Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee - April 27, 2026

The Tompkins County Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee met on April 27, 2026, focusing primarily on internal workforce development, diversity initiatives, and employee engagement. Key procurement-related discussions included the budget constraints impacting professional development opportunities, notably the Facing Race conference, where registration costs and travel funding were addressed. The committee discussed leveraging limited budgets to maximize attendance and explored alternative travel options such as charter buses to reduce costs. Additionally, the committee reviewed plans for the upcoming countywide climate survey, including the intention to issue an RFP for a third-party administrator to ensure confidentiality and effective data collection. The meeting also touched on ongoing projects like office space reorganization and employee wellness programs, with emphasis on funding challenges and the need for legislative support to sustain and expand these initiatives. No contract awards or vendor selections were finalized during this meeting, but several action items related to budget advocacy and survey procurement were identified.