Tompkins County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tompkins County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Leslie McLean Claiborne Strength and Diversity Award
The committee's planned diversity award stalled in 2026 and will now have to be awarded in 2027. Members want the award webpage updated with past recipients and an announcement that nominations are open.
Juneteenth and Pride Month Proclamations
The county will proclaim Native American Heritage Month this November, and the committee is looking for volunteers to update last year's draft by October 22. The 2025 version recognizes the Gayogoho:no (Cayuga) people and encourages local Indigenous history education.
Historic Marker for James A. Burr
A member-filed resolution would place a historic marker commemorating James A. Burr in the Town of Lansing, recognizing local history.
Tompkins County Public Library finances and facility repairs
A lifelong resident made an emotional plea about the library's crumbling exterior, calling it a message about what the community values. Facilities staff say a full exterior facelift — brick repointing, structural steel, awnings, sidewalks — is in planning, with a walkthrough scheduled and possible mural and grant funding.
Food Security and Food Bank Services
The Food Bank of the Southern Tier laid out how much food assistance it delivers in Tompkins County, where the food comes from, and what grants could expand the work — a snapshot of the local safety net as needs grow.
Veterans Services Programs and Recognition
Veterans Services has upcoming events: a Women Veterans Recognition Day dinner June 26 and a veterans gathering at Garrett's Brewery in Trumansburg July 8, both backed by the Dwyer Peer Support Grant. Veteran Service Officer Ignacio Lopez won a Chamber Fab 5 Under 40 volunteer-of-the-year award.
America 250 Commemoration Funding
A $15,000 state grant will fund three rural community celebrations, an Ithaca commemorative project, and countywide promotion of the nation's 250th birthday events.
Community mural celebrating refugees and immigrants
Ithaca Welcomes Refugees will paint a mural on a county outbuilding at 320 West State Street, visible from the Human Services Building entrance, celebrating inclusion and welcoming newcomers.
Office for the Aging Relocation to Dutch Mill Road
COFA is packing up for its move to Dutch Mill Road; the committee made supporting a smooth transition a 2026 priority so seniors aren't disrupted.
State grant for Ithaca aquatics programming
A $10,000 state grant will help expand swim lessons, pool operating days, and lifeguard training and retention in Ithaca. It's a pass-through reimbursement, so county taxpayers don't pay for it.
Snowmobile Trail Maintenance Grant
The county will accept $40,543 from the state to pass through to five snowmobile clubs maintaining 78 miles of trails. Members raised questions about greenhouse gas emissions from snowmobiling and whether trails serve other users.
City-county collaboration on shared services and regional parks
Ithaca City Council liaison Margaret Fabricio pitched regular city-county meetings and steady regional funding for shared amenities like Cass Park, Stewart Park, and the Waterfront Trail. Chair Black announced a new monthly city-county work group and weekly calls with the mayor.
Relaunch of IthacaTrails.org tourism website
The county relaunched its trails website with mobile support, real-time editing by trail stewards, and user problem reporting — aimed at the third of visitors who come for outdoor recreation.
Museum of the Earth financial recovery
Legislator Hubbard announced the Museum of the Earth successfully fundraised to pay off its mortgage after losing a major donor, keeping the museum, PRI, and Nature Center open for the community.