This Week in Westchester: The Podcast

Westchester County Government

Your weekly audio briefing from Westchester County Government. Where each week, County Executive Ken Jenkins breaks down the decisions, investments and initiatives shaping life across Westchester. Clear information. Real progress. One place to stay informed.

  1. 3D AGO

    TWIW 14: March 30, 2026

    In this episode: County Executive Ken Jenkins emphasizes the continued success of the Westchester County School Resource Officer (SRO) Program.Hastings-on-Hudson Mayor Tom Drake to share updates from the Village, highlight key priorities, and speak to the work being done to support residents and strengthen the community. Deputy County Executive Joan McDonald shared new population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, showing Westchester County with the largest numeric increase in New York State. Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Facilities Lou Vetrone and Director of Energy Conservation and Sustainability Peter McCartt joined to discuss upcoming Free Compost Giveaway events in celebration of Earth Month. Executive Director of the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board Thom Kleiner and Program Manager for the Mt. Vernon Financial Empowerment Center Ashley Britton joined to talk about the Financial Empowerment Center, and the financial services it provides to Westchester County residents. County Executive Ken Jenkins shares information on the upcoming State of the County Address. Highlights from the Westchester County Parks Department.  --- Do you have feedback or a suggestion for a future podcast topic? Please let us know by emailing communications@westchestercountyny.gov and include Podcast in the subject line. For the latest news & updates visit the Westchester County Newsroom or follow us on social:  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X (Twitter)  |  LinkedIn  |  YouTube

    32 min
  2. Westchester, Explained 02: How a Bill Becomes a County Law - An In-Depth Conversation With Westchester’s Intergovernmental Relations Department

    MAR 26

    Westchester, Explained 02: How a Bill Becomes a County Law - An In-Depth Conversation With Westchester’s Intergovernmental Relations Department

    As an extension of our weekly "This Week in Westchester - The Podcast" we welcome you to Westchester, Explained. This is the first in a special long-form series where we'll take you deeper into the headlines, decisions and policies shaping Westchester County and their impact on your family, your neighborhood and your future. Here we will slow it down, dig in and bring in the people doing the work, and we'll explain not just what the County is doing, but why it matters. Because government should be clear. This is your County.  And this is Westchester, Explained.  Today, we're focusing on how a bill becomes a law in Westchester County, including the people and steps  involved -- and the role community members can play to get involved in the process.  Joining for this in-depth conversation are Westchester's Intergovernmental Relations Director, Steve Bass and Intergovernmental Relations Aide, Harry Brussel -- who will discuss their work, while helping to clarify the mechanics, limits and accessibility of local government -- and why that matters. Let's dive in. HOSTED BY:  Catherine Cioffi, Westchester County Communications Director --- Do you have feedback or a suggestion for a future podcast topic? Please let us know by emailing communications@westchestercountyny.gov and include Podcast in the subject line. For the latest news & updates visit the Westchester County Newsroom or follow us on social:  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X (Twitter)  |  LinkedIn  |  YouTube

    20 min
  3. MAR 9

    TWIW 11: March 9, 2026

    In this episode: County Executive Ken Jenkins discussed Federal Department of Homeland Security Funding Standoff, and Westchester County Airport impacts.Cortlandt Town Supervisor Richard Becker discussed priorities and updates from the Town of Cortlandt, including ongoing community initiatives and the Town’s continued partnership with Westchester County to support residents and strengthen quality of life. Westchester County First Deputy Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Conservation Peter Tartaglia provided an update on preparations for the upcoming season at Playland Park, including progress on park operations, attractions, and the official announcement of opening dates for the 2026 season.Westchester County Commissioner of Planning Blanca Lopez joined to discuss Census Test changes that could undercount communities and jeopardize funding. Westchester County has received a ‘AAA’ Credit Rating from S&P Global Ratings. The 2026 Championship in Section 1 Basketball wrapped up at the Westchester County Center. Westchester County will be celebrating Irish History Month on Tuesday, March 10. Highlights from the Westchester County Parks Department.  --- Do you have feedback or a suggestion for a future podcast topic? Please let us know by emailing communications@westchestercountyny.gov and include Podcast in the subject line. For the latest news & updates visit the Westchester County Newsroom or follow us on social:  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X (Twitter)  |  LinkedIn  |  YouTube

    47 min
  4. Westchester, Explained 01: Lead Remediation

    MAR 4

    Westchester, Explained 01: Lead Remediation

    As an extension of our weekly "This Week in Westchester - The Podcast" we welcome you to Westchester, Explained. This is the first in a special long-form series where we'll take you deeper into the headlines, decisions and policies shaping Westchester County and their impact on your family, your neighborhood and your future. Here we will slow it down, dig in and bring in the people doing the work, and we'll explain not just what the County is doing, but why it matters. Because government should be clear. This is your County.  And this is Westchester, Explained.  Today we're focusing on something critical to the health and safety of our communities: lead poisoning prevention and remediation.  Joining for our premiere Westchester, Explained conversation are two leaders from the Westchester County Department of Health, Leslie E. Liberatore MSN, FNP-BC, Health Services Coordinator for the Immunization Action and Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Programs, and Christopher Ericson, Deputy Commissioner of Environmental Health -- who will discuss the launch of Westchester County's lead registry program, helpful tips to keep your family safe and to explain what you need to know as a Westchester resident about lead and why it matters.  Let's dive in. HOSTED BY:  Catherine Cioffi, Westchester County Communications Director --- Do you have feedback or a suggestion for a future podcast topic? Please let us know by emailing communications@westchestercountyny.gov and include Podcast in the subject line. For the latest news & updates visit the Westchester County Newsroom or follow us on social:  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X (Twitter)  |  LinkedIn  |  YouTube

    27 min
  5. MAR 2

    TWIW 10: March 2, 2026

    In This Episode: County Executive Ken Jenkins gave an update on County Police Response to events in Iran.Video shared on keeping Bee-Line Bus stops safe and accessible during winter weather.Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard joined to discuss priorities and key initiatives impacting Mount Vernon residents. Westchester Soccer Club CEO Mitch Baruchowitz discussed the Club’s upcoming season, community engagement, and the growing role of professional soccer in Westchester County. Jenkins introduced legislation titled “Westchester County Lessor Prevailing Wage Act,” which will ensure construction workers on projects undertaken for the County, but performed on leased property, receive fair, prevailing wages consistent with equitable labor standards. Westchester Medical Center Health Network Senior Vice President of Government and Community Relations Tom Scaglione and Hudson Valley Care Coalition CEO Amie Parikh discussed the Hudson Valley Social Care Network, a New York State-designated, Medicaid-funded initiative focused on improving whole-person care by addressing social determinants of health such as food access, housing stability, and transportation. Westchester County Office for Women Acting Director Catherine Borgia joined in recognition of Women’s History Month, discussing her new leadership role and continued advocacy on behalf of County residents. Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services Program Development Director Colette Phipps joined to discuss the County’s Livable Communities Initiative, and enhanced services supporting older adults aging safely and independently. Westchester County Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Relations and Internship Program Coordinator Copernicus Crane discussed the County Executive’s Internship Program, and opportunities to engage and develop the next generation of public service leaders. Westchester County Government officially transitioned its website domain from westchestergov.com to WestchesterCountyNY.gov, effective March 2. Irish Heritage Month will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 10 with a Flag Raising Ceremony. Highlights from the Westchester County Parks Department. --- Do you have feedback or a suggestion for a future podcast topic? Please let us know by emailing communications@westchestercountyny.gov and include Podcast in the subject line. For the latest news & updates visit the Westchester County Newsroom or follow us on social:  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X (Twitter)  |  LinkedIn  |  YouTube

    41 min

About

Your weekly audio briefing from Westchester County Government. Where each week, County Executive Ken Jenkins breaks down the decisions, investments and initiatives shaping life across Westchester. Clear information. Real progress. One place to stay informed.

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