HGAR Joins Westchester County Affordability Task Force to Help Shape Housing Solutions
The Westchester County Board of Legislators officially launched its new Affordability and Economic Development Task Force this week, bringing together leaders from business, housing, education, nonprofit organizations, and local government to address the rising costs facing residents and employers across the county.
Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS® (HGAR) is among the organizations participating in the initiative, with Immediate Past President Vlora Sejdi serving on the task force.
Created by the Board of Legislators in April, the task force will develop practical policy recommendations aimed at improving affordability, strengthening the local economy, and enhancing quality of life for Westchester residents. During its inaugural meeting, members identified key areas of focus, including housing, childcare, workforce development, transportation, tourism, education, sustainability, and support for small businesses.
The task force includes representatives from organizations across Westchester, including the Business Council of Westchester, the Westchester County Association, Nonprofit Westchester, the New York Apartment Association, the Building and Realty Institute, SUNY Westchester Community College, the Child Care Council of Westchester, Westchester County Tourism and Film, Westchester Women's Agenda, and HGAR.
Housing affordability will be a central component of the task force's work, making REALTOR® participation especially important. As housing inventory remains limited and affordability challenges continue throughout the region, HGAR will help ensure that the perspectives of home buyers, sellers, property owners, and real estate professionals are represented in the discussion.
"The affordability challenges facing Westchester require collaboration across every sector," said Vlora Sejdi, HGAR Immediate Past President and member of the Affordability and Economic Development Task Force. "Housing has to be a central part of that conversation. I am honored to represent HGAR and the REALTOR® community as we work alongside business, nonprofit, education, and government leaders to identify practical solutions that strengthen our communities and expand housing opportunities for current and future residents."
Over the coming months, the task force will conduct a countywide listening tour, inviting residents, employers, housing professionals, advocates, and community organizations to share their experiences and recommendations. Feedback gathered during these public meetings will help shape a final report and policy recommendations that will be presented to the Westchester County Board of Legislators next year.
HGAR looks forward to participating in this important initiative and continuing to advocate for policies that support housing opportunity, private property rights, and a strong real estate market throughout Westchester County.
