2020 Public Policy Agenda Summary

Nonprofit Westchester envisions a Thriving Westchester where all residents have access to the critical and enriching services that are offered by our nonprofit members including legal services, after school programs, child care, juvenile and criminal justice programs, health and the arts.  The issues highlighted in this summary effect all our county at large, people and families served by nonprofits, our county’s children and youth, people with disabilities, older adults and people living in low income communities.

Nonprofit Westchester strives to sustain and increase the capacity of the nonprofit sector, which is uniquely positioned to deliver impactful services integral to a vibrant and sustainable economy in Westchester County.   Nonprofit Westchester proudly supports the ability of the nonprofit workforce, the largest sector of the county economy, to live, work, learn and recreate, contributing to a healthier Westchester for all.    

Process Goals

1.   Inclusion of our expertise in policy development and resource allocation through a formalized year-round process with county departments and agencies with a focus on data and trend analysis. 

2.   Implementation of a fair contracting process that includes prompt notification of awarded funds, execution of contracts and payments, advanced payment provision; payment of interest incurred by agencies subjected to line of credit and/or other interest-bearing expenses based on delayed contracting and payment.

3.    Allow for funding consideration based on the full cost of service provision, eliminating restrictions on based on administrative and overhead costs and the provision of regular cost of living increases.
4.     NPW seeks to advance Race Equity, Diversity and Inclusion throughout all of its work by identifying and promoting legislation and methods to remedy long-standing inequities.

Focal Issues

1.   Affordable Housing: NPW seeks to use the expertise of its membership to address affordable housing and to respond to the County’s draft housing study and potentially partner with the County in the implementation of the study’s recommendations.
2.   Immigrant Communities:  NPW seeks to ensure the safety of immigrant communities with additional resources and by exploring how more municipalities might adopt and follow the provisions of the Immigrant Protection Act.
3.   Suicide Prevention: NPW seeks to increase suicide prevention efforts to aggressively address the suicide epidemic.
4.   Environment:  NPW seeks to increase initiatives that promote sustainability and reduce the carbon footprint among Westchester residents.
5.   2020 U.S. Census:  NPW will continue to actively support an accurate 2020 Census by facilitating nonprofits as trusted ambassadors.
6.   Voter Engagement:  NPW will continue to support an engaged electorate through non-partisan voter registration and get out the vote efforts, with a focus on key partnerships to support historically under-represented populations, people with disabilities, youth and-first time voters.

This is a fluid document and NPW will consider other issue areas throughout the year.