Housing and Economic Development Committee - June 3, 2026

The Tompkins County Housing and Economic Development Committee met on June 3, 2026, to discuss various housing initiatives and economic development efforts. Key procurement-related topics included the county's affordable housing and supportive infrastructure grant program, which has awarded up to $10,000 per municipality to hire consultants for housing studies, leveraging $18 million in investment. The committee reviewed a request from the Village of Dryden for $5,000 to prepare a federal housing rehabilitation grant application. They also discussed the potential development of a county-owned parcel on Harris Bates Drive, exploring options such as sale, lease, or long-term land ownership models to support affordable homeownership, with an emphasis on nonprofit partnerships and housing strategies. Additionally, the committee received an economic snapshot from Cornell University representatives, highlighting local economic impacts, including construction spending and property tax considerations, and discussed the role of Cornell in community housing funding and development. No formal votes on procurement actions were recorded, but there was clear interest in advancing housing development projects and leveraging county land and funds to address affordable housing needs.