The Westchester Brief | 05.27.26: 20,000 Units Going Up. This Law Sets the Floor for the People Building Them.

Send us Fan MailOn May 4, the Westchester County Board of Legislators unanimously passed the Lessor Prevailing Wage Act — closing the gap between wage protections on county-owned and county-leased construction sites. Most people missed it.With approximately 20,000 housing units under active development across Yonkers, New Rochelle, and White Plains — and the MTA's $6.2 billion Metro-North capital program ramping up — the timing of this law matters. Today's Brief explains what it does, why the owned-vs-leased distinction matters, and the workforce context that makes it significant beyond the legislative fine print.In This Episode:(0:00) Cold open — the vote nobody noticed(0:25) What the Lessor Prevailing Wage Act does(1:15) Why the owned-vs-leased gap existed and why it mattered(2:00) The construction boom context: 20,000 units(2:45) The workforce story behind the law(3:30) The enforcement question(4:00) Quick hits: MTA $6.2B, primary races(4:45) CloseSources: Westchester County Board of Legislators | Bisnow | WCA Real Estate Conference, May 2026---Support the showI Live Here Westchester is a production of I Live Here Media.We spotlight the voices, visionaries, and stories that make Westchester County more than just a place to live—it’s a place to belong.Have a guest suggestion or want to partner with us?Email: [email protected]: www.iliveheremedia.comFollow us on Instagram: @iliveheremediaSubscribe, rate, and share to support local storytelling.