Additionally, Mr. Jenkins addressed the 3.7% tax increase imposed by the county for 2026. “I made a promise to you that I would always lead with honesty and with reality, not politics. And the truth is this: it would be irresponsible—truly irresponsible—for me to hold the line or cut taxes while the needs of our residents are growing every single day,” he said.

While chronicling the county’s clean energy policies and waste reduction efforts, Mr. Jenkins made clear his position on proposals to reopen the Indian Point nuclear plants in Buchanan. “Restarting the Indian Point Energy Center is not welcome in Westchester County… We do not need it—and we do not want it.”

Mr. Jenkins said he supports Gov. Hochul’s plan to expand nuclear energy capacity in New York State in appropriate locations, while excluding New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley from consideration. “So, let me be clear, once again: opening a new nuclear power generator at Indian Point is a hard no.”

“New York State already has access to a range of low-cost, environmentally responsible energy alternatives, including solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower.  The health and safety of millions of residents in the Hudson Valley will always matter more than reopening a nuclear facility,” he continued.

The county’s low crime rate was a highlight of his address. He noted that last year, compared to 2024, crime was down—from violent crimes such as murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault, to property crimes that include burglary, larceny and motor-vehicle theft.

Overall index crime dropped by 17%. Violent crime saw a sharper decline at 25%, while property crime shrank by 15%.

Mr. Jenkins also described the need for affordable housing as one of the most urgent challenges facing the county and its residents.

“Over the past year, we’ve approved funding for projects that will create and preserve hundreds of homes across Westchester County—supportive housing for young people aging out of foster care, new opportunities for first-time homebuyers, and safe, modern apartments for families and seniors,” he said.

He listed county-funded projects that involved new construction, renovations and adaptive reuse of office buildings throughout the county over the past year.

In closing, he posed, “If anyone asks, ‘What is the state of our county?’ tell them it is not found in a report, in a spreadsheet or in a speech. The state of our county is our people…your struggles, your resilience, your hopes and your voices. The state of our county is strong; the state of our county is hopeful; and the state of our county is you.”