Boldly colored mural featuring diverse people in a boat together. Mural is at the Vassar College Farm and Ecological Preserve, Poughkeepsie, NY

From a mural at the Vassar College Farm and Ecological Preserve

Dutchess County is a wonderful place to live and work. We have an illustrious history, rich farmland, environmental beauty, good K-12 schools and higher ed, thriving local businesses, and most importantly a diverse, hard working, and creative population.

Dutchess Foward, founded in 2021, wants to ensure that these assets are available to all. In particular, we want to be sure all community members have affordable housing, quality health care, and jobs that pay a living wage.

We also aim to improve infrastructure and protect our environment by making the county more resilient in the face of climate change.

Dutchess Forward wants to engage residents on county issues. We believe good government includes transparency, open debate, and the involvement of all communities in the county. Currently Democrats hold eight of 25 seats in the legislature making it tough to get a hearing let alone pass a bill. A Democratic majority will be transformative, ending decades of inaction, rubber-stamping, and roadblocks. You can help make it happen.

Make your voice heard — register and vote.

Subscribe to our newsletter, The Dutchess Voice.

Learn more about what county government does.

Volunteer to further our goals and elect more Democrats.