|
A Message from Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger |
|
|
Dear Friends,
Last Thursday, I gave my State of the County Address at SUNY Ulster in Stone Ridge, sharing our work to meet our residents' immediate needs while strengthening the foundations for a sustainable, resilient, and thriving Ulster County for generations to come. You can watch the address on YouTube, and we also include some of the highlights below. It is an extraordinary privilege to serve our communities, and we are here to help.
We have other news to share, including a new initiative to address gaps in EMS coverage, a new Veterans' Treatment Court in the works, and more!
All my best,
|
|
|
On Thursday, Feb. 20, County Executive Metzger delivered her 2025 State of the County Address at SUNY Ulster in Stone Ridge. Here are some of the highlights:
Housing
We're making strides in addressing the housing crisis, adding nearly 500 affordable homes around the county through projects we've supported. Among them:
- The Golden Hill development: 164 units for seniors and families with incomes ranging from 30% to 80% of median income. First apartments ready as early as November.
- Silver Gardens: 57 units for low-income seniors, with services on site. Ready Nov. 1.
- Quality Inn redevelopment: 83 units of supportive housing for vulnerable and homeless individuals and families. Ready by Summer 2026.
- Housing projects in Kingston, Saugerties, Hurley, New Paltz supported by our County Housing Action Fund projects (119 apartment units and homes). Ready this year and next.
- 54 Accessory Dwelling Units, supported by grants to homeowners through the County's Plus One Home program.
Strengthening Care for Mental Health and Substance Use
The County government is expanding access to critical mental health and addiction services. New additions include:
- A clinic for children as young as five and their families, opening this year in Kingston.
- A crisis support center operating 24/7 at the Ulster County Center for Well-Being, opening in the Spring, where anyone can walk in and get the help they need.
- A new street outreach team assisting individuals facing homelessness and severe mental health challenges.
- A planned recovery residence to support residents recovering from substance use disorder, funded with $250,000 from opioid settlement funds.
We are pleased to report that through the work of our Mental Health Department, the Sheriff's ORACLE program, and our community partners, overdoses and related fatalities have dropped significantly in Ulster County over the past year, by 33% and 45%, respectively.
Transportation
Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) set a ridership record with over a half million riders last year, and service will remain free. The UCAT Route Optimization Plan will roll out changes to routes and scheduling over three years, beginning later this year with more frequent service between New Paltz and Kingston.
Climate
The County continues to lead in climate action, expanding EV charging, electrifying the bus fleet, improving energy efficiency in County buildings and adding heat pumps, geothermal, solar, and battery backup. Upgrades this year to energy controls, alone, will save taxpayers nearly a half million dollars in energy costs.
The County is also fortifying infrastructure to adapt to climate impacts we're already experiencing, investing in bigger culverts and new bridges with longer spans and deeper foundations to protect against major storm events. Construction will begin this summer on a new climate-resilient Emergency Communications Center, located in New Paltz, with help from a $2 million NYSERDA grant.
Agriculture
Agriculture is vital to Ulster County’s economy and long-term food security. The County recently completed the 2024 Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan (the first updated plan in nearly 30 years) to chart a course for a strong and resilient agricultural sector for years to come. The County Executive announced that she will propose to the Legislature a $500,000 Revolving Loan Fund for agricultural projects, and highlighted initiatives to implement the Agricultural Crisis Relief Program created by the Legislature with federal ARPA funds.
Investing in Our Workers
The County will open a new workforce development center at iPark, alongside a new Ulster BOCES Career and Technical Center serving up to 1,800 students beginning in September. The County center will work directly with educational partners and businesses to skill up and support our workforce for family-sustaining jobs in high-demand fields.
For the County government's more than 1,400 employees, the County Executive announced a new Paid Family Leave Program to provide full salary for up to 12 weeks of leave so that parents can take the time to bond with a newborn or adoptive child and still have financial stability.
Small Business Support
The County is re-energizing its revolving loan fund, capitalized at $1.2 million, to provide low-interest loans for new and existing small businesses. Funds can be used for working capital, energy efficiency upgrades, and equipment purchases.
Redeveloping Derelict Properties
The County secured a $10 million Restore NY grant for National Resources to transform the former IBM site in the Town of Ulster into an education and industry hub. Another $1.6 million grant secured by the County will help the community redevelop the long-abandoned Wellington Hotel in Pine Hill into affordable housing, a grocery store, and a café.
Arts & Culture
The creative sector generates $537 million in revenue and supports 3,500 jobs in Ulster County. The County is finalizing its first Arts and Culture Master Plan, which will be presented to the County Legislature in April, and has created a new position — Director of Arts, Culture, and Open Spaces — to strengthen support for this important sector of the economy.
Trails and Recreation
Several major rail trail projects were completed with County support in Accord/Kerhonkson, Ellenville/Wawarsing, and Hurley/Kingston, and this year will see completion of final design for a new rail trail segment in Shandaken. In addition, an ARPA-funded County program supported improvements to 17 town and village parks, and the County has secured grants to rebuild the County-owned pool in New Paltz and the community pool in Ellenville/Wawarsing.
The County Executive also announced that the County's Nature Bus, a new program piloted last year to provide free transportation to the County's outdoor recreational destinations, will add a route from New Paltz this year.
Improving the County's Digital Presence
Last year we created Participate Ulster, an online platform, where the public can get details about County initiatives, share ideas, and follow progress; and later this summer the County government is launching a new user-friendly, accessible, easy-to-navigate County website designed to better meet community needs.
Watch County Executiv Metzger's 2025 State of the County Address on YouTube to learn more about our progress in 2024 and plans for 2025!
|
|
Recent News & Events
The Ulster County Office for the Aging is Seeking Nominations for Seniors of the Year!
Each year, two exceptional seniors in Ulster County are recognized for their dedication and volunteer service. Honorees from across New York State will be celebrated at Older New Yorkers' Day in Albany on May 27.
Do you know a senior who makes a difference? Submit your nomination by February 28! Download and fill out the nomination form on our website and return it to 1003 Development Court, Kingston, NY 12401. Questions? Call (845) 340-3456
County Executive Jen Metzger Announces New Role for County in Addressing Critical Gaps in EMS Coverage
County Executive Jen Metzger has announced a plan to help close critical gaps in Advanced Life Support (ALS) coverage in the County, and last week the Legislature authorized the County to apply for a Municipal Certificate of Need (MuniCON) to enable the County to move forward. The MuniCON from the NYS Department of Health will allow the County to partner with municipalities and local EMS agencies for ALS coverage in targeted areas.
|
|
NYSDOT Responds to Call by County Executive and Town Supervisor to Address Safety Concerns at Site of Rosendale Pedestrian Fatality
Following the tragic death in January of Victoria Cooper, who was killed by a car when crossing Route 32 in Rosendale, County Executive Jen Metzger and Rosendale Town Supervisor Jeanne Walsh fired off a joint letter to NYSDOT calling for actions to improve pedestrian safety at this busy downtown intersection of two state roads. NYSDOT responded in less than two weeks by contracting with an engineering firm to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the intersection to determine safety mitigations. We thank the agency for its prompt response and look forward to seeing meaningful improvements to pedestrian safety in this dangerous area.
The assessment is expected to take eight weeks.
Supporting Our Veterans: A New Path to Justice and Recovery
Ulster County plans to create a Veterans Treatment Court and has already launched the “Veterans Court Track” to provide an alternative path for justice-involved veterans. Many veterans return to civilian life and find themselves facing challenges, such as mental health problems and substance use, that can be tied to service-related injuries, including PTSD and traumatic brain injury. The veterans track provides the resources and support they need with court oversight, and on Feb. 7, we celebrated our first graduate!
Thank you to everyone who made this possible, including Ulster County Judge Bryan Rounds, Veterans Service Agency, the Public Defender’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, and the Department of Probation.
New Food Pantry Opens in Ellenville
St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church in Ellenville has launched a new food pantry to support community members in need. The pantry will be open every other Saturday on even dates, from 1 to 3 PM. The church is located at 156 Center Street.
This initiative was made possible through the efforts of Rev. Gary Fuller, Sr., who also serves as Chair of the Ulster County Human Rights Commission, along with the congregation and an anonymous donor who generously stocked the pantry with food.
|
|
Announcing Our 2025 Ulster County Poet Laureate!
A celebrated poet and music critic from the Shawangunk hamlet of Wallkill, Mike Jurkovic’s evocative poetry captures the beauty in everyday life and human connection. As president and co-founder of Calling All Poets, he has brought poetry to audiences across the Hudson Valley for over 26 years.
Mike’s work has been published in hundreds of magazines and anthologies, and we’re excited to see how his talent and passion will inspire our community this year. He debuted in his new role with a reading of his work at the County Executive's State of the County Address on Feb. 20!
|
|
Protecting the Children in Your Care
 |
|
This FREE workshop will teach practical ways to prevent, recognize, and respond to the sexual abuse of children.
📅 Wed. March 5
🕠 5:30 PM
📍 Broadway Bubble (718 Broadway, Kingston)
📧 RSVP to attend: jill@kingstonmidtownrising.org
Presented in both English and Spanish. Dinner will be provided. Facilitated by advocates from the Ulster County Crime Victims Assistance Program (CVAP).
|
Surviving & Thriving - for Kids Who Have Dealt with Difficult Situations
 |
|
This FREE workshop is designed for children in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades who have experienced difficult situations. Through fun, supportive activities, they’ll connect with peers, learn coping skills, and begin healing in a safe space.
📅 Tues. March 12
🕛 12 PM
📍 Broadway Bubble (718 Broadway, Kingston)
📧 RSVP to attend: jill@kingstonmidtownrising.org
Facilitated by advocates from the Ulster County Crime Victims Assistance Program (CVAP). Children do NOT have to share personal experiences. Lunch will be provided.
|
Explore Job Opportunities at Ulster BOCES Hiring Event
Ulster BOCES is hosting its annual hiring event where job seekers can explore openings across multiple departments, including full-time, hourly, substitute, and seasonal positions.
📅 Tues. March 18
🕛 2 PM - 6 PM
📍 Ulster BOCES Jane Bullowa Conference Center (175 Route 32 North, New Paltz)
Representatives from the Ulster County Department of Personnel will also be available to answer questions about the Civil Service process.
This information is being provided for the benefit of Ulster residents; this program is not operated or controlled by the County of Ulster.
Join the 2025 Ulster County Climate Corps and Be the Change you Want to See in the World!
This paid, project-based summer internship program, now in its third year, gives young people hands-on experience working on climate-related projects in County government. Interns will choose from among more than a dozen projects that advance the County’s Climate Action Commitment and bolster community resilience to the impacts of climate change. The program runs from June 9 to August 15 and pays $18 per hour.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through the end of March, or until the program is filled. High school students over 16 years of age, college and graduate students, and interested residents are encouraged to apply!
Help Us Improve Heart Health in Our Community
The Ulster County Health Department is partnering with health and wellness experts to reduce heart disease fatalities in our community. As the leading cause of death in Ulster County and across the nation, heart disease is a serious concern — but together, we can make a difference. You can help by taking this short, anonymous survey to guide our efforts.
|
|
$1 Million in Grants Available for New York Farmers' Markets
New York State is offering $1 million in grant funding to help farmers' markets improve infrastructure, expand marketing, and enhance local food system resilience. Grants range from $25,000 to $50,000 and support projects like booth construction, cold storage, website development, and more. Applications are open now and will be accepted on a rolling basis until May 27, 2025, or until funds are expended.
This information is being provided for the benefit of Ulster Residents, these programs are not operated or controlled by the County of Ulster.
Grants Available for Youth-Led Climate Action Projects
Young people in Ulster County have an exciting opportunity to take the lead on local climate solutions! Partners for Climate Action, in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund, is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for climate-focused projects designed and led by youth (ages 15-24). Eligible projects can include public awareness campaigns, community gardens, green transportation initiatives, and more. Applications are due by March 28, 2025, with award announcements on April 22, 2025.
This information is being provided for the benefit of Ulster Residents, these programs are not operated or controlled by the County of Ulster.
Local Funding Opportunity for Agriculture, Food Justice, and Land Sovereignty
Sky High Farm in the Hudson Valley is offering $350,000 in grants to individuals and organizations working in agriculture, food justice, and land sovereignty. Grants range from $1,500 to $30,000, with an average award of $11,500 in 2024. Applications will be prioritized for those from historically marginalized communities, including LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, AAPI, recent immigrants, and others affected by systemic inequities in agriculture and banking.
Applications open now until April 2, 2025. Funding decisions will be made by an independent committee of farmers, food justice advocates, and stakeholders.
This information is being provided for the benefit of Ulster Residents, these programs are not operated or controlled by the County of Ulster.
Mid-Hudson Energy Transition Free Appliance Upgrade Program
The City of Kingston is offering income-qualifying Kingston homeowners and renters FREE energy-efficient appliances through Mid-Hudson Energy Transition. Funded by the City of Kingston’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), this initiative offers induction stoves, heat pump water heaters, and portable heat pumps – all zero-emissions technologies that are energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly, and support healthy indoor air quality
Applications are now open! To qualify, applicants must meet the Kingston income requirement of 80% Area Median Income, either own their home or have legal authority to make changes, and for tenants, landlord approval is required.
Please note, these programs are operated by MHET and the City of Kingston and are not managed by Ulster County.
Apply for a Rewarding Job with 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.
Ulster County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer and fully complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
|
|
|
social
 
|
|
|
|
|
|
