Justin McPherson

City of White Plains, New York

The City of White Plains is located in the south central portion of Westchester County, New York State approximately 22 miles north of New York City. It became the seat of Westchester County government in 1778 by State legislative act. Founded in 1683, it became an incorporated village in 1866 and a city in 1916. It operates under the Mayor-Council form of government with the Mayor as the Chief Executive Officer of the City. Policymaking and legislative authority are vested in the Common Council, which includes the Mayor and six Council members, all of whom are elected at large for four year terms. The Mayor, with Common Council approval, appoints the commissioners and directors of the City's departments. The City provides a full range of services including, but not limited to police and fire protection, refuse collection, street and sewer maintenance, snow and leaf removal, water distribution, traffic control, on and off street parking, building inspections, licenses and permits, vital statistics, library, community and recreational services. The City has a comprehensive recreational program serving all age levels, and has 150 acres of public parks and open space, including a waterfront park, 33 tennis courts, two outdoor swimming pools, and an ice-skating rink. The City government serves approximately 57,000 residents and thousands of businesses in an area of 10 square miles.