Metzger Addresses Housing, Sustainability in State of the County 

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger took the stage for her 2025 State of the County address on Feb. 20 with a clear message: big changes are coming, and they’re going to hit close to home for the New Paltz community. From housing to climate and community resilience investments, Metzger laid out a roadmap for the year ahead. 

“We’re investing in meeting our residents’ immediate needs while strengthening the foundations for a sustainable, resilient and thriving Ulster County for generations,” Metzger said. “We’re creating housing that people can afford, tackling mental health and addiction challenges, investing in climate adaption and a clean energy economy, bolstering transportation infrastructure and service and supporting our families, seniors, farmers, workers and local businesses.”

“Housing remains a top priority, and we will not rest until all of our community members have a home they can afford,” Metzger added. With skyrocketing rents and limited affordable options in New Paltz, Metzger announced countywide efforts to address the crisis. One major move? The County Housing Action Fund, established in 2023, supports affordable housing projects in New Paltz, Hurley, Saugerties and Kingston. These projects, set to deliver 119 affordable homes by early 2026, aim to alleviate the shortage. The Plus One Home program has awarded grants to 54 homeowners to build Accessory Dwelling Units with rent caps for at least 10 years, adding much-needed rental options, particularly for students, service workers and lower-income residents.

Metzger also reinforced the county’s commitment to environmental progress. “The federal government is recklessly abandoning its responsibility to address, or even acknowledge, the climate crisis,” she said. “In Ulster County, we are staying the course in shifting to a clean energy economy.” Plans include funding for solar and EV infrastructure and energy-efficient programs to lower utility costs for residents and businesses.

A new County Emergency Communications Center will break ground in New Paltz this summer, designed to be climate-smart and disaster-resistant, supported by a $2 million New York State Energy Research and Development Authority grant. The Climate Corps summer internship program, now in its third year, will continue this year, engaging students in hands-on climate projects in the county government. “Young people have incredible anxiety about climate change and the planet they are inheriting,” Metzger said. “Through Climate Corps, we’re engaging them in positive solutions.” In the two years since the program began, 30 interns have completed 23 climate-related projects with 11 county departments.

Metzger also highlighted investments in small businesses, the arts and recreation. The county is re-energizing its Revolving Loan Fund to assist small businesses with working capital, energy efficient upgrades and equipment, capitalizing at $1.2 million. “The program is open to all, but we will give additional help to women-, minority- and veteran-owned businesses,” Metzger said.

Meanwhile, the county is finalizing its first-ever Arts and Culture Master Plan in April, a move that recognizes the $537 million annual creative economy. To build on this, a new county position  — Director of Arts, Culture and Open Spaces — will support public art projects, maintain an arts events calendar and manage a resource hub for local creatives.

Recreation is also seeing major improvements. The county-owned New Paltz Rec Pool is being repaired and rebuilt, thanks to $7.4 million in state grants. Free season passes will be made available to seniors on Medicaid and residents who receive SNAP benefits. As for outdoor recreation, the Nature Bus, a free service offering transportation to local parks and trailheads, will return this April with updated routes, including a route from New Paltz.

These combined investments in arts, business and outdoor spaces signal a push toward a more connected and economically thriving community. The challenge now is turning these promises into reality — but if Metzger’s words are any indication, Ulster County is on the move.

“The reason we’re here is to help you succeed,” Metzger wrapped up her address. “That’s our job, that’s our mission and we love doing it.”