Board Hosts Second Public Forum on 2026 County Budget

The Westchester County Board of Legislators held the second of two public input sessions for the FY2026 County Budget at the Daronco Town House in Pelham on Wednesday night, ahead of a formal public hearing on December 3rd.  Nearly 50 residents, nonprofit leaders and community advocates shared budget priorities for the coming year. Concerns ranged from childcare and affordable housing to arts programs and domestic violence services.

Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson, Chair of the Board’s Budget and Appropriations Committee, who convened the session, said, “Thank you to every neighbor, resident, advocate, and nonprofit partner who showed up to our budget sessions. Your stories and insights are shaping our 2026 budget work. The Budget and Appropriations Committee—and the full Board—value community engagement as essential to a healthy democracy. Please keep up the momentum: join our final public hearing on December 3rd so we can make more equitable, sustainable decisions for our communities.”

Board Chair Vedat Gashi, Vice Chair José Alvarado, Majority Leader David T. Imamura, Majority Whip Terry Clements, Minority Whip James Nolan, as well as legislators Benjamin Boykin II, Nancy E. Barr, David J. Tubiolo, Shanae Williams, Emiljana Ulaj and Judah Holstein attended and gave focused attention to each speaker.

The meeting replay is posted HERE.

Westchester County residents can participate in the final Public Budget Hearing on December 3 at 7 p.m. in the Board Chamber, 148 Martine Avenue, 8th Floor, White Plains.

For more information on how to participate, visit our budget dashboard HERE.