What Does the Westchester County Legislature Do?
Quick answer: The Westchester County Legislature (officially the Board of Legislators) is the county's legislative and policy-making body, similar in function to Congress at the federal level. It's made up of 17 legislators, each elected from their own district and serving two-year terms, who approve the county budget, levy taxes, pass local laws, approve major County Executive appointments, and oversee county government operations.
Core Responsibilities
1. Approving the County Budget and Taxes -The Legislature appropriates county funds, approves the annual county budget, and has the authority to levy taxes. This includes decisions that directly affect property tax rates and how county revenue (including sales tax) gets allocated or shared with municipalities like Yonkers.
2. Passing Local Laws-The Legislature creates local laws, acts, and resolutions that govern the county. Most legislation requires 9 votes to pass; bond acts (county borrowing) require 12 votes.
3. Approving Development and Zoning-Related Decisions-County legislators vote on certain development approvals and funding decisions tied to new construction projects, giving them direct influence over questions like whether new developments include adequate infrastructure, and what conditions (like affordable housing requirements) come attached to a project.
4. Confirming County Executive Appointments-Major appointments made by the County Executive require approval from the Board of Legislators, giving the Legislature a check on executive power.
5. Overseeing County Government-The Legislature monitors the operations and services provided by county government, including departments like the Department of Social Services, Department of Public Works, and Department of Environmental Facilities (which oversees sewer infrastructure).
How It's Structured
17 legislators, each representing roughly 59,000 residents
Unicameral (a single legislative chamber, unlike the U.S. Congress's House and Senate)
Two-year terms, with members required to reside in the district they represent
Legislators serve on committees that review specific policy areas before matters come to a full vote
Checks and Balances with the County Executive
After the Legislature passes a bill, it goes to the County Executive, who has 10 days to sign or veto it. If the Executive doesn't act within 10 days, the bill automatically becomes law. The Legislature can override a veto with a two-thirds vote, preserving its independent legislative authority.
Why This Matters to Yonkers Residents
Because the Legislature controls county budget allocation, development approvals, and infrastructure funding decisions, it has direct influence over issues like property tax burdens, sewer system upgrades, and whether Yonkers receives its fair share of county resources, including sales tax revenue sharing.
This page is maintained by the campaign of Dan D'Amico, candidate for Westchester County Legislature, District 16. Last updated September 2026.
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