Housing and Economic Development Committee - August 5, 2026

The Tompkins County Housing and Economic Development Committee met on August 5, 2026, to discuss various procurement and funding activities related to housing, economic development, and tourism. Key procurement-related items included the scheduling of a public hearing for the 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) housing application, which could provide up to $750,000 to continue the low-income homeowner renovation program. The committee was also informed about the final stages of contracting with two firms for a housing strategy project funded by last year's CDBG and the Industrial Development Agency (IDA). Additionally, the committee reviewed the 26th round of Community Housing Development Fund awards totaling $460,000 recommended for three affordable housing projects, with funding subject to approval by partner agencies. Updates were provided on infrastructure grant awards, including a $1 million New York State County Infrastructure Grant for the South Works affordable gateway infrastructure project, which has undergone changes in location and ownership but remains focused on affordable housing development. The committee also received reports on tourism promotion agency designation and quarterly tourism tax collections, noting a strong tourism economy. Discussions included strategic coordination with municipal zoning reforms and leveraging multiple funding sources to support affordable housing and infrastructure development. Several resolutions related to procurement and funding were unanimously approved during the meeting.