhood education programs for children aged six weeks to pre-Kindergarten, designed to support busy working families. “Our mission at Lightbridge Academy is to create a warm, welcoming space where children feel secure, inspired, and excited to learn,” […]