This Week in Westchester: The Podcast

Westchester County Government
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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.

Episodes

  1. 1D AGO

    February 18, 2026

    Topics Included: ·      The Department of Public Safety and its Real Time Crime intelligence center are monitoring social media activity and working with municipal law enforcement partners to discourage so-called teen “takeovers” of retail venues and other public spaces.  ·      Countywide Waste Reduction Survey: Westchester County has released its comprehensive Waste Reduction Study, and the findings confirm that the County is leading when it comes to waste reduction. The Study has also outlined a forward-looking strategy to further increase recycling, reduce waste and advance a circular economy.  ·      In observance of National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, My Sister’s Place Senior Director of Social Transformation Kymberly McNair will join to discuss the organization’s teen education and violence prevention program. ·      Deborah Novick, Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation for the Westchester County Office of Economic Development announced that applications are now open for the Element 46 Tech Accelerator - now entering its 11th cohort.  ·      Westchester County Government will officially transition its website domain from westchestergov.com to WestchesterCountyNY.gov effective March 2, reinforcing the County’s commitment to transparency, security and public trust.  ·      County Executive Ken Jenkins acknowledges the passing of Richard L. Ottinger, Dean Emeritus and former Congressman, and the Rev. Jesse Jackson, recognizing their lasting contributions to public service, civil rights and the communities they served.

    44 min

  2. FEB 9

    February 9, 2026

    Topics Included: Remarks on the passing of Briarcliff Manor Trustee Malcolm Netburn. Village of Irvington Mayor Arlene Burgos gave an update on the Village. Westchester County athletes who proudly represented Team USA at the Winter Olympics. Westchester County Director of Surface Transportation Michael Swee and Director of Energy Conservation and Sustainability Peter McCartt discussed the launch of the Bee-Line Solar Light Pilot Program at select Bee-Line bus stops.Director of the Office for People with Disabilities Carin Horowitz and Westchester County Director of Policy & Programs Shari Rosen Ascher discussed the upcoming Diverse Abilities Job and Resource Fair at the Westchester County Center on April 15. Westchester County’s Heritage Month Events for the month of February. Deputy County Executive Joan McDonald shared upcoming Parks programs and highlights.

    29 min

  3. FEB 2

    February 2, 2026

    Topics Included: Westchester County Department of Public Safety Commissioner Terrance Raynor, Mayor of Mount Kisco J. Michael Cindrich, Westchester County Board of Legislators Chair Vedat Gashi and Westchester County Legislator Erika Pierce discussed latest intermunicipal agreement (IMA) between Westchester County and the Village of Mount Kisco. The agreement allows Mount Kisco to continue receiving police services through the Westchester County Department of Public Safety.  The Westchester County Department of Correction has successfully completed a comprehensive two-day audit under the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). Westchester County Commissioner of Correction Joe Spano detailed how Westchester County was the first county jail in New York State to achieve PREA compliance.  Westchester County and the Westchester County Department of Health are encouraging residents to participate in National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 6, in recognition of American Heart Month.  Westchester County will be hosting two Black History Month events, as well as celebrating the Lunar New Year.  Muscoot Farm’s beloved feathered forecaster, Cluxatawney Henrietta, has called for an early spring.  Upcoming Westchester County Parks Programs.

    54 min

  4. JAN 27

    January 27, 2026

    Topics Included: A Winter Storm update. Westchester EMS Paramedics Revinson and Schivley safely delivered baby girl “Fern” during the storm.New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos Herbert joined to discuss the latest happenings in her City. Newly-elected County Clerk Tom Roach joined to introduce himself to County residents. The former Mayor of White Plains brings extensive local government experience and a focus on public service. The Public Service Commission (PSC) announced they are accepting Con Edison rate increases.RPI has hired Bonnie Blumer as its dedicated Representative to live and work in Westchester. Blumer’s role will focus on working directly with employers, expanding visibility of the partnership, and strengthening the pipeline of Westchester County residents graduating from SUNY Westchester Community College and other Westchester-based higher education institutions into RPI’s bachelor’s degree programs. An introduction of the new Friends of Rye Playland group, led by former Westchester County First Lady Robin Latimer, focused on strengthening community engagement and preservation. Black History Month events and highlights from the Westchester County Parks Department. A tribute to the retirement of Deputy County Executive Richard Wishnie, after a long and distinguished career in public service. Watch the Richard Wishnie Tribute Video here.

    49 min

  5. JAN 20

    January 20, 2026

    Topics Include: Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins provided a Town of Greenburgh Water Update. Jenkins announced the appointment of Lila Kirton as Deputy Director of Operations. Jenkins discussed the completion of a comprehensive Waste Reduction Study that looks at how Westchester can reduce waste and recycle more. New York State Attorney General Leticia James is hosting a Deed Theft and Foreclosure Prevention Program at the White Plains Public Library. Rye Mayor Josh Nathan discussed local priorities, current initiatives and community highlights from the City. Deputy County Executive Richard Wishnie and Special Advisor on Women and Families Catherine Borgia discussed the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force’s ongoing County-wide efforts to reduce gun violence through prevention, collaboration, and community-based strategies. New York Blood Center Community and Stakeholder Relations Manager Brian Harper spoke about the current blood emergency impacting New York, why you should donate blood, and where to do it. Jenkins gave an update on the iconic Dragon Coaster at Playland Park. Westchester County Parks, Recreation and Conservation First Deputy Commissioner Peter Tartaglia gave an update on Westchester County’s historic Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Fire Tower reconstruction project. Originally decommissioned in the 1970s, a new vintage tower is being constructed to bring the fire tower back as a signature landmark within the park. Once completed, the revitalized tower will offer sweeping panoramic views of the New York City skyline and Long Island Sound, creating a new destination for visitors and celebrating the site’s historic and recreational significance. Teatown Lake Reservation Executive Director Kevin Carter discussed the 22nd Annual Hudson River EagleFest, taking place Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Croton Point Park, drawing thousands of visitors from across the tri-state area to celebrate bald eagles and other birds of prey during their winter migration.

    1h 2m

  6. JAN 12

    January 12, 2026

    Topics included: Putnam Workforce Development Board Executive Director Thom Kleiner gave an overview of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program ahead of the 2026 tax season. VITA is a free and trusted tax preparation program for low- and moderate-income residents. Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler and Deputy Health Commissioner Chris Ericson gave an overview of the State’s new Lead Rental Registry aimed at preventing lead poisoning in young children and pregnant women. International Sumo League Founder and CEO Noah Goldman joined to discuss the World Championship in Sumo Wrestling being held January 30 at the Westchester County Center. The event will feature 12 of the world’s top professional sumo wrestlers who will compete in a high-energy championship event.

    33 min

  7. JAN 5

    January 5, 2026

    Topics included: County Executive Ken Jenkins gave an update on flu cases in Westchester. Update from Pound Ridge Supervisor Kevin Hansen on key town initiatives, local priorities and ongoing projects across Pound Ridge. Westchester County Director of Economic Development Bridget Gibbons and STEM Alliance President Margaret Käufer joined to highlight findings from Camoin’s recent economic impact study of the Connect Westchester program, and mark the milestone of the Program’s 500th completed cohort. Westchester County’s Bee-Line Bus System officially adopted OMNY, the MTA’s contactless fare payment system. Westchester County Government is officially launching This Week in Westchester: The Podcast Upcoming County, community and Parks events.

    26 min

  8. 12/29/2025

    December 29, 2025

    Topics included: The Westchester Department of the Public Safety joined to discuss stepped up enforcement for New Year’s Eve. What riders need to know about OMNY launching on Bee-Line buses January 4.  Guests included:Hugh Greechan, Commissioner, Department of Public Works & Transportation Blanca Lopez, Commissioner, Department of Planning Thomas Murphy, President, Liberty Lines Transit, Inc.Upcoming County, community and Parks events

    31 min

  9. 12/22/2025

    December 22, 2025

    Topics include: • Westchester County Youth Bureau Executive Director Ernest McFadden joins to discuss a $3.1 million County investment in youth development through the Invest in Kids program • Westchester County Department of Environmental Facilities First Deputy Commissioner Lou Vetrone joins to discuss new AI-powered robotics at the County’s Materials Recovery Facility to increase recycling efficiency and reduce contamination • What riders need to know about OMNY launching on Bee-Line buses January 4 • Reflections from County Executive Jenkins as Westchester prepares for Inauguration Day • Upcoming County, community and Parks events

    27 min
  • 9 Episodes

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Westchester County Government
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 This Week in Westchester: The Podcast
  • Show Website
    This Week in Westchester: The Podcast