Tompkins County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tompkins County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
New Recycling Regulations Effective July 1
New recycling guidelines take effect July 1 — paper cups are now accepted in the curbside stream. Updated local recycling laws are under attorney review with adoption targeted for December, plus stronger enforcement coming in 2027.
Cybersecurity Grants
Tompkins County just grabbed grant money to upgrade water system cybersecurity, meaning hackers will have a much harder time messing with our drinking water.
Homelessness Data Dispute
Local leaders are calling out the Comptroller's homeless data, proving that nobody actually knows how big our housing problem is. If our numbers are totally wrong, it means the city's plan to fix homelessness is built on shaky ground.
Homelessness Report
Good news for Tompkins County—homelessness is finally on the decline thanks to local housing initiatives. This means our tax dollars and shelter programs are actually starting to move the needle.
Animal Abuser Registry
Tompkins County is mulling over a new registry that would track convicted animal abusers to help keep local pets out of the wrong hands. If it passes, local shelters and pet sellers will have to completely rethink how they vet buyers.
Severe Weather Response
A brutal storm just knocked out power for nearly 4,800 Tompkins County folks at once, forcing emergency crews to scramble and restore order. If you live in the area, you probably noticed the lights flickering or worse, total blackout conditions.
Living Wage Employer Status Review
A working group will recommend what, if anything, the committee should do about Tompkins County's status as a living wage employer — a certification the county has held since becoming the first certified municipality in the US in 2006.