ROSENDALE – Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger presented her State of the County address Wednesday evening in her hometown of Rosendale.
About 250 people packed into the historic Rosendale Theatre to hear the county’s priorities for 2026.
Metzger began by describing what she says are challenges the county is facing due to federal policies put forth by the Trump Administration.
Her speech included more than a few – the increased cost of living due to the president’s tariffs, fear on the part of working immigrants due to ICE and increased food insecurity and loss of healthcare due to the his ‘Big Beautiful Bill.’
Metzger said that despite the daunting picture, Ulster County has a plan to succeed.
“We are committed to keeping a steady course and tackling through the storm,” said Metzger.
- “We are committed to upholding the law and protecting our Constitutional Rights. We’re committed to open, transparent and accountable government, and we’re committed to doing what we can to address the challenges we face.”
In December, the Ulster County Legislature approved a nearly $500 million county budget, largely meeting the immediate needs of a county that faced increasing costs due to federal budget cuts.
The county executive Metzger touted the fact that property taxes will not increase and she plans to introduce legislation to pilot a 10 percent property tax exemption for full-time residents.
Other priorities include providing affordable housing.
On Tuesday night, the legislature approved the county’s first housing cooperative for affordable ownership in Kingston.
The county is also investing in housing for the homeless. Metzer noted that the former Quality Inn in the Town of Ulster will be transformed into permanent housing for 83 individuals and families without homes.
In addition, $2 million will be invested in smaller, community-based shelters.
Metzger announced that Ulster will be the first county in New York State to make public transit entirely free. The County will also expand already existing service.
On the economic front, Metzer added that the County will roll out two different revolving loan funds that include small loans for small businesses, gap funding for larger projects and bridge loans for nonprofits that allow them to take advantage of grants.
Other highlights for 2026 include:
- The launching of “Main Street Forward” to encourage development of commercial corridors and downtown hamlets.
- The convening of the Ulster County Economic Futures Summit to strengthen partnerships between educational institutions, workforce development organizations and employers
- Reimagining SUNY Ulster—the county is investing $46 million into capital projects for the college.
- Partnering with Bard College and the nonprofit, JustAir, to create the first system in New York State where residents can access real time information about air quality.
- Investing $4.7 million to help EMS agencies expand coverage and improve response times.
“I am proud and truly happy to report that the state of Ulster County is strong,” said Metzger. “It is resilient. It is compassionate. It is forward-looking.”
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