Nonprofit Westchester urges fair funding in 2027 county budget

County leaders gathered in White Plains to address funding gaps facing local agencies.

Nonprofit Westchester (NPW) hosted a budget forum on October 22 where eleven Westchester County legislators met with community advocates. The session focused on how local government and the nonprofit sector can partner to address regional needs. The group examined the impact of federal cuts to human services. They also discussed an improved contracting system and compensation for the nonprofit workforce.

NPW executive director Jan Fisher opened the meeting by calling for a more equitable distribution of resources. "We understand these are difficult times, and asking nonprofits to do more with less has never been fair," Fisher said. She noted that the organization's policy agenda asks all branches of government to include nonprofits in setting priorities and developing solutions.

Each legislator received NPW's 2027 Advocacy and Policy Agenda. The document argues that Westchester cannot achieve its public goals without a stable nonprofit sector. It positions these organizations as a core pillar of the region's civic and economic infrastructure. The agenda serves as a guide for the upcoming budget decisions.

Vedat Gashi, chair of the Board of Legislators, pledged to review the recommendations during budget deliberations. He acknowledged the difficulty of funding every program immediately. "I can't promise that every program can be funded, or that every administrative hurdle is going to be solved immediately," Gashi said. He committed to making measurable progress and asking hard questions during the process.

The Board of Legislators will hold public input sessions in November before the final vote. A 6 p.m. session is scheduled for November 12 at the Doles Center in Mount Vernon. Another 6 p.m. session will take place on November 18 at the Ford Administration Building auditorium in Peekskill. These sessions allow residents to share their views on the proposed budget.

A public hearing for the 2027 County Budget is set for December 9 at 7:00 p.m. The hearing will be held in the Board of Legislators Chamber at 148 Martine Ave. in White Plains. The Board is scheduled to adopt the final budget on December 14. NPW stated it will continue collaborating with public officials to ensure the final budget reflects a supportive partnership.

NPW represents more than 370 organizations in the county. Its membership includes groups focused on human services, the arts, environmental advocacy, and social justice. The organization provides a unified voice for the sector through advocacy and professional development.