KINGSTON – Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger spoke at the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast Wednesday, and she talked about accomplishments, such as mental health advocacy and affordable housing, during the first year of her administration.
Staffing shortages can be aligned with unaffordable housing, and Metzger said it’s important to balance both for the county’s economy.
“If you can’t find an affordable place to live here,” she said, “you are less likely to take a job here.”
Metzger proposed last year to leverage the budget surplus for a $15 million fund for affordable housing, and that has been marked off a checklist of matters to accomplish.
“I am happy to say, that with our legislative partners,” she said,” we have got that done.”
The application process for county funding, to benefit the development of affordable housing, opens March 11, and the county planning department will be hosting a Webinar March 19, so potential applicants can get more information about this program.
“We’re very excited about this,” she said. “The plan is to make funding available for a large variety of projects, including affordable rental projects, affordable home ownership projects, emergency and supportive housing, housing related infrastructure and more.”
Last year the county started a mental health program to help provide clinical services to county middle school students.
“Mental health support is increasingly needed throughout the community,” she said. “I am proud to say today the program serves students in every school district in Ulster County and has helped meet the enormous need at this very critical age.”
The county also received over $34 million in American Rescue Plan funding, and Metzger said $11 million has been dedicated to improving local water and sewer service and the enhancement of parks and trails. Now more funding will be available for clean energy and economic development…
Read the full article here
Leave a Reply