County Executive Jen Metzger says Ulster is focused on making things more affordable while combating rising costs in 2026.
That includes a new program to grant a property tax exemption for full time residents, adding close to 700 affordable homes, and opening permanent supportive housing for homeless individuals and families by the end of the year.
“We kept property taxes flat again this year even as the federal government shifts more costs to the county,” Metzger said. “So we’re really doing our best to hold the line.”
Metzger outlined optimized routes for the county’s buses and a new Sunday bus service in Kingston. Ulster will also look to support small businesses in new ways, refreshing a county loan fund to help local entrepreneurs with small loans for repairs or gap financing for larger projects.
Metzger says Ulster continues to lead the way in climate issues as well.
“We’ve made impressive progress in this county, reducing climate-damaging emissions by government operations by nearly 30% from 2012 levels,” she said. “We’re going to reduce them by another 55% by 2050, mark my words.”