August 6, 2026 Housing & Transportation

The Ulster County Legislature held a Housing & Transportation committee meeting on August 6, 2026, featuring a detailed presentation by Habitat for Humanity's executive director on affordable housing challenges and their ongoing projects in the county. The discussion highlighted the severe local housing affordability crisis, with many residents paying over 30% of their income on housing, and the critical role Habitat plays in building affordable homes, including the need for land acquisition and capital funding. The committee also considered several resolutions related to transportation funding, including a grant application to the Federal Transit Administration for $7.6 million in federal funds to support electric vehicle buses, charging infrastructure, and bus shelters. Additionally, the legislature approved contract amendments totaling over $2.9 million with local social service providers Family of Woodstock and Rupco to address emergency homeless shelter needs, reflecting a significant increase in costs driven by a growing homeless population and motel placement expenses. The meeting concluded with the adoption of a local law opting into a partial real property tax exemption. The discussions emphasized ongoing budgetary challenges and the importance of coordinated efforts to address housing and homelessness in Ulster County.