Senator Christopher Ryan Convenes Cities 2 Roundtable with Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Senators Mayer and Fernandez, and Westchester Mayors

State Senator of the 50th District and Chair of the Cities 2 Committee Christopher Ryan, last week convened a meeting that brought together his Senate colleagues and mayors of Westchester cities at New Rochelle City Hall to share experiences, discuss challenges, and identify opportunities to strengthen New York’s cities outside of New York City. 

 

The roundtable discussion featured participation from Senate colleagues, including Senate Majority Leader and Senator of the 35th District Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Senator of the 37th District Shelley Mayer, and Senator of the 34th District Nathalia Fernandez, along with staff representing Senator of the 40th District Peter Harckham and Senator of the 36th District Jamaal Bailey. Westchester mayors and local officials participating were Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert of New Rochelle, Mayor Thomas Roach of White Plains, Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard of Mount Vernon, Mayor John Cohn of Rye, and Deputy Mayor Susan Gerry of Yonkers.

 

The Cities 2 Committee covers all cities of New York State outside of NYC. Cities in Westchester county, given their proximity to NYC, face distinct challenges and needs that differ from those upstate. The meeting covered best practices around affordable housing, economic development, public safety, and infrastructure — critical issues shaping the future of New York’s cities.

 

Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins said, “New York’s cities outside of New York City are vital to the health and future of our state. Each has its own unique strengths and challenges, and state leaders must listen to the perspectives of local leaders directly as we work to shape policy in Albany. I commend the committee’s Chair, Senator Ryan, who I knew was ready to hit the ground running when I appointed him to this position, for convening this important discussion. I am also grateful to my colleagues and Westchester’s mayors for their partnership. By advancing solutions collaboratively, we can strengthen our communities, expand opportunity, and improve quality of life for families across New York.”

 

Senator C. Ryan emphasized the importance of collaboration between state and local government, saying “Our Cities 2 communities are diverse, innovative, and resilient, but they also face unique challenges that require strong partnerships and smart policy solutions. By bringing state leaders together with mayors and local officials, we can make sure that the voices of these cities are heard and that the policies we advance in Albany truly reflect their needs.”

 

Senator Mayer said, “I was pleased to join Majority Leader Andrea Stewart‑Cousins, Senator Christopher Ryan – Chair of the Senate Committee on Cities 2 – and local city mayors to discuss the opportunities and challenges presented to our cities. I am proud to represent vibrant and diverse communities like New Rochelle, Rye, White Plains, and Yonkers. As those elected to represent them, it is our responsibility to ensure they receive the resources and support necessary to thrive. I thank Senator Ryan for organizing this discussion and my state and local partners for joining us as we move forward in ensuring our communities have the opportunity and resources to flourish.”

 

Senator Fernandez said, “I appreciate Senator Ryan’s leadership in convening the Cities 2 Mayors Meeting and shining a light on the unique role our cities play outside of New York City. Cities like New Rochelle are central to the vitality of Westchester, and today’s discussion was an important step toward ensuring their needs and perspectives are fully recognized in state policy.”

 

Mayor Ramos-Herbert said, “We are grateful to Senator Christopher Ryan for coming to New Rochelle and convening the mayors of Westchester’s cities. His willingness to listen to our needs and priorities, and to partner with us on advocacy efforts, reflects a true commitment to ensuring our communities have the resources and support we need to thrive. Collaboration at every level of government is essential, and Senator Ryan’s leadership helps strengthen that partnership.”

 

Mayor Cohn said, “Many thanks to Senator Ryan for organizing and Leader Stewart-Cousins and Senators Mayer and Fernandez for joining in this helpful and interesting conversation.”

 

Senator Ryan looks forward to continuing to engage local leaders to hear their concerns first hand and help ensure they have a voice in the state policymaking process.