Board Approves $156.8 Million WCC Budget
The Westchester County Board of Legislators today approved a significant investment in higher education, adopting the SUNY Westchester Community College (WCC) 2026–2027 budget, which includes $156.8 million in total funding to sustain student services, academic offerings, and campus facilities.
The budget includes $132.7 million in operating funds and $24.1 million in capital investments. The County is maintaining its sponsor contribution of $26.2 million, ensuring stable support for WCC’s high-quality, affordable academic programs while directly funding critical renovations to several key buildings and student-facing services.
The operating funds support academic programming, student advisement, and essential campus services that help students succeed, whether they are transferring to four-year institutions or entering the workforce directly. The capital funding provides facility upgrades and technology enhancements that benefit both students and the broader Westchester community.
Board Chairman Vedat Gashi (D–New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said, “This budget reflects our commitment to keeping quality higher education accessible and affordable for Westchester families. The funding lets WCC continue offering strong academic programs and student services while keeping tuition manageable. It’s a smart investment, one that meets the college’s needs, delivers real value for taxpayers, and fuels opportunity, innovation, and workforce development across our region.”
Key Budget Highlights:
- $156.8 million total investment ($132.7M operating + $24.1M capital)
- $26.2 million County contribution
- Funding for 612 full-time positions to ensure robust instruction and student services
- Funding is supported by student tuition ($52.7M), state aid ($31M), and County contribution ($26.2M).
- Additional revenue sources include departmental income, chargebacks, fund balance, and investment interest ($22.8M).
Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels (D–Mount Vernon), Chair of the Board’s Budget and Appropriations Committee, said, “Our responsibility was to ensure Westchester Community College remains financially strong without losing sight of the students it serves. I believe this budget strikes that balance by making prudent investments in the College while working to keep the cost of higher education within reach for Westchester families.”
Westchester Community College is a public two-year institution that plays a vital role in regional workforce development through partnerships with local businesses and training programs aligned with emerging industry needs. WCC offers transfer programs, career training, continuing education, and workforce development for students across Westchester County and the surrounding region.
Dr. Belinda Miles, President of SUNY Westchester Community College, said of the budget approval, “On behalf of SUNY Westchester Community College, I want to thank the Westchester County Board of Legislators for its continued investment in our students and in the future of our community. Their support ensures that we can continue providing an accessible, high-quality education while delivering the academic programs, student services, and workforce training that help our students achieve their goals. When our students succeed, Westchester benefits through a stronger workforce, a more vibrant economy, and healthier communities. We are deeply grateful to the Board of Legislators for recognizing the essential role the College plays in creating opportunity and driving the county’s continued growth and prosperity.”
The 2026–2027 fiscal year begins September 1, 2026, and runs through August 31, 2027.