POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino delivered the 2025 State of the County Address on Tuesday, March 11th before hundreds of residents, business and nonprofit leaders, and elected officials at John Jay High School in East Fishkill, reinforcing her commitment to ensuring County government makes a real difference in the lives of residents. Under the theme ‘The Lives We Touch,’ Serino reflected on the past year’s achievements and announced multiple new initiatives aimed at improving the daily lives of seniors, veterans, children, first responders, farmers, business owners and families across Dutchess County.
“Everything we do in County government comes down to the people – the lives we touch through every decision, every dollar invested and every initiative launched,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “Whether we are helping seniors stay connected, ensuring families have access to childcare, or strengthening emergency response, our work is about real people. None of this would be possible without the dedicated County employees who work tirelessly to serve our residents and make Dutchess County a place where people feel supported and empowered.”
Among the key initiatives announced:
Supporting Seniors
- New Office for the Aging Ambassador position to assist seniors in accessing services and staying independent
- Training programs on hoarding to help families and caregivers address these challenging situations and connect seniors to services
- Expanded Fraud Prevention Outreach efforts in partnership with the Dutchess County Comptroller, District Attorney and Sheriff
Strengthening Emergency Medical Services and Public Safety
- The County’s Supplemental EMS Coverage initiative, launched January 1st, is making an impact in reducing response times and increasing regional coordination, with regional EMS meetings with municipal leaders planned this month to enhance collaboration and review progress
- In partnership with Dutchess Community College, a new Paramedic Academy will work to eliminate barriers to help first responders advance in their careers with scholarships, stipends and specialized training
- Tackling the Opioid Crisis with Narcan Leave Behind Kits for EMS first responders when responding to overdoses and continued support for the Dutchess County Drug Task Force
Honoring and Connecting Veterans
- New Veterans outreach position to connect veterans with housing, benefits and employment resources
- Launched the GoGo Veterans transportation program to ensure access to medical care and community events
- Creation of the ‘Honor-A-Veteran’ Program to recognize the sacrifices of local heroes with the first ceremony to be held in April.
Investing in Agriculture
- New Connecting Farmers initiative to match retiring farmers with young people and veterans interested in continuing their work
- New Youth Gardening Grant program to introduce children to agriculture and food production
- Purchase of a new refrigerated box truck to rescue and distribute 100,000 pounds of farm food to local food pantries annually
Expanding Mental Health Services
- The Mobile Health Unit is establishing permanent locations across the county for monthly services, ensuring consistent access to mental health and physical health services
- Expanding access to children’s mental health services with recent opening of Access: Supports for Living Mental Health Urgent Care walk-in center in Poughkeepsie and supporting Family Services in opening new facility in Rhinebeck
- The Empowerment Center served more than 200 individuals in its first official year in operation, connecting individuals to recovery, housing and employment resources
Empowering Youth
- New YOU Drop-In Center grants to be awarded this year, supporting the creation of safe, supportive spaces for young people to come together.
- The Youth and Police Initiative (YPI) will continue to grow and strengthen relationships between youth and law enforcement
- New playground at Bowdoin Park, selected through resident feedback, will be installed this year, providing a safe, engaging and accessible space for children
Expanding Childcare Access
- New Provider Incentive Grant to increase in-home childcare slots and ease start-up costs
- Workforce training for small childcare providers, in partnership with the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum and the Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putnam, Inc.
- Free babysitting certification program with the Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board, giving teens valuable skills and experience and encouraging childcare as a rewarding career path
Investing in Economic Development
- Continuing the County’s recently launched Small Business Forums to boost small businesses and provide opportunities to address challenges
- Expanding workforce development with new locations for the popular Skilled Trades Fair events and hosting a new Older Adults Skills Fair
Expanding Housing Opportunities
- Expanding the senior-owned/occupied rehab program to provide financial assistance to all income-qualified homeowners, helping them make critical health and safety repairs to stay in their homes and preserve housing stock for the future
- Housing Trust Fund projects continue, with 30-32 Smith Street in Poughkeepsie set to open soon and Two Cross Street in Beacon currently under construction. New rounds of applications to open this year, prioritizing smaller housing projects particularly in more rural communities
- Water and sewer infrastructure inventory to help guide responsible housing development and ensure that housing is developed in areas with the necessary resources to support it
The 2025 State of the County Address event opening program also highlighted County Executive Serino’s emphasis on Dutchess County’s young people, as well as the various educational opportunities available to them. Dr. Dwight D. Bonk, the Wappingers Central School District’s Superintendent of Schools, welcomed those in attendance. John Jay High School senior Ava Dvorak sang the National Anthem; members of the Roy C. Ketcham High School Step Team shared their dance art with a performance, entitled “Formation;” and junior Sophia Puglia, a member Future Business Leaders of America, the Renaissance Club and student government at John Jay, introduced County Executive Serino.
A longtime champion of Dutchess County’s older adults, County Executive Serino invited the Evergreen Chapter of Sweet Adeline’s International, which performed “God Bless the U.S.A. (Proud to be an American).” The event also brought together those who protect and counsel the community, including County Sheriff Kirk Imperati, who led guests in the Pledge of Allegiance; and Rev. Dr. Edward L. Hunt, Pastor of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Wappingers Falls, who offered the invocation.
“County government is at its best when it’s working for the people,” concluded Serino. “From expanding mental health services to creating more childcare opportunities, our focus is always on the people we serve. The progress we’ve made is just the beginning, and I know we will accomplish even more in the year ahead.”
The full text and video of County Executive Serino’s State of the County Address is available on Dutchess County’s website at dutchessny.gov and a photo gallery from the event will be available on the County’s Facebook page, facebook.com/dutchesscogov.
