Priorities for Ulster - Jen Metzger - Ulster County Executive

State of the County 2026

Priorities for Ulster County

Under my leadership, we are making Ulster County a real model for a resilient, sustainable, thriving, people-centered economy that leaves no one behind.

Improving affordability

From my own childhood experience, I know how hard it is to get ahead when you’re way behind. We all deserve the opportunity to thrive, not just survive. More than anything else, this is what inspires me to serve as your County Executive.

We kept county property taxes flat again this year, even as the federal government shifts more costs to states and municipalities. We are also working to pilot a 10% property tax exemption for full-time residents. This is all about fairness! We would have no community or local economy at all without the people who call this county their home, and we have to make sure we can all continue to afford to live here.

After housing, transportation is typically the greatest cost burden for households. We’re proud to be the first in the state to make public transit entirely free.

Tackling the housing crisis by addressing root causes and expanding supply

Trying to find an affordable place to live right now can be frustrating, disruptive, and upsetting. The housing situation has become dire and cannot wait.

Since I have been in office, the Housing Action Plan that we started has supported eleven housing projects adding 362 affordable homes and apartments. This includes new beautiful, green housing developments all over the county, and homes for seniors and families. Together with other programs, the county is supporting close to 700 homes that our residents can actually afford – and we’re just getting started!

At the same time, we are expanding alternatives to the state’s emergency housing system, which relies on private motels. This year, we are investing $2 million from our Housing Action Fund to create smaller, community-based shelters operated by a nonprofit partner. These sites will be designed to provide stability, dignity, and support until families transition into permanent housing. Emergency housing should be a bridge forward, not a place where families remain stuck.

Economic development that represents our values and provides good jobs

Everyone is better off when we have a thriving local economy that provides good jobs and a growing tax base. We are working to build an economy that is diverse, resilient, sustainable, and fair.

This year, we are rolling out two different revolving loan funds that will expand access to low-cost capital by more businesses. This fund will make loans are too small for a bank but would make all the difference to a business needing a new piece of equipment or to make a repair. We will also provide gap funding for larger projects in partnership with local banks, and bridge loans so that businesses and non-profits can take advantage of grants that are reimbursed after their project is complete.

We will also be hosting the Ulster County Economic Futures Summit this year, to strengthen partnerships among educational institutions, workforce development organizations, and employers in key sectors and fields, from healthcare to civil engineering to manufacturing.

Expanding mental health services and support, including for youth, and promoting coordinated responses to mental health and substance use disorder

We are living through such a high-stress time. From school shooting drills and social media pressure to the pandemic, young people are growing up navigating challenging circumstances. It’s critical that we address the whole person and the complexity of challenges that each individual faces.

We recently opened the Center for Well-Being, which includes an around-the-clock Crisis Support Center. Any resident experiencing a crisis, no matter their age or income, no matter the time of day or night, can walk into the Center and receive the compassionate care they need to help stabilize and recover.

The Center houses a full range of wellness services under one roof, including a Behavioral Health Urgent Care, and a new Youth Mental Heath Clinic. This is a transformative change in the mental health care landscape in our County.

Protecting the environment and public health

The climate crisis is real, and daunting. It’s easy to feel like there’s so little any of us can individually do to make a difference. But I see an enormous opportunity to address so many other issues simultaneously.

Read my in-depth interview with Kendra Salvatore of Accord:
Leading the way: Solving climate, jobs, energy, affordability, and transportation together

I remain committed to protecting our community and planet from harm, even as the federal government reverses decades of climate, environmental, and public health protections.

Investments in energy efficiency and clean energy are not only environmentally responsible, they are fiscally prudent. We have saved taxpayers a half million dollars by improving energy use management in county buildings. We continue to put more solar on rooftops, install more heat pumps to replace gas and oil, electrify more of our buses and county fleet, and make our buildings more efficient.