Closing Out 2025 and Moving New Rochelle Forward

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As we close out 2025, I want to pause and reflect on what we have accomplished together and where we are headed next. This year brought real progress for New Rochelle, guided by thoughtful choices and a deep commitment to putting people first.

In short, while staying within the property tax cap and for the first time in a decade not relying on the City’s savings account to present a balanced budget, the proposed 2026 budget provides enhanced services, invests in our people, our safety, our parks, our roads, our history and our City.

This is a plan that supports residents today and builds for tomorrow! Be sure to reach out with any questions you have now or throughout the year!

This year, New Rochelle earned regional and national attention for the path we are charting. Coverage from respected outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, highlighted our approach to housing and growth, recognizing a city that builds responsibly, keeps rents more stable than many peer communities, and uses development to expand opportunity and affordability.

Our transit-oriented housing strategy, which adds thousands of new homes while strengthening quality of life, is increasingly viewed as a model for other cities to study.

That recognition reflects years of intentional work. We continue to advance one of the most ambitious housing agendas in Westchester County, expanding supply, exceeding affordable housing requirements, and ensuring new development strengthens neighborhoods and supports local businesses. This year, the New Rochelle City Council also took an important step to protect tenants by voting to adopt Good Cause Eviction. That action reinforces our commitment to housing stability and fairness while continuing to encourage responsible, forward-looking development.

At the same time, we have invested in people. From youth employment and workforce development to small business support and direct community engagement, we are working to ensure opportunity reaches every corner of New Rochelle. Programs like Coffee with the Mayor remain a vital way to stay connected and responsive to resident voices.

We enter 2026 with clear direction and renewed purpose. Our adopted City budget reflects strategic choices that invest in neighborhoods, youth opportunities, housing affordability, small businesses, infrastructure, and environmental resilience, while maintaining fiscal discipline and responsiveness to community priorities.

Together, we have shown that progress and people-centered leadership go hand in hand. Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your belief in our shared future. Let’s keep moving New Rochelle forward with heart, vision, and an unwavering commitment to one another.

Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful holiday season and a healthy, hopeful New Year.

With gratitude,