In a comprehensive State of the County address, Rockland County Executive Ed Day highlighted a year of significant economic progress and continued challenges, particularly in affordable housing. Day’s speech, presented at the county building in Pomona, commenced amidst disruptions from pro-Palestinian protesters. Despite the interruptions, Day firmly expressed his support for Israel, referencing the recent horrible attacks on Jews by Hamas.
The address underscored Rockland County’s economic achievements, including over $1 billion in new investments and the creation of nearly 1,000 jobs in 2023, as reported by the Rockland County Industrial Development Agency. These developments, Day noted, are poised to alleviate taxpayer burdens and propel the county toward sustained success and stability.
However, the persistent issue of affordable housing took center stage. Day detailed efforts to address this crisis, including a partnership with Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress for a housing needs assessment, with findings to be discussed at an upcoming Housing Forum. The stark statistics reveal a daunting landscape: the average single-family home price nears $700,000, while the median household income stands at $100,000, highlighting a severe affordability gap. Day announced immediate steps, such as appointing a housing coordinator and initiating a revolving loan program for affordable housing projects, emphasizing the national scale of this challenge.
The county’s strategy extends beyond housing, with investments in workforce development, tourism, transportation, emergency services, veteran support, senior services, land preservation, and combating hate and discrimination. Day pointed out significant achievements across these areas, from expanding youth employment opportunities to securing veterans’ benefits and enhancing public transit with new buses.
Addressing the county’s urgent needs, Day called for collaborative efforts among government partners to dismantle financial barriers for residents, emphasizing the need for patience and collective action to tackle these complex issues. With a focus on enforcement and accountability, particularly against irresponsible landlords, Day’s administration is taking a holistic approach to improve living conditions and ensure Rockland County’s growth and prosperity continue unabated.