Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins Announces $10 Million Program To Preserve and Rehabilitate Affordable Housing

County Opens Applications for New Preservation and Rehabilitation Program to Improve Existing Affordable Housing Properties

Building new affordable housing is important, but so is taking care of the affordable homes Westchester County already has. With that goal in mind, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and the Westchester County Department of Planning are announcing the launch of the $10 million Affordable Housing Preservation and Rehabilitation Initiative, a new program designed to help property owners make necessary improvements to existing affordable housing developments while protecting their affordability for years to come.

Through the newly established Preservation and Rehabilitation Program (PRP), the County will fund eligible property owners for critical capital improvements that extend the useful life of affordable housing developments, improve living conditions for residents, and extend affordability for 50 years. The program, proposed by Jenkins and approved by the Westchester County Board of Legislators as part of the 2026 County Capital Budget, will make up to $10 million available to nonprofit and for-profit owners of established multifamily affordable rental properties throughout Westchester County.

Eligible improvements include upgrades to heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, plumbing, electrical systems, roofing, windows, elevators, building exteriors and common areas. The program will support properties that primarily serve households earning at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI), with priority consideration for projects that address health and safety concerns, improve energy efficiency and extend the life of existing affordable housing.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “When we talk about affordable housing, we cannot focus only on building new homes. We also have a responsibility to protect the affordable housing we already have. This $10 million investment will help property owners make necessary improvements while protecting these homes' long-term affordability. We have made significant investments in creating new affordable housing opportunities, and this program is another important part of that work. It is about taking care of our existing housing stock and ensuring residents have quality places to live.”

Westchester County Department of Planning Commissioner Blanca Lopez said: “Preserving our existing affordable housing is just as important as creating new housing opportunities. Many of these properties need significant capital improvements to remain safe, functional, and affordable, and those costs can challenge property owners. Through this program, we are providing funding to address critical building needs, from mechanical systems and roofing to accessibility and energy-efficiency improvements. Investing in these properties now can help extend their useful life, improve conditions for residents and ensure these homes remain affordable for the next 50 years.”

The Preservation and Rehabilitation Program builds on the County’s ongoing affordable housing efforts, including the Landlord Tenant Assistance Program and the Public Housing Authority Improvement Program. It also complements the County’s Housing Flex Fund, which has awarded funding to 15 developments across eight Westchester communities. Those developments are expected to create 1,296 new affordable housing units for eligible households earning at or below 65% of AMI. Together, these initiatives reflect the County’s approach to addressing housing needs through both new construction and the preservation of existing affordable homes.

Eligible property owners may submit applications for up to three capital improvement projects, with each proposed improvement evaluated independently. Applications must be submitted electronically to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026, at 5 p.m.

A nonrefundable $250 application fee is required. Funding decisions will be based on factors including properties that benefit lower-income households, project readiness, cost per unit, health and safety needs, energy efficiency and the long-term benefit to residents. Funding recipients will be required to extend affordability for 50 years.

For additional information about the Preservation and Rehabilitation Program, application requirements and other affordable housing initiatives administered by the Westchester County Department of Planning, visit planning.westchestercountyny.gov.