Housing

County Executive Andy Spano often speak of what he sees as a need for a "continuum" of housing in Westchester --  housing at all income levels for all sectors of the community. He recognizes the greatest need in the county is for a larger stock of housing that is affordable to middle- and lower-income families, individuals and seniors. 

However, under state law, the county has limited legal authority to actually build housing. But it can assist and encourage the construction of housing by private developers and non-profit agencies through funding the land acquisition, helping with construction costs and some infrastructure expenses related to the housing development.

The county executive's policies and programs have resulted in the creation of or preservation of housing units, including the construction of workforce housing and housing for seniors. At the same time, the county government has used its resources to promote "green and smart" technologies that are innovative and protect our environment. Other efforts are geared to encouraging local governments to do their part to create and preserve housing.

A county-produced video titled Housing Alive showcases affordable housing throughout the county, and demonstrates how it blends in with and improves our communities. Find out what affordable housing is and if you meet federal income eligibility standards for this housing.  

On this section of the Web site, you will find information about our many housing programs  and other resources to help renters (e.g. emergency rental assistance, New York State rent stabilization laws),  landlords, developers and home buyers and owners, as well as people with special needs. You can also find out about the laws that protect you from housing discrimination and programs to get rid of dangerous lead paint in your building.

Many of these programs are administered by the county's Planning Department, which is there as a resource for local governments as well.