Housing and Economic Development Committee - April 1, 2026

The Tompkins County Housing and Economic Development Committee met on April 1, 2026, to discuss various housing and economic development initiatives. Key procurement-related topics included the approval of resolutions for funding allocations from the Community Housing Development Fund (CHDF) for projects such as the Compass Redevelopment Project Phase 2, which involves the development of affordable manufactured homes with sustainability features. The committee also approved budget adjustments to allocate Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for healthy homes initiatives. Additionally, the committee reviewed and approved several grant awards, including tourism advancement grants totaling $85,000 aimed at driving overnight visitation, community celebration grants, and Tompkins Outdoors grants to support outdoor recreation organizations. The meeting featured a detailed presentation by the executive director of Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) on affordable housing projects, financing structures including Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), and resident services. Workforce development updates highlighted ongoing grant pursuits and collaborations to support job training and green energy projects. The committee unanimously passed motions related to funding disbursements and budget reallocations, reflecting a strong focus on supporting affordable housing development, community engagement, and economic growth through targeted grants and partnerships.