Dutchess County is putting $2.45 million into four new housing projects that officials say will create or preserve more than 100 affordable rental units — part of a broader push to address a growing housing crisis across the region.

County Executive Sue Serino and Planning Commissioner Eoin Wrafter joined News 12 for an exclusive tour of the project sites in Poughkeepsie and Amenia, where construction is already underway on some developments.

Standing on a long-empty property in Poughkeepsie, Serino said the investments will finally bring new life to spaces that have sat unused.

The four projects include:

Serino said the new apartments will be reserved for people who too often get priced out of the local market.

“This will enable our workforce to have housing.”

Wrafter said the county’s goal is to give residents at all income levels a chance to stay in their communities.

“What we are trying to do is make sure that our residents and workforce of the county have access to affordable new quality housing.”

The funding comes from Dutchess County’s Housing Trust Fund, created in 2022 and supported by short-term rental tax revenue. Serino said the fund will continue to grow as more of that revenue is directed into housing.

“We are hoping some of the smaller developers come to us because we are going to continue to fund the Housing Trust Fund with our short-term rentals.”

County data shows that more than half of renters in Dutchess County spend over 30% of their income on housing — a level considered “cost-burdened.” Renters making under $50,000 a year face the greatest struggles.

Wrafter noted that while the need is most urgent among low-income renters, the housing crunch impacts nearly everyone.

“There was a need definitely for housing for renters making less than $50,000 a year but the need for housing is across the spectrum. We have needs at the very high level of housing cost as well as low housing costs.”

Across New York, state officials say homelessness has spiked dramatically in recent years. While Dutchess County’s increase has been lower than many other regions, local leaders say the numbers are still too high.

Serino said the Housing Trust Fund is designed to directly support people who work in Dutchess communities but can’t afford to live near their jobs.

“We are listening to what they need, and we are offering a lot of opportunities to people that are working in our neighborhoods and communities. They need a place to live, and this is going to do it.”

According to the county, more details on eligibility and the application process will be available as the units near completion. Full program requirements and guidance are posted on the Dutchess County Planning Department’s website.