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A Message from Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger |
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Dear Friends,
I have been deeply concerned about the rhetoric and actions in Washington, and want to be clear that Ulster County cares about ALL our residents, whatever your gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, age, ability, veteran status, and whether or not you were born here. As a County government, we are dedicated to fostering a respectful, inclusive community and local economy where everyone has an opportunity to thrive.
In this issue, you can read about Ulster County's recent naturalization ceremony, our newest staff member dedicated to serving communities at the southwestern end of the County, a new County grant opportunity for our local farmers, good news on the County's green fleet efforts, and more!
All my best,
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Recent News & Events
Congratulations to Ulster County’s Newest Citizens
On Friday, March 14, 25 Ulster County residents became citizens during a special naturalization ceremony at the historic Ulster County Courthouse. They came from 18 different countries, including Argentina, Bangladesh, Canada, China, Egypt, El Salvador, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, the Philippines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom. The diversity of cultures, perspectives, and experiences they bring serve to further enrich our communities.
Thank you to Acting County Clerk Taylor Bruck for organizing this beautiful naturalization ceremony!
Janet Nuñez Joins Trudy Farber Center in Ellenville as Site Program Manager
We’re excited to announce that Janet Nuñez has been hired as Site Program Manager at the Trudy Farber Center at 50 Center Street in Ellenville to help residents access County services and resources and to coordinate community programming at the center. The new position was one of the top suggestions at community forums organized by the Executive's office to gather input on a "reimagined" Trudy Resnick Farber Center that better serves residents' needs.
Janet brings a wealth of experience in human services and a deep connection to the area and will be an invaluable resource to the residents of Ellenville/Wawarsing and neighboring towns. As a bilingual professional fluent in English and Spanish, she looks forward to serving the whole community, including the nearly 30% of Ellenville residents who speak Spanish in the home.
We had a great turnout for the community meet-and-greet with Janet on Friday, March 21. If you missed it, just stop by anytime during the week to meet Janet (M-F, 9 AM-5 PM). She looks forward to meeting you!
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County Surpassed 2025 ‘Green Fleet’ Target
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger released the 2024 Green Fleet Annual Report, which found that the County met and exceeded its target of 20% green vehicles by 2025, reaching 22% of the County’s 472 light-duty vehicles (a total of 104 green vehicles) in 2024. The County adopted a Green Fleet Policy in 2015 and then strengthened the policy in 2023 to align with the County Executive’s Executive Order on Climate, issued in January of that year. Vehicles that are considered “green” include battery hybrid vehicles, plug-in electric hybrid vehicles, and fully electric vehicles. Other highlights of the report:
- Nearly half of all light-duty fleet purchases in 2024 were green.
- The County departments with the most green vehicles are Social Services, Health, and Veteran Services.
- The County has installed 91 Electric Vehicle (EV) charging plugs, with more planned for this year, including charging hubs with fast-chargers at the County building at 1061 Development Court in the Town of Ulster and at the County’s Trudy Farber Building in Ellenville.
The report makes a number of recommendations, including:
- Education and training for relevant staff to make sure plug-in hybrids are being utilized for maximum efficiency and energy savings.
- Identifying opportunities to reduce fleet size and promote shared vehicles.
- Continuing electrification of UCAT buses as well as non-road and landscaping equipment. (UCAT will be adding two more all-electric buses in 2025.)
Farm Viability & Sustainability Grant Program Open for Local Farmers
Our local farms are integral to our economy, communities, and character as a County, and Ulster County is committed to keeping farming strong here. The County has launched a $586,000 Farm Viability & Sustainability Grant Program to help local farmers make investments that improve the long-term viability of the farm, enhance energy efficiency to reduce energy costs and help farms adapt to the impacts of climate changes. Grants ranging from $25,000 to $75,000 are available to small and mid-sized farms with a net annual income below $1 million. Applicants must have also filed a Schedule F in 2023 and received an Agricultural Assessment to be eligible. Farmers can apply now through April 30!
To learn more about this opportunity and to get your questions answered:
💻 Register for the upcoming Virtual Info Session
🗓️ Wednesday, April 2
🕑 12 PM – 1 PM
The County grant program is administered by the Hudson Valley Agribusiness Development Corp.
Consultant for Ulster County Completes Government Salary Study
Baker Tilly International, a consulting and public accounting firm, has completed a salary study commissioned by the Ulster County Legislature in 2022 to assess the overall structure of compensation for County employees and how salaries compare internally and with peer organizations. The study also considered job requirements specific to each position in Ulster County government, such as education level and years of experience required, the degree of difficulty of work performed, the physical demands of the job, and other characteristics.
“The Baker Tilly report provides data for understanding how we compare with other public employers and also provides a framework for the County’s overall compensation structure, which has evolved organically over many years and could be made simpler, fairer, and more transparent,” said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “We are evaluating the report’s data in collaboration with our five unions. It is important to keep in mind that this study is just one input into a new pay plan and not the pay plan itself. Our goal at the end of the day is to ensure that our hard-working employees are fairly compensated and that we are able to recruit and retain a quality workforce.”
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Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
Another wonderful St. Patrick’s Day parade in the City of Kingston! Thank you to the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Fr Con Colbert Woulfe Div. #1, the City, Grand Marshal Bill Sutton, and all who contributed!
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Leadership Ulster Class of 2025 Visits Ulster County
County Executive Metzger was joined by colleagues Sharon Williams (Office of Employment and Training) and Kevin Lynch (Economic Development) to speak with the Ulster County Chamber Foundation’s Leadership Ulster class. They each talked about their personal stories and experiences, and the lessons they learned along the way. Thank you to Su Marcy and the Ulster County Chamber Foundation for your dedication to honing the skills of our county’s future business and community leaders, and we wish this year’s class the greatest success!
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Executive Metzger Joins Plattekill Elementary Classroom During Agriculture Literacy Week
County Executive Metzger visited Ms. Saunder’s second-grade class at Plattekill Elementary School last week to read, “The Pie That Molly Grew,” for Agricultural Literacy Week! The kids loved the book and, afterward, planted pumpkin seeds to nurture and bring home for their own gardens. A big thanks to Ms. Saunders, and also to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County for putting together this fantastic annual program, which helps kids understand where their food comes from and the importance of agriculture in our daily lives.
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Ulster County Launches 2nd Round of AED Grants for Youth Camps and Sports Program
Ulster County has launched a second round of AED grants to help youth sports programs and summer camps meet New York State’s new safety requirements. Now open to municipal summer camps and youth sports programs, the program provides up to $5,000 per organization for purchasing AEDs and training staff.
📅 Apply by: Friday, April 18
✅ Eligibility: Municipal and non-profit youth sports programs and summer camps operating in 2025 that have NOT received reimbursement or an AED last year.
Ensure your program is equipped for emergencies and compliant with state law. Contact AEDGrant@co.ulster.ny.us with any questions.
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The Ulster County Department of Mental Health helps residents facing mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and developmental disabilities get the services they need to achieve the best quality of life. The Department works to make sure people can access the right support, whenever they need it, through:
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Single Point of Access (SPOA): Helps adults, young people, and families connect with housing, care management, peer support, and other behavioral health services. SPOA takes a “no wrong door” approach and enables individuals to access the full range of supports they may need at one time, making services easier and less stressful to access.
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Recovery Support Services: Assists residents in navigating access to mental health treatment, peer support, and community-based programs designed to help individuals on their recovery journey.
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Ulster County Center for Well-Being: A hub for behavioral health services, offering mental health, substance use, and crisis support services for adults and children under one roof, including urgent behavioral health care, outpatient treatment, and peer-led recovery support.
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Mental Health in Schools: Provided through LaSalle School, the County offers a robust program for middle school-aged students. Teams of care managers and mental health professionals work closely with youth, parents, and schools to work on goals and link to long-term services. The program runs throughout the year and includes opportunities for group recreation and pro-social skill building.
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Integrated Ulster: A collaborative effort to improve behavioral health services by strengthening connections between providers, ensuring people receive the right care at the right time.
Over the past year, the Department of Mental Health and its partner organizations have:
- Distributed over $10,000 in life-saving naloxone kits to prevent overdose fatalities.
- Connected nearly 800 individuals to care management and peer support services.
- Supported 63 individuals in avoiding criminal justice involvement and 27 individuals in reintegrating into society from the Ulster County Jail through the work of the Department’s Community Support division.
- Placed more than 60 individuals in housing through SPOA services.
- Conducted 50+ outreach events and mobile office hours across the county.
Encouragingly, the County has seen a 17% drop in suicide rates and a 45% drop in opioid-related deaths in the last year, and Ulster County's Department of Mental Health and partner organizations will continue their dedicated efforts to provide residents with the support they need to thrive.
Dept. of Mental Health facilitating public listening session for Behavioral Health Assessment
Expanding Access & Planning for the Future
The Ulster County Department of Mental Health is here to help—both through direct services and long-term planning to improve behavioral health care for all residents. Join us!
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Find Us in the Community – DMH staff hold monthly office hours at the Trudy Farber Center, 50 Center Street in Ellenville (2nd Tuesdays, 2–5 PM). NAMI Mid-Hudson also has office hours at the Center on those days (10:30 AM–1:30 PM). Stop by for resources, support, and free Narcan training.
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Help Shape the Future of Behavioral Health – We’re conducting a Behavioral Health Needs Assessment to strengthen services for mental health, addiction, and developmental disabilities. Your voice matters! Participate in upcoming listening sessions, interviews, or surveys to share your experiences and help build a more effective system of care.
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Stay Connected – Follow @ulsterny on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky for upcoming events, including Mental Health Month in May.
Shattered But Not Broken: Steps to Emotional Healing Workshop
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Join us for a powerful workshop with Genesis Hemingway, RN, as she shares stories from her personal journal—surviving childhood sexual abuse, teenage motherhood, and spousal abuse—while drawing parallels between physical and emotional healing.
📅 Wed., March 26
⏰ 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Restorative Justice & Community Empowerment Center (733 Broadway, Kingston)
This workshop is free & open to all. RSVP required — contact Kim Mapes at kmap@co.ulster.ny.us or (845) 802-7966.
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Local Social Security HELP - C.A.R.E.S Van Coming to Kingston
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Local Social Security HELP - C.A.R.E.S Van Coming to Kingston
On Friday, March 28, the Ulster County Office for the Aging is partnering with Congressman Pat Ryan’s office to bring social security assistance to our community.
📅 Fri. March 28
🕛 10 AM 1 PM
📍Senior Hub (5 Development Court, Kingston)
For more information, contact Pat Ryan’s office at patryan.house.gov.
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Help Shape the Future of Transportation in Ulster County: Take Our Survey
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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. The Plan will recommend transportation projects aligned with the identified priorities and provide a framework to develop, manage, and operate our transportation systems in a safe and efficient way.
Take the survey today to help guide our transportation planning and investment decisions in Ulster County.
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Ulster County Housing Action Fund Opens Next Funding Round
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We’re accepting applications today through May 16 for funding for the following types of housing projects:
- Affordable rental and homeownership developments (up to 80% AMI)
- Emergency and supportive housing
- Preservation of affordable housing through housing co-ops and community land trusts
- Infrastructure, such as water and sewer, to support affordable housing
All projects receiving support from the Housing Action Fund must meet sustainability guidelines and remain affordable for at least 50 years.
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Resources for Immigrants in Ulster County
The Ulster Immigrant Defense Network (UIDN) provides resources and support to immigrants, regardless of immigration status, to help individuals and families navigate challenges and access services.
What UIDN Offers:
- Assistance with housing, food security, and other essential needs.
- Free English classes, tutoring, and educational resources for adults and children.
- Information and guidance on immigration policies and connecting to legal and social services.
UIDN envisions a society where all individuals are welcomed, respected, and safe. The organization is dedicated to racial justice, equity, and inclusion, fighting against xenophobia and fostering solidarity through action and dialogue.
Arts & Culture Project Grant Program - $250K in Funds Available
Through Arts Mid-Hudson’s Arts & Culture Project Grant Program, $250,000 in funding is available to artists, nonprofit organizations, libraries, municipalities, unincorporated groups, and collaborations for arts and cultural activities occurring from June 1, 2025 - May 31, 2026.
Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to: exhibits, performances, concerts, festivals, in-school and community workshops, screenings, readings, cultural programming, and the creation of new work. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, April 23.
$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 Area Transit is currently hiring for these critical transportation-related roles:
- Bus Dispatcher - $23.86/hr
- Bus Driver – $23.86/hr
- Bus Steward – $22.87/hr
- Deputy Director - $40.08/hr
- Public Transit Grants and Procurement Specialist – $31.01/hr
Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) is dedicated to providing exceptional and environmentally-responsible public transportation services, FREE of charge across Ulster County. If you're looking for a meaningful career in public service, now is the time to apply!
Ulster County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer and fully complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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