Sue Serino Outlines Path Forward to Build

YOUTH OPPORTUNITY UNION

Youth and family center will deliver recreation, childcare,

mental wellness, and community space under one roof

County Executive Serino will present her 2026 Executive Budget in the Dutchess County Legislature Chambers on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 11 a.m.  The Budget Address can be viewed live on the County’s website at www.dutchessny.gov.

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino continues her passionate commitment to creating opportunities for the children and young people across Dutchess County, with her upcoming 2026 Executive Budget including nearly $2.5 million for new and continuing youth initiatives. County Executive Serino is also pleased to announce the County will move forward with the countywide Youth Opportunity Union (the YOU) facility, with a realistic and sustainable plan to build a vibrant, multi-use center in the City of Poughkeepsie that will offer safe spaces, enriching programs, and connections for residents of all ages.

“When I served on the County Legislature, I heard from kids who said all they wanted was a safe place to go – somewhere they could be themselves, have fun, and know they belonged,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “The YOU will be that place – a space that’s alive with energy, where learning and laughter happen side-by-side, and where kids, families, and seniors alike, can find opportunity and connection.”

New Path Forward for the Youth Opportunity Union

County Executive Serino is moving the YOU project forward with a right-sized design for the construction of an approximately 19,000-square-foot facility that is operationally sustainable.

The YOU design concept includes:

• Licensed Child Care Wing to expand affordable, quality care for working families
• Youth Empowerment Center for mental health wellness, mentorship, and positive youth engagement
• Teaching Kitchen for hands-on culinary and wellness education
• Multi-Purpose Rooms for tutoring, workshops, and community events
• Indoor Gymnasium with full-court basketball, as well as pickleball conversion, to promote active living
• Outdoor Play & Gathering Zones for safe, inclusive recreation

This right-sized plan follows an in-depth project review that County Executive Serino began when she took office last year. Earlier proposals considered by the previous administration had construction costs ranging as high as $150 million, and relied heavily on private or other public funding to cover a majority of construction costs.  With the goal of a realistic and achievable plan; construction costs, funding options and ongoing operational costs were carefully evaluated and Serino engaged in open and honest conversations with City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Yvonne Flowers and other community stakeholders about how to deliver a project that is financially responsible and a valuable community resource.

The estimated total cost for the project is $26.1 million.  $3.5 million in County funds remain available from the $8.5 million originally committed by the Dutchess County Legislature, with an additional $1.5 million set aside in the Community Benefit Fund and $1 million in opioid settlement funds that would be appropriated by the County Legislature.   Congressman Pat Ryan has also previously secured $1 million grant for the project.  The County is pursuing additional grants, including a $15 million request submitted through the NY Bricks Grant program.   Any remaining funding, not covered by grants or donations, will need to be approved by theDutchess County Legislature.

The year-round use facility, will be operated by the County under the direction of a facility director who will work with community organizations to offer programming, including:

• Afterschool and weekend activities for youth, including sports and events
• Mental health and wellness workshops
• Culinary skills classes and healthy cooking demonstrations
• Career readiness and skill-building programs, including computer tech and vocational programs, such as medical arts
• Senior fitness, arts, and social events
• Community celebrations, cultural festivals, and holiday gatherings

With the new design focused on ensuring real community needs can be met, while also being operationally sustainable long-term, the County has formally declined the State’s $10 million SWIMS grant, originally awarded to support a portion of pool construction cost. Swimming facilities will not be part of the project, due to high annual operating costs.   County Executive Serino has written in support of the City of Poughkeepsie’s current SWIMS grant application for improvements at Spratt Park and has encouraged the Governor to provide the $10 million to the City, enabling local families to benefit from State investment in a sustainable way.

“This is all about getting the YOU built and making sure it’s here for generations to come,” Serino said. “It’s focused, it’s flexible, and it’s financially responsible. The YOU is more than a building – it’s a promise to our neighbors that Dutchess County will invest in its people, its neighborhoods, and its future. When we open the YOU, we’ll open the doors to possibility and pride that will last for decades.”

The plan has been intentionally designed to be scalable depending on actual grant awards, as well as fundraising interest and/or state and federal resources.   The NY Bricks Grant award announcements are anticipated in November or December this year.  If the County’s grant application is successful, construction could begin in 2027, with the YOU opening in late 2028.  A Request for Proposal has already been issued for design, estimating and construction management services, so the Dutchess County Department of Public Works can get underway as quickly as possible, based on final funding availability and approval.

County Legislature Chairman Will Truitt said, “This plan keeps the focus where it belongs – on serving our residents in a way that’s responsible and sustainable. The Legislature is committed to seeing the YOU succeed, and we’re excited to see this new vision move forward.”

Youth Continue to be Priority in 2026 Executive Budget

As the design work and construction plans for the YOU are developed in 2026, multiple other youth-centered initiatives continue. County Executive Serino’s 2026 Executive Budget includes funding for childcare provider development, YOU mini grants, summer camp experiences for income-eligible youth at Camp Nooteeming, Youth Police Initiative and more.

Earlier this year, Serino expanded ‘YOU Without Walls’ initiative for programs and partnerships across Dutchess County with  $250,000 in Drop-In Center Grants awarded to 14 local libraries and youth-serving organizations. These investments are creating and enhancing additional safe, welcoming spaces where young people can connect with mentors, learn new skills, and access resources close to home.

The 2026 budget also includes more than $2 million in youth investment, including the Youth and Summer Youth Employment Programs (YEP and SYEP), the Youth Development Program (YDP), Youth Sports and Education (YSE) Program, as well as Youth Team Sports (YTS).  The Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services partners with community organizations through these New York State-funded programs to help young people develop important life, social and job readiness skills, gain work experience, promote physical and mental health, and academic success, as well as build strong community ties.

County Executive Serino will present her 2026 Executive Budget in the Dutchess County Legislature Chambers on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 11 a.m.  The Budget Address can be viewed live on the County’s website at www.dutchessny.gov.