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A Message from Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger
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Dear Friends,
During the 2025-2026 State Budget process this year, I threw my strong support behind Governor Hochul's proposal — adopted as part of the final budget — to offer free community college in high-demand fields for adults (aged 25 to 55) who have not yet earned a college degree. Close to 30% of Ulster County residents have not received any college education, and in today's economy, a college degree or credential can greatly increase income-earning opportunities for our residents and their families.
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Our very own SUNY Ulster offers degrees in a number of fields as part of this program, which you can read more about below!
All my best,
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Recent News & Events
Free Community College for Adult Learners - Gain Skills for In-Demand Jobs
Beginning this fall, New Yorkers ages 25 to 55 with no college degree can now earn a two-year degree for free through a new statewide program, SUNY Reconnect, designed to support adult learners in achieving their educational goals while strengthening the regional workforce. County Executive Metzger provided input on the program, it was first proposed by the Governor, resulting in the addition of environmental and climate fields. At SUNY Ulster, qualifying adults can pursue an associate degree for free in the following high-demand fields:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Computer Science
- Engineering Science
- Environmental Studies
- Network Administration
- Nursing
- Pathways to Teaching in Shortage Areas
Enrollment begins on August 25.
County Executive Interview on Radio Catskill
County Executive Jen Metzger was recently interviewed by Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar about the Department of Homeland Security’s list targeting Ulster County and hundreds of other jurisdictions nationally, and talked about the troubling Executive Order on which it was based. (The list, posted on the DHS website at the end of May, was taken down days later.)
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Ulster County Pool is NOW Open!
The Ulster County Pool Complex, located at 241 Libertyville Road in New Paltz, is open daily from 11 AM - 7 PM, now through September 1.
The County government is pleased to now offer a free season pass to seniors receiving Medicaid and families receiving Medicaid or SNAP.
Students Use Art to Educate About Teen-Dating Violence and Human Trafficking
Each year, the Ulster County Crime Victim Assistance Program and the Interagency Council on Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking sponsor a mixed media art competition for high school students to promote awareness of teen dating violence and human trafficking.
County Executive Jen Metzger had the honor of presenting certificates and awards to this year’s 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners at Ellenville High School. The students used their creativity to confront difficult issues and advocate for healthy, respectful relationships. Their powerful videos and posters will be shared with their peers to help elevate awareness and spark important conversations.
Nine Honored at 13th Annual Ulster County Executive’s Arts Awards
On Wed., June 11, County Executive Metzger honored nine local artists and arts professionals at the 13th Annual Ulster County Executive’s Arts Awards, organized by Arts Mid-Hudson. This year’s honorees — all nominated by the community — are Trina Greene, Pablo Shine, Midtown Kingston Arts District (MKAD), Amy Park, Woodstock Bookfest, William Rhoads, Cora Belle Mahr Spreen, My Kingston Kids, and Chris Silva.
Congratulations to the winners, and thank you for all you do to enrich our lives in Ulster County and beyond! Thank you also to Ulster County Poet Laureate Mike Jurkovic for opening the evening with inspiring readings of your work.
In Ulster County, we take pride in being a place where the arts are valued, creativity is nurtured, and free expression is protected.
County Office for the Aging Hosts Another Fabulous ‘Senior’ Prom!
The Ulster County Office for the Aging (OFA) knows how to have fun — and this year’s “Senior” Prom was no exception! County Executive Jen Metzger joined the celebration, including a bit of dancing with attendees!
Thanks to OFA for organizing this wonderful event for Ulster County seniors, to Ten Broeck Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing for their partnership and support, and to Gateway Hudson Valley for preparing and serving a fantastic lunch.
Celebrating Pride Month at the Governor’s Residence
On Tues., June 10, Governor Kathy Hochul held an uplifting Pride Month reception at her official residence. County Executive Metzger brought two special guests with her – Deli Smith, a SUNY Ulster student who graduated in May and heads to SUNY Oneonta in the fall, and Ulster County Human Rights Director, Joe McDonald. A number of other Ulster County community leaders attended, including Eve Papp, Jennifer Papp, New Paltz Deputy Village Mayor Alex Wojcik, and Matthew Mackey, Senior Constituent Services Liaison for State Senator Michelle Hinchey (pictured above), as well as Richard Heyl de Ortiz, Director of the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Center in Kingston.
County Hosts Lunch & Learn to Celebrate Juneteenth
On Tues. June 17, the County hosted a Juneteenth Lunch & Learn for the community at the Restorative Justice Center, organized by Chief Diversity Officer Esi Lewis and Restorative Justice Coordinator Kim Mapes.
County Historian Eddie Moran talked about the complex and often overlooked history of emancipation in Ulster County — reminding us that while emancipation is often marked as a singular event, the reality was far more gradual and painful. He explained how laws abolishing slavery were layered with provisions that extended servitude for years, even for those technically “freed,” and how Black Americans continued to face immense barriers to freedom, equality, and opportunity long after slavery was declared illegal.
County Truth and Reconciliation Commission Member Albert Cook, a social studies and Black studies teacher at New Paltz High School, discussed the historical importance of Juneteenth and why celebrating the holiday bears much meaning for Black Americans—as a day that honors their true independence, resilience, and the ongoing fight for justice that continues to shape American history.
Also at the event, County Executive Metzger presented a Proclamation declaring June 19 Juneteenth Day in Ulster County, Human Rights Director Joe McDonald shared his reflections, and Reverend Clarke led the group in song, with State Supreme Court Justice David Gandin accompanying on the guitar!
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The Ulster County Public Defender's Office provides essential legal services and advocacy for those who cannot afford legal representation, playing a vital role in upholding the rights of individuals in the criminal justice and family defense system. The Office employs 16 full-time and 12 part-time attorneys as well as nine support staff, two case managers, and a full-time investigator. The attorneys provide representation throughout Ulster County in Town, Village, and City courts, the Ulster County Supreme and County Courts, and in Family Court and Veterans’ Court. The office handles approximately 3,000 criminal matters and 400 Family Court matters per year. They proudly serve the community by:
Defending the Constitutional Rights of Citizens:
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Right to Counsel: It is the duty of this office to fulfill the Constitutional mandate established by the Supreme Court in Gideon v. Wainwright to ensure that individuals accused of crimes who cannot afford legal representation have access to quality legal counsel.
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Fairness and Justice: The Public Defender fights to protect clients' constitutional and statutory rights, advocating for fair treatment and the administration of the law without discrimination or disproportionate punishment.
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Protection of the Innocent: The Office works to ensure that innocent individuals are not wrongfully convicted, defending them against criminal prosecution.
Providing Essential Legal Representation:
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Comprehensive Legal Services: The Public Defender provides legal representation in a wide range of cases, including criminal matters (felonies, misdemeanors, probation and parole violations), Family Court matters (neglect, custody, visitation, family offenses, parentage, and child support), and criminal appeals.
- They provide representation to parents following allegations of neglect or abuse. Many of the neglect cases they handle arise out of a parent’s struggle with addiction. With the use of case managers, they strive to connect their clients with needed services to hasten the healing of the family and restore the family unit.
- They have established a Family Court Hotline for those parents who are being investigated by Child Protective Services (CPS) to provide information regarding their rights and guide them in steps they can take to help their family: (845) 686-2400.
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Holistic Defense: The Public Defender’s Office is expanding its holistic approach, providing client-centered representation and connecting clients with essential social services to address underlying issues and provide alternatives to incarceration.
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Accessibility: Their attorneys provide representation, with few exceptions, at every arraignment in the County and continue that representation, when assigned, through trial and all stages of appeal, ensuring continuous legal support for their clients.
Getting Legal Help
If you are charged with a crime and cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for assistance through the Public Defender’s Office. To apply, you must fill out a financial affidavit for eligibility screening. You can:
- Email Heather Hughes at hhug@co.ulster.ny.us
- Call (845) 340-3232 to schedule an appointment
- Visit the office Monday through Friday, 9 AM–5 PM, at 280 Wall Street, Second Floor, Kingston (across from the County Courthouse)
For Family Court cases, clients must apply for representation directly at Family Court, located at 2 Development Court, Kingston, NY. The help window is open weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Ulster County’s 2025 Primary Election is Coming Up!
Primary Election Day is on Tues., June 24, or you can vote early now through Sun., June 22. Local and County elections directly impact our communities, infrastructure, public safety, and more. Exercising your right to vote ensures your voice is heard in decisions that affect your daily life — so plan ahead and make sure your voice counts!
For details on voting locations, candidates, sample and absentee ballots, and more, visit the Ulster County Board of Elections website.
Join Us on the Free Nature Bus on Saturdays!
The Ulster County Nature Bus runs every Saturday through the end of September and is completely FREE for both transportation and admission to parks and preserves. Nature Bus destinations are accessible for people of all ages and abilities.
🗓️ Sat., June 21
📍River Route — The Nature Bus departs from Kingston Plaza, with a stop at Garraghan Drive. Destinations include Sojourner Truth State Park, Kingston Point Beach, Black Creek Preserve, and the Walkway Over the Hudson State Park.
🗓️ Sat., June 28
📍Ridge Route — From New Paltz, the Nature Bus picks up riders at the NYS Thruway Park and Ride, New Paltz Gardens, and New Paltz Trailways; from Ellenville, the Nature Bus departs from Liberty Square. Destinations include the Mohonk Preserve Testimonial Gate Trailhead, Mohonk Preserve Visitors Center, and Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
Make the most of your trip by wearing appropriate footwear, and don’t forget to bring water. Each bus has a bike rack (first come, first served), and helmets are required when biking in state parks. Only service animals are allowed. For questions, call UCAT Dispatch at (845) 334-8458.
Bike Ride for Mental Health - June 21 & 22 at the Ulster County Fairgrounds
Now in its 9th year, The Ride for Mental Health brings together hundreds of cyclists in support of mental health education, research, and treatment. The Ride has raised over $1.4 million to date, with proceeds supporting McLean Hospital—one of the nation’s leading psychiatric hospitals—as well as local nonprofits like the Maya Gold Foundation and the New Paltz Youth Program.
The two-day event features several scenic routes through the Mid-Hudson Valley, from quiet rail trails to challenging 50-mile rides with stunning views. Riders and volunteers are treated to a dinner Saturday night, catered by Main Course. 100% of funds raised go to the cause.
This information is being provided for the benefit of Ulster County residents. These programs are not operated or controlled by the County of Ulster.
Join Ulster County in Going Zero-Waste at Fairs, Festivals, and Public Events!
Ulster County is excited to launch Green the Scene: We Are Zero-Waste Bound! — a new grant program to support and encourage practices that reduce food waste at festivals, fairs, and community events.
Eligible municipalities and nonprofits can apply for up to $2,000 per event to cover costs like compostable supplies, hauling services, and zero-waste coordinators. Events that involve public education, composting partnerships, and Zero Waste policies will be prioritized.
Applications are open through June 30 for events happening during the 2025 season.
Help Shape the Future of Midtown Linear Park
Join us for the third community event in the design of the new Community Park at Midtown Linear Park! This Visioning Workshop will be a hands-on opportunity to share your ideas and help shape the programming and design of this exciting new public space.
🗓️ Tues., June 24
🕔 5 - 7 PM
📍 Project Site: Midtown Linear Park @ Cornell Street (Red Owl, directly adjacent, in case of inclement weather)
What to Expect:
- Contribute ideas directly onto a large-scale physical model of the project site.
- Use interactive site cards to draw or write location-specific suggestions.
- Explore themed posters highlighting potential park programs and vote for your favorites.
- Talk with the project team about what would make the park useful, fun, and welcoming for you and your neighbors.
This event is a great opportunity to play an active role in creating a park that reflects the energy and identity of the Midtown community.
Help Shape the Future of Transportation in Ulster County: Take Our Survey Before June 30!
Mobility 2050: The Ulster County Transportation Council's Long Range Transportation Plan looks twenty-five years into the future of transportation in Ulster County and guides our transportation planning and investment decisions. It recommends transportation projects aligned with the identified priorities, and it provides a framework to develop, manage, and operate our transportation systems in a safe and efficient way. Take the survey before it closes: Mon. June 30.
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Ulster County Offers EMS Equipment Grant Program - Apply Today
Ulster County has created a $500,000 Equipment Grant Program for local EMS agencies to enhance response. Eligible EMS transport agencies can apply for grants for advanced cardiac monitors and mechanical chest compression devices to help deliver high-quality prehospital care when every second counts. Other goals of the program include:
- Strengthening frontline response
- Supporting high-level training and readiness
- Building a more sustainable and resilient EMS system
Learn more and apply before the deadline: Fri., July 18.
Homeowners: Apply Today for No-Cost Home Repairs
Rebuilding Together Hudson Valley is a nonprofit that provides free critical home repairs and accessibility modifications for income-qualified homeowners in Dutchess and Ulster Counties. They serve older adults, veterans, people with disabilities, and families in need—ensuring everyone can live safely and independently in their homes.
Applications for the Rebuilding Day program are accepted now through September 30, while applications for Veterans, Handyman, and Community Strong (for nonprofits) programs are accepted year-round. Download an application at RTHudsonValley.org, or call (845) 454-7310 x103 to have one mailed to you.
This information is being provided for the benefit of Ulster County residents. These programs are not operated or controlled by the County of Ulster.
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. We’re currently hiring for these critical roles:
Ulster County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer and fully complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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