Recent News & Events
2026 Budget Approved and Signed
On Dec. 7, County Executive Metzger officially signed the 2026 Ulster County Budget, keeping taxes flat!
The budget for the coming year strengthens services for seniors, bolsters food and housing security programs, and makes essential investments in transportation infrastructure, emergency medical services (EMS), road safety, public health, and environmental protection, among other priorities.
A special thanks to our hard-working Budget team: Budget Director Ken Juras, Deputy Budget Directors Don Quesnell and Victoria Reid (not pictured), Budget Analyst Carolyn Rink, Confidential Secretary to the Budget Director Natasha Tagliafierro, and our grants team (not pictured), Fiona Bohan and Noah-Lee Andre.
Thank you also to the Ulster County Legislature and Legislative staff for their careful review of the Executive Budget and contributions to the final budget. We are grateful for your partnership!
An Inspiring Housing Project for Homeless Families and Individuals
Great things are happening on the site of the former Quality Inn in the Town of Ulster! County Executive Metzger stopped by the work site on Monday for RUPCO’s project to transform the old motel into 83 modern apartments for homeless families and individuals who will have supportive services, right on site, to help them live stable and productive lives. The development will also include a commissary kitchen, daycare, and indoor swimming pool for both residents and the community to use.
Another great feature: The building is being renovated to meet high performance standards that reduce energy costs and climate impacts, with geothermal heating and cooling, efficient all-electric appliances, and solar on the roof!
We’re thrilled to support this project through the County Housing Action Fund, and grateful for the support of NYS Office of Homes and Community Renewal, OTDA, and other state and local partners. These homes will be life-changing for families and individuals who have been struggling with housing instability and homelessness.
Celebrating the 12 IGNITE Graduates in the County Jail
This morning, the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office and the Corrections Division held a moving ceremony for the 12 graduates of IGNITE — a set of educational and skill-building programs available in the jail to incarcerated individuals to provide a pathway for a meaningful career and productive life after their release. Participants can complete their GED with the Ulster Literacy Association, undertake pre-apprenticeship training in the trades with the Carpenter’s Union, and improve work readiness through the “Foundation for Work” program of the Ulster County Office of Employment and Training.
As County Executive Metzger said in her congratulatory remarks: “Everyone deserves a second chance, and everyone should have access to the resources they need to realize their full potential.” This is what IGNITE is all about, and we thank Sheriff Juan Figueroa and his team, including Superintendent of Corrections Anthony Maggio, Sgt. Megan Ferry, Lt. Chad Storey, Director of Community Incarcerated Services Juanita Hotchkiss, and all involved for leading the state with this inspiring model program.
Congratulations to the 12 IGNITE graduates!!
Ulster County Hemp Conference Facilitates Conversations on the Hemp Industry
 Hemp, a crop also known by its Latin name, Cannabis sativa, has been cultivated for thousands of years, and is one of the most versatile plants, produced for fiber, grain, and medicinal and health uses. Value-added products made from hemp also provide sustainable alternatives for a wide range of products, from packaging to textiles to building insulation to pet bedding. It’s even used for bio-remediation, planted on brownfields to remove toxic substances from polluted lands.
On Tuesday, Dec. 9, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County, in partnership with the Ulster County Economic Development Department, hosted “Fields of Opportunity: Ulster County Hemp Conference,” a day-long event for businesses, farmers, and interested members of the public to learn agricultural research on hemp in our state, and the economic opportunities for value-added production for our region. Thank you to CCE and our Economic Development team for an informative conference, and a special thanks to Legislator Chris Hewitt, who planted the seed for this educational initiative. Ulster County is committed to encouraging sustainable industries like these as part of its overall economic development strategy.
Ulster County Human Rights Dept. Honors Four Community Leaders on International Human Rights Day
On Wednesday, the Ulster County Human Rights Department celebrated International Human Rights Day with a special ceremony recognizing individuals and organizations for their humanitarian leadership in our county. We’re proud to celebrate these four leaders, all of whom were nominated by community members:
- Jo Shuman - Mental Health Nurse with Mobile Mental Health
- Diana Zuckerman - Coordinator, Amnesty International USA Mid-Hudson
- Institute for Family Health
- Ulster Immigrant Defense Network
Congratulations to our honorees!
Senator Chuck Schumer Holds Roundtable at New Paltz on SNAP and Food Insecurity
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer came to New Paltz this past weekend to hear directly from our local representatives and emergency food providers about the severe local impacts of federal cuts to both SNAP and emergency food system support. Senator Schumer has introduced the “Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act.” County Executive Metzger urges Congress to pass this legislation to restore needed food assistance. With one in six children in Ulster County facing food insecurity and close to 18,000 households who depend on SNAP to afford enough to eat, cuts to federal food assistance programs will cause needless suffering.
Thank you to Family of New Paltz for hosting this important discussion!
UCAT Adding Part-Time Routes to Serve New Paltz and Port Ewen
UCAT has added two routes, effective Tuesday Dec. 9, based on recent community feedback received through listening sessions and rider surveys. The added routes are:
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New Paltz Loop –Tuesdays & Saturdays, 10 AM to 3 PM. The bus will follow the same route as the previous loop service prior to September 15, with stops that include Tops, Shoprite, the SUNY New Paltz campus, and more.
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Port Ewen Loop – Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10 AM to 3 PM. The bus will provide a transit option in addition to the KPL bus that connects Port Ewen to Kingston, serving the Birches in Port Ewen, the Broadway Corridor, Kingston Plaza, Development Court, and more.
For schedules and route info, visit https://ucat.ulstercountyny.gov/routes/.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, we are excited about implementing the Route Optimization Plan, which will significantly add more service (including to Pine Hill) and make it easier and more convenient to use our transit system for work, school, and other transportation needs.
Ulster County Public Health Department Continues to Advise Hepatitis B Vaccination
The Ulster County Department of Health affirms the importance of the Hepatitis B Vaccine within 24 hours of birth for ALL newborns. The New York State Department of Health Commissioner maintains that recommendations remain unchanged for New York.
- Decades of providing the Hep B vaccine to newborns have proven to be both safe and effective in preventing illness and death.
- New York State recommends that newborns be vaccinated regardless of the known status of the parent.
- Hepatitis B spreads through small amounts of blood or bodily fluids, including through everyday items like toothbrushes and washcloths. People often don't know they are infected with the virus because they feel healthy, meaning they can unknowingly infect babies.
For more info, contact the Ulster County Department of Health at (845) 340-3070.
Office for the Aging Holiday Cabaret Brings Older Residents Together for a Festive Celebration
The Ulster County Office of the Aging knows how to get everyone in the holiday spirit! Another wonderful Holiday Cabaret this year at the Hurley Reformed Church, with a great meal, dancing, conversation, and celebration. Thank you to the OFA team!
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