Tompkins County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tompkins County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Youth Employment Programs Funding
Workforce Development reported 131 TANF-eligible youth completed the summer program, and new state funding will support year-round programming for youth at risk of gun violence — a program that served 70 youth last cycle, nearly half Black and half with a disability.
2026 Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Goals and Priorities
The county's policy manual lists protected classes, and member Irene Weiser proposed adding more. Discussion included legal protections for lactating employees — a change that could strengthen workplace protections for county workers.
2026 Tourism Capital Grants
The county is putting $250,000 of hotel room tax money into long-term tourism improvements — trail work, theater upgrades, accessibility projects — but demand was more than triple the money available. The program skipped a year in 2025, creating pent-up demand.
Southern Tier 8 Regional Board Update
ST8 wants about 20% more in county dues (roughly $2,000 for Tompkins) to meet federal match requirements, citing a $14 return per dollar and $9.9 million brought in over five years. The line item sits in the Planning Department's budget ahead of budget season.
Tourism program and occupancy tax funding
Room tax collections are running ahead of 2025 at $4.57 million, and three grant programs — community celebrations, tourism advancement, and Tompkins Outdoors — are open through February 26.
Supported Employment for Adults with Serious Mental Illness
Unallocated state aid will fund the ACE program, offering vocational rehabilitation and supported employment for adults with psychiatric disabilities; an RFP for community providers is coming, and the program may also help people meet Medicaid work requirements.
Assisted Competitive Employment funding shift
Unallocated state aid would be moved into the ACE program, which helps people with disabilities and other barriers find and keep competitive jobs.
Industrial Development Agency board appointments
The committee again asked the state to pass a home rule law letting the IDA grow from seven to nine seats, ideally adding a school district voice. The debate centers on who speaks for schools when big projects get tax abatements.
Good Food NY Bill (S.7638.B/A.8091.B)
The county is urging the state to pass a bill letting schools, hospitals, and jails choose local farms over the lowest bidder when bids are within 10% and meet values like sustainability and fair labor. Over half a billion dollars in public food purchasing statewide could shift toward New York farms.
Airport Small Community Air Service Development Grant Adjustment
A $1 million budget adjustment ties up the federal grant that helped bring the direct Ithaca–Washington, D.C. flight, a route the committee called of great interest and benefit to the community.
Youth employment program
A GIVE-funded program provides year-round jobs, mentoring, and financial literacy training for youth ages 14-20. Its future depends on the county continuing to receive GIVE initiative funding.
Naturalization ceremonies uncertainty
The Clerk's office held three ceremonies welcoming 77 new citizens in 2025, but USCIS hasn't confirmed any 2026 dates despite repeated outreach. Legislators may need to advocate with federal officials to restore the local ceremonies.
Workforce development ten-point plan
Workforce Director Chris Sponn laid out ten ideas to counter the coming wave of retirements, from skills-based hiring to transportation, child care, and keeping college grads in the county.
IDA appointments and economic development direction
The committee recommended a new IDA slate, with debate over whether the IDA should keep focusing on housing or pivot toward job creation and sites outside the city of Ithaca.
Workforce development board reorganization
Workforce Development Director Christopher Sponn walked the committee through how workforce development boards are being organized and the county's 10-point plan. The work connects residents to job training and employment services.