The Business Council of Westchester (BCW) has joined more than 400 state and local chambers of commerce from all 50 states in supporting the BUILD America 250 Act (H.R. 8870), a bipartisan infrastructure proposal aimed at strengthening America’s transportation network and long-term economic competitiveness. Led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the coalition recently submitted a joint letter to Congress urging Speaker Mike Johnson and congressional leaders to prioritize passage of the legislation. The letter underscores the business community’s unified support for modernizing the nation’s roads, bridges, rail systems, ports, and transit infrastructure while advancing reforms designed to accelerate project delivery […]

Collaboration with Iona University’s Hynes Institute, a BCW member, will expand local business’ access to small business resources and expertise, anchoring the downtown with a forthcoming innovation hub NEW ROCHELLE, NEW YORK (June 29, 2026) – The City of New Rochelle today announced a new partnership with Iona University’s Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, a BCW member, to strengthen the city’s small business ecosystem, expand access to entrepreneurship resources for local residents and businesses, and support companies seeking to establish or grow their presence in New Rochelle. The partnership will also provide Iona students with hands-on business development experience, strengthening community […]

The Project is Backed by a Portion of a $41 Million New York State Capital Investment Grant for the Transformation of Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. – June 25, 2026 – Montefiore Health System, a BCW member, and Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard have unveiled the first and largest phase of Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital’s newly expanded and renovated emergency department. Thanks to a portion of the $41 million capital investment from New York State for transformation at Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital to establish a new benchmark for accessible care, Phase 1 of the Emergency Department renovations brings 11 new patient […]

A new pilot initiative aimed at strengthening Westchester County’s child care workforce will invest $1 million in supplemental wages for early childhood educators over the next three years. The New York Community Trust, a BCW member, has funded the program that is designed to help child care centers retain qualified educators by providing additional compensation in a field that has long struggled with low wages, staffing shortages, and increasing competition from employers offering higher pay and stronger benefits. Through the initiative, as many as 100 early childhood educators will receive an hourly wage supplement of $2, with payments capped at $350 […]

WHITE PLAINS, NY—The Westchester County Board of Legislators’ new Affordability and Economic Development Task Force held its first meeting Thursday, bringing together leaders from a broad range of sectors to tackle financial pressures straining Westchester residents and businesses. The Board created the task force in April to develop concrete, actionable policy recommendations that will make Westchester more affordable, support local businesses, and improve County residents’ quality of life. The inaugural meeting, led by Task Force Chair Legislator Colin D. Smith, focused on setting priorities for the group’s work, including housing, childcare, workforce development, transportation, tourism, education, sustainability, and support for small […]

Laura Rizzo, Con Edison’s Director of Westchester Regional & Community Affairs, has joined the BCW’s Board of Directors. Rizzo, a New Rochelle resident, has an extensive understanding of Westchester County’s energy infrastructure. She is the relationship manager and contact for the county’s municipalities, collaborating with elected officials to address, resolve, and escalate operational issues related to gas, electricity, construction, and restoration activities. “At a time when energy delivery systems are under increasing stress because of population growth and extreme weather conditions, Laura possesses a wealth of expertise that will help inform the BCW’s ongoing and future initiatives,” said BCW President and […]