(March 3, 2026) Governor Kathy Hochul announced that three Westchester County municipalities, which are part of the state’s Pro-Housing Communities Program, were awarded technical assistance grants that will aid them in increasing their housing supplies.
The three communities receiving funding are:
- Town of Greenburgh – $160,000
- City of Mount Vernon – $250,000
- City of New Rochelle – $250,000
These awards were part of $5 million allotted statewide and support efforts ranging from creating master plans, conducting market studies and zoning analyses, streamlining building permits and assisting with implementing actions that cultivate a pro-housing environment.
As Welcome Home Westchester reported in its recent Municipal Housing Policy Scorecard Report, 17 of Westchester’s 43 municipalities are certified Pro-Housing Communities.
Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard stated, “The City of Mount Vernon is proud to receive $250,000 in funding to support our ongoing rezoning ordinance efforts. This investment will allow us to conduct comprehensive zoning analysis and advance pro-housing policies that align directly with our recently adopted Comprehensive Plan in 57 years. By integrating thoughtful land use planning with forward-looking housing strategies, we are positioning Mount Vernon to responsibly increase housing supply, expand affordability, and create greater pathways to homeownership. This funding strengthens our commitment to smart growth, equitable development, and ensuring that working families have access to safe, quality, and affordable housing in our city.”
Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner said the funding will be used for the ongoing Four Corners project, which includes zoning updates.
“We want to amend our zoning law to allow mixed use development, which will include some affordable housing,” he said, noting that the zoning changes should be approved in 2026.
New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert said, “New Rochelle has authorized more than 11,000 new housing units, and this Pro-Housing grant builds on that momentum. This funding will support a study to improve aging multifamily and small rental properties and advance thoughtful infill development across our city. By strengthening our existing housing stock, especially in disadvantaged communities, we are ensuring our growth remains inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.”
Governor Hochul said in a statement: “The Pro-Housing Communities Program is a true partnership between the State and localities that tackles the housing shortage, makes it possible for people to live in the communities of their choice and serves as an effective vehicle for aligning housing and local economic development. That’s why we are making additional resources available to the 400-and-counting certified Pro-Housing Communities that will help them succeed in creating the housing New Yorkers want and need.”