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A Message from Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger
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In good news on the housing front, yesterday I joined NYS Empire State Development Commissioner Hope Knight in Dutchess County for the much-awaited announcement of awards through the Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund, created by Governor Hochul to support mixed-use housing development in the region--and we won big! The Golden Hill project and Barrel Factory project in Kingston, both redevelopments of previously developed sites, received $14 million and will create over 260 units of housing for our residents. Meanwhile, the first round of applications are in for grants through the County's Housing Action Fund, which we established last year to spur development of green affordable housing. We expect to make announcements next month, so stay tuned!
All my best,
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Recent News & Events
Sugely Melenciano-Weed Appointed as New Youth Director!
We are excited to appoint Sugely Melenciano-Weed as the new Director of the Ulster County Youth Bureau! Sugely is deeply familiar with the work of this office in her role as Ulster County Youth Board Chair, and she brings a wealth of experience in youth program management and community engagement to the position. Her dedication to youth development and proven leadership will be invaluable as we continue to prioritize the needs of our young people in Ulster County.
In her most recent role, Sugely served as Program Director for the Newburgh YouthBuild Program, where she oversaw program management, counseling, case management, and educational activities for participants. Sugely is passionate about youth empowerment and has a long history of community service. In addition to serving as Ulster County Youth Board Chair, she is also Board President of Ulster Corps, Board Secretary for Health Care is a Human Right, and Councilmember for Mid-Hudson Energy Transition. Sugely’s appointment is subject to legislative confirmation in the next Legislative session. We are thrilled that Sugely has accepted the appointment and can't wait to see the great things she will accomplish for our youth!
County Executive Supports Bill to Create Publicly Owned NYS Power Authority
Last week, County Executive Metzger joined Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha and Senator Michelle Hinchey in support of their bill, the Hudson Valley Power Authority Act, which would create a public power authority for our region. The idea of a public utility is not new--in New York State, communities are served by various models that do not rely on private, for-profit monopolies like Fortis/Central Hudson, including municipal utilities, cooperatives, and public authorities. As the County Executive stated, Fortis/Central Hudson has repeatedly failed to serve the public interest, and if there was ever a time to explore alternatives, it is now.
Ulster County Announces Grant Funding to Bolster Food Security Network
To address the pressing food security needs of our communities, the County government has allocated $275,000 allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for a new grant program for non-profit organizations working to improve access to healthy food for residents. This initiative, announced by the Ulster County Executive, in partnership with the Ulster County Legislature and Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, builds on a 2022 food insecurity study by the County Legislature and recommendations from the Ulster County Food Security and Access Network (UCFSAN). Funding will prioritize proposals that increase access to food for those in need, expand and strengthen existing emergency food programs, improve the capacity of organizations to collect, store, and distribute food, and support long-term sustainability of food security efforts in underserved areas.
Grants will range from $1,000 to $15,000, with larger awards considered for collaborative projects. Applications are welcome from qualified non-profit organizations throughout Ulster County, and the deadline for submissions is June 14.
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Remembering Our Fallen at the Memorial Day Candlelight Vigil
The Ulster County Department of Veterans Services held its annual Candlelight Ceremony ahead of Memorial Day Weekend--an incredibly moving event in front of the County Office Building at Dusk to honor the brave men and women from Ulster County who made the Ultimate Sacrifice.
Thank you to our Veteran Services Director Mark Cozzupoli and his team, as well as the Rip Van Winkle Boy Scouts of America #405, Saugerties American Legion Post #72 and VFW Post #5034, Kingston VFW Post #1386, Woodstock American Legion Post #1026, Ulster Detachment, Marine Corps League, vocalist Sgt. Major MaryKay Messenger, guest speaker Colonel Kristopher Geis, and everyone else who contributed to this beautiful tribute.
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County Executive Jen Metzger Calls for Passage of ‘Rescue EMS’ Bills
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has penned a letter to State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Speaker Carl E. Heastie, calling on State lawmakers to pass a group of bills that would address the challenges facing emergency medical services (EMS) throughout the state, and help ensure a sustainable and resilient EMS system now and in the future.
The letter was co-signed by legislative leaders, including Chair of the Legislature Peter Criswell, Deputy Chair of the Legislature Megan Sperry, Majority Leader of the Legislature Abe Uchitelle, Deputy Majority Leader of the Legislature Aaron Levine, Legislator and Chair of the Law Enforcement and Public Safety Committee Gina Hansut, Legislator and Deputy Chair of the Law Enforcement and Public Safety Committee Chris Hewitt, and Minority Leader of the Legislature Kevin Roberts.
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SUNY Ulster Commencement: Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
SUNY Ulster’s graduation ceremony was held on Saturday, May 18, and the Ulster County Executive was honored to give the commencement speech, sharing a bit of her personal story and what she has learned along the way about embracing change and possibilities when life throws you curve balls.
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Celebrating Resilience: TRANSART’s Pinkster 2024 Event Honors Ancestors and Embraces Joy as Resistance
Chief Diversity Officer Esi Lewis attended TRANSART’s celebration, “Pinkster 2024: Joy Is An Act of Resistance." This year the theme was “The Strength of Our Spirit” with a focus on honoring our ancestors’ ability to find joy in times of hardship, highlighting the importance of celebration and restoration to drive progress forward. Tricia Hersey, New York Times bestselling author of “Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto,” gave a powerful sermon. Lavada Nahon, Interpreter of African American history, New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation, provided historical facts. Audiences were moved by the invigorating Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater, Pinkster Players, and the New York City Gospel Choir.
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The Ulster County ‘I Voted’ Sticker Contest Returns - Submit Your Art by June 1
Calling all young artists to design the next iconic sticker for the upcoming election! Residents of Ulster County aged 9-18 are invited to participate in our search for the next big thing in ‘I Voted’ stickers. Your task is to create a logo for a 2-inch sticker--the phrase "I Voted" must be incorporated into your design, but the rest is entirely up to your imagination!
The Ulster County Board of Elections Commissioners will select the top designs, and then the contest will be opened for public voting on the BOE website. To take part, simply send your artwork (in PDF or JPEG format) to elections@co.ulster.ny.us.
For more information, contact Deputy Commissioners Jen Bloom or Keri Williams at (845) 334-5470.
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May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month
Ulster County proudly celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by honoring the contributions of our AAPI community members. This month, we shine a spotlight on Chief of Staff and Deputy County Executive Johanna Contreras, who’s been working with the County since 2021.
Johanna, of Filipino heritage, was born in Brunei and spent her early years in the Philippines before immigrating to the United States at age 8. She grew up in Illinois near Chicago and attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, later moving to Washington, D.C. to work for a consulting firm that specialized in capacity-building for community-based nonprofits. In 2010, Johanna moved to NYC and earned her Master's Degree in Urban Policy from the New School. Her career includes roles focused on community development, youth, and education at the NYC Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget and various nonprofits. Johanna joined Ulster County in November 2021, serving as Deputy County Executive of Health and Human Services and briefly as Acting County Executive in 2022. In January 2023, Johanna resumed her role as Deputy County Executive of Health and Human Services and is now also proud to serve as Chief of Staff to County Executive Metzger.
Johanna credits her childhood in the Philippines and her experience as an immigrant with instilling a drive toward building inclusive communities where residents of many different backgrounds can live together and reach their potential. In her free time, she enjoys exploring nature in the Hudson Valley with her husband and two children.
Department of Mental Health Office Hours – June 6
A representative from the Ulster County Department of Mental Health will be hosting neighborhood office hours in Marlboro. Take advantage of this opportunity to receive one-on-one naloxone training and valuable opioid prevention materials, and learn about the array of services our Department provides.
📅 Thursday, June 6
🕕12 PM - 4 PM
📍 Marlboro Free Library, 1251 Route 9W, Marlboro
Whether you're seeking connections to support or simply want to educate yourself and your community, this will serve as a great opportunity to get connected to the Department of Mental Health! For more information, contact Jillian Nadiak-Bruck at jnad@co.ulster.ny.us.
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Upcoming STOP DWI Allocation Meeting - June 4
The annual STOP DWI allocation meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 4 from 8 AM to 3 PM at the Restorative Justice and Community Empowerment Center in Kingston (733 Broadway).
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Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) Route Optimization Plan
We are charting a course for Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) to better serve our residents' needs — and we want to hear from YOU as we embark on this effort! UCAT and the Ulster County Transportation Council are undertaking a comprehensive assessment of our public transit system — including routes, schedules, and services — and we need your input. Whether or not you take the bus, please take our brief survey to help us improve service in our County– available in English or en Español.
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Assistance Available for Eligible Women, Infants, and Children in Ulster County
The Ulster County Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program is here to help income-eligible women and young children who may be at nutritional risk, providing healthy food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, or a caregiver of an infant or child up to five years of age, WIC may be able to help. Visit any one of our four locations during the days and hours listed below, or call (845) 340-3965 for more information.
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Trudy Farber Building (50 Center Street, Ellenville, NY)
Every 1st & 3rd Monday (9 AM – 3 PM)
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Golden Hill Office Building (239 Golden Hill Lane, Kingston, NY)
Every 2nd and 4th Monday (8 AM – 4 PM)
Tuesday (11:30 AM – 7:30 PM)
Wednesday and Friday (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM)
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Church of the Nazarene (170 NY-32, New Paltz, NY)
Every 2nd and 4th Thursday (9 AM – 3 PM)
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Trinity Episcopal Church (32 Church Street, Saugerties, NY)
Every 1st and 3rd Thursday (9 AM – 3 PM)
Please note that if the clinic date falls on a holiday, the schedule may change. Please call (845) 340-3965 to confirm dates or obtain alternate dates and times.
Grant Opportunity for Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Ports
Are you looking for support to add EV charges to your workplace or apartments? NYSERDA is offering at least $2,000 per charging port at a workplace or multi-unit dwelling location.
This information is being provided for the benefit of Ulster Residents, these programs are not operated or controlled by the County of Ulster.
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Job Openings in Ulster County
Consider a career in public service and earn a living by making a difference! Visit the civil service portal and apply today to join our team.
The Ulster County Government strictly adheres to the principles of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act and Americans with Disability Act.
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