This Week in Westchester: The Podcast

Westchester, Explained 17: Building Westchester's Future Today - Inside the RPI + Westchester Partnership

As an extension of our weekly "This Week in Westchester - The Podcast" we welcome you to Westchester, Explained. In this special long-form series we 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 slow it down, dig in and bring in the people doing the work, and we 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.  In this episode, we explore Westchester County's innovative partnership with the globally renowned Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) -- and how this first-of-its-kind collaboartion is strengthening our local workforce and creating new opportunities for residents and businesses alike. Listen now as we sit down with Westchester County Director of Economic Development Bridget Gibbons and the Westchester County RPI Partnership Director Bonnie Bloomer to discuss how this program is helping develop the next generation of engineers, technology professionals and industry leaders right here in Westchester.  From degree completion pathways and workforce training to artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies -- we examine how this partnership is helping prepare residents for the jobs of tomorrow. Join us as we look at how education, innovation and strategic economic development planning are coming together to build Westchester's future, today -- and why it matters to Westchester residents and employers. --- 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 [https://www.westchestercountyny.gov/all-press-releases] or follow us on social:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/westchester_county_government/]  |  Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/westchestergov/]  |  X (Twitter) [https://twitter.com/westchestergov]  |  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/westchester-county]  |  YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC774tkGUZw8xoZtHhuQUsQ]

TWIW 28: July 6, 2026

In this episode: * Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, Westchester County Emergency Services Commissioner Susan Spear and Department of Public Works & Transportation Commissioner Hugh Greechan give update on recent storm and discuss response.  * Mayor of Ardsley Steve Edelstein joined to discuss exciting updates from the Village.  * Westchester County Department of Social Services Commissioner Leonard Townes provided an update on his department.  * Westchester County Director of Economic Development Bridget Gibbons, Westchester County Association President and CEO Michael Romita and The STEM Alliance President Margaret Kaufer spoke on the upcoming Converge Conference on July 16.  * Jenkins discussed the upcoming FIFA World Cup Final Watch Party at the Kensico Dam on Sunday, July 19.  * Deputy County Executive Joan McDonald highlighted the County’s upcoming celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which is taking place on Wednesday July 15, at Playland Park. * McDonald also gave an update on upcoming events at Westchester County Parks. --- 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 [https://www.westchestercountyny.gov/all-press-releases] or follow us on social:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/westchester_county_government/]  |  Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/westchestergov/]  |  X (Twitter) [https://twitter.com/westchestergov]  |  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/westchester-county]  |  YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC774tkGUZw8xoZtHhuQUsQ]

Westchester, Explained 16: Inside Westchester's Office of Housing Counsel

As an extension of our weekly "This Week in Westchester - The Podcast" we welcome you to Westchester, Explained. In this special long-form series we 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 slow it down, dig in and bring in the people doing the work, and we 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.  In this episode, we take a closer look at one of Westchester County’s newest initiatives that has quickly become a powerful resource for residents facing housing instability.  We sit down with George Asante, Director of the Office of Housing Counsel, to discuss how the County is connecting tenants with legal assistance, advocacy services and critical resources to help prevent evictions and keep families housed. We explore the real-life challenges that can place individuals and families at risk of losing their homes, the success stories emerging from the program and the partnerships making this work possible across Westchester. Join us as we examine how stable housing strengthens individuals, families and communities -- and why it matters to Westchester residents. --- 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 [https://www.westchestercountyny.gov/all-press-releases] or follow us on social:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/westchester_county_government/]  |  Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/westchestergov/]  |  X (Twitter) [https://twitter.com/westchestergov]  |  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/westchester-county]  |  YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC774tkGUZw8xoZtHhuQUsQ]

TWIW 27: June 29, 2026

In this episode: * Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler joined County Executive Ken Jenkins to discuss the upcoming heat wave later this week and how to safe from heat-related illnesses.  * Mayor of Pleasantville Peter Scherer joined to highlight exciting updates about the Village.  * Jenkins previewed the upcoming exhibition, The Declaration Distributed: Westchester County’s Holt Broadside of 1776, which opens to the public July 4.  * Deputy County Executive Joan McDonald spotlighted New York State's official FIFA World Cup Final Watch Party, which will be held at the Kensico Dam Plaza. * McDonald also gave an update on upcoming events at Westchester County Parks. --- 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 [https://www.westchestercountyny.gov/all-press-releases] or follow us on social:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/westchester_county_government/]  |  Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/westchestergov/]  |  X (Twitter) [https://twitter.com/westchestergov]  |  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/westchester-county]  |  YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC774tkGUZw8xoZtHhuQUsQ]

Westchester, Explained 15: Westchester Needs Blood Donors and Why it Matters

As an extension of our weekly "This Week in Westchester - The Podcast" we welcome you to Westchester, Explained. In this special long-form series we 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 slow it down, dig in and bring in the people doing the work, and we 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.  In this episode, we talk about donating blood, platelets and plasma in Westchester with Brian Harper of the New York Blood Center. We discuss the critical need for blood donations and why maintaining a healthy blood supply is so important for hospitals and patients across Westchester and the region. And we will also explore how donated blood supports everything from emergency trauma care and cancer treatment to routine surgeries. We also break down the donation process, dispel common misconceptions and highlight the lifesaving impact a single donation can have. Join us as we discuss the importance of giving blood, platelets or plasma -- and the urgent need for donors this summer, and why it matters to Westchester residents. --- 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 [https://www.westchestercountyny.gov/all-press-releases] or follow us on social:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/westchester_county_government/]  |  Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/westchestergov/]  |  X (Twitter) [https://twitter.com/westchestergov]  |  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/westchester-county]  |  YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC774tkGUZw8xoZtHhuQUsQ]