Tompkins County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tompkins County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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 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.